October 1636

[Louis XIV]

The Social Whirlwind by Sieur Matheus Mallette

The royal court is once again in the provinces, Burgundy this time, to host foreign dignitaries. Mandatory government meetings necessitated the absence of several of Paris’ greatest luminaries so the social scene was thin again.

After settling on the estate of the Duc de Montbeck, Their Majesties played host to the ambassador from England in the second week of October. Lord Bougiedure once again astounded the court with his signature manners and wit. Lord de Bearne was absent, preferring to attend mass in the Cathedral Saint-Jean-Bapiste de Lyon.

Lord Balls joined the royal court for government meetings in the third week but his oratory continues to be lackluster at best. The same cannot be said of the Minister of State, whose speech on the curtailment of corruption in the royal administration evoked extreme emotion from the gathered ministers. Lord Bougiedure, the former Controller-General of Finance, appears to have developed a great distaste for the routine affairs of government and was scarcely seen the entire week.

The grand finale to the court sojourn in Burgundy was the Royal Ball held in honor of Fredrik Henrik, Prince of Orange. His Majesty bestowed several titles on Lord de Bearne including Marquis de Bearne. Lord Bougiedure was elevated to Viscomte de Camambert. Both Grand Ducs had their best deportment on display as did the Baron de Torcy. At the dance, however, Lord de Bearne left all trodden beneath his stylish shoes, much to the delight of King Louis. Queen Anne was much less pleased as the King clearly gave greater preference to Cardinal Richelieu’s consul to improve relations with the Principality of Orange over their former Spanish overlords. The King expressed his satisfaction with the entire event at a private audience with Lord Bougiedure.

In Paris, Lord De’Ath attended the Opening Night of Sinbad at the Theatre Johi and an after party at the Fleur-de-Lys club hosted by Lord Balls prior to the latter departing for Burgundy. Mdm d’Armagnac chose to drink at her club the Crown and Rose instead of attending the theater, a wise decision given the outbreak of disease in our fair city. Her revels extended into attending the Steeplechase in the Pavilion’s refreshment team in the second week of October.

The Catholic priests of Paris spend the month attending to religious duties except for Father Fabrice who in the fourth week spend the evening carousing at his club, the Red Phillips.

[Louis XIV]

A Romantic Interlude by Comtessa Yvonne De Villepin

The great question upon my mind as the air of Paris takes a colder turn is when Lord de Bearne will propose marriage to Mlle Brigette Bougiedure. A suitable period of mourning has passed, the lady’s family approves of the Grand Duc, and the couple has been courting the requisite time. As the daughter of the Marquis de Dampierre’s virtue appears to be an unassailable tower, as Lord De’Ath will no doubt attest, it will require a more formal and direct application from Lord de Bearne if he is to permanently secure the affections of the young lady.

Of less interest is the marital prospects of that notorious philanderer, Lord De’Ath. Mlle Chabert appears very willing to accept a proposal of marriage but the doctor seems of late to be married to his occupation judging by the amount of time that he spends with his clients and teaching at the University.

Finally, I applaud Mdm d’Armagnac efforts to improve herself but despair of her ever finding a suitable match.

[Louis XIV]

Limelight

Lord Balls’ most recent production Sinbad was an unmitigated disaster, even worse than whatever Hamilcar! was. I have been told that the comedy was well-written but you couldn’t tell for stiff acting and stilted oration. There were a few titters from the small audience but I think that it was mainly due to some missed lines and an unfortunate collapse of some scenery during a supposedly pivotal scene. Lord Balls’ should really get back to his roots and create bawdy theatrical productions with plenty of attractive birds!

1/5 - Gerard Bushell

[Louis XIV]

The Racing Form by Lancelot Lémieux

The running of this year’s Steeplechase was a disappointment due to the absence of the royal court and disease’s pall cast across Paris. The field was composed almost entirely of local entrants as most of the owners of the best racehorses weren’t in Paris. The winner was Black Rose, owned by our own Celeste Ludenberg, capping off a successful season after her win at the Paris Derby in April.

[Louis XIV]

An Ecumenical Matter by Bishop Henry Defour

Congratulation are due to the new crop of theological scholars which include Father Vincent and Father William.

Father Vincent returned from this sabbatical to give a stirring sermon on the dangers to one immortal soul of taking the Lord’s name in vain at Saint-Étienne-du-Mont in the second week of October. Lord De’Ath and Mlle Chabert attended but the Viscomte did not contribute to the offering plate as it was passed. Perhaps Father William should remind him that charity is a virtue!

Also in the second week, Father Fabrice was able to put together a passable sermon on the importance of thanking God for the good fortune in our lives. The sermon wandered a bit but he shows promise.

Father William spent the entire month in the diocese library. He certainly is taking his duties as a theological scholar to heart.

[Louis XIV]

Reports from the Front by General Georges Boulle (rtd.)

Increasing hostilities from the Spanish in the south and their proxies in the north will necessitate a call for volunteers.


Flanders Frontier

The Flanders Front, lead by the recently arrived Brittany Regiment, was able to break up the Spanish attack before it crossed the frontier into France. The Frontier Commander has been promoted but the Flanders Regiment will be looking for another commander.


Lorraine Frontier

The Lorraine Frontier Regiment commander gives his life in aggressive patrolling against Hapsburgian remnants from the summer campaign.


Savoy Frontier

Another quiet month in garrison for the frontier regiment.


Spanish Frontier

The Frontier Commander hands a decisive defeat to his Spanish counterpart. The frontier regiment was key to breaking the enemy formation with the regimental commander leading the charge into the enemy’s fire. Sadly, the rash decision was a mortal one.


Next month:

Flanders Frontier     HL 3   Alert          Defense

Lorraine Frontier     HL 2   Garrison     Garrison

Savoy Frontier        HL 4   Raiding       Defense

Spanish Frontier     HL 4   Raiding       Field Ops

[Louis XIV]

Court Circular

November

Location - Fontainebleau

Week 1 – Travel
Week 2 – Minor Envoy from Savoy
Week 3 – Major Envoy from England George Villars, Duke of Buckingham
Week 4 – Government