|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jul 12, 2023 18:53:22 GMT
The Racing Form by Lancelot Lémieux
Abnormally dry weather in March and April lead to an usually dry racecourse that seemed to disadvantage many of the favorites in this year’s Paris Derby. Winner of the Futurity, Louis d’Or, seemed well on his way to winning the Derby as a three year-old and led the race from the start all the way through the backstretch. Lady Arabella and the Belle of Languedoc, however, made steady progress against the leader and pulled ahead of the Viscomte de Torcy’s horse coming out of the final turn. Both horses were neck and neck down to the line but it was Lady Arabella who crossed first.
Results
1st – Lady Arabella
2nd – The Belle of Languedoc
3rd – Louis d’Or
4th – Wildflame
5th – Silver Kitten
6th – Bushy Thicket
7th – Randy Rogue
8th – More Diamonds
9th – Scarlet Soul
10th – Wild Chance
11th – Sea Fury
12th – Lady of Flanders
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jul 12, 2023 18:53:41 GMT
The Social Whirlwind by Sieur Matheus Mallette
The Paris Derby, as expected, was the yet brightest social event of the year. The event was certain worth the price of admission to those in attendance but I noticed that few took advantage of the normal opportunity to toady with their fellows. Lord and Lady Balls were comfortable in the owner’s box but quite alone. Seems that their guest, the Viscomte de Ploërmel, was detained on important business. Not all was lost as the Crown Prince joined the couple and he heartily approved of the generous outlay of refreshment that the Lord Balls was enjoying.
In the Pavilion, only Father Adam and the starving artist Clement Cadieux shared company despite the presence of Mdm d’Armagnac and Subaltern Fabrezan. I wonder if Father Adam was counselling Mssr Cadieux against or towards the enticement to sin.
After the Paris Derby, their Majesties departed for Fontainebleau to allow the King to indulge in the hunt. I have little interest in the hunting of dumb animals as I much prefer the sport between witty adversaries so I remained in Paris. Unfortunately, the social scene this month was as dry as the weather.
Lord and Lady Balls attended the Fleur-de-Lys club twice. They hosted Father Adam in the second week of April before attending alone in the fourth. Coincidentally, Lord De’Ath was also at the Fleur-de-Lys at the end of the month meeting himself with Father Adam. The Chancellor of the Diocese of Premy does get around a bit.
Of mention, Father Vincent arrived at the Rose & Crown club in the second week of April expecting to meet with Father Adam but as mentioned previously, the Jansenist was at the Fleur-de-Lys with Lord Balls. A less charitable soul than myself my suspect that Father Adam purposely snubbed his colleague for arriving in a fancier coach than he in a previous month.
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jul 12, 2023 18:53:58 GMT
A Romantic Interlude by Comtessa Yvonne De Villepin
I bring news of great jubilation to open my column this month. I have had word that Lady Balls is once again with child! I give my heartiest congratulations to Lord Balls and shall include in my prayers that the couple shall be blessed with a son to accompany the two daughters previously born.
Of little surprise to anyone, Lord De’Ath has ended his relationship with Gisla Chabert leaving the young lady bereft with unfulfilled promises of matrimony. Where other gentlemen have been extremely diligent in securing their ladies in marriage once a proposal has been accepted, Lord De’Ath pursued legal and medical affairs with greater vigor, including an impromptu visit to his estate in Brittany, than Mlle Chabert’s heart. The Viscomte de Ploërmel can at least be secure in the knowledge that he will likely not face a breach of promise charge as the Comte de Clermont did not approve of the match.
Yolande Bertrand receive a visit from the newly promoted Subaltern Fabrezan in a smart looking rented coach but she was far too fastidious as she turned the young man away. Perhaps she believe that playing hard to get will only enflame her suitor’s desire. I can only reply with the warning that my own mother would give, “Girls who play with matches get burned”!
As anticipated, Clement Cadieux continues to seek female companionship in a most transactional way. Whatever he discusses with Father Adam does not appear to be able to steel himself against vice.
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jul 12, 2023 18:54:13 GMT
Limelight
The Archduke’s Men will present, Dionysus in Diana’s Grove, a bawdy play commissioned by Archduke Leopold, at the Theatre Royal in May.
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jul 12, 2023 18:54:27 GMT
An Ecumenical Matter by Bishop Henry Defour
It has been announced that His Holiness, Pope Urban VIII, will visit their Majesties in Paris during the second week of May. A Royal Ball is planned to honor his visit and all members of the clergy are invited to attend.
Aside from that very significant announcement, there is little else to report. Father Vincent did attend services at Saint-Josse in the Diocese of Bas-Ville but if he was hoping to see Father William give the sermon, he was disappointed as the parish priest was nowhere to be seen. This absence did not prevent Father Vincent from making a VERY generous donation to offering plate that will sustain the parish (and perhaps the diocese) for months to come.
Speaking of Father William, he and Father Adam have been seen much in the company of the Commissioner for Public Safety of late. I hope that Lord De’Ath is not trying to lead the good priests astray.
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jul 12, 2023 18:56:05 GMT
Reports from the Front by General Georges Boulle (rtd.)
Successes in Flanders and Spain have led to a general cooling of hostilities ahead of the summer campaign. Assuming that the Minister of Foreign Affairs doesn’t upset the cart, the situation appears to be well in hand.
Flanders Frontier
The Frontier Brigade Commander led the Royal Cravattes in an impressive series of raids against Spanish garrisons.
Lorraine Frontier
Little action of note as both sides gather their strength for the upcoming summer campaign.
Savoy Frontier
Minor raids against Savoyard rebels yields nothing of value.
Spanish Frontier
The siege of Citadel de Mendiguren was another glorious victory for France over the hated Spanish foe. Lord de Bearne was able to cobble together an impressive attack despite the rather desultory performance of the Spanish Frontier and Gascon Regiments. Seems after successfully expelling the invaders, these provincial lads had little interest in driving home the attack, which cost the Gascons their commander. Lord Bougiedure had better success the forces under his direction with his own guard company seizing the citadel’s treasure room. Both Grand Duc’s came away from the siege with a sizable amount of Aragonian art with which to decorate their Paris abodes. Lord Bougiedure received a mention in dispatch and a bar for his Criox de Roi while Lord de Bearne finally accepted promotion to full Brigadier.
Peace has descended on the border with Spain. All regular forces are returning to Paris and the Frontier Regiment is going into garrison.
Next month:
Flanders Frontier HL 3 Alert Siege
Lorraine Frontier HL 2 Garrison Garrison
Savoy Frontier HL 3 Alert Field Ops
Spanish Frontier HL 1 Peace Garrison
|
|
|
|
Post by Louis XIV on Jul 12, 2023 19:43:31 GMT
Court Circular
May
Location - Louvre
Week 1 – Royal Ball (with titling ceremony for Lord Bougiedure)
Week 2 – Royal Envoy from the Papal States (with Royal Ball)
Week 3 – None
Week 4 – None
|
|
