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Post by Ymbert Montgomery on Apr 13, 2021 9:34:34 GMT
Peasants grumble as taxes rise
The new Governors of Paris and Picardy have made their mark with a rise in taxes. Both suggested this was necessary, to keep up with the increasing demands on the public purse.
A peasant, Monsieur Baldrick said "if this keeps up I'll never achieve my dream of a little turnip to call my own".
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Post by Ymbert Montgomery on Apr 13, 2021 12:18:34 GMT
The Social Whirlwind by Le Mole
Ah, my friends, I'm afraid the problem has arisen again. You see, I should obviously be writing up the events of this month's art show, as the premier social correspondent in Paris. But some of my colleagues insist that "art" and "romance" are their special areas. And dear Celeste might start writing poetry again if I deny her. I apologise for the lower quality of writing you will have to bravely face.
Now, I am not one who feels it is my role to criticise one of the most universally respected men in Parisian society. So while some might suggest that it was rather bad taste for Baron Lagarde de Bearne to head off on yet another military adventure when his father was being buried, I certainly would not make that observation. I'm sure he had very good reason and wasn't just trying to gain himself riches at the expense of his family.
Unrelatedly, congratulations to the Baron for finally managing to pay off the mortgage on one of his estates.
The other big social event of this month was, of course, The Steeplechase.
Baron Bougiedure and Baron de la Azur spent their time in the companies of their ladies in Baron Bougidure's owner's box, as is fitting for gentlemen of their social status. I even hear His and Her Majesty briefly stopped by, although sadly Silvermane only made seventh place.
Baron Lagarde de Bearne had managed to find time to place a bet on the eventual winner Wilting Thistle. And he kindly lent his box to Sieur d'Blancheur. I was rather surprised by Sieur d'Blancheur's choice of company. He had rather kindly invited our newest arrivals into the Parisian social scene to join him. Which was acceptable as far as Mlle. Jeanette is concerned; she is a lady of good breeding and impressive pedigree. However, while piety is a virtue, actually inviting Father Chatten to mix with people quite so above his social station seems rather much. What will Madame d'Blancheur think?
In the pavilion, a large party of Parisian's less prestigious gentlemen and ladies gathered. Monsieur Durant, Mlle Valerie and Monsieur Balls were all seen in the company of Guardsman Aubert, who had chosen to concentrate on the horse racing rather than drinking.
Speaking of Guardsman Aubert, he was seen in the company of Monsieur Durant at the Frog & Peach earlier in the month. Perhaps some kind of friendship is developing? Well, if Monsieur Durant understands the distinction between "friendship" and "grubby commercial transaction", of which I am as yet unconvinced.
Finally, I hear that Mlle Valerie has been appointed Secretary to Baroness Lagarde de Bearne. An impressive role for one of her humble birth and one that suggests her meteoric rise is set to continue.
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Post by Ymbert Montgomery on Apr 13, 2021 12:34:15 GMT
La Gallerie Veritie by Celeste Ludenberg
It has been so long since there was an art exhibition in Paris that I was becoming sure that you were all a bunch of overly happy Philistines.
After that "art" show, I am in fact convinced of it. It is hard being one of the few true artistic souls in Paris.
At least Baron Bougidure provided some drinks, which allowed me to dull the pain of seeing your creative endeavors.
I would normally welcome the use of a modernist instrument like the viola. But I can only say that in Mlle Valerie's new piece "Divided Hearts", the main thing that seems to be divided is the tune from any concept of melody. Her playing was passable. But emotion and tonality are not in fact opposites, despite what she seems to think.
A charitable soul might say that Mlle Jeanette's "Picnicking Ladies" would have benefited from more time. But art is not charitable. It would have benefited from being a different piece entirely. Picnics? Bright blues and pinks? Sunshine? How despicably jolly. Art is pain, not picnic hampers.
The guest of honour, Baron de la Azur, at least managed a painting of a military scene with a suitably deathly nature. I do not say it was good. But it was least less bad.
Perhaps Baron de la Azur should take up art professionally? I despair to say he would not face much competition based on this showing.
The only cultural highlight was the opera from the King's Men. I was not unglad to see Father Chatten should himself to be a man of culture with his attendance.
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Post by Ymbert Montgomery on Apr 13, 2021 12:55:41 GMT
Comtess Yvonne De Villepin – A Romantic Interlude
I am sorry to have to do this but I am afraid I am going to have to get stern with the young ladies of Paris!!! If you continue to treat our fine gentlemen so badly I fear some of you will end up as old maids and will only have yourselves to blame!!! Firstly Mlle Eloise actually Baron Bougiedure is a very fine young man and his position as Royal Governor makes him the perfect husband material and you have treated him very badly and you should say sorry right now!!! And while we are on this subject I would like to point out to Mlle. Johi that actually an advocate is a very impressive occupation and actually Monsieur Balls is a very upstanding gentleman and now being an advocate does not make him a "boring git" and you should be ashamed of yourself for how unkind you were!!! With this kind of behaviour can you blame Doctor De'ath for giving up on you entirely and going to the Lady's Slipper instead??!!!! Finally I will say that I am not one for matchmaking but I will observe that Baron Bougiedure is newly single and a very fine catch and that our new arrival Mlle. Jeanette is a lovely young lady with an artistic temperament and that for some strange reason no gentleman thought to pay court apart from perhaps Doctor De'ath and one admires his optimism but really dear the heart wants what the heart wants but there are limits to what it can achieve!!!
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Post by Ymbert Montgomery on Apr 13, 2021 13:05:14 GMT
An Ecumenical Matter by Pastor Jacques
The Franciscan CONTROL of the Parisian CHURCH continues with the ARRIVAL of Father Chatten. The new PRIEST has quickly followed in the FOOTSTEPS of his predecessors. His first SERMON was centered round the praise of Sieur D'Blancheur (who is LEGALLY not a WAR HERO) for the virtue of HOSPITALITY. All I shall SAY is that as a PRIEST Father Chatten makes a very good POLITICIAN.
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Post by Ymbert Montgomery on Apr 13, 2021 13:25:26 GMT
Reports from the Front by General Georges Boulle (rtd.)
Every soldier knows the importance of a good sawbones. Glad to see Doctor De'ath sign up to do his duty as the Regimental Doctor for the Aquitaine Regiment. Should do some good next time they're on campaign.
Spanish Frontier
Mostly cleanup. Glad to say that we're able to drop to a state of alert now. Brittany Regiment to return having done their duty.
Flanders
Nothing going on here. Lads in barracks all month.
Lorraine
Bloody terrible month. And only one man to blame. Brigadier-General Lagarde de Bloody Bearne. Awful tactics. Led to retreat. Lots of casualties in the French Guard and the Provence Regiment took an absolute hammering. He's done alright in the past, so not writing him off quite yet. But hear if November doesn't include the top brass may haul him in. They aren't sure he's taking command for the right reasons. Still, at least Subaltern de Macque has shown his nerve in battle. Will be returning to Paris as an ensign. Not sure that breaking from Lagarde de Bearne isn't going to be a bonus for him in the long run.
Promotion: Jean de Macque
Savoy
Fought off some raids. Not too bad. Can move to field ops next month.
Next month:
Spanish Frontier HL 3 On Alert Field
Flanders Frontier HL 1 Peace Garrison
Lorraine Frontier HL 5 Guerilla War Defense
Savoy Frontier HL 4 Raiding Field
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Post by Ymbert Montgomery on Apr 13, 2021 13:25:58 GMT
Steeplechase Results
1. Wilting Thistle 2 Boris 3. Desert Orchid 4 Gloria 5 King of Spain 6 Sir Cat 7 Silvermane 8 The King’s Sword 9 Stiletto 10 Sassy Sea 11 Boris 12 White Gold 13 Black Rose 14 Lucky Star
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Post by Ymbert Montgomery on Apr 13, 2021 13:47:15 GMT
Court Circular
November
Location: Louvre
Week 1 - Parliment
Week 2 - Government
Week 3 - Government
Week 4 - None
December
Location: Tuileres
Week 1 - Minor Envoy
Week 2 - None
Week 3 - None
Week 4 - Royal Ball
January
Location: Fontainebleu
Week 1 - Royal Ball
Week 2 - Royal Ball
Week 3 - None
Week 4 - Hunt
February
Location: Louvre
Week 1 -Royal Ball
Week 2 - Parliment
Week 3 - Parliment
Week 4 - None
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Post by Renald De La Azur on Apr 13, 2021 18:50:00 GMT
Lottery Results
Hello to the great and good of Paris,
While there has been an uptake in the number of tickets sold there is still room for improvement, please reach into those pockets of yours and buy more tickets.
there was no winner this month
yours
Director of the lottery
Baron De La Azur
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Post by Jacques Bougiedure on Apr 23, 2021 0:11:30 GMT
A Public Announcement
Sieur Jacques Bougiedure, Baron de Chevreuse, announces an Art Show and Formal Ball to be held at Chateau Beau Jardins in the second week of April Anno Domini Sixteen Hundred Thirty-Three. The theme of the Art Show is The Rites of Spring and all aspiring artists are encouraged to prepare an art work, ballet, or musical composition for presentation at that time. A Grand Prize of 300 Livre will be presented to the artist whose work most impresses the Baron. Additional consideration will be given for paintings or ballets incorporating nymphs and satyrs.
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