Jacques Bougiedure

[Jacques Bougiedure]

Jacques Bougiedure, spare apparent to the Marquis du Dampierre, stood in front of his father, the Marquis. His elder brother, Henri, stood in the corner of the room, his expression as crossed as his arms.

Jacques maintained an appropriate air for one who was being chastised for an indiscretion. This most recent indiscretion has been the pretty daughter of the village baker. The girl had rounded out in the past year and had been ripe for the picking by a young noble. Jacques knew that his brother was far to chaste so the duty fell to him. The girl has been aware of the great honor bestowed upon her but her family did not see it the same way.

“Jacques,” the Marquis said, his voice weary, “what am I to do with you?”

Jacques knew from frequent experience that now was not the time to engage in a dialog so he waited for his father to continue.

“You have such gifts,” the old man continued, “Intelligence, social grace, skilled at the hunt, and shaping up to be a decent swordsman. But your continued affairs bring disgrace on our family. I should have sent you to the seminary when you were ten.”

Jacques brother smirked. The threat of being bundled off to a monastery was a regular element of their father's lectures on appropriate behavior. Their father was a devout Catholic and felt it was his duty to encourage one of Henri's brother to enter the priesthood. Andre was too young but Jacques was fairly certain that he would not like the life of a priest.

“Papa,” Jacques poured feigned remorse into his words, “I sincerely regret that I have...”

His father raised his hand cutting off Jacques mid-sentence. Uh-oh, Jacques thought, this is unexpected. Normally, the Marquis would allow Jacques to plead for forgiveness but today he clearly had something different in mind.

“It is high time that you established yourself in the world,” he continued, “Your brother will inherit the title and the estate. You must think to your future.” The Marquis picked up a letter from the table next to his chair. “Bishop Peter Renault in Paris has agreed to take you on as a theology student at the University de Paris. Should you complete you studies, he assures me that you will have a position befitting our family's rank within the church. I have his letter of introduction for you.”

Jacques was speechless. Normally, he could talk his way out of any situation. He had after previous indiscretions but the Marquis seemed determined.

“I have smoothed things over with the baker but I expect you to leave tomorrow morning” The Marquis handed the letter to a stunned Jacques, “I hope, rather than expect, that you will succeed in the church.”

[Jacques Bougiedure]

A letter to the Marquis du Dampierre,

Monsieur,

I have arrived at the Spanish Front to take up my posting with the Dragoon Guards. With the help of a newly made friend in Paris, I was able to purchase a Lieutenancy in the Regiment and upon my arrival, I so impressed the Regimental Commander that he appointed me his Mestre de Camp on the spot! I regret not being able to lead glorious charges against our Spanish foes but look forward to using my military and organizational skills to improve the regiment, much as I did for your estates.

I took over the Mestre de Camp position from my boyhood friend, Renald de la Azur, who is also a Lieutenant in the Dragoon Guards. He has done a good job of administering to the Regiment but months on the campaign front are starting to wear. It will take all my efforts to ensure that the Regiment is ready for the upcoming campaign season.

Until I return from the front, I would ask that you forward my allowance to my lawyers, Mssr. Du’Oui, Chetaime, and Heaux, 15 Rue de Clery in Paris. I have retained them to look after my affairs in my absence.

I hope that my letter finds the family in good health. Madam Helen Bacque sends her warmest regards.

I am your devoted Son, etc.
Jacques Bougiedure,
Mestre de Camp of the Dragoon Guards

============================================================================================================================================

“The damned fool is going to get himself killed!” raged the Marquis du Dampierre, tossing Jacques letter on the table beside his chair.

“Indeed,” agreed Jacques elder brother, Henri, “To disregard your efforts to get him into the church is the height of folly.”

“If he intended a military career,” continued the Marquis, “He could have at least sot an appointment in the Cardinal’s Guard. There he could have done his duty to both God and King!”

“Shall I write Jacques to convey your displeasure?” Henri volunteered.

“No,” replied the Marquis, deflating a bit, “I would not want to hurt your mother any more than she will be hurt by Jacques’ decision. Instead, I will go to the chapel and pray to God for Jacques’ safe return.”

A cloud of annoyance crossed Henri’s face as he assisted the Marquis from his chair.

[Jacques Bougiedure]

“Have you seen La Voix de Paris?” asked the valet of the Marquis de Dampierre.

“Only to read the news of Monsigneur Lachapelle’s journeys in the Holy Lands,” replied the Marquis rather gruffly, “High time that someone brought the word of God to those heathens.”

“Indeed,” remarked the valet as he helped the Marquis into a morning coat, “I read that Monsieur Jacques was promoted to Captain in the Dragoon Guards. I know little of such matters but I believe that is a rank of some consequence in the army.”

“He is merely the junior Captain in his regiment,” countered the Marquis, “He has hardly the influence and sway over the people that Monsigneur de la Bassee has. What a sermon he gave!”

“Will Monsieur le Marquis be dining at home tonight?” asked the valet as he finished brushing the Marquis’ morning coat.

“No, I will be dining at my club,” answered the Marquis, “Make my regrets to the Marchioness. And while you’re at it, you can give this to my wife’s maid.” He picked up an envelope from the platter on the table and handed it to the valet.

“Certainly, Monsieur,” bowed the valet as he took the envelope. He noticed that it was from the Marquis’ son Jacques and appeared to have been opened in some haste.

[Jacques Bougiedure]

A letter from the Marquis du Dampierre,

My son,

I read with shock the disastrous performance of your brigade on the Spanish Frontier. The death of the brigade commander has reverberated through Parisian society and I can only repeat my advice that you forgo a military career and enter the church.

I understand your desire to distinguish yourself, indeed I urged you to do so when you departed. But as Monsigneur Lachapelle has shown, the church is a path to greatness. One that is less dangerous than the path that you have chosen.

My offer to assist you in the church stands should you chose to accept it. Until then, your mother prays to God to watch over you and bring you safely back.

In Service to God,
Luc Bougiedure
Marquis de Dampierre

[Jacques Bougiedure]

A letter to the Marquis du Dampierre,

Monsieur,

I write you with good news from the siege of Chateau de Lourdes. The Dragoon Guards attacked and seized the outer bastions of the Chateau. My own squadron deported itself well, securing our objective and a portion of the enemy's train. I believe that our exploits with be announced in the Voix de Paris.

Our sister regiment, the Cuirassiers d’Orleans also succeeded but unfortunately the new Brigade Commander did not follow up on our success. The new commander is perhaps taking a more cautious tack after the spectacular demise of his predecessor. As a result, we are being redeployed to siege the enemies main works in the Chateau.

I am hoping that we will be able to quickly force the surrender of the Spanish occupying Chateau de Lourdes and be able to return to Paris in the fall. I departed for the front in such haste that I did not have time to secure lodgings and the few uniforms that I was able to procure have nearly worn through! My swordplay and horsemanship is improving, as are my martial skills but I am in sore need of polite society.

I was able to visit the Catherdral in Lourdes during a lull in the fighting. They had a reliquary with the toe of Saint Christopher and a lovely statue of the Madonna holding baby Jesus that was truly marvelous to behold. I wish you were here to see them.

I am your devoted Son, etc.
Jacques Bougiedure,
Captain of the Dragoon Guards

[Jacques Bougiedure]

A letter to the Marquis du Dampierre,

Monsieur,

Another hot month along the Spanish Frontier with the Cavalry Brigade deployed in the countryside surrounding the town of Lourdes. We were tasked to seek out and intercept enemy relief columns while the Infantry Brigade continued to invest the Chateau. For much of the month, we engaged in a game of cat-and-mouse with the Spanish cavalry who did their best to screen the location and movement of the relief column.

I confess a certain amount of admiration for the commander of the troops opposite my own. He laid a skillful trap that drew in one of my Lieutenants and put him within the guns of the enemy’s main force without warning! I was able to extract my squadron before the full force of the enemy came to bear and brought warning to our Brigade Commander. The Dragoon Guards were able to delay the enemy until the Brigadier broke the sortie with our sister regiment.

I have heard it hinted that I am mentioned in the dispatches for my actions in saving my squadron and bringing the location of the enemy to the Brigadier. Meanwhile, we eagerly await diplomatic news to know whether we shall march to war in Spain or to peace in Paris.

I am your devoted Son, etc.
Jacques Bougiedure,
Captain of the Dragoon Guards

===================================================================================================================================

“Another letter to your Father?” asked his fellow Dragoon Captain.

“Indeed,” replied Jacques as he finished his adieu, “Without a noble lady in Paris to court, I must be content with family correspondence and country girls.”

“Does he still encourage you to give up all this,” the Captain indicated the Dragoon encampment with a sweep of his hand, “for the life of a priest?”

“He does,” Jacques answered with a smile, “and the unfortunate death of Father Monsigneur Lachapelle has done little to dampen his ardor for the topic.”

[Jacques Bougiedure]

A letter from the Marchioness du Dampierre

Mlle LeBeau,

It is with great pleasure that I received news from my son, Jacques, that he had gained the affections of a lady of quality in Paris. He was such a reckless youth that I feared for his eventual marital bliss but his experience in war and elevation to the peerage appear to have tempered him.

I hope we will be able to meet at the King’s Coronation or during the Grand Ball when Jacques is to be titled. It will all depend upon the mood of the Marquis du Dampierre. He and Jacques did not part on good terms and the Marquis is a cantankerous old curmudgeon. Success, however, salves all wounds as my mother would says and if Jacques continues his rise in society, I am hopeful of an eventual reconciliation.

In Loving Friendship,
Janine Bougiedure,
Marchioness de Dampierre

[Jacques Bougiedure]

A letter from the Marquis du Dampierre,

My son,

I congratulate you on receiving your title and estate. Many of the nobles in attendance were quite impressed with your courtesy and dignified deportment although your embarrassing performance on the dance floor almost shattered the reputation that you had built.

However, I must admonish you for the amount that you have frivolously spent since your return to Paris. I have read in the Voix de Paris of your shopping sprees on dressy uniforms, your spending on a self-aggrandizing military dinner, partying at the Steeplechase, and wasting money on a Parisian residence when you have a perfectly serviceable house on your estate which is so close to the city.

You have greater responsibilities now that you a landed noble with the welfare of your tenets under your protection. I had thought that your experiences at the front would have tempered the recklessness of youth but it appears that I was mistaken. Perhaps the lovely Eloise can curb your enthusiasm.

In Service to God,
Luc Bougiedure
Marquis du Dampierre

[Jacques Bougiedure]

A letter from the Marquis du Dampierre,

Sieur Jacques,

Have you completely lost your mind? I raised you to be a prudent and devout Christian. Investing in horse-flesh is the height of folly despite the example set by Monsigneur de la Bassée. But not only did you bid on two horses but to spend so much!

I can only beg that you abandon this ruinous course that you have set upon else you will soon find yourself forced to serve in a Frontier Regiment or worse in debt to the Shylocks! Think of the Cardinal Virtues! Think of your Family Name! Think of your Estate and tenets!

Praying for your Soul,
Luc Bougiedure
Marquis du Dampierre

OOC: 100 Posts!

[Jacques Bougiedure]

Dearest Maman,

I have been receiving what feels like daily missives from Le Marquis about my lifestyle in Paris. I know that I have been a disappointment to him as an adult, that he keenly feels my decision to forego the church in favor of a military career. But everything that I done since departing the estates has been calculated to increase the importance and consequence of our family.

My decision to purchase two racehorses with be understandable in the fullness of time. As it stands, I will have an opportunity to socialize with members of the royal family, perhaps even the King himself, this month when I enter both Silvermane and King of Spain in the Futurity in the third week of January.

I fully expect that we will find ourselves on campaign again this Summer, so I have been studying to improve my martial skills at the expense on the dance floor of my poor, lovely Eloise. In the Fall, I hope to be able to make it up to her.

Your Loving Son,
Jacques

[Jacques Bougiedure]

A letter to the Marquis du Dampierre,

Monsieur,

I received your letter about the folly of owning a racehorse that comes in last. I must say that I was surprised to discover that you must have attended the Futurity since you had such early notice of the results. Had you let it be known to me you planned to attend, I would have invited you to join me and my fellow Chevaliers in the Owner’s Box.

The performance by Silvermane was disappointing but I was able to recoup some of the entry fees from King of Spain placing. However, owning a racehorse is more about the social standing that it generates than it is about winning or losing. A visit by the Crown Prince to my box at the Futurity was of greater significance than where Silvermane finished in the field.

Over the past several months, I have successfully elevated my standing into the top fifth of Parisian Society. People of quality seek my company. I am invited to all of the prestigious parties and events. I wield influence over those in positions of authority. Indeed, I have risen to a level consequence that rivals even you, despite lacking the benefit of a Marquis’ title.

I do not wish my ambition and direction in life to be a rift between us, seeing as the fame and fortune that I am accumulating furthers the importance of our family name.

I am your devoted Son, etc.
Sieur Jacques Bougiedure,
Captain, Dragoon Guards

[Jacques Bougiedure]

A letter to the Marquis du Dampierre,

Monsieur,

By now you will have read about the escalation of hostilities along each of France’s borders. What you may not know, however, is that I have decided to volunteer my squadron for the front. As France’s need is so dire, my request was duly accepted by the Inspector General of Cavalry and I am slated to lead my squadron on the Savoy Front.

You have been quite vocal in your opinion that service in the church is a safer path than that of military service. I would point to the unfortunate demise of Father Coco at the hands of that Parisian madman, Claud D’Applaud and would counter that as a commander of a squadron in the premier cavalry regiment in his Most Christian Majesty’s forces, I have much greater control over my fate than any priest.

It is apparent to me, at least, that service to the King at the front is a path to glory, status, and riches. I anticipate returning to Paris in fall in abundant possession of all three.

I am your devoted Son, etc.
Sieur Jacques Bougiedure,
Captain, Dragoon Guards

[Jacques Bougiedure]

A letter to Eloise LeBeau:

My Beauty, My Heart,

It is with great sadness that I take quill in hand and write to you. I scarce know what to write, my heart is so heavy. But as a surgeon cauterizes a wound in battle, what I must relay is best done quickly.

Colonel Sieur Jean Bonbeur, commander of the French Guard and the friend with whom we enjoyed the St Denis Stakes in the days before my departure to the Savoy Front, has fallen victim of a Savoyard bullet. He is being buried the day after tomorrow, so far from the shores of his beloved Norman coast.

His Regiment was in the thick of the fighting and he lead from the front as he always has. The Italian attack against he faced was ferocious but our esteemed friend did not flinch from his duty. Even as the enemy broke through the entrenchments, he rallied his command to fall back in an orderly fashion, saving many a life but sadly not his own.

I can take solace in the knowledge that I lead the charge that destroyed to foul minions that took our friend from this Earth. The Dragoon Guards fell upon the enemy’s exposed flank and ensured that none escaped our vengeance.

Do your best to comfort our beloved friend Joya in this period of mourning.

Always Your Loving,
Jacques

[Jacques Bougiedure]

A letter to Eloise LeBeau:

My Beauty, My Heart,

By now you will have read in La Voix de Paris that the assault on the Chateau d’Annecy has succeeded although I expect that General Boulle might take some exception to the casualties suffered. The Savoyards have been thrown back and we are preparing raids against strongpoints in the Duchy itself in the final weeks before the Squadron is sent to reunite with the rest of the Regiment in Flanders.

My squadron was tasked with harassing and delaying the enemy reinforcements marching towards Annecy to strengthen the defenders there. My Squadron of 150 troopers was opposed by an infantry regiment ten times our number! After some successful maneuver and deception, we located the enemy’s main encampment quite undetected ourselves. We descended upon the Savoyards as they slept and surprise combined with the darkness allow us to defeat and scatter a much larger enemy formation.

Your letters are full of concern for my well-being and pleas to safeguard myself against the misfortune suffered last month by our mutual friend Sieur Jean Bonbeur. I am leading my Squadron bravely and will continue to do so until I am able to return to you in September. Until then, I hope that you will continue to hold me in your heart and in your prayers.

Enclosed is a lovely set of hairpins that caught my eye in Annecy after the battle. I imagine that they will be prettily displayed in your lovely golden tresses and the sapphires will be set off by your beautiful, blue eyes.

Always Your Loving,
Jacques

[Jacques Bougiedure]

A letter to the Marquis du Dampierre,

Monsieur,

It has been a year since our last meeting in your study on our family’s estate when you summarily dismissed me from our home. It certainly has been an eventful year and though I despair at earning your approbation after my decision to forgo clerical preferment in favour of a military career. Had I followed your advice, in this month I might have expected myself to have secured an abbe curia’s position or perhaps that of a canon.

However, I think that even you must acknowledge that I have used my time in Paris and at the Front wisely. When I arrived, I had little to recommend myself beyond my allowance and yet I have been able secure a commission in the King’s premier dragoon regiment and have demonstrated myself a very competent commander on the battlefield. Last May, I was merely the second son of a Marquis and today I am a Baron in my own right. I enjoy the affections of a woman of quality and am secure in my own financial future.

There is but one thing over the past year that I reflect upon with dissatisfaction. I am currently stymied in my efforts to advance in my chosen career. I would have applied for a brigade command had not my promotion been blocked.

I am your devoted Son, etc.
Sieur Jacques Bougiedure,
Captain of the Dragoon Guards