From the Desk of Jacques Bougiedure

[Jacques Bougiedure]

Viscomte and Viscomtess Gorne,

I wish to take this opportunity to thank you both for the splendid ball that you held at the end of last month. The performance of The Judgement of Paris was superlative and especially enjoyable for the additional ‘e’. I hope to be invited to the future soirees that you host.

Mlle LeBeau was exceptionally expressive of her pleasure and enjoyment. Though I flatter myself that I was a most attentive and handsome escort, I believe that she was starved for social interaction with people of quality owing to her lack of engagements over the past year. Although she is a Burgundian, I hope that the Viscomtess will take Eloise under her wing to help her re-enter society. She is an affectionate girl and I have great hopes for her.

As to the disposition of Boris, I must respectfully decline. Although I do intend to purchase a racehorse in the near future, I would prefer one that is at the start of its racing career than in the decline years. Additionally, adding a racehorse to the cavalry mounts I must maintain and the pair of carriage horses I am purchasing this month will be more than I can comfortably support until I receive my estate.

I join you in mourning the loss of Louis and celebrating our new King.


Long Live the King,
Sieur Jacques Bougiedure,
Captain of the Dragoon Guards

[gaston]

Marechal de Camp le Vicomte Roland Gorne, Sieur de Graville, Milly etc., Royal Governor of Paris, to
Captain le Chevalier Jaques Bougiedure, OC 1st Squadron, Dragoon Guards,
Greetings!

Captain Bougiedure,

It was a pleasure to see you at our recent ball and to ascertain how far along you had come in the Dragoon Guards since my Lady secured your entry into the regiment. Congratulations upon your knighthood and financial successes at the front since then.

Lady Helen will be pleased to learn that you enjoyed the Judgement of Paris Suite - she has high hopes of the ballet for which it was written. She also commented what a fine show Mlle LeBeau and yourself made on the dance floor - you seem indeed well suited.

Where Boris is concerned, the fact that he is one of only three racehorses eligible to run in next year's Downs (not to mention the only race horse likely to come to market before December) must presumably have escaped you? It is for this reason, by way of thanks for his previous kindnesses, that Lady Helen gave your regimental colleague Lieutenant le Chevalier Renald de la Azure first refusal. In the unlikely event that the good Chevalier declines the bargain which Boris represents, she was kind enough to let you know privately that an offer of purchase from yourself would be received favourably. I must admit to some surprise that you dismissed the possibility - not to mention the opportunity of doing my Lady some small service - so peremptorily, Sir. (Fortunately, Madame la Vicomtesse is not one to bear a grudge).

I look forward to renewing our acquaintance at His Majesty's Ball in the third week of October (though not, it seems, at the Steeplechase beforehand).

Governor Roland Gorne,
Vicomte de Graville

[Jacques Bougiedure]

Doctor De Mande,

I wish to thank you for the gift of whiskey that you sent to me. It was a mark of generosity that took me quite by surprise. Once I am settled my new living arrangements, I look forward to sharing my first glass from the cask with you to toast the health of our new King.

In Gratitude,
Sieur Jacques Bougiedure
Captain of the Dragoon Guards