To: Marquis Jacques Bougiedure, an invite....

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

Mon cher Marquis Jacques,

How have you been getting along my old friend and former employer, it seems life has been treating you well? I'm heartened to see that you are well renowned and respected in Paris, nay, France even but I always knew my old chum had it in him to reach the top, many a time I have said to people that Jacques, he's a riser that one, going all the way and I'm glad for him I'd tell them. Me and Jacques go back a long way, he's not just a former employer to me, he's a friend, a true friend and I'll stick by him through thick and thin, salt of the earth that man.

As for me, well I've gone up in the world too since we last met, Paris's premier Physician, own house and coach plus...plus...but you're sure to already know....I've only gone and become His Majesty's Royal Executioner!! Impressive eh, who'd have thought little old Bastian becoming the King's Executioner! Anyway, enough of the pleasantries as I've a specific reason for writing to you......your old mate Bastian is getting married!! Yes, I've finally decided to tie the knot, as they say, and, of course, I immediately thought of my choice of Best Man. Well, when I say thought, there was no real thought as I just knew it had to be you Jacques, there couldn't be another choice, how could there what with your friendship meaning so much to me and therefore I'd like to formally ask you to be my Best Man.

As soon as I receive your confirmation I shall begin to make the arrangements and update you with the details.

Best regards, as always,

Your friend,
Docteur Bastian Anton De'Ath
Premier Independent Physician to the people of Paris
ROYAL EXECUTIONER

[Jacques Bougiedure]

Docteur De’Ath,

I received your missive which was unfortunately damaged by a Spanish cannonball that very nearly obliterated our mail courier. Between the powder burns and blood stains, I am to understand that congratulations are in order. I am certain that you and Mlle Calvert will be very happy together. Well, I can’t be certain as I am not privileged to experience the matrimonial state but I observe the bliss that both Comte de Deols and Viscomte de Dammartinn espouse…and yet there was evident strife between Sieur Arnold and Murieldis in the final months of her pregnancy (did they ever determine if Arnold was the father of little Tristesse?)…although he did follow her in death rather quickly courtesy of a Spaniard’s blunderbuss…

Your letter, however damaged, provides some much needed context to a letter that Mlle leBeau forwarded for me from your intented, repleat with suggestions for some party that she thought I was hosting. Several pages of said epistle were devoted to entertainment and refreshment. A full mass, sermons from Archbishop Jean-François de Gondi, Archbishop Octave de Saint-Lary de Bellegarde, and Cardinal Armand-Jean du Plessis, a morality play presented by the Holy Order of the Sisters of la Manchote. I was almost convinced that the letter was from my father, the Marquis du Dampierre, except that it was very insistent that no alcohol, expecting a small sip of communion wine, be served. I am certain that Mlle Calvert is quite passionate about the topic as she capitalized and double underlined every word.

I am flattered that you should want me to stand-up with you when you announce to God your honourable intentions towards Mlle Calvert. I am certain that my standing with the King, military rank, large estate and fat bank account had no bearing on your decision and that this isn’t all a ruse to leave your bride at the alter and your best man tradition bound to marry her.

The Spanish, however, may make all of this a moot point.

Respectfully,
Jacques Bougiedure,
Marquis de Chevreuse
Brevet Brigadier General
Captain-Lieutenant Dragoon Guards

[Monique Adelina De'Ath]

Mon cher Marquis Jacques,

My thanks for your swift reply. I was so excited when I saw the envelope that I'm embarrassed to say I tore it open like a child at Christmas!! Then came the problem.....those damned Spaniards and their cannonballs, looks like the courier had a close shave on his way back from the front too, blood smears, mud and dirt all over it!

However what I was able to make out filled my heart, and of course Agnes's who thinks the world of you, with joy. I managed to make out the following -

"Congratulations in order......very happy together.....something about a party Mlle leBeau says your hosting......(may I say hear that is wonderful news and we're both absolutely delighted that you're arranging one for us).....a full mass and sermons.....a reference to your father, Marquis du Dampierre (does he wish to attend the wedding as well, naturally he shall have a seat at the top table).....insistent (then there's a blood stain) alcohol.....all I can make out after that is how flattered you are to stand up with me when I announce to God, (some mud smudges) and best man tradition".

May I assure you my dear Comte that it is I who is flattered to stand along side you, as my best man, it's almost like a dream come true, in fact it is just that!!

Now I know all is sorted I shall begin the preparations and have no fear I shall keep you posted as to the developments, dates, times etc.

Your sincere friend and former employee,

Docteur Bastian Anton De'Ath
Premier Independent Physician to the people of Paris
ROYAL EXECUTIONER