|
Post by Louis XIV on Jun 28, 2023 16:09:06 GMT
For Honour by Chevalier Zacharie Grosjean
Of all the Affairs d’Honour this month, none had greater implications for the future of France than the meeting between the Grand Ducs de Chevreuse and de Deols in the first week of March. Most affairs are over a lady or involve family honor and this meeting involved both. Despite pleas from many, de Chevreuse would not be deterred by anything less than an admission of wrongdoing and apology from de Deols which that Lord was unwilling to provide. This is not to assign blame, as the majority of Paris felt that the duel was unwarranted, but rather to provide an explanation of the factors that might have rendered the meeting moot.
The two lords meet at dawn in the Gardens de Luxembourg with their seconds, Lord Balls for Chevreuse and Lord De’Ath for Deols. The seconds has previously agreed that regimental weapons would be used and the duel would be concluded upon first blood being drawn.
The duel itself was short as one would expect of two proficient swordsmen. Lord de Bearne was first to attack with a quick thrust that missed its marker. A wide slash from Lord Bougiedure’s saber was deftly avoided by Lord de Bearne. Both Lords closed for a cutting attack but it was Deols’ blade that came away red with the wild, and inappropriate, acclaim of Lord De’Ath. It was at this point that Lord Balls intervened to end the duel.
Both Lords declared honor had been satisfied and departed the field separately. To show that there were no hard feelings, Lord De’Ath attended to the cut on Lord Bougiedure’s shoulder using very small stitches.
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jun 28, 2023 16:46:20 GMT
Legal Affairs by Jerome de Masse, esq.
The trial of Pierre Séguier on the charge of attempted bribery has concluded with a verdict from the bench of not guilty. Few amongst those that regularly follow the King’s Court were surprised by the outcome especially given the rather disjointed prosecution by Mssr le Boursier, esq.
Approached for comment after his victory, Mssr de Croiseus, esq. said, “My client is most heartened by the vigorous support that he received from his friends and fellow royal ministers. The charge was frivolously made and one can only wonder what the Commissioner for Public Safety could be playing at. Regardless, justice was served this day and will be again when I defend the Minister of Justice against the additional bogus charge that has been brought against him.”
Mssr le Boursier, esq was then approached for his statement, only to be pushed to the ground by Lord De’Ath, Commissioner for Public Safety who had this to say, “This is a travesty of justice that shall not long stand. In my opening statement…er…the prosecutor’s opening statement rather, remember it was alluded that an error occurred in drawing up the arrest warrant?…good…well at that point I, he said something more serious had occurred….it did! When the defendant heard that there was an arrest warrant out for him, he tried to circumvent the process of law by….having me murdered!! Yes, terrible I know, to what depths will this louse descend?! I was attacked on my way from the Bastille by a group of masked men, oohh, about 8 of them at least, and they were muttering stuff about how I was going to ‘get it now’ and that how ‘Pierre will be happy to hear the news’! Unfortunately for them they were seeking to take on Lord De’Ath, a man who does not curtail to bullies and thugs, and I managed to send them packing thanks to the handy scalpel blade I always carry with me. As they ran away, I heard one of them call out to a friend 'Damn, Minister Pierre paid us to kill him, and we’ve failed'!!"
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jun 28, 2023 22:55:52 GMT
The Racing Form by Lancelot Lémieux
The running of the Downs was a very close run affair. Both Black Rose and Sir Coco were fastest out of the gate but Silver Kitten closed the distance in the Backstretch never to relinquish the lead. The Grand Duc de Deols’ horse crossed the finish line a full length in front of the next four contenders.
Results 1st – Silver Kitten 2nd – Black Rose 3rd – Wildflame 4th – Sir Coco 5th – Sea Fury 6th – Whistling Thistle
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jun 28, 2023 23:19:46 GMT
The Social Whirlwind by Sieur Matheus Mallette
The first Royal Ball of the season marked an early high point in the March social season with two elevations. Lord Bougiedure was titled Grand Duc de Guyenne and Comte de Camambert while Lord Balls received the appellation of Viscomte for both of his estates. Lords Bougiedure and de Bearne were shining examples of wit and charm although they avoiding joining in company together for reasons that were obvious to all but the most obtuse. The Grand Duc de Chevreuse was most attentive to Lord and Lady Balls throughout the evening. On the dance floor, Lord de Bearne’s masterful performance was seriously marred by his partner’s clumsiness while Lord Bougiedure was less proficient but at least was not embarrassed by Lady Bougiedure. Later, the King and Lord Bougiedure were observed returning from a private audience in very good humor.
The next two weeks were marked with private meetings held by Father Adam de la Basse and Lord De’Ath at the Rose & Crown and Fleur-de-Lys clubs respectively. Father William met privately with Father Adam at the Rose & Crown and with both Father Adam and Lord De’Ath at the Fleur-de-Lys. The Chancellor of the Diocese of Premy was even generous enough to collect his host and former curia associate in his newly purchased fine coach. I wonder what the three of them could be up to.
Lord and Lady Balls attended the Downs in the Pavilion where they cheered the friend’s horse on to victory and celebrated riotously.
The closing event of the month was not nearly as spectacular as the Royal Ball but was respectable enough given that many were on the Spanish Frontier. Lord Balls held a private party at his mansion in Ile de Cite somewhat confusingly referred to as a “dry run” despite the readily available refreshment and the hostess’s notorious ability to hold her wine. The affair was small, attended by Lord De’Ath escorting his fiancé, Mlle. Chabert, and Father Vincent de Pooh. I was deemed a success and I anticipate a repeat performance in the near future.
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jun 28, 2023 23:29:29 GMT
A Romantic Interlude by Comtessa Yvonne De Villepin
I am certain that the hearts of the ladies of Paris are breaking at the departure of so many of their gentlemen to the Spanish Frontier and if not, I have enough tears for the lot of them!
At least the Grand Ducs de Deols and Chevreuse had the good graces to take their companions to the Royal Ball before decamping for military duties. I am afraid that Viscomtessa de Lyon is still rather naïve as to the proper decorum of the Court. Her manners are improving to the point of respectability but she will need much more instruction in the art of the dance.
Lady Johi Balls was best attended of all of the ladies this month, being seen with her husband at Court, the Downs, and as hostess to the Viscomte’s party. Her joy was radiant.
Mssr Cadieux was once again observed at the brothel. I hear rumor that he is beginning to apply myself to an artistic endeavor. I fear that the subject shall be of a carnal nature given his demonstration of baser instincts.
Speaking of rumor, has anyone seen Mdm d’Armagnac of late?
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jun 29, 2023 1:03:04 GMT
Financial News by Comte de Money
The Minister of State announced that this year’s campaign force shall consist of one army of 12 regiments. After frugal deployments in previous years, arms investors are rejoicing.
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jun 29, 2023 1:51:29 GMT
Reports from the Front by General Georges Boulle (rtd.)
Love of King Louis has inspired many to volunteer for service at the front. Even Lord de Bearne was so stirred by the threat to his home of Spanish invasion that he has temporarily left his cushy post as commander of the Royal Foot Guards to take command of the Spanish Frontier Brigade. He will be joined by Subaltern Norbert Buisson of the Dragoon Guards who bravely joined the Spanish Frontier Regiment.
Flanders Frontier
The Flanders Frontier Brigade Commander made good use of the Royal Cravattes Regiment to drive the enemy from the field of battle.
Lorraine Frontier
A game of cat and mouse between the Lorraine Frontier Regiment and Hapsburgian forces leads to little gains on either side.
Savoy Frontier
The commander of the Savoy Frontier Regiment does little to maintain the peace, allowing the rebel to regroup.
Spanish Frontier
Whatever the disagreement between Brevet Marshal de France Bougiedure and Brevet Brigadier de Bearne does not appear to have come from Paris with them although observers reported that the two Grand Ducs spend little time together outside of official conferences that had a decidedly frosty aire. Regardless, the two combined to hand their Spanish adversary a decisive defeat.
Lord Bougiedure was frequently seen directing the attack of the Anjou Dragoons and his own Guards Company as they engaged the enemy. Lord de Bearne’s own tactics were more cautious and clinical. More than once did the division commander feel the need to urge greater audacity from his brigade commanders. One cannot argue, however, with the gains achieve by either method and both were mentioned in dispatches with Lord de Bearne earning a Fleur-de-Lys device for his Croix de la Cite medal.
In the ranks, Subaltern Buisson acquitted himself my heroically and captured a Spanish regimental officer, earning a mention in dispatches and a sizeable ransom in gold. Private Fabrezan of the French Guard Regiment did not have much opportunity to distinguish himself but did come across some discarded jewelry.
The 1st Brigade of the Campaign Army will be released back to Paris along with the French Guard and Anjou Dragoons. Lord Bougiedure will take the remainder of his division to siege the Spanish fortifications at Mendiguren Citadel.
Next Month
Flanders Frontier HL 4 Raiding Field Ops
Lorraine Frontier HL 3 Alert Siege
Savoy Frontier HL 3 Alert Field Ops
Spanish Frontier HL 4 Raiding Siege
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jun 29, 2023 1:54:55 GMT
Court Circular
April
Location - Fontainebleu
Week 1 – The Paris Derby Week 2 – Hunt Week 3 – None Week 4 – Hunt
May
Location - Louvre
Week 1 – Royal Ball Week 2 – Royal Envoy from the Papal States Week 3 – None Week 4 – None
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jul 9, 2023 13:33:03 GMT
The Racing Form by Lancelot Lémieux
The Odds for the Paris Derby have been set:
Wildflame 1 to 1 (Favorite) Scarlet Soul 1 to 3 The Belle of Languedoc 1 to 3 Bushy Thicket 1 to 3 Wild Chance 1 to 4 Silver Kitten 1 to 5 Lady Arabella 1 to 7 Lady of Flanders 1 to 8 Sea Fury 1 to 10 Randy Rogue 1 to 20 Louis d'Or 1 to 50 More Diamonds 1 to 100
|
|