June 1638

[Louis XIV]

The Social Whirlwind by Sieur Matheus Mallette

As the army departs for the Paris social scene goes into hibernation but there are still some events of note which this reporter is able write about.

The royal reception in the first week of June for the minor envoy from the Holy Roman Empire was a chilly affair despite the warm June evening during which the event was held. Even the Grand Duc de Deols’ usually sunny disposition was unable to thaw the hearts of the participants.

Lord Bougiedure hosted a small christening party at Chateau de Chevreuse after his son, Renald, was baptized by Bishop Vincent de Pooh. Brevet Brigadier General Buisson, the Dragoon’s Guard commander, stood as godfather to the lad. The party was short as the generals needed to depart for duties at the Front.

Lord and Lady Balls attended the Opening Night of Jupiter on Earth in a private box at the Theater Royale. The performance of the ballet was nothing, I am told, to the outrageously flirtatious behavior of Lady Balls during the Opening Night party at the Fleur-de-Lys. Her Majesty, the Queen, was not amused.

Lord de Bearne attended the Parlement of Paris in the second week of June. His speech on the conditions in Paris was met with great applause.

In the final week of June, the Balls were once again at the Fleur-de-Lys. This time it was the bad behavior of Lord Balls that drew unwanted attention. He will face the Baron de Rothschild in a duel at the beginning of July.

Across town at the Rose and Crown, Mdm De’Ath arrived at her club alone but departed in the company of Chevalier José Vendredi, the Commissioner of Public Safety.

[Louis XIV]

A Romantic Interlude by Comtessa Yvonne De Villepin

Lady Bougiedure is cloistered away from society as her husband is leading the First Army on the Lorraine Frontier but she did attend the baptism of her second child.

Lady de Bearne attend her husband to both court events in the first half of the month but her manners and wit were not sufficiently exceptional for either.

Lady Ball attend the theater and her husband’s club but perhaps someone should give her a little hint about proper decorum in public.

Mdm De’Ath finally attracted the attention of a beau.

Mlle des Marais was seen in a religious fervor at Father William’s sermon in the first week of June.

[Louis XIV]

Limelight

The King’s Men presented a ballet, Jupiter on Earth, sponsored by Queen Anne. The performance was technically well done but the unfortunate timing at the beginning of the Summer Campaign season meant that the production had fewer patrons than it should have.

[Louis XIV]

An Ecumenical Matter by Bishop Henry Defour

Father William sermon at his parish in the first week of May was much improved although the previous sermon was so bad as to render any change an improvement. Mlle de Marais’ attendance this month was apparently less distracting

[Louis XIV]

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

The Summer Campaign armies held their ground against the enemies of French. This month, it is time to go on the offense.


Flanders Frontier

The regiments assigned to the defense of the Flanders Frontier proved that they are all true sons of France by repelling the Spanish assault. The fourth brigade of cavalry was exceptionally successful in isolating the main body from its reinforcing columns and in riding down the fleeing enemy formations.


Lorraine Frontier

Newly promoted Marshal de France Bougiedure and his division commander, the Comte au Jus, traded accusations of incompetence after the latter withdrew from defensive position in the face of a determined Hapsburg assault. Despite the success of the French Guard and Aquitaine Regiments in repulsing wave after wave of enemy infantry, the division commander order his brigades to abandon their fieldworks and “flee from a most determined enemy”. The Royal North Highlander Battalion reinforced with the Grand Duc de Chevreuse’s own guard company executed a brilliant rear guard action that saved the day. Brevet Brigadier General Buisson, the army adjutant, won a mention in dispatches and a Croix de la Cite medal for bravery in personally delivering the army commander’s orders to the defending forces. Regrettably, his efforts were not enough to save the lives of the Second Brigade Commander or three of the division’s regimental commanders. It was enough to earn him another recommendation of promotion to full Brigadier. Time will tell if he decides to accept the promotion and command of the Second Brigade, or if he will remain as Lord Bougiedure’s Adjutant.


Savoy Frontier

The Lorraine Regiment executes a daring raid against the Savoyard rebels ensuring peace for another month.


Spanish Frontier

The Third Division commander was able to cobble together a successful engagement against Spanish forces despite the lackluster performance of the brigade commanders. Greater success was denied, however, as the Spanish Frontier Regiment was driven from the field after their commander was killed.



Next month:

Flanders Frontier HL 10 WAR Defense

Lorraine Frontier HL 10 WAR Defense

Savoy Frontier HL 1 Peace Garrison

Spanish Frontier HL 10 WAR Field Operations

[Louis XIV]

Court Circular


July

Location – Savoy Frontier

Week 1 – Travel
Week 2 – Government
Week 3 – None
Week 4 – Travel

August

Location – Fontainebleau

Week 1 – Hunt
Week 2 – Hunt
Week 3 – Hunt
Week 4 – None