Post by Ymbert Montgomery on Oct 6, 2020 12:48:46 GMT
The Social Whirlwind by Le Mole
It was lovely to see so many of you out and about in Paris. It's funny, but it feels like it's been far more than a month.
Special mention goes out this month to our very own man about town, Sieur Bougiedure.
It seems that our good Chevalier has recently come into rather a large sum. What he do with it? I hear you cry. Well, he invested it sensibly and frugally in sound investments so... no, of course he didn't! He's not a dullard. He lived lavishly, bought an impressively large house and a carriage and was seen buying drinks for all his friends at the races. Bravo Sieur Bougiedure! You are the very model of a modern Parisian gentleman.
Of course, the big events of October all revolved round the great and good at Court, with not only a titling ceremony but three Royal Balls to contend with. And what action packed events they were!
Baron Lagarde de Béarne took full advantage of the fact that Court was in Tuileries this month, being a noticable presence at all the Balls.
For the first ball, the Baron kindly invited Sieur de la Azur to attend as his guest, giving Sieur de la Azur a chance to practice his ballroom dancing before the titling ceremony. Also in attendance were Ensign D'Blancheur and Mme Sabilina, taking advantage of Ensign D'Blancheur's closeness to the Cardinal to wangle an invite.
Compared to later balls this was something of a quiet affair, although several guests were heard to remark on how charming Baroness Geneieve was, which must have pleased Sieur de la Azur and certainly the couple impressed on the dance floor. I do fancy I saw D'Blancheur miss a few steps, but the skill of Mme. Sabilina meant that no embarassment took place.
Of course, the big ball was the titling ball of the third week, with Sieur de la Azur, Sieur Bonbeur and Sieur Bougiedure all lined up for the formalisation of their titles. And all three gentlemen looked rather dapper, if I do say so myself. The King gave a brief speech taking them for their service, granted them small estates and their entry into the ranks of the nobility was made official!
And then, of course, another ball, with the new Chevaliers taking their pride of place on the dancefloor. Sadly Ensign D'Blancheur and Baron Lagarde de Béarne were unable to join in the festivities, both having guard duties to peform.
Sieur Bonbeur showed he is able to acquaint himself impressively in high society, charming the guests with his anecdotes, while Mme Joya drew attention with her dancing prowess.
Sir Renald also fitted in perfectly. I wouldn't say he was exceptional, but he certainly didn't embarass himself and the Baroness's experience shined through.
As for Sieur Bougiedure... Oh, Sieur Bougiedure. I hope you will forgive me for saying you make a far better social companion than a dancer. You see, until this point Sieur Bougiedure had been the centre of attention, charming his social betters and peers equally. Even the charming Mme. Eloise was overshadowed by his quick wit and dashing nature and everyone there wanted to be his friend. And then the dancing started. And Sieur Bougiedure fell over. He didn't even seem to have been heavily drinking, he just, bless his heart, has two left feet.
Our working gentlemen also drew notice. The report from Court specifically mentioned the excellent service of Baron Lagarde de Béarne. One does suspect the Queen may have had something to do with that, not that I'd suggest his majesty holds grudges of course. And as for Ensign D'Blancheur, I'm sure it's mere coincidence that the Queen was looking in his direction when she discussed the handsomness of the Cardinal's Men. His Excellency seemed highly amused. His Majesty less so. It is lucky His Majesty doesn't hold grudges.
Week 4 was a less attended event, although Ensign D'Blancheur and Baron Lagarde de Béarne chose to grace the event with their presence. It can't be called a quiet event though, with the rather spectacular display from Dame Emelin drawing all eyes. I'm not sure that I would recommend using the term "needs to learn to keep it in his pantaloons" about his Majesty at all. And if I was going to, I certainly wouldn't do so at a Royal Ball. And I would at least make sure that the music wasn't about to have a quiet moment, making my comment the only focus of attention in the room. While his Majesty doesn't hold grudges, one still suspects that Baron Lagarde de Béarne's relationship with His Majesty has not been improved by this incident.
Outside of high society and the races (covered elsewhere), not much to report I'm afraid. Monsieur Charles Champ seems to have decided to keep the Frog & Peach afloat single handedly. And Monsieur D'Applaud was seen teaching etiquette at the academy, before putting his skills to more practical uses with opera rehearsals in the latter half of the month.
It was lovely to see so many of you out and about in Paris. It's funny, but it feels like it's been far more than a month.
Special mention goes out this month to our very own man about town, Sieur Bougiedure.
It seems that our good Chevalier has recently come into rather a large sum. What he do with it? I hear you cry. Well, he invested it sensibly and frugally in sound investments so... no, of course he didn't! He's not a dullard. He lived lavishly, bought an impressively large house and a carriage and was seen buying drinks for all his friends at the races. Bravo Sieur Bougiedure! You are the very model of a modern Parisian gentleman.
Of course, the big events of October all revolved round the great and good at Court, with not only a titling ceremony but three Royal Balls to contend with. And what action packed events they were!
Baron Lagarde de Béarne took full advantage of the fact that Court was in Tuileries this month, being a noticable presence at all the Balls.
For the first ball, the Baron kindly invited Sieur de la Azur to attend as his guest, giving Sieur de la Azur a chance to practice his ballroom dancing before the titling ceremony. Also in attendance were Ensign D'Blancheur and Mme Sabilina, taking advantage of Ensign D'Blancheur's closeness to the Cardinal to wangle an invite.
Compared to later balls this was something of a quiet affair, although several guests were heard to remark on how charming Baroness Geneieve was, which must have pleased Sieur de la Azur and certainly the couple impressed on the dance floor. I do fancy I saw D'Blancheur miss a few steps, but the skill of Mme. Sabilina meant that no embarassment took place.
Of course, the big ball was the titling ball of the third week, with Sieur de la Azur, Sieur Bonbeur and Sieur Bougiedure all lined up for the formalisation of their titles. And all three gentlemen looked rather dapper, if I do say so myself. The King gave a brief speech taking them for their service, granted them small estates and their entry into the ranks of the nobility was made official!
And then, of course, another ball, with the new Chevaliers taking their pride of place on the dancefloor. Sadly Ensign D'Blancheur and Baron Lagarde de Béarne were unable to join in the festivities, both having guard duties to peform.
Sieur Bonbeur showed he is able to acquaint himself impressively in high society, charming the guests with his anecdotes, while Mme Joya drew attention with her dancing prowess.
Sir Renald also fitted in perfectly. I wouldn't say he was exceptional, but he certainly didn't embarass himself and the Baroness's experience shined through.
As for Sieur Bougiedure... Oh, Sieur Bougiedure. I hope you will forgive me for saying you make a far better social companion than a dancer. You see, until this point Sieur Bougiedure had been the centre of attention, charming his social betters and peers equally. Even the charming Mme. Eloise was overshadowed by his quick wit and dashing nature and everyone there wanted to be his friend. And then the dancing started. And Sieur Bougiedure fell over. He didn't even seem to have been heavily drinking, he just, bless his heart, has two left feet.
Our working gentlemen also drew notice. The report from Court specifically mentioned the excellent service of Baron Lagarde de Béarne. One does suspect the Queen may have had something to do with that, not that I'd suggest his majesty holds grudges of course. And as for Ensign D'Blancheur, I'm sure it's mere coincidence that the Queen was looking in his direction when she discussed the handsomness of the Cardinal's Men. His Excellency seemed highly amused. His Majesty less so. It is lucky His Majesty doesn't hold grudges.
Week 4 was a less attended event, although Ensign D'Blancheur and Baron Lagarde de Béarne chose to grace the event with their presence. It can't be called a quiet event though, with the rather spectacular display from Dame Emelin drawing all eyes. I'm not sure that I would recommend using the term "needs to learn to keep it in his pantaloons" about his Majesty at all. And if I was going to, I certainly wouldn't do so at a Royal Ball. And I would at least make sure that the music wasn't about to have a quiet moment, making my comment the only focus of attention in the room. While his Majesty doesn't hold grudges, one still suspects that Baron Lagarde de Béarne's relationship with His Majesty has not been improved by this incident.
Outside of high society and the races (covered elsewhere), not much to report I'm afraid. Monsieur Charles Champ seems to have decided to keep the Frog & Peach afloat single handedly. And Monsieur D'Applaud was seen teaching etiquette at the academy, before putting his skills to more practical uses with opera rehearsals in the latter half of the month.