Letters from the Enlightenment

And I Quote- Lord Byron

2012-02-17T16:35:00.000-05:00

“And, after all, what is a lie? 'Tis but The truth in masquerade.” -Lord Byron

February 16th, 1782

2012-02-16T13:35:00.000-05:00

There is much news to report. Yesterday Elizabeth was finally delivered of her child. My poor friend has had yet another boy, Louis, though she did so wish for a daughter. I understand that she is recovering sufficiently well, and I will visit her when appropriate.

My estate manager is here at Sully, having deemed it better to travel all the way to Paris to conduct the possible sale of Lespinasse Castle with Lafayette. He warns me that some minor repairs ought to be made in advance of the Marquis visiting the property, and I find his idea of a minor repair to be quite expensive. All the same, one must spend money in order that one may make money at times, so I have hired workmen in Auvergne and my agent will return later this week to oversee things.

I held a small dinner gathering last night, and though I had by now given up hope of seeing either the Marquis de F- or Mlle de Rodez, to my astonishment, both accepted my invitation. Naturally Clementine was much-guarded by the Dowager Countess, but it seemed to me that she delighted in everything and was sorry to leave. I could not see that she took any special interest in F- but there is time yet to foster that plan.

As for the man himself, one important thing did occur. He attend with a lady, a Mlle Verloux, but he found a moment when I had stepped away from the other guests to speak with me. He pressed me for information about Thierry's whereabouts and plans, exuding friendly solicitude, though he has ever been a poor liar. I responded evasively, telling him that Thierry is moving about. Let him frustrate himself with that! I then asked him outright if he had anything to do with the Lettre de Cache and the information that was given to the police. He denied it, but I know in my heart that he did, and I will find a way to prove it.

Today I go once more to the police, and this time I will not deal with Lenoir, the Chief of Police, I will use more subtle means. It is a well-known fact that the clerks are underpaid, so I think that a good bribe may do the trick.

Olympe, Comtesse

Trivia Monday!

2012-02-13T10:43:00.000-05:00

I've decided it would be fun to start to a new blog feature. Every Monday I will post a trivia question related to the 18th century, and the first person to leave a comment with the correct answer will have their name and response posted the following week.

I have a pretty easy one for you this week:-
What historical figure had several pets, including a monkey, birds, and small dogs (two of whom were named Mimi and Ines)?

Regency Society of Virginia

2012-02-12T18:10:00.000-05:00

Exciting news for anybody living in or near Virginia! There is a brand new re-enactment group called the Regency Society of Virginia. This is of particular interest to people like me who live near Washington, D.C. and have despaired of finding a casual (but knowledgeable) group of people on the East Coast who aren't doing Revolutionary or Civil War events. I quote from their website:-

"Do you adore Jane Austen and her works (or the movies based upon them)? Are you a War of 1812 or Napoleonic Wars re-enactor? Perhaps you love the fashions of the Regency era or wish you had a place to wear such finery? Enjoy the elegance of an English Country Dance?...We are a group of early 19th century enthusiasts who seek to unite all those who wish to recapture the refinement and civil society of this by-gone age. Join us in this, our inaugural year, as we host workshops, costumed events, lectures and more with a distinctly Regency flavor."

Sounds like fun to me! Excuse me while I go plan some Regency costumes.

Theatre Costuming vs Re-enactment Costuming: Part 2

2012-02-10T00:22:00.000-05:00

For anyone interested in the second part of my series on costuming it is now up on my other blog, Amphorae. Have a question or a comment? Feel free to leave one on either site.

Court Presentation- Honors of the Court Part 3

2012-02-08T20:35:00.000-05:00

In the last installment of Honors of the Court I started the translation of a document which helps to detail the process of being presented. Previously we learned about the history of why being presented was important, and also why it was made difficult to attain. Today we begin to find out the requirements for applying to the honor.

"The presentation, left until then to the arbiter and to a caprice of the prince, was, from the majority [adulthood] of Louis XV, submissive to a very regular form. To be admitted to the honors of the court, that is to say to the circles, the balls of the king and the queen, to ride in the carriage of his Majesty and accompany him on the hunt; it was necessary to occupy a high rung among the nobility and “make a pretense of proofs of one’s” ancient lineage. The court also held, since the year 1730, a registry of people who enjoyed these honors."

Theatre Costuming vs Reenactment Costuming: Part 1

2012-02-04T20:42:00.000-05:00

If you are interested in the differences between costuming for theater and costuming for reenactment events you might enjoy my latest post on my other blog, Amphorae. If you have questions about costuming for theater, or would like to know more, leave a comment!

January 28th, 1782

2012-01-31T11:31:00.000-05:00

It is late, but I must pause a moment to record the events of the last few days. As promised, I was introduced to LaFayette at Elizabeth's party, and I told him that as a fellow Auvergnat he must allow me to host a dinner in his honor now that he was returned. He told me to name the date, so in my joy I recklessly asked if he was engaged for the evening of the 28th. Why I left myself so little time I cannot help but wonder!

Tonight he came and there was fine food, wine, cards, dancing, and he regaled us with stories of his adventures in America. The guestlist was quite full as nobody wanted to miss an opportunity to meet with him; but though it was a wonderful evening this is not even the best news. Close to the end of the evening LaFayette mentioned that he had heard I was selling one of my estates in Auvergne. When I confirmed that this was true he said he might be interested, as he was hoping to acquire more property there himself. I felt compelled to inform him that Lespinasse Castle was in some disrepair and that Opme currently has tenants, but he said that he would likely wish to make many rennovations in any case so that if it had but a sound roof over it, the castle might do very well.

Tomorrow I send a note to my estate agent to ensure that Lespinasse's roof is indeed sound. Finally, fortune smiles on me!

Olympe, Comtesse

The First Woman to Circumnavigate the Globe

2012-01-29T00:51:00.000-05:00

I came across a really interesting article today! Did you know that the first woman to travel around the world did it in 1774...while pretending to be a man. For more information you can read the article here.

January 23rd, 1782

2012-01-27T22:55:00.000-05:00

Lafayette has returned, and in time for the official celebrations for the Dauphin. I am invited to Elizabeth's lying-in party where I am assured he will be a guest. I have so looked forward to this opportunity, and I am sure I can face even the cold winds of January for Auvergne's hero. My present for Elizabeth is to be nursery linens, as her elder children have occasioned every other luxury I could think of.

Other than that I'm afraid there's not much to report. The weather continues to be cold and gray and I find myself dreaming of the summer, when perhaps I may join my husband in Venice for a time. There is no progress in his case as of yet and I am out of new ideas.

Olympe, Comtesse

Favourite- Pet-en-l'air and petticoat (KCI)

2012-01-21T23:41:00.000-05:00

Pet-e-l'air and embroidered petticoat from the Kyoto Costume Institute

Paul Revere...the Dentist

2012-01-18T00:20:00.000-05:00

You never know when a connection to the 18th century will spring up. I have an amateur interest in forensics, and have for about twenty years; but just recently I came across an interesting fact. We think of Paul Revere as being, amongst other things, a patriotic messenger during the American Revolution. It turns out that he may have been the first forensic odontologist as well.

On top of being a silversmith and engraver, Revere was also a dentist, and in 1776 he was able to identify the body of none other than Dr. Joseph Warren, (the man who sent him on his now-famous ride) by the wiring and hippo tusk partial he had made for him. Since Dr. Warren and many others had been buried for months since the battle of Bunker Hill, forensic dentistry was one of the only ways in which the bodies could be positively identified.

Neat, huh?

Blog Post on Gaming Counters (chips)

2012-01-13T21:24:00.000-05:00

Possessions of a Lady has posted a fascinating entry on gaming counters, the process of ordering them, and the designs they featured. I think all of you would enjoy it. Now, if you will excuse me, I must hunt e-bay for further examples.

January 13th, 1782

2012-01-13T01:49:00.000-05:00

Such a note as this I must rouse myself to record. Word has come that the war in the colonies is over, and that the British have surrendered! This will only add to the celebrations still being held for the birth of the dauphin. Elizabeth is in confinement and expects to be delivered soon, while the Duke and Duchess de Polignac have a new daughter, Camille. Perhaps my friend too will have her dearly wished for girl.

Mlle de Rodez' presentation has been approved, so I must prepare for that soon, but I lack the will to make any effort. I know I should convince myself to try, I'm just unsure to what end my work will lead. Without Thierry, or even the hope of his return, I feel myself devoid of interest in the world around me. I wish only to return to Auvergne, and to shut myself away against all society. Food has no taste, music no pleasure. It is as if life were a painting which is only rendered in gray and black; some shadows deeper than others, but shadows all the same.

I wonder at the purpose of all my life. Would it have been better to have married in my youth some well-weighted Comte or Marquis, or even a Duke? To grant unto him all of my estates, all of my worth in the world, and to hope that he would treat me with kindness. Allow me my transgressions, my follies, my thoughts? Would he have granted that I may be my own person with my own mind and will and plans? Thierry does, and I know of no other like him. Perhaps I am naive, but at one-and-thirty I should think not. I have moved in society long enough to know that men like him are rare and precious. More precious than gold and titles to a woman who may be bought and shackled as soon as the documents are signed. Young girls wedded and sent away to convents, while their supposed husbands gamble and whore their way through their own dowries. I have seen it, and I did not wish that to be my fate. Oh God, was that so much to ask?

I should have been the happiest of women. I had the prospect of a husband who loved me, who asked for none of my inheritance, but only the pleasure of my company and conversation. A man of kindness, charity, wit, and, yes, wisdom even. Rare in so many ways. These other men who sought me; fickle, usurous, dismissive, even deadly on occasion, they are as like to him as a candle is like the sun, and yet they would seek to extinguish him. They are powerful and I know not how I may thwart them. I would wish to believe that innocence will prevail, but I am no child to trust in fairy stories.

I want my husband back, I want him here with me, and if I cannot accomplish that, then I must find a way to be where he is. I will not see all of the years of waiting, wasted. Life is brief.

Olympe, Comtesse

In Their Words...

2012-01-08T23:35:00.000-05:00

“Fantasy, abandoned by reason, produces impossible monsters; united with it, she is the mother of the arts and the origin of marvels.”- Goya

January 2nd, 1782

2012-01-03T00:45:00.000-05:00

The salon was a fruitless effort. I was introduced to Msr and Mme Lavoisier, but found that after the initial pleasantries there was no way for me to begin a conversation that could help Thierry. I tried to talk with Mme L- several times, but in the end I was merely trailing after her and making myself ridiculous. I have nothing to offer them in exchange for their assistance, no way to work upon them. I share none of their interest in science, and can make very little conversation on the subject; though I tried to evince interest, I suspect it sounded more like ignorance, profound ignorance. Nor can I offer them money for their work, because they have no need of it.

A party to celebrate the New Year made me feel even more low. It was like being behind glass the whole time. I tried to interact with everyone, but genuinely felt none of their good cheer. I knew few people there, and even those I did know I somehow felt I had so little in common with as to be strangers. I moved amongst them, but did not seem to be present, and few people spoke to me. In very little time I was exhausted from the effort of trying to be charming, and I left before two in the morning.

Although I try to convince myself that there is still much to do, I am much more inclined simply to remain in bed. I have canceled my Lever for the last two days, and am considering giving out that I am sick with some minor discomfort. The Dowager Comtesse de R- has declined my latest invitation. All of my plans fall to pieces, and I have no will to pick them up again.

I am like a candle sputtering into darkness. It would be so easy just to let the flame go out.

Olympe, Comtesse

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T11:11:00.000-05:00

As we head into 1782 in the blog, and 2012 in the rest of the world, I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very happy New Year! May it fulfill the promise of all your hopes, and the trials be but small reminders of your good fortune. Salut!

Court Presentation in France- Part 2

2011-12-30T18:46:00.000-05:00

Back in Part 1 of this series I told you about a wonderful document I had found in french about court presentation. As promised, I am working on translating the whole thing for you and, because it is rather long, I will present it in short segments.

Historical Notice
About
The Honors of the Court

Proofs of the Court

"To be presented previously to the court of France, it was necessary to obtain the approval of the king by one’s high birth, one’s post, one’s services, or one’s talents. There was no precise rule about the choice or limiting the number of admissions. The difficulty of the trip and the customs at that time nearly universal amongst the nobility then living, in time of peace, of retiring to their castles in the heart of their province, prevented the majority of the gentlemen of honor from being admitted to the court and restricted to a very small number the requests for presentation. However the magnificence and the pleasures which surrounded Louis had brought to Versailles the centralization of the French nobility, all the members of those orders fervently aspiring to approach to the throne and to partake of the grace and the favor that the generous liberality of the prince lavished on the courtiers. The salons, the galleries of the palace were not nearly large enough for the receptions, and the coaches which followed His Majesty on the hunt, nor enough for the number of ladies of the court. It became urgent to remedy this predicament and particularly to do right by the demands of the high nobility, who claimed the exclusive privilege to approach the sovereign. So it was the middle-class about whom he was advised."

To be continued...

December 29th, 1781

2011-12-29T17:31:00.000-05:00

None of my invitations yielded any houseguests for Christmas day, but there is still the possibility of Andre visiting. He is a terrible correspondant and takes almost as long to answer a letter as Matthieu does, which is to say that Matthieu almost never answers at all but rather sends his reply by way of Maman's letters.

It would have been a very lonely Christmas, if not for three surprises. The first was a letter from Thierry in Venice full of all the most tender words a husband may have for his wife, and with it a portrait miniature of himself, which I wear on a ribbon around my neck, tucked beneathe my fichu.

The second was an invitation from Msr. Poisson (to whom I have paid a great deal of money for this purpose) to a salon at his home where Msr and Mme Lavoisier will be in attendance, and he promises me an introduction. The salon is tomorrow, and I do hope may furnish the answers to some questions, and perhaps help to bring Thierry home.

The third surprise was the first payment from the new Baron and his family who have moved into Opme Castle. With it I am free from financial worry for the first time in a long while.

I have invited Clementine and her mother to tea after New Years day, and promised that we shall be quite alone. Hopefully that will encourage Mme de Rodez to allow the visit, and I may find some way to get Clementine alone.

Olympe, Comtesse

Victor Hugo on the Guillotine

2011-12-27T18:47:00.002-05:00

I'm reading Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo, and I came across a part where Hugo talks about the experience of actually seeing the guillotine in use. I found it fascinating and from his writing surmised that he must have seen it himself. This led me to wonder when the guillotine ceased to be used in France, since Hugo was writing in the mid-19th century, and the answer shocked me; 1977. The last public beheading by guillotine was in 1939, and the last one to take place behind prison walls was not until 1977, just a few years before the death penalty was abolished in France.

Here's what Victor Hugo had to say:-
"One may feel a certain indifference to the death penalty, one may refrain from pronouncing upon it, from saying yes or no, so long as one has not seen a guillotine with one's own eyes: but if one encounters one of them, the shock is violent; one is forced to decide, and to take part for or against...The guillotine is the concretian of the law, it is called vindicte; it is not neutral, and it does not permit you to remain neutral...All social problems erect their interrogation point around this chopping-knife. The scaffold is a vision. The scaffold is not a piece of carpentry; the scaffold is not a machine; the scaffold is not an inert bit of mechanism constructed of wood, iron and cords.

It seems as though it were a being, possessed of I know not what sombre initiative; one would say that this piece of carpenter's work saw, that this machine heard, that this mechanism understood, that this wood, this iron, and these cords were possesed of will...The scaffold is the accomplice of the executioner; it devours, it eats flesh, it drinks blood; the scaffold is a sort of monster fabricated by the judge and the carpenter, a spectre which seems to live with a horrible vitality composed of all the death which it has inflicted."

December, 21st 1781

2011-12-21T22:34:00.000-05:00

I had a lovely birthday celebration, and as predicted though I invited both the Marquis de F- and Mlle de Rodez, neither came. It is, I suppose, proper for Clementine's mother to keep her at home until after she is presented, but it seems that fewer and fewer people bother about that sort of thing these days. F-s message declining the invitation was polite, though formal, and in it he said that he "was already engaged elsewhere" that evening; a phrase which makes me wonder if I should read more into it or not.

A thought today made me sit straight up in alarm. I was remembering the news of R-s death and suddenly recalled that both F- and his own mother were in attendance when he died. That will likely mean that she knows, and (if I judge her character rightly) dislikes F- intensely. She will never consent to marry Clementine to him after such an aquaintance!

I've been wracking my brains as to how I may proceed. Clearly my original plan to have them marry, and then to influence him through her until I have regained his trust will not work. I am having enough trouble speaking to the young woman alone, as it is. It has all caused me to ponder what kind of person I am becoming, since my next thought was that I could still achieve my goals were they to become lovers. If he were to prove difficult towards me I could use her to ruin him, neccessitating her ruin in the process; but am I prepared to go to such lengths? To harm such an innocent? Who am I that I would contemplate these things? The strange thing is how little it horrifies me, not how much. I feel my heart hardening.

So many people at my birthday celebration, and yet I feel as if I have no friends. I pay Msr. Poisson to carry out favors on my behalf, I have lost both R- and F-, and Elizabeth is too busy to pay me much mind. Even Christine is far away in Sweden, trying desperately to avoid being married off by her aunt and uncle. I have not had a letter from her in a long time.

I miss Thierry, he would forbid me from being so gloomy. If only Maman, Mattieu, or even Andre were coming for Christmas this year. Perhaps I should see if Clementine and her mother would care to spend a day or two with me.

Olympe, Comtesse

2011-12-20T19:55:00.000-05:00

“Liebster is German and translates to the English word dearest. I really touched to be awarded this as it’s meant for up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 followers so thank you for passing it on to me! I hope we all get over 200 soon and can play with the big guns "

Wow, my thanks to Katie at Bankerchick's Scratchings for this award! I, like her, love to receive comments and see where in the world people are visiting from. One of the reasons we all blog is to reach out to a wider community of like-minded people, and so anytime we can create a dialogue we grow closer together. I will say it was tough to narrow down my list of favorite blogs to pass this award onto, fortunately so many of them already have over 200 followers.

Before the Automobile- I had to start with this one. It's one of my most recently-discovered blogs, and I am so glad I did because this Finnish woman's costumes are amazing. She describes herself as an amateur, but the word hardly fits. Everything from gowns and hats to gloves and even shoes. Gorgeous!

Costumes, Cats, and the 18th Century- I'm surprised that Mme Berg does not have more than 200 followers. I've been following her for a while, and am always sure to enjoy what she posts. She's usually one of the first with news when museums put their collections or new photos online, and I love her "Cat-urday" feature with portraits featuring felines and their companions.

Idlewild Illustre- Gwendolyn is a multi-talented artist. Not only is she an accomplished sketcher, but she sews beautiful clothes, attends events, and posts how-tos for things like restoring parasols. Useful information, non?

Stay-ing Alive- Abby is so much fun to read! Her life is an adventure, from moving to Sweden with her boyfriend to working in the costume shop at Colonial Williamsburg.

Isis' Wardrobe- I would have tuned into this blog simply for her description of making a court gown, but the rest of her posts are equally enlightening, not to mention entertaining. It seems like half the people I follow also follow her. That's how you know it's worth reading.

Here are the Rules:

Thank the donor and link back to their blog
Publicize your top five picks for the award and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
Post the award on your blog.
Encourage the people who receive it to list their five favorites.

A Christmas Carol You Probably Haven't Heard

2011-12-19T23:07:00.000-05:00

I have a lot of Polish ancestors on my mother's side who came to America in the late 19th and early 20th century. Here is a simple and sweet Polish carol from the late 18th century. Enjoy.

Book Review- Fatal Purity: Robespierre and the French Revolution

2011-12-14T22:14:00.000-05:00

I promise that I'll always tell you truthfully what I like about a book and what I dislike. I wasn't inclined to like anything about Robespierre, especially if it had a sympathetic slant, which despite the author's assertions of impartiality, it clearly has. What I didn't expect was how fully illustrated was the character of this divisive historical figure.

Robespierre easily makes the list of unlikely successes. His nervousness, rigid perfectionism, easily wounded feelings, and discomfort with public speaking were all against him from the start when he assumed the role of trial lawyer in Arras, not to mention as an elected representative at the start of the revolution. More than once the author and reader wonder how he ever managed to attain the heights of power and influence which he did.

I'm not sure that question is ever really well-explained, though plenty of political history is given. Revolutionary politics are a very dense and confusing subject, but what does become clear, and the author mercifully does not attempt to justify, is that Robespierre went from a man who wept the first time he had to recommend the death penalty to someone who sent his own friends to the guillotine.

My main concern with the book is that several times the author mentions annecdotes (most often things Marie-Antoinette is supposed to have said), but gives no citation for the source. Many of these being things I had never heard before I was interested to know where they were found, but was left without an indication. I found this very frustrating.

On the whole, I am glad to understand more about the man behind the monstrous acts, and the climate in which this could happen. I will leave this book on my shelf, and return to re-read it in the future as we draw closer to an examination of the revolution itself; though I hesitate to accept it as unbiased scholarship. Nevertheless, the facts it does cite speak volumes about a world gone mad.

December 14th, 1781

2011-12-14T21:48:00.000-05:00

The relationship between a mother and daughter is a tricky thing, and has been much on my mind. The rift between my mother and I has weighed heavily on me, and I admit has permeated more of my dreams than not. Most years I have invited her to stay with me in the winter, but eager to show myself an independent married woman, I have not written to her since I came to Paris. She has not written to me either, until the letter I received this morning.

She writes that Andre has broken off his engagement with Mlle Delacoeur, which is all to the best, but he will be villified for it in Ferney, and so has decided to move home to Riom. I have the impression that his father, my step-father, is not pleased to have his son home under these conditions, especially as Andre has no prospects there. Maman hints that I could invite him to Paris for a while, which I may do. So it seems that we are to continue as if we never quarreled, and I shall see if she is inclined to come to Paris for Christmas.

The de Rodez family is also a study in mother-daughter relationships, though of a far different kind. The dowager Comtesse has finally agreed to let Godefroy and I handle Clementine's presentation at court, and I have drafted a proposal so she may be approved and added to the list of candidates. Now I need to find a way to ensure that F- is in attendance so that I have an excuse to introduce the two of them.

This does not mean that the Comtesse de Rodez has relinquished her own control in the matter, and a court gown is being procured for Clementine quite without my oversight. The mother also insists on accompanying us to court, which I can hardly deny. I'm sure she had thought to present her daughter herself until a more attractive option presented itself. Poor Clementine barely dares to open her mouth, and even the slightest objection to any detail is overruled before she has done more than just that. I must find a way to get her alone, or I will never have more influence than this one opportunity.

In the midst of all of this I still must plan my birthday celebration. I've invited everyone I can think of, and am considering including F- and Mlle R-, though I doubt either of them will attend. He because he will not, and she because she can not. So much to do!

Olympe, Comtesse

Court Presentation in France- Part 1

2011-12-13T00:50:00.000-05:00

While preparing a more detailed post on the event known to us as Presentation at Court, I came across a publication called "Notice Historique sure les Honneurs de la Cour", and yes, it's in French. I'll try to post a translation online somewhere, when my brain feels up to the task of seven pages.

Here are some very basic things to know about court presentation in France in the 18th century:-
1) It was a much more formal event for a woman than it was for a man. He might make his introduction to the king by way of traveling along on a hunting expedition. The level of careful ettiquette required of a woman was a lot higher.
2) Regardless of gender the person to be presented had to prove first that their family had been of the aristocracy as far back as 1400, and they had to find someone who had already been presented at court who could then present them. (For our heroine, Olympe's mother could not present her because she had never been presented at court herself, but her cousin, Marie-Louise de la Tour d'Auvergne, could.)
3) Typically women presented women, and men presented men. It never hurt to have multiple people of high rank in your party during the presentation, regardless; especially if the person being presented was being launched onto the marriage market.
4) There were exceptions to the rule. People who were not of long-ennobled families could apply to be presented if they had other appropriate credentials, such as serving with distinction in the military or trade, being a foreign diplomat, or just having pleased the monarch in some way.

The Wardrobe- In Progress

2011-12-12T00:30:00.000-05:00

My last show for the year has finally closed, so I find myself with a few weeks between now and New Years in which to really work on projects that will continue into the next. Unlike many of you, I have no costume society or events nearby (that I know of) to which I may wear my creations, so I lack the pressure to get things done by a certain date. Don't worry, I make up for it in my professional life. Here are a few of the things I will be finishing/making/posting about between now and...whenever they get done.

I'm going to try my hand at painting my own fan. I have a couple blank ones from different places and whether I succeed or fail spectacularly, it will be a good learning experience for me, and maybe you as well. Tips and tricks always welcome from those who have already tried this.

A calash bonnet. I think this is one of those accessories that can take an outfit from beautiful to "Wow, that's unique", while still being historically appropriate. It may also help me to get rid of some fabric from my stash that's not voluminous enough for anything else.

Nor is the calash likely to be the only kind of headwear I take my hand to. I love hats, in modern or historical styles, and I think we should bring them back into regular use. The bigger the better!

I'm still planning on making that travel outfit, though I've changed the black fur in the design into a mottled brown and white rabbit fur. I'm dying my Devonshire shoes to match the purple-maroon fabric I bought for the hat and inside of the caraco. The outer fabric is a caramel-coloured velveteen, and the skirt is a slate blue shantung. I have small brown leather kid gloves, and a maroon-purple and blue muff already.

Something else I already have fabric for and am, in fact, currently at work on, is the quilted petticoat and mantelet-au-lever (sort of like a dressing gown) that I've mentioned before. I'm hoping to have photos for you all soon.

I also intend to shortly finish the portrait bracelets that I started a while ago. I'm painting one by hand, and cheating with a printed image for the other, that way we can look at the difference between theatre-quality (seen only from a distance), and museum-quality (passes for "real").

There are all kinds of others things too; anglaises, wig work, a winter mantelet maybe, a pet-en-l'air, and if I get really ambitious I may even work on the court gown I've been dying to make for several years. First though, I'm committed to sewing through my current stash of fabrics. There should be enough there to last me a year at least!

Pemberley Shoes From American Duchess

2011-12-02T12:23:00.000-05:00

Have you heard? American Duchess has expanded her shoe line to include this versatile Regency style. With it's dyeable white satin, and her selection of shoe clips or hardware to make your own clips, this is a very customizeable shoe. It would make a great holiday gift!

Shopping the Museums...in Winter

2011-11-30T11:24:00.000-05:00

I like to check out what topics people are enjoying and where around the world viewers are visiting from. One of the posts that seems to get the most hits is "Shopping the Museums". Whether this is because that particular post was bookmarked and used to re-visit the site, or it genuinely holds a lot of interest for visitors, I've decided to do another one, and this time, because it's cold here, we'll look for things to keep warm in.

When cold weather hits a quilted petticoat is essential, like this one from the Williamsburg collection. Note the band of lighter fabric at the top to reduce the bulk at the waistband.

Not only will this 1780s burgundy polonaise look well with the raspberry-red petticoat, but it will also be short enough to keep the hem out of the muck in the streets.

Of course we won't want to leave the house without a fur-lined cloak and muff, like Mrs. Bootle's. We could make it green, just to be extra festive.

Then it would match this calash (collapsible bonnet) from 1780, which will serve to keep our hair dry and un-tussled.

What have I forgotten? Oh right, shoes! I favor these red satin ones from the 1770s-80s, with their darling buckles. They're in great condition, but after tromping through the wintry streets they might not be.

Perhaps we should add these green velvet pattens (overshoes/shoe protectors), even though they're from the 1740s I think they'll suffice. Cringing at the idea of getting the beautiful velvet wet? I know I am.

And voila! We are ready to go out! Shopping anyone?

November 29th, 1781

2011-11-29T13:50:00.000-05:00

Cousin Godefroy and I attended the opera last night, which I was initially loathe to do after the crush of the last visit. I don't think those who advertised the free performance for the opening of the new Opera House were expecting so many members of the lower classes to take advantage of the opportunity. It did not make for a pleasant evening. Last night was much better, though I can't say much for the performance itself.

Mme de Rodez has continued to be a thorn in my side. Godefroy assures me that he sent a note to her expressing his delight at being able to present her daughter at court, but they have not yet arranged a time for him to meet her. When I pressed him for the details of their communication I must have tipped my hand, because he then became very interested in my reasons for wanting to sponsor the girl. I explained again that I felt such sympathy for her plight, with her sole brother and protector, who was a dear friend of mine, gone. I think he's decided that R- and I were lovers, because he then began to ask about the reasons for the sudden and rather last-minute failure of my marriage plans with F-. I dissembled as best I could.

As if the universe were contriving to bring the matter to light, I saw F- at the theatre with another young woman on his arm. I don't know who she was, and I had no desire to start rumors by asking after her name from others. F- did not seem to see me, at least I never caught him looking in my direction. If he is in the market for a marriage again I had best act quickly to introduce he and Mlle de Rodez.

My estate agent has asked me to determine what I would like done with those furnishings that remain at Opme. The new Baron and his family would like to move in before Christmas, but I am not inclined to travel all the way to Opme myself at this time of year; the roads would be terrible! I am therefore leaving it in my agent's hands to find an area of the castle to close off and in which to store everything. I look forward to the funds arriving, and wish the renters to move in with haste. I have plans for that money.

Olympe, Comtesse

A Cause De- The Three Estates

2011-11-26T16:41:00.001-05:00

"French society was divided into three orders: the clergy, the nobility, and the third estate (or commons)...There were approximately 130,000 members of the clergy, 110,000 members of the nobility, and 24,750,000 members of the third estate. The clergy and the nobility each owned about a fifth of the nation's land but paid no taxes, while the third estate shared the rest of the land and carried the entire tax burden." - Fatal Purity

It's not really surprising, given this arrangement and their limited representation in government (each estate received an equal vote to the others) that the people of the third estate (which included the wealthy and educated bourgeoisie) would demand a more fair legislative process based on number of representatives.

Book Review- The Architecture of the 18th-Century

2011-11-22T15:26:00.000-05:00

For such a slim volume it took me a while to read through this one, despite the fact that I had read it years ago when I was much younger. It's a good source for understanding the various styles that came and went and fed one another, as well as where such styles developed (or in some cases surprisingly did not). Certain types of buildings, namely churches, theatres, palaces, and prisons were dealt with specifically, but very few less grandiose examples were explored; and interior decoration was largely limited to staircases, libraries, chapels, and Adams techniques.

The book pre-supposes a good understanding of the time period in general, and the events that shaped the development of differing kingdoms and countries. Don't expect a lot of context to be given, it is left to the reader to draw conclusions between events and architectural preferences, but you will learn a lot about what kind of buildings inspired specific architects, and who they learned from and in their turn inspired and taught themselves.

I would reccomend this book for those interested in a general overview of 18th-century public architecture (there are more thorough sources for private architecture), but it is not a quick or easy read due to its ponderous nature. It would make an excellent starting place for those who would like to then move onto studying individually the many styles mentioned therein.

November 22nd, 1781

2011-11-22T15:12:00.000-05:00

Maurepas died last night, much to the grief of the King, I am sure for he was his mentor; but it was not unexpected for the man was quite old.

Godefroy has consented to send a letter to the Comtesse de Rodez, and will visit her himself in the future. She hardly seems conscious of the great honor bestowed upon her by such a visit, but perhaps that is part of her cunning. I mean to look into the family background, and will not be surprised to learn that she was some rich merchant's daughter before marrying the late Comte.

Elizabeth hosted a gathering a few days ago and brought in a woman to read our palms. She is grown quite large and more than one person has suggested she might expect twins. She asked the palmist if she could expect a daughter this time, and the woman said that her future did hold a girl, but would not commit herself to saying it would be this pregnancy. A very careful trick, in my opinion. As for me, she said great changes were in my future, and that I had made difficult choices. She seemed to indicate that the changes would be for the good, but we shall see. No mention of children was made for me, and in the company of others I was loathe to suggest the subject. I do hope it doesn't portend a lack of issue, a fear much on my mind of late with my husband kept secret and far away in Venice.

Olympe, Comtesse

November 15th, 1781

2011-11-18T11:58:00.000-05:00

I loathe the cold, it makes it so difficult for me to want to move or go out or do anything at all. The dowager Countess de Rodez is a suspicious, disagreeable old cat, and seems not to like or trust me very much, despite the fact that everything I do is to the good of her own daughter. Mlle Clementine supposedly received my note, but sent no reply. I cannot speak to her ability to do so without the knowledge of the mother. She was formally introduced to me, but beyond a curtsy and a some quiet niceties I was able to learn nothing of her or form any sense of her character. Her mother wishes to receive word from the Duke de Bouillon himself that he will introduce Clementine at court before she consents to any preparations.

Word here in Paris is that De Grasse has won a great naval victory, and there is hope once more that the war in the colonies may soon reach a victorious end. Of course, we have been holding out such hope year after year. I have my own small victory in that my estate agent was not able to procure buyers for either Lespinasse or Opme yet, but a newly-minted Baron and his famly are happy to lease Opme from me for a substantial sum per annum. In some ways I prefer this arrangement for I may evict them and have my castle back in the future, and in the meantime have a steady supply of income, unlike that from my lesser leases.

It also allows me to continue to pay Thierry's expenses in Venice, and I send what I can with every letter. It is fruitless to sigh and say that I miss him so. I do, and I look often at his miniature fearing that I will forget his features the longer he is absent.

Olympe, Comtesse

Best 18th-century themed movies

2011-11-11T23:17:00.000-05:00

I owe you all I good post, not only because I have been so remiss in updating lately, but because I am likely to remain a little less prolific for the next few weeks while I'm working on several shows that open around the same time.

When I'm designing a show I like to put movies on in the background, especially if it's late at night because it makes me feel like someone else is awake. In no particular order (because I just couldn't decide how to rank them) here are my top ten favorite 18th-century inspired films/mini series'.

1) Marie Antoinette (2006)

2) The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934 &2000) Okay, I cheated here, I like them both.

3) The Lady and the Duke (2001)

4) Ridicule (1996)

5) The Duchess (2008)

6) Amazing Grace (2006)

7) Catherine the Great (1995)

8) Dangerous Liasons (1988)

9) Amadeus (1984)

10) The Madness of King George (1994)

Honorable mentions go to Plunkett and Macleane, Perfume, and the HBO series John Adams. So what are your favorites? Any to add to the list?

The Events of October 1781

2011-11-03T23:43:00.001-04:00

The birth of a Dauphin (finally), was not the only notewothy event to take place in October of 1781; here are a few others that may pique your interest.

October 19th- After the french naval fleet led by the Comte de Grasse had successfully blockaded Cornwallis into the Chesapeake Bay, despite the efforts of the British naval Commander Thomas Graves, Cornwallis was finally defeated and on the 19th was forced to surrender to George Washington, this effectively (though not officially) ending the American War of Independence.

October 20th- A Patent of Tolerance is approved in the Habsburg monarchy, giving limited freedom of worship within Austria.

October 27th- A new opera house opens in Paris to replace one that burned down. It's opening is celebrated with a free performance of Adele et Ponthieu, to which it was expected that 1800 people might attend. The audience turns out to be more like 6000 and it is massively overcrowded. New seating would be added to the pit of the Comedie Francaise the following year "to help prevent mob activity". Perhaps in response to this situation?

October 22nd, 1781

2011-10-29T22:34:00.000-04:00

At first I was concerned because there were people shouting in the streets and the ringing of the bells can mean so many things, but presently as I was standing leaning out of the window the Comte de R- arrived in his carriage and leaping from it shouted up to me "A Dauphin is born! A Dauphin at last!" He then dashed inside where I met him to receive an invitation to an impromptu party given by he and Elizabeth in honor of the birth.

They are hardly the only ones to celebrate as if it were their own good fortune; many are the festivities this night, and they say that people of all ranks and professions go to Versailles to offer their felicitations to the King and Queen. It makes me think of the magi and shepherds traveling to Bethlehem to see the Christ child. Naturally, I sent a letter off at once to T- in Venice that he should know what will certainly be much talked of even there.

My friends the Comte and Comtesse have every reason to be happy with their sons already bestowed, but I have a trace of jealousy, I find. Would that I had a son, or even a daughter, of my own; but first I must bring Thierry home and make our marriage acceptable to those who would seek to challenge it and disinherit any offspring.

Tonight is for joy though. I will wear my new blue gown and be of good cheer in the company of my friends. It is a luxury to forget one's cares even for a few hours. I fervently wish that this small baby may grow up to be a just and loving King to us all.

Olympe, Comtesse

The Birth of the Dauphin

2011-10-22T15:52:00.001-04:00

Anonymous painter of the French school, 1781

Pictured from left to right in the above painting are the Duke of Berry, the Duke of Angouleme, the Duke of Chartres, the Countess of Artois, the Count of Provence, Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette with the Dauphin and Marie-Therese, the Countess of Provence, the Count of Artois and Madame Elisabeth (the King's sister).

On October 22nd, 1781, Marie-Antoinette finally gave birth to the long-awaited Dauphin, Louis Joseph Xavier Francois. The Queen went into labour in the morning, and was delivered at a quarter past one. In the words of the King himself he said to his wife "Madame, you have fulfilled our wishes and those of France, you are the mother of a Dauphin."

To say that they were the wishes of the entire country may seem like an exaggeration, but if so it wasn't much of one, because the announcement of the Dauphin's arrival was greeted with tremendous joy and enthusiasm from palace to city and Duke to commoner (with perhaps the exception of the Comte de Provence who suddenly found himself ousted from his position as heir presumptive). People greeted each other in the street with exultation, and every guild in Paris prepared to send delegations to Versailles to offer their congratulations the proud parents.

Sadly though, the Dauphin would die on June 4th of 1789, just a few short months before the Revolution began. It has, in fact, been suggested that the death of the seven year old heir, though succeeded by his younger brother, was one of the last catalysts for the events that would tear France apart. If his birth was met with such hope, it is perhaps not surprising that his demise would help plunge the country into desperate anger.

For a time though, there was only celebration. As the child was borne away from the royal apartments in the arms of the Royal Governess, the Princess de Guemene, they were followed by a crowd of laughing, clapping courtiers, and great acclamation. Two months later, when the Marquis de LaFayette returned from America, the festivities were still in full swing.

October 15th, 1781

2011-10-15T19:23:00.000-04:00

Some things go well while others go ill. Having sufficiently plyed my cousin Godefroy with all manner of food, drink, and flattery it was not hard to convince him that I am not interested in pushing my claim on the Duchy of Bouillon after he and his son die (that is assuming I outlive Jacque, who is only four years older than myself, though his health has long been poor). I don't know who he has in mind to inherit instead, but I do hope it won't involve the Rohan clan into which his sister, Marie-Louise married.

Having so convinced him, the request for him to present "the sister of a dear friend, who passed away quite young" was as nothing. I told him that she is quite pretty and has been convent-educated with hardly any movement in society. In short, that she's a delicate flower of purity and innocence in need of our protection and advancement. To my delight, he agreed. Now it only remains to get the mother to assent, but I can hardly see how she could refuse; the Duc de Bouillon is not only one of the highest personages titularly (for he may rightly call himself Prince of Sedan, should he choose), but also was for many years Grand Chamberlain.

If only my meeting with Lenoir, the Chief of Police, had gone so well. I found him quite unwilling to give me his full attention as he shuffled through papers on his desk, took communique's from anyone who desired to knock upon his door, and I had barely begun speaking when he decided it was necessary to explain to me that "justice must be permitted to run its full course". In short, I was dismissed with the distinct impression that he had not listened anymore to me than he might a fishmonger, or a child.

I did gain a glimpse of the papers upon his desk, however, and quite a few of them seemed to concern the kind of crass libel that we are daily treated to should we venture out of doors. The things they say, especially about the Queen and King, are no less than treasonous, and I have yet to see one that was not also viciously perverse. I'm not sure there is any way to use this knowledge to my advantage, but I will record it for the present in case it should become so.

I have not yet discovered a way to meet naturally with Msr. Lavoisier or his wife. I do have a visit with the dowager Countess of Rodez to look forward to tomorrow, and hopefully my note to her daughter, the young Clementine, will have some effect.

Olympe, Comtesse

Historical Influence in Fashion

2011-10-12T17:19:00.001-04:00

What an interesting shade of pink this anglaise has, don't you think? Well, that would be because it's an historically-inspired evening gown from the House of Worth in 1893. Charles Frederick Worth liked to go to galleries and museums and was very inspired by previous fashions to create striking designs for his own collections. This one, complete with fichu, is a very striking example.

October 12th, 1780

2011-10-12T16:10:00.002-04:00

Msr. Poisson has been earning his due allowance. This morning he came to my Lever very early to inform me that I have an interview with Msr. Lenoir, head of the police in Paris and receiver of all of the slanderous gossip there is to be had. I doubt that I shall be able to convince him of Thierry's innocence, but I will be able to find out what sort of man he is and what may move him to action on Thierry's behalf.

Msr. Poisson also suggested that I find a way to meet with Msr. Lavoisier, the scientist, because he is a leading member of the Ferme, and has a great many contacts amongst those who have the running of things. Surely he will be sympathetic to one of the Ferme's dedicated employees. I have not yet come up with a plan for how to effect this, but I suspect the way may be through his wife.

Whispers have reached me that Mlle de Rodez is in town with her mother, and also that she is very beautiful and very strictly guarded from the public. She sounds like someone who could use a friend. I am due to meet with the mother very soon, but I wonder if a note could not be gotten to the young woman in advance so that I might meet her when I am there.

First, however, there is dinner with my cousin Godefroy this evening. I hope very much that I can persuade him to introduce Mlle de Rodez to court, because many of my plans hinge on this. Now I must see to dinner preparations.

Olympe, Comtesse

An Article of Interest

2011-10-10T12:16:00.001-04:00

Here's something that may interest some of you, especially in America. An 18th century church is getting a major restoration after hosting the likes of George Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King Jr. It's been through a lot, and has the bulletholes to prove it...

Church Shot During Revolution Gets Overhaul

On Seizing the Day

2011-10-07T14:56:00.001-04:00

“Though the fool waits, the day does not.”- French Proverb

Film Review- To the Ends of the Earth

2011-10-05T16:29:00.001-04:00

I am a huge fan of the BBC series Sherlock, which is an updated version of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, of which I have also been a fan since early childhood. So when I saw that the 2005 miniseries, "To the Ends of the Earth", likewise starred Benedict Cumberbatch ("Amazing Grace", "Atonement", "The Other Boleyn Girl") I had a feeling I was going to like it.

Almost the entire movie is set in 1812 onboard an old navy ship that has been recomissioned as a passenger vessel voyaging between England and Austrailia. Not only has the vessel been recomissioned, but much of the crew is also taken from the British Navy, and they and the passengers have at times very tense relationships. The miniseries is based on a trilogy of books by William Golding, who also helped to write the screenplay, and was directed by David Attwood, who seems to have a fondness for English stories (Hound of the Baskervilles, Moll Flanders, Tales of Sherwood Forest).

Cumberbatch stars as our protagonist, Edmund Talbot, a very young aristocrat whose godfather has sent him to Australia to take up an administrative post there which should guarantee him a life of comfort and advancement. The journey serves as a conduit for the growth of Talbot into manhood, in more ways than one.

"Benedict was remarkable. He carried the Golding novels with him on set and constantly referred to them. We needed him every single day and he just didn't stop, nor complain. He simply became Edmund Talbot. And that commitment spread to every cast member. The process of making this film echoed the journey the characters went on in the story—we really got to know each other during our four months on location and we became very close." Commented the show's producer, Lynn Horsford.

The other characters are a motley crew of artists, philosophers, fallen women, families, and a clergyman. They suffer death, the prospect of having to fight the French, fire, illness, ice, and possible mutiny, and that's just some of the adventure. There's also love, sex, fighting, suicide and the kind of cabin fever that we are blissfully inexperienced in today.

On top of stellar preformances by the entire cast (and I mean everybody), the thing that I found truly wonderful about this series was how unpredictable it was. Everytime I thought I knew what was coming it turned out to be something else, which in retrospect was perfectly plausible. It also left nothing off-limits, and even the seediest, most disgusting details that the passengers experienced were documented by young Edmund in his journal.

The best part, for me, came at the end when a fellow passenger, realizing that to Edmund this has been the penultimate experience , says "It was just...a series of events." Just as after the wedding that closes many a Jane Austen novel there is still an entire marriage to be had, after the voyage there is a life.

October 5th, 1781

2011-10-05T15:35:00.001-04:00

After Comtesse R-'s dinner party last night, from which I did not return until after 2am, I am exhausted despite having slept late. I could not sleep as late as I wished, however, because I was invited to go riding with a group and have only just returned in time to change for dinner at Marquise M-'s.

There was good news awaiting me, however. Three letters; one from my cousin Godefroy, one from my husband, and one from R-'s mother, the dowager Comtesse de Rodez. Thierry's letter was full of sweetness and remonstrations against worrying too greatly. He also says he received the money I sent, and advises that I not sell anymore of my patrimony after these two castles, which I have no intention of doing anyhow.

Godefroy has accepted my invitation to dinner next week, and I hope that he will be in a humor to acquiesce to my plan for introducing R-'s sister at court. The girl's mother writes in a somewhat less helpful tone that she does not know what interest I could have in helping her daughter, but is willing to hear me out. I must say that is not the kind of response I would give to such a generous offer, but I am willing to make allowances for her considerable grief at losing a beloved son.

Now to prepare for dinner. I suspect another long night awaits.

Olympe, Comtesse

October 3rd, 1781

2011-10-04T00:30:00.001-04:00

Contrary to all of my fears there seems to be a morbid fascination for a jilted woman, so I have not lacked for company. My marchande-des-modes has delivered my new clothes, and I am enthralled by these new larger hats, worn at such an angle as to half-conceal the face. The endless parade of visitors with their hungry questions and false sympathies, nevertheless has given me a banquet of gossip from which to choose what is useful.

The Comte d'Estaing is still chafing from his disfavor, and obviously wishes to return to the war in the American colonies. My good friend Elizabeth, the Comtesse de Rochechouart, is pregnant and hoping for a daughter as she already has two sons, Victor and Phillipe. The Comte d'Antraigues is causing a stir in certain circle with his political views. Mme Elisabeth, the King's sister, may take a new secretary; and, of course, the Queen is due to deliver very soon and all hope for a Dauphin.

The war in the colonies is unending, but we have had some victories to sustain us. No good news from my estate agent about either Lespinasse or Opme; but I did receive an unexpected letter from Andre in Ferney. Apparently, happy though they appeared, he and Mlle Delacoer are not on pleasant terms and he fears their engagement may not result in a marriage after all. I worry that he is considering such a course because of my broken engagement, but I hesitate to ask him. He also said that he has not mentioned our agreement about Lespinasse with her, or she will stay with him for the money alone. I cannot pretend to be sad, for I would much prefer that he make an end of it, and choose a lady rather than an actress to marry.

Msr. Poisson is working to secure me an audience with the King. I need to find out if there is a new arrangement to be made about the Duchy of Bouillon, and I need to assert Thierry's innocence. Only the King can help me with the first, but in case he cannot immediately help me with the second, I have other plans to attend to.

Olympe, Comtesse

Know Your Clothes (and Accessories)- The Quizzing Glass

2011-10-03T17:17:00.001-04:00

A Quizzing Glass:

"A monocle dangling from a neck-chain- a very fashionable accessory; in the 1820's dandies often had the glass fixed into the head of their canes." - The Dictionary of Fashion History

Used by men and women alike from about the 1790s , it often came attached to a small handle which terminated in a loop, thus allowing it to be strung on a chain or ribbon. It's exactly the kind of thing you can see Sir Percy Blakeney use, when he's not being The Scarlet Pimpernel!

Book Review- Fashion in Detail

2011-09-30T21:44:00.001-04:00

One word; stunning. This book's images literally left me breathless. For the costume historian there is a wealth of highly-detailed imagery of pleats, embroidery, buttons, spangles, lace, and whole items like gloves, stomachers, and vests. If the book has a fault, in fact, it is that there are too few photos of the whole garments from which these close-ups are taken, but the reader is given line-drawings to compare.

For those more interested in techniques, prepare to drool. There is a wealth of information here about stitching techniques, seam placement, boning, quilting, cording, slashing, pinking, stamping, knitting, blackwork, and more.

Woman's smock, English 1620s-1630s

Clearly I cannot fail to recommend "Historical Fashion in Detail: The 17th and 18th Centuries" to all lovers of historical costume as well as decorative techniques, and should you doubt my reasons for enthusiasm here are a few more photos just to tantalize you.

Stomachers, early 1700s

Detail of glove beading, Engish 1603-1625

Yellow Stays by American Duchess

2011-09-25T19:32:00.003-04:00

I realized while working on my quilted petticoat and mantelet that I had never actually posted photos of my new front-and-back-lacing corset, made for me by the talented Lauren at American Duchess. I had mentioned back in November of last year that the tester stays were done, and early this year I received the finished stays.

They lace with blue ribbon in the front over a separate stomacher, which is jacquard on one side, and the same bright yellow as the binding on the other, so I can wear it either way for variation. The straps also tie on so they can be completely removed if necessary. The other nice thing about these is that, lacing front and back, they are easy to put on by myself and very adjustable. I love them, and will happily wear them under all of my 1780s clothing.

For information on the construction of these stays you can visit Lauren's posts about them on her blog. I also realized after I put them on with my chemise for the first time that they look a lot like these ones from the Galerie de Modes.

September 22nd, 1781

2011-09-22T13:23:00.000-04:00

In Paris once more, and the weather is more chill than usual for this time of year. I do hope it won't last. I am to hold my first formal Lever of the season this afternoon, but am secretly most anxious, for what if nobody comes? My sudden departure a few months ago may certainly have lost me a few friends. Msr. Poisson is at least certain to attend as he and I have much to discuss.

I arrived to find a bill from my marchande waiting, it seems that once in while one really must pay merchants, so I did. I expect to see my new clothes very shortly.

I think I hear voices in the hall, someone has arrived. It is time to begin the masquerade.

Olympe, Comtesse

Know Your Clothes- Hats

2011-09-21T20:03:00.000-04:00

"We are ill-informed even of the articles we wear. People come to years of discretion scarce know the difference between a plain hat and a Lunardi; and I have heard a lady, who I was told had a very good education, mistake a Parachute for a Fitzherbert." - The Lounger no. 76, 1786

What an earth are Lunardis, Parachutes, and Fitzherberts? The writer clues us into the fact that they were all types of hats, but what did they look like and how were the different? The fabulous resource "The Dictionary of Fashion History", provides the answer.

Balloon hat/Parachute hat/Lunardi- (1783-85) A hat with a large bloon-shaped crown and wide brim made of gauze or sarcenet over a wire or chip foundation. Very fashionable in those years as a compliment to Vincenzo Lunardi (1759-1806) and his balloon ascents.

So a Lunardi and a Parachute are basically the same thing; what makes the Fitzherbert drastically different? The brim was oval in shape and the crown of puffed fabric was raised slightly.

How ever could the young lady have confused the two, indeed?

The Countess' New Clothes- Quilted Petticoat Part 1

2011-09-18T17:29:00.000-04:00

Before I really get into working on the mantelet itself, I need to start with the quilted petticoat. I'm cheating a little bit because I bought pre-quilted fabric a while ago, for just such a project. Buying an old quilt with some variation in the quilting motif would have been nicer, but we live and learn.

I also have been collecting lots of pictures of extant petticoats in museums and private collections, and in so doing I've come to a realization; nowhere can I find an example of one with a ruffle on the bottom. Hmm.

Hooded caraco and quilted petticoat, 1775

Mid-century quilted petticoat

1753 quilted silk petticoat, the Met

This example from the Met is really interesting for its stripes of different fabric. It's also a really useful for pointing out the bunching of the fabric around the waistband. If you don't want to add that much bulk, what do you do with a quilted fabric? This red petticoat from Williamsburg has the answer; a band of thinner, unquilted fabric at the top which can accomodate either a waistband and ties, or even a drawstring channel without adding much thickness.

So I think I'll be leaving the pink ruffle off of my petticoat, and save it for an upper petticoat or trim on something else. I'll also be using the thinner fabric and an applied waistband to close. If anyone has seen illustrations or garments contrary to my research, I'd love to know about it.

Favorite- Queen Charlotte by Ramsay

2011-09-15T15:59:00.000-04:00

Queen Charlotte with two of her children
by Ramsay
1765

September 13th, 1781

2011-09-13T21:00:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow we leave for Paris again, and in a strange way I am excited to be going. Maman is not speaking to me at the moment and has not responded to my messages. I was finally compelled to tell her of my marriage and it did not go well. She disapproves strongly and was moved to tears as she told me so, though she had never before objected to my affection for Thierry. I suppose this, coming hard upon the heels of the failed marriage plans with F-, was poor timing. I would have found it very hard to keep such a secret from her, for I have always desired that we should be friends.

A letter from Thierry cheers my spirits, as he says that he feels guilty for admitting to enjoying his forced sojourn in Venice, and wonders if I might delay any assistance in permitting his return to France. He jests, of course, and is very dear to keep me from worrying too much, but to Paris I go, and I will not fail.

Olympe, Comtesse

The Countess' New Clothes- Beaded stomacher finished!

2011-09-11T12:46:00.001-04:00

A little while ago I posted my progress on a beaded stomacher which I was finally completing after a hiatus of too many years. This past week I finally finished it, and I'm pretty happy with the results. As often happens, I was only going to complete the beading, bind the bottom edge, and add tabs; but then I thought that a big green bow would be just the right touch, and then I had a little rondel of pearls from a broken brooch, and then putting it on a matching ribbon would be so lovely...so of course it took me a little longer than initially planned.

The dressform would really show it better were it not so busty, but you get the idea. Next up, I'm finishing a green velvet Tudor gown from a few years ago, and finally getting past the research stage to draping that mantelet you all voted on.

September 10th, 1781

2011-09-10T13:30:00.000-04:00

In a few days we depart for Paris once more, where Msr. Poisson waits to meet with me on my arrival. Maman remains very curt and cold, and is not as well-pleased by my plan to divide the proceeds from the sale of Lespinasse with Andre. I understand how she must be feeling, though she little realizes it. It is her family home, though only for a few years, the sole legacy she had to give any of us, and now it will pass to strangers, but some sacrifice must be made. I am also giving up the place of my birth, to which she does not seem so much attached.

Andre is quite happy to acquiesce to this plan, as I knew he would be. He and his fiancee did not seem particularly taken with the castle when they visited, and it is a much older building than my other residences, they could hardly live there in style- or live there at all on their income. My estate agent is hunting for a buyer even now.

I have received no reply to my letter sent to the dowager Countess of Rodez. If I cannot garner an invitation to visit I will be unable to put the other parts of my plan into action; and for all I know she already has a match in mind for her daughter, so time is of the essence.

Today is for packing yet again, I think some sewing or music, reading, and hoping for a letter from my husband.

Olympe, Comtesse

Book Review- The Widow Cliquot

2011-09-05T22:25:00.000-04:00

“The Widow Clicquot is someone we should all know about.... Long a shadowy, legend-obscured figure, in Tilar Mazzeo’s agile hands the widow sheds her weeds and takes form before our eyes as a distinctly modern entrepreneur....The result is narrative history that fizzes with life and feeling.”

Thus wrote one reviewer of this book, and having just finished it I can heartily agree. It is the first thing I've read in a while that was a pure pleasure from start to finish, and the narrative style makes for an easy and fast-paced journey. I learned so much about wine-making, history (both cultural and broadly European), and social convention. It was at times hard to put down. From the terrifying times of the Revolution to Napoleon, the Franco-Prussian War and nineteenth-century gentleman's clubs, it showcased the business acumen, heartbreak, and daring of a remarkable woman, the widow (veuve) Cliquot, who founded a champagne empire in the aftermath of her husband's early death.

At times it seemed as if the odds were too high and the times too dangerous for anyone to have survived and thrived, but that's exactly what she did through a combination of shrewd decisions, dangerous ventures, technological advances, and pure luck. Through it all both the historical figure and the author herself shine through, larger than life; one in a quest for success, and the other chasing after the woman behind the incredible true story.

More than a tale of economics and women's stuggle for equality, it's a human story with the best of themes; loss, rebirth, and triumphing over tremendous adversity. I found it truly inspiring.

Read this book? Liked it? Hated it? Leave me a comment to let me know!

A Cause De- The Family of Chevigne During the Revolution

2011-09-02T19:47:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since we had an "A Cause De", but I came across this story while reading The Widow Cliquot and it's a good example of the experience of many families during the Terror, so perhaps more of an "Apres Ca".

The Count of Chevigne was a fond friend of the King, and held the honor of riding in his carriage and accompanying him on hunts, while his wife assisted at the balls of Marie-Antoinette and received invitations to the theatre at Versailles. Together with their four daughters and only son, Louis, they had a perfect life.

Then the Revolution of 1789 struck, and the Count went to fight with the royalist forces, leaving his wife and children behind. For a while they were left alone, fearful, but unharmed, but at the height of the Terror the arrest order finally came. The Countess, her sister the Countess de Marmande, and all five of the children were taken to prison to await trial and sentencing, even though her son was but a toddler. The condition of the prisons was abysmal and disease ran rampant. The Countess of Chevigne was starved and brutalized by the prison guards and watched her sister and three of her daughters succomb to illness and die.

Knowing that either by illness or guillotine her death was imminent the Countess made a desperate decision, begging a woman passing through the halls of the prison to take her two remaining children, in the hopes that they would survive and rejoin their father. Sadly he too would die within the year, and the children never reached him. They were instead adopted by two wealthy women from Nantes.

Eventually the children, and their uncle the Count of Chaffault, survived, and in the Napoleonic era Louis, now a grown man, was able to distinuish himself and regain the title Count of Chevigne, though none of the money that had once gone with it.

August 30th, 1781

2011-08-31T15:11:00.001-04:00

Ensconced in Portaberaud once more, near to the bustle of Riom. Today I meet with Maman, who will hopefully forgive me when she hears of my plan to share the proceeds from the potential sale of Lespinasse with Andre. It is curious that he and Mlle Delacoeur have been engaged for nearly a year and yet no plans for their wedding have been made. Do they ever intend to actually marry? Maman thinks it may not happen, and some letters from Andre give cause for doubt as well.

I have been very productive with letters gone in haste to my cousin Godefroy Duc de Bouillon about the presentation of R's sister, and several to my land agent about the sale of Lespinasse and Opme, as well as one to Andre regarding the same. Now I wait for replies, but am not idle in the meantime for Msr. Poisson at court has been in communication with me, and proposes to come to Sully as soon as I return to Paris.

I have been much absent from court in recent years, but I intend to return with style so to promote Thierry's return. I have sent word also to my marchande des modes that I will need new clothing, including a new court gown. I intend to be present with F- when my cousin makes the presentation; it will stop wagging tongues from continuing to push for enemity between us, and allow me to better facilitate a match, as well as reminding those who will have forgotten that I am closely related to the Duke and in line to inherit the Duchy since it is known that his son cannot produce an heir.

Even if it takes all of the resources I can command, we will win.

Olympe, Comtesse

Pop Quiz- French Monarchs

2011-08-29T23:19:00.002-04:00

My husband introduced me to online quizzes recently, which I enjoy, especially if they provide something of a challenge. My attempt at naming all of the Roman Emperors was not very successful, I'm not even going to tell just how abysmally I did; but on French Monarchs I earned a respectable 45/52 and I really should have remembered at least two more.

Test yourself and let me know how you do!

French Monarchs Quiz

The Countess' New Clothes- Stomachers

2011-08-28T17:40:00.002-04:00

Proof that some sort of progress is being made, I am kicking off my whole new 18th century wardrobe by finishing some old projects. The oldest of all is a stomacher that has been languishing in my sewing pile for twelve years. Yes, twelve years is a long time for a project that was so close to completion even then, but at the time I had nothing to put it on and ended up changing the color scheme of the dress I had intended it for.

In order to be finished all I really need to do is finish adding the pearl beads (as seen in the closeup), bind the bottom edge with a white or coloured bias ribbon, and add tabs on the sides so that it can eventually be pinned onto a robe a la francaise.

There were as many different ways to decorate a stomacher as imagination allowed, so I thought I would include some beautiful examples.

English embroidered stomacher

Mid-18th c. crewelwork

Ribbon rose decoration

These are all floral designs, as is mine, but lace, undulating pinked fabric swirls, beading, crossed fabric, and especially echelles "ladders" of bows were all popular.

August 24th, 1781

2011-08-24T00:09:00.000-04:00

Returning to Auvergne by way of Marseille and the road to Lyon as I had to go post. The money is low and I am sick to death of worrying about it. I have it in mind to sell all but three of my residences, which leaves me with a difficult decision. I am by far most fond of Saint Saturnin, but the seclusion that makes it my favorite also makes it one of the least useful of my holdings. Portaberaud in Riom must stay as I need a city residence, and I must clearly continue to lease Sully in Paris. That leaves Opme where I was born, and Lespinasse which is the only ancestral holding and legacy of my mother's family. Maman is already angry enough with me, selling Lespinasse would only add fuel to the fire.

I am of a disposition to be quick and decisive. Yes, Portaberaud must stay and Saint Saturnin is my home, I will not dispose of them. Perhaps I can come to an arrangement with Andre. Gift him Lespinasse as Maman wishes, but on the condition that he sell the castle and divide the proceeds with me. It is still a generous gift. That leaves Opme, where I rarely go and which is so in need of repair that selling it would lift a great burden from my purse while adding to the largesse. I could likewise combine my household staff if the new owners had no need of them, and save on the care of so many in diverse places.

So doing will give me ample funds with which to bring Thierry home from Venice, for I will need new friends, and that takes coin. I have already written to Msr. Poisson, who was ever our friend, and I have it in mind to try and renew the friendship we had with F-, and I believe I have an idea how best to accomplish this.

A rumor reached me when I was last in Lyon that R-'s sister is leaving the convent school there where she has been for many years. I think a visit to their widowed mother and an offer to have my cousin assist her presentation at court would put them quite in my debt. From there it will be easy to arrange a meeting between she and F-. If I know him, he will have forgotten all about her very existance, and it won't take much to convince him that R- would wish him to marry his sister. He may, in fact, be grateful for the introduction. That makes at least a small group of supporters for my cause.

To Auvergne, to Paris, to arms! I am full of vigor and feel that I could gallop all the way to Paris in a day. This time I won't let anything stop me.

Olympe, Comtesse

Research for hats

2011-08-21T23:46:00.000-04:00

As I begin to work on all of those sewing and construction projects I promised to blog about when I returned from my honeymoon, I find that I am in the mood for some millinery. I love hats, modern and historical styles, and I fortunately received some training in graduate school on how to make them. So I've been researching some of my favorite 18th-century styles to decide which one to make first.

I have one hat blank from a costume sale I organized that would be great to cover or decorate to create something like this...

Or I could shape a felt one on a hat block for a look like this...

(This is my favorite)

I also have a whole roll of buckram if I decide to make one of these styles...

How about a few more, just for inspiration?

(Pictures courtesy of "Eighteenth-century French Fashion Plates" edited by Stella Blum; and "The Complete Costume History" by Auguste Racinet)

August 17th, 1781

2011-08-17T13:37:00.000-04:00

Today I sailed from Venice for Marseille again, leaving behind the husband it took me so long to attain. No word from France means that I must return to try and find out why he has not yet been exonerated. Very likely it is only that little official business is being transacted while the court is it at Fountainbleau, but Thierry must have work to have wages. Some of his colleagues at the Ferme have been generous in sending help, for Thierry is well-liked wherever he goes, but it is not enough to keep him in any sort of style so we have had to move him to more humble lodgings.

I loathe the idea of returning to Paris where my failed marriage plans with the Marquis only a few months ago are likely to follow me in whispers. I fled in such a hurry the last time I was there that there are certain to be some people who feel rather slighted. I shall play the injured party (after all, it was technically the Marquis who called off the wedding), and pretend that it was in embarassment that I left.

The Mediterranean is calm and blue and it soothes my cares considerably, even as my heart aches for my husband with whom I have had so little time. He promises to write to me often, and will address his letters to "Mme Duverger". I am tired of travel already, and still there is so far to go. Venice to Marseille, Marseille to Saint Saturnin, Saint Saturnin to Riom (for I must make peace with Maman), and finally Riom to Paris. I envy the peasants who may marry and settle into a life of quiet industry. So little to concern them.

Olympe, Comtesse

August 10th, 1781

2011-08-14T15:32:00.000-04:00

Finally I am able to breathe and to write at last. Such a tremendous number of things have happened since my last entry that it will take me many hours to recount them.

I was to meet my brother, Andre, and his fiancee Miss Delacoeur, at my chateau Lespinasse, but first I would stop in Lyon to pick up Thierry who was in flight from the Paris authorities who had been given a letter denouncing him as a spy and a traitor. I arrived in Lyon to find that he had not arrived. This turned out to be because he was nearly apprehended just outside of Lille where we last left each other, and only escaped by riding the mail coach out of town early one morning before the soldiers were inclined to check thoroughly every passing equipage.

Not knowing where he was or if he had been arrested I was distraught, but I determined to go on to Lespinasse where he would know to join me if he were able. Accordingly, I arrived at Lespinasse, let the small staff there know that we would be having guests, and prepared myself for their arrival by choosing meals and rooms and seeing that the parts of the chateau that are not in the best condition were sealed off.

A few days later they arrived with Marianne, and still no Thierry. Four days went by, we walked in the countryside, I showed them the fortress (for so it truly is, dating from a 12th century crusader), had a picnic in the shadow of the walls, and tried our best to entertain ourselves, but Lespinasse is very remote and there is little enough to do in its environs, except to worry about an absent love.

On the evening of the fifth day a message arrived which put my fears temporarily to rest. Thierry wrote that he was in the nearby village of Saint-Beauzire staying under the name of Roland Boucher. I told my guests that I had business there the next morning and went to bed. When I arose the next morning Marianne informed me that a visitor had arrived in the night, and that it was, in fact, the Marquis de Franconville aux Bois. He was breakfasting in the dining hall with Andre and Miss Delacoeur when I went down, and greeted me very cheerfully saying that he had heard in Lyon that I was here and could not resist seeing me. Knowing that he would watch my every move and probably could track every message I sent, I didn't dare send anything to Thierry much less go in person to Saint-Beauzire.

Duly for two days more we entertained ourselves. My guests, being well-informed of the failed marriage plans between F- and I, were somewhat discomfitted by his presence, though he remained pleasant and extremely attentive. It did not, therefore, surprise me when they announced their intent to journey home, and were prepared to do so on the eighth day. I tried to cajole them into staying, but with little incentive to offer it was a useless effort. Hearing one of my attempts F- assiduously suggested that when they left we might travel to Saint-Beauzire to visit the little town, making me think that he suspected T- of being there. I wrote within the hour to everyone I could think of in Auvergne who might come to Lespinasse to give me a reason to stay and distract F- from his purpose.

A few responded before the next day, but all declined to come, many of them with houseguests of their own. The morning broke, and the carriage was loaded. I was in despair as Andre and his fiancee took their leave, but as the carriage made to depart a rider appeared with another message, this one a response from Adrienne, with whom I had spent an entire summer two year prior. She wrote that she and her family would have been only too happy to come visit had I been at Saint Saturnin, which is not so far from her home in Briancon. I clapped my hands with joy and, wishing my brother well, fled into the house to my desk. I grabbed a passing servant on the way and told him to inform the house that we were to depart for Saint Saturnin at once. A few scribbled lines and a message was dispatched to Adrienne telling her that I was to be at Saint Saturnin on the morrow, and that I wanted very much to see she and her children.

In the bustle of packing, in which F- looked most irritable, I was able to write another note to T- telling him of my departure, but gave instructions that it should not be delivered until after F- had departed because I did not yet know if he would attempt to accompany me, go back to Paris or Franconville-aux-Bois, or go himself in search of Thierry. In the end he grumbled that he had business in Paris, and would leave the next day.

After a light lunch we set out and never was I more relieved to see my beloved Saint Saturnin, especially when I found that a note was waiting for me. It read "Dare not linger in Saint-Beauzire. Gone to Marseille to take ship. Meet there by July 23rd if you can." It was by now June 23rd and I knew that the money couldn't last much longer than a month. Adrienne and her three children, all much grown, arrived three days later and proceeded to stay much longer than I had thought. Emiline is old enough to be married now at the age of 15, fully half my age and is quite a beauty. Her sister, Bethanie-Marie, was away at a convent school most of the year, but is home now for a while, she is very quiet and shy. The little boy, Charles, is only 4 and like all small children loves to run and talk incessantly. I began to worry by the 15th of July if they would ever leave, and had received no further communication from T- though I had sent word of my situation. No doubt he thought it foolish for me to have houseguests at a time like that, but they kept F- from following me.

Finally on the 20th they departed, and once more I had the carriage packed, I took all of the coin I could muster and ran the horses at a most frightful pace over the mountains of Auvergne for two days, finally arriving on the 22nd in Marseille. It was a difficult thing to track down Thierry, but once I found him it was a joyous reunion. We were able to locate a priest who would dispense with the bans and agreed to marry us. We wasted no time on new clothes or flowers, but only a simple gold ring which Thierry had waiting upon my arrival. At four o-clock in the afternoon we were married and never was anything more sweet than to gaze upon the face of my husband and see my love returned.

A few days of travel arrangements and we sailed for Italy where we remain in a beautiful Palazzo in Venice awaiting word of Thierry's exoneration. Soon we must decide whether I return to France or not, for the money is running very low. That is a concern for another day, however. Today is for lying in each other's arms, listening to the lapping of the canal.

Olympe, Comtesse

And I Quote- Napoleon in Italy

2011-08-13T11:29:00.001-04:00

Napoleonic-era naval uniform
Naval History Museum in Venice

When Napoleon was in Italy he is supposed to have remarked "All Italians are plunderers. [Gli Italiani tutti ladroni.]"
Whereupon an Italian lady, overhearing him, replied "Not all, but a good part. [Non tutti, ma buona parte.]"

Edit: You know, on closer reading I wonder if "buona parte" was intended as a pun on "Bonaparte" by the witty lady. Hmm...

Devonshire Shoes from American Duchess

2011-08-08T10:45:00.000-04:00

I can tell you that as enjoyable as my honeymoon was it's good to be home. Of course, one of the first things I did when I arrived back was to order my pair of American Duchess "Devonshires" while they were still on pre-order. Remember back in March when I told you about the lovely satin Georgiana shoes?

Did you get a pair for yourself? Aren't they lovely?! Were you perhaps one of those people who wished that they were available in a material slightly more hard-wearing than satin for all of your outdoor events? The brand new Devonshires were meant for you! They are made of dyeable leather, so you can have them match your outfit and last more than one season.

There is a downside, however; the pre-sale only goes for two more days until AUGUST 10TH! After that they will be $120, instead of $100. Don't miss out!

Wedding Teaser

2011-07-26T11:12:00.000-04:00

Alright, I'm a happy bride heading out on my honeymoon today to Venice, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey; but before I go I thought I would really quickly post a couple of photos taken by our guests. Can you see the 18th century and Russian influences?

Norway

2011-07-24T12:46:00.002-04:00

My heart and my prayers go out to the people of Norway. I was at Virginia Tech during the shooting there several years ago, but I can only imagine the grief and shock they must be experiencing at this time. This is the very meaning of tragedy.

Out of the office

2011-07-20T10:30:00.000-04:00

I hope you will all forgive me if I am absent for a week or two. I am getting married on Friday and will then be off to the Mediterranean for my honeymoon. When I return the mad sewing of many projects begins, so I promise you lots of photos and research will resume. Wish me luck!

How to Decorate Your 18th Century Shoes

2011-07-16T12:45:00.000-04:00

I'm very excited, my shoes from American Duchess (link on the photo) are in! I was in the process of moving when I ordered them and wasn't 100% sure what the new address was going to be, so I had them sent to my parents house where they are waiting for me to pick them up tomorrow.

The question is, how to decorate them? Below are some extant shoes from the site shoe-icons.com which is a lovely resource for close-ups and information on shoes throughout the century, and the Bata Shoe Museum.

I could tie mine with a little bow in a contrasting color and applique some embroidery on them, like this little yellow pair. The ribbon could even be changed out depending on the outfit I wear it with.

Or maybe buckles are the way to go. I have a pair of paste buckles from a previous pair of shoes that are just waiting to be re-used. Simple, effective, iconic.

Then there are my favorite shoes in the world; these lattice-embroidered yellow shoes from the late 18th century. The buckles are huge and ornate, and the heel is a different color than the body of the shoe. Of course there are always rosettes, cockades, wide trims down the front of the shoe, fringe even, anything you can imagine! What would you do?

Favorites and Blog-anniversaire Giveaway Winner

2011-07-13T00:13:00.000-04:00

1789 Vigee-LeBrun "Portrait of a Lady"

I could spend all day everyday working on things for my wedding, and still it feels like I never get to check off more on my list than I put on. Still, I have time to post this portrait for your enjoyment. I love the way the artist has shown the sheer striped fabric. The simplicity of her elegant pearl drop earrings and large bow- delightful. Blue and white is a colour combination that never goes out of fashion. Someday I should make a dress based on this portrait.

I also have time to announce that Abby, at Stay-ing Alive is the winner of the Blog-anniversaire giveaway. Abby, please contact me within 14 days to claim your fan and postcard, and thanks so much for visiting!

Dogs and Cushions, or How to Travel in Comfort and Style

2011-07-09T21:32:00.000-04:00

Long-time readers of this blog will recall that I have a one-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Reinette, whom I adore as all puppy parents do. I have found however, that traveling with her on my lap, while a nice idea, is somewhat uncomfortable. She tries to sit up or changes position and digs her little feet in my thighs which end up bruised and raw by the end of the trip. What's a lady to do?

Wondering about this I started to notice that ladies pictured with their dogs frequently had them standing next to them, or on a table, or held in their arms rather than on their laps. Might they have had the same problem?

Thinking of the many pictures of spaniels perched on cushions, I decided to combine the two and see if she would stay on it, and if that would make things any more comfortable for us.

I'm pleased to report that it was a success, so now Reinette and I will only be trapsing about the country to visit friends and family with a pillow on hand.

June 6th, 1781

2011-07-06T23:03:00.000-04:00

I've played a trick on those who are against Thierry and I, and I am not the least bit sorry for it. I wrote, knowing that Marianne would read it, that Thierry and I were to separate and he would flee France and I would go probably to Auvergne. Then I went by carriage to Ferney to my half-brother, Andre, and stayed with he and his fiancee, Caroline Delacoeur. I invited them to come stay with me for a time at Lespinasse Castle, since it was the childhood home of his mother as well. I know that Maman would like for me to make it a wedding gift to them, but she little realizes how much I need the income that would come with selling it.

Leaving Marianne with them to help prepare for an extended visit, I came away ostensibly to arrange everything at Lespinasse, but instead travel by carriage to Lyon at this very moment, there to meet with Thierry, and from thence will travel on to Lespinasse. I should be very much surprised if F- or anyone else remembers this least consequential of my castles. This being so there will be no one to disturb our wedding. They may follow us around the world, but we will be married, and soon.

Olympe, Comtesse

Costume Poll

2011-07-03T20:44:00.000-04:00

Preparing for a wedding is so time-consuming! I thought that my work as a costume assistant and coordinator would have made me well-suited for this, but then there's a lot fewer emotions in professional projects; besides, there's always another show to look forward to.

Given my grand scheme of re-doing my entire 18th-century wardrobe after the honeymoon I'm trying to decide where to start. Your thoughts are most welcome.

A mantelet au lever de l'aurore (dressing gown) with quilted and embroidered petticoat? I already have all of the fabric and trim for this project, in fact using it up would help clear space in my stash.

I could start small with a pair of jumps? They would be a good draping project for over my new stays, and these petit-point "buttons" would be darling.

How about something I can wear out of the house, as it were? Like maybe a riding/traveling costume. Again, I have most of the fabric for this, even a giant roll of buckram for the hat, and I have made one similar to it so patterning shouldn't be a problem.

Then, of course, there's always the fourth option; do something completely different! What would you suggest?

Famous Words- Henri de la Rochejaquelein

2011-07-01T01:05:00.001-04:00

During the uprising of the Vendee when royalists in southern France clashed with the French Republic troops, the young (royalist) general Henri du Vergier, Comte de la Rochejaquelein famously said; "Mes amis, si j'avance, suivez-moi! Si je recule, tuez-moi! Si je meurs, vengez-moi!" ("Friends, if I advance, follow me! If I retreat, kill me! If I die, avenge me!").

Recipe for Cygnes

2011-06-29T20:27:00.000-04:00

Back from the world of technology to the world of pleasure; the pleasures of the table, to be exact. A few years ago I held a tea in 18th-century style, which included fruit tarts, petit-fours (dyed to match my dress), lemonade, gourmet sandwiches, fruit, Paris-Brest cake, and much more; but my favorites were these little cream-filled "swans". The photo shows them in the bottom right-hand corner just as they were made and plated by my good friend Michael.

To make Cygnes:

(For 6 swans)

1 1/4 cups pate a choux (puff pastry)

1 egg, beaten with a pinch of salt (to create an egg wash)

2 cups creme chantilly (or whipped cream)

powdered sugar

1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare pate a choux, spoon into pastry bag with a 5/8" fluted nozzle, and on a lightly-greased baking sheet, pipe out six 2X3" choux. Hold the pastry bag slightly inclined and draw it out to make an oval. Stop squeezing, then pull the nozzle back and up to form a small point.

2) Replace the nozzle with a 1/4" round nozzle and pipe out six 3" long candy cane shaped choux for the swans' necks.

3) Brush all pate a choux with beaten egg and bake for 15 mins, then lower the heat to 400-degrees, prop the oven door open, and bake for another 15-20 mins. The smaller choux will bake faster than the large pieces, so remove them when they are ready. Do not undercook them. Cool.

4) While the choux are cooking prepare the chantilly and chill.

5) With a serrated knife, cut the top off each choux, about 1/3 of the way down. Cut each top in hald lengthwise to create "wings". Remove any fragments of undercooked dough from the middle.

6) Spoon the cream into a small pastry bag and fill the bottoms. Place the necks at the wider end, well-anchored in the cream. Place the two halves of the wings, cut side down in the chantilly.

7) Pipe rosettes of cream down the back and between the wings. Dust the wings lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.

Serve within 2 hours. Bon appetit!

(Recipe from "Encyclopedia of Classic French Pastries" by Susan Whatley. 1993)

Difficulties with Posting Comments

2011-06-29T14:23:00.000-04:00

Recently I noticed that I was having a problem commenting or responding to comments on my own blog. I would click on "comment", write what I wanted to say, choose an ID to respond as, enter my word verification...and be asked to sign in. I'd sign in, and be sent right back to Anonymous land. Maybe you've been having this problem too, and in case you have I will tell you what finally worked for me.

Go to your dashboard and click "Sign Out" in the upper right-hand corner. It will take you to the sign-in page. UNCHECK the "Remember me" or "Keep me signed in" box, and sign in as normal. For some reason this should take you out of the sign-in loop so that it actually does remember your ID. It's counterintuitive, but it works.

Hope this helps!

The Millinery Shop at Colonial Williamsburg

2011-06-26T22:48:00.000-04:00

Abby, over at Stay-ing Alive, has posted a lovely review of her crazy-sewing-schedule-fueled weekend event at Colonial Williamsburg. The lucky girl actually works at CW and was able to utilize their excellent staff and resources to pull off a beautiful outfit complete with hat in a week! I suddenly feel so lazy.

Intrigued by her post I looked up the shop from which she borrowed the hat, and came across a very detailed article about Margaret Hunter's Millinery Shop which originally appeared in a Colonial Williamsburg publication. As such all rights are theirs, and I make no claim to the contrary. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Blog-anniversaire Part Deux!

2011-06-25T12:45:00.000-04:00

Omigosh, I almost missed my own Blog Anniversary! June 30th 2009 I started posting, mostly as a place to keep my little diary of a noblewoman, but also to share in the wonderful community of 18th century enthusiasts that I have come to appreciate more every day. To celebrate two years of blogging I will be giving away two gifts, but there's a catch; to be eligible you must leave me a comment on any post from now until July 1st. I would be particularly interested to know how you became interested in the 18th century.

But Olympe, what are these gifts of which you speak? I'm glad you asked. One guest will receive a pierced brise-style scented fan

and a second guest will receive a postcard from Pretty Girl Postards to send to anyone you would like.

In the meantime let's pop open a bottle of champagne, deal the cards, kick off our silk slippers under the table, and get down to the serious business of celebrating!

May 23rd, 1781 Nuptials...or Not

2011-06-23T00:35:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow we marry! I am overflowing with joy at the thought, and yet it hardly seems real. A few hours, which I would call short, but they will not seem so; and then I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine.

I fled Paris by the Porte de Versailles, knowing that even if F- were waiting for me he would expect me to head south out of the city towards Auvergne. Meeting T- at a coaching inn nearby he joined me in my carriage and we headed for Lille instead where T- has friends and we might secure a hasty union. There has been talk of going to Florence or Venice or Rome to get away from France until things have calmed down, but I fear that would only make them worse. Now here we are, in Lille and a local priest has agreed to marry us, for a price, of course.

Oh, but I have forgotten to mention that as I was leaving Sully who should arrive but Christine! I had completely forgotten that she was to come to Paris for the wedding with F-, but instead we kidnapped her most willingly and have made her a party to our adventure. We will all laugh-

Christine has brought me a note and the news is bad. F- has indeed called off the wedding as requested, but he has also I suspect given the Paris police reason to suppose that T- may be a spy for the British and a friend at the Ferme writes to urge him to flee until the matter can be sorted out. I have sent Christine to bring T- back here at once from his errands. Do we go together or stay long enough to be married tomorrow?

Neither, I think. If F- wishes to prevent our marriage then he has succeeded in that at least temporarily, but he will expect T- and I to run away together, and if we do he may be caught and thrown into jail. F- will delay the trial all he can; and to think that not long ago he was our dearest friend! No, I will go to Auvergne for the summer, as the court retires to Fountainebleau, and they will not find T- with me. He must go alone, and I must not say where. To delay would be foolish. We have waited this long, we can wait still more until these accusations have passed.

Olympe, Comtesse

Apologies and Upcoming Events

2011-06-22T00:11:00.000-04:00

Lady Delme with her Children by Reynolds 1777-80

I offer the above painting, which I have often seen at the National Gallery of Art, with my most sincere apologies for being so long absent. A show I was working on went into tech, followed precipitously by the death of my laptop's powercord. My wedding is in exactly one month and so I suspect that I will remain very busy and less communicative than I would wish. I promise, however, that when I am less busy I will begin a series of costume diaries as I make an entirely new 18th century wardrobe, complete with jewelry, gowns, outerwear, fans, and hats. Wish me luck, and stay tuned!

On Friends

2011-06-11T11:13:00.002-04:00

"Give out that you have many friends, but believe that you have but few." - French proverb

May 17th, 1781

2011-06-05T15:34:00.000-04:00

Three days until the wedding is scheduled to happen and it is now or never. I called Marianne to me as soon as I woke this morning, having slept very fitfully in fear of sleeping too late. I told her to pack a trunk or two with only those items most essential for leaving the city for the season. Fortunately this will not draw suspicion as the household is packing for me to depart for my husband's home as it is. I told her that she should also alert the coachman and one footman to be ready to leave the city at a moment's notice, but to keep out of sight until summoned. She seemed genuinely surprised, which as I feel certain she reads this journal, would greatly surprise me. I promised her the pair of earrings which the Marquis gave to me for my birthday if she could accomplish this, but only when we reached our destination safety. I then dressed simply and sent word to F- that I needed to see him urgently, and gave Maman some money to buy a few things for the wedding.

In due course he came, looking stern and peeved already, and I should admit that I feared his reaction, especially as Thierry was not there to protect me, and I have learned well in the last year not to trust my own servants. I informed him that there was to be no wedding, that Thierry and I planned to wed and that he would not hinder us. As I expected he quickly brought up the fact that I had told the King that I would marry him, and that is when I informed him that he would be the one calling it off.

He looked for a moment as if he were not sure whether to laugh or shout, and then said simply that he would do no such thing. I told him that he would or be branded a cuckold and a fool. I told him that he could await me before the priest and guests, but that I would not come. I told him that he could say he had misgivings about our marriage, say that he knew I loved another and could not force me into a loveless marriage, say that his own family (of which he is the head) opposed the match, say anything, but should call it off and let me go, or look the worse for it.

"There will be rumors of the truth." He said.
"I expect there will, but there always were anyhow." I countered. "Yours as well as mine."
He bristled at this, but seemed incapable of comment. Standing suddenly, he paused, and then strode out the door. I do not know what he will do now, but in case we are not waiting to find out. Marianne had my traveling costume laid out awaiting me when I returned to my room, and as I scribble these few lines the coach is being brought around. I escape now to Thierry who, God willing, awaits me.

Olympe, Comtesse

May 16th, 1781

2011-06-05T15:03:00.000-04:00

Thierry and I have developed a plan. I cannot know for sure whether the Marquis will agree to my wishes, especially considering his attitude towards them over the last few months. I do not entirely trust this latest, more kindly, behavior and wonder how long it can last, so we are proceeding as if he will not allow me to leave.

Nevertheless I did send a note to him this morning to ask if he would come to see me this afternoon before the ball. He sent one back saying that he was very busy and would see me tonight. Naturally I could not say what was needed there. I've made it known that I am not at home to visitors and will hold no Lever until after the wedding.

The ball in honor of our wedding was held tonight and everyone I could think of was there. The room was terribly warm and the open windows allowed the moonlight to stream in. I wore a new gown in lavendar, which has always been most becoming on me. F- was at ease in his role as host, but I could hardly hide my unhappiness for I am no actress and never have been. Maman was fairly in tears with joy, quite unconscious of my feelings, but that comes as little surprise. I realized that she, of course, endured a marriage not of her making when she wed my father so she probably has little sympathy for my plight.

Naturally I had to dance with everyone and it was in the middle of one such dance that I saw Thierry. He had not to my knowledge been invited, but there he was. In the next set he joined the dancers and for a few moments we were together before I was whirled away again. I know my eyes followed him about the room, but I had no care for the gossip of others. I lost him as the dancers broke ranks for refreshment, and when next I looked for him he was gone.

Tomorrow we set the plan in motion. Pray God we are not prevented.

Olympe, Comtesse

Pretty Girl Postcards

2011-05-29T14:30:00.000-04:00

I just discovered Pretty Girl Postcards on Etsy, and I had to share it with you! Featuring a line of historically-inspired postcards with witticisms like "All I Want is a Little More Than I'll Ever Get" and "You Are Quite Attractive For a Crazy Person", most of them are taken from 18th-century fashion plates, but there are several vintage magazine covers as well. The wide variety of texts allow for almost any occasion. I'm sending the one above to my best friend who is having a bad year in the certainty that it will make her laugh.

May 15, 1781

2011-05-16T01:08:00.000-04:00

My broken wrist seems to have healed completely, and in the meantime T- has returned from Calais. His first act was to inform me that he has been invited by a Sir William Clayton, Lord Marlow, to stay at his estate in England and that he intends to do so with permission from his superiors at the Ferme. I think that they believe this will help them in some way, though I cannot see how.

I asked him about my letters, and he replied rather sheepishly that he had thought to turn my mind to duty rather than affection, and believed me to be overwrought needlessly.

We were sitting in the salon, the heady smell of lilies coming through the open window, causing T- to comment on my love of the flower. "Forget me." He said "You will be happier for fullfilling your place, you were not made to suffer, but to be happy. I cannot continue to keep you from that."
"You will make me happy, I will make me happy! Only we two together could make that real. Who can I trust? Who love, who need as I do you? It's your advice I want when I do not know what to do, because I know you to be a man of intelligence and compassion, and not one who seeks to gratify only himself." I replied.

He began to speak again, but the strain of the last few months overcame me in an instant. "I will not believe that you can be happy with this plan either. I was foolish to think that such a farce could bring about anyone's satisfaction, but it was wrong from the start, I see that now, and everything that has happened only serves to prove it. I am tired of waiting for my hopes and plans to come to fruition. I think that there is a time to dream and a time to act, and that time is now. We will make a future for ourselves, since no one will give it to us. If I lose everything, even Auvergne itself it will be worth it to be your wife and not some piece of property, bound by contract to die in an attempt to prolong their line."

I was ranting now, but I couldn't stop the torrent. "I know myself, and this simpering, quiet, passive mouse is not who I am. I will not play this role. I will not. You will not ask it of me, if you love me." Thierry caught up my hands, pulling me into his chest to hold me quivering with rage.

Hushing me he responded "But the King, you told him you would marry the Marquis de Franconville-aux-Bois."
"He has forgiven Lafayette for abandoning his post to take a ship across the ocean and fight for the Americans before we were even at war. He will forgive me this. One small Countess can't matter so very much. But your work; might your superiors be prevailed upon to dismiss you?"
"I think that at present they find me far too useful." Thierry said with a sly smile.
"Thierry, what is the nature of the work that you do for them, and how did you come to meet with this English Lord?" I asked, concerned.
"I cannot tell you exactly what I have been asked to do, but let us simply say that it would benefit them to have me travel and learn what I can. As to Lord Marlow, he was visiting Calais and is a great admirer and scholar of Charlemagne, and finding out that I am descended from that personage we struck up an immediate friendship." He answered.

So there it is. We must find some way to alter the course of the future, but as of yet I do not know how. We must do it fast, the wedding is only two weeks away. For the first time in a long time, I feel strong. I feel myself. Hard won as it is, I will not lose that.

Olympe, Comtesse

Direct TV, 18th century style

2011-05-08T22:30:00.000-04:00

I know I just posted a video and I try not to do that back-to-back, but this was too fun not to share!

Music to my ears- Sonnerie de St. Genevieve du Mont-de-Paris

2011-05-05T23:44:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite classical pieces ever, the Sonnerie de Ste. Genevieve etc. ("the bell-toll of St. Genevieve") was composed by Marin Marais (who has such a lovely and alliterative name) in 1725. More about him later; for now just enjoy the music...

Doesn't it just give you a sense of the churchbells ringing?

March 30th, 1781

2011-05-04T00:37:00.000-04:00

A small note written with difficulty. I have broken my right wrist in a fall. A stupid slip on my own skirts. There will be few entries for a while.

- Olympe, Comtesse

Recipes from Claude Moore Colonial Farm

2011-05-02T23:56:00.000-04:00

I was searching for some 18th century recipes to try out and came across this lovely site which has 16 simple favorites for those who want an authentic meal from a colonial farm. Claude Moore Farm is located in McLean, Virginia, not far from where I live, so I will have to go visit it and give you a full report!

March 20th, 1781

2011-04-28T19:53:00.000-04:00

Two months until the wedding and I am consumed by concerns about the guest list. I could not imagine getting through the event itself without T- to reassure me, but when I insisted that he should be invited Maman said that it was out of the question. This seemingly small request became an argument, and then finally a fit of shouting, with her insisting that I would bring shame to such an important occasion and my guests would think ill of me, and I denying that anyone but her would think such a thing, and that it was all I asked of a day which should have been mine to begin with.

In the end she departed the room, slamming the door behind her and I went shopping to cheer my spirits. Arriving home some hours later I was reminded that I was due to host a small supper party this evening, and rushed to prepare. A day that begins ill rarely ends well, and I proceeded to lose at cards, fail to be a charming hostess, and was struck dumb by a simple question about last year's grape harvest in Auvergne.

F- noticed my lack of enthusiasm and I told him about the argument thinking that he would side with Maman, but to my great surprise he offered to speak with her for me. I saw them in conversation later, but have not spoken to her as she retired to bed before all of he guests had departed. I hope that tomorrow will be a better day.

Olympe, Comtesse

March 16th, 1781

2011-04-26T14:10:00.000-04:00

I have been so busy with wedding preparations that I have been much too tired to write, either here or to any of my acquaintances. The mercy is that Maman is here in town with me and so I am not receiving any complaints from her for my lack of correspondance. My hope is that with so much attention on the wedding at present I shall escape being this busy closer to the event itself.

I finally received a letter from T-, but it was very strange in that it did not mention my incident with the wedding agreement and F- at all. He wrote of his work, more about the people of Calais, some Englishmen and women he has met, how he is improving his English and should like to visit their country some day, and sounds completely unconcerned! When I have time to respond to him I shall have to ask if he has received my letters, though I cannot imagine so many going astray.

For now I am tired and must rest, Maman will have me reviewing decorating ideas, packing lists, and heaven knows what else the instant she rises in the morning.

Olympe, Comtesse

French Proverb- On Fortunes

2011-04-24T20:49:00.000-04:00

“A great fortune in the hands of a fool is a great misfortune.”

March 9th, 1781

2011-04-16T00:32:00.000-04:00

F- has returned to attending my Lever, and Maman has had me busier than I could have even imagined with wedding preparations. We argue constantly about the most trivial matters of dishes to serve, guests to be invited or not invited, and even the color of my gown. I favor a blue, but she insists I would look best in a peach, which is a color I abhor. I told her quite bluntly that I would not wear such a thing, and yet she invited a marchande to show us her wares with emphasis on "warm, bright, colours". I look best in cool, silvery pastels, but she does believe she knows best.

I try to be understanding, and I know that I am her only daughter, so she must have been dreaming of this for so long; far longer, in fact, than most since I am old to be getting married for the first time. Still, it galls me that she takes liberties with sending my servants on errands without discussing the choices with me first.

I must endure it, I suppose. I should prefer something small and private, but both F-'s family and mine would never allow it. It still feels like a dream to me, unreal, as if I will wake up any moment to find myself younger, with R- alive and T- by my side, as in days past.

Olympe, Comtesse

A Cause De- Childbirth Statistics

2011-04-12T08:50:00.000-04:00

This is less of a factor in the French Revolution of 1789, but it does help us to understand some of the fears and frustrations of people's lives.

"A woman had a one-in-twenty chance of dying as a result of the delivery, perhaps a victim of septic infection or puerperal fever, both agonizing deaths. [She] could expect...as many as half a dozen pregnancies, making those death rates a sobering statistic. Her baby had even slimmer chances of survival. French doctors estimated that nearly a third of the children born would die before the end of their second year of life."
- The Widow Clicquot

March 4, 1781

2011-04-05T23:42:00.000-04:00

Last night I dreamt of my beautiful and peaceful Saint Saturnin, and was almost surprised not to find myself there upon waking. I ache to see it again and escape town with its troubles.

This morning over breakfast Maman suggested that we take a walk with Reinette at the Tuileries. It was pleasant enough at first, but presently I recognized a figure approaching from across the gardens as the Marquis de Franconville-aux-Bois. Turning to Maman she avoided my gaze and I knew that this had been arranged between them.

He offered his arm, and after a moment's hestitation I took it. Maman followed attentively behind, and for a while neither of us spoke. Finally, he began by apologizing, to my great surprise, for having given me no notice of his intentions regarding our marriage. He spoke of his heartache in losing R-, and said that the Comte de Rodez had seen himself as my champion, for it was in his nature to be chivalrous, and that he, F-, would be remiss if he did not honor his memory by protecting me as well. Placing a hand upon mine on his arm, he said that he hoped that we could begin anew to build an alliance that would bring joy to us and our families. When I hesitated he said that I need not answer immediately, but that he would hope to call upon me often and return to the days of peace which had been our custom.

I could not deny him this, and answered that he would be as welcome a guest as ever he had been. So we walked on some more, until F- announced that he must leave us to attend to some business; but before leaving he drew out of his pocket a small box, which he said was a gift he hoped I would accept. Opening it I found that it was a miniature portrait of R-, and F- said that he had been given it three years before.

I thanked him and he departed. Returning to Sully with Maman she looked very smug, but I remain much troubled. In many ways I would prefer his cruelty to his kindess, for that is easier to oppose. I wrote an impassioned plea to T- to return to Paris, or at least advise me on what to do, but he seems to be too busy to answer me. I wish that there was a way that I might go to Calais.

Olympe, Comtesse

Champagne Revolution

2011-04-03T02:31:00.000-04:00

Around the 1-year anniversary of this blog I posted about the History of Champagne, and in complete coincidence my best friend gave me for Christmas, a book called The Widow Cliquot, which is the story of how a woman founded one of the great Champagne empires of world, in the aftermath of the French Revolution. In reading it I have come across some very interesting facts about champagne (the beverage) in the late 18th century.

- For one thing it was not the light gold, taupe, or ever-so-slightly pink color we know today, but was much more of what we would call a Rose; even as dark as a puce and was refered to as "eye of the partridge".
- It was also extremely sweet, even more so than our sweetest dessert wines today. Compare our common sweet champagnes today with 20 grams of residual sugar to their 200 grams, and in Russia at the time something with up to 300 grams of sugar was prefered!
- Lastly, we like our champagne to be chilled, but they typically enjoyed it frosty to the point of having a slushy-like consistency. Sounds like a delightful way to end a dinner to me!

March 3, 1781

2011-04-01T23:09:00.000-04:00

Maman arrived this morning, which was the first morning that I had held a Lever in quite a while. The proceeds from the sale of Chateaugay have not arrived yet, but I feel confident enough in their eventuallity to expend some credit with my Marchande des Modes, and have ordered new shoes, hats, and a new gown.

Fortunately I was mostly dressed and all but one of my male visitors had departed when Maman was shown in to my room. As Marianne put the finishing touches to my coiffure, she settled herself into a chair and began to complain unceasingly about my lack of communication with her, especially regarding the wedding. She paused at one point to say "I do suppose you are still planning on going through with it, aren't you?" But then continued leaving no space for me to answer. When Marianne was finished and dismissed I made ready to speak with Maman, but she indicated a sudden need to settle herself into her room and left me at that.

Over dinner this afternoon she informed me that we would be buying my wedding clothes tomorrow, and so she seems to have decided to take everything into her own hands. I'm sure she means to assist in purchasing everything, after all, her husband is a magistrate of Riom, but I still cannot help but balk at the feeling of purchasing my own chains.

I almost expected to see F- at my Lever, and feared to lest everyone be made aware of the discord between us, but he has not appeared and I have had no communication from him. I wonder if we shall speak again before we meet before the priest.

Still no word from T-, I wonder what he can be thinking? Is he on his way to me?

Olympe, Comtesse

February 28th, 1781

2011-03-31T23:02:00.000-04:00

Before I give any of my own news I feel I must record that the Queen is at last pregnant again. Naturally everyone hopes and prays for a little dauphin (all except for the King's brothers, I should say), and there is a cautious kind of rejoicing. No one is completely willing to celebrate until he is here, since last time it was a little princess we received.

I received a letter from Maman yesterday morning, who was in a state about a letter she had in turn received from a "concerned" F-, who feared I may be having thoughts of abandoning our nuptial plans. Naturally he appealed to her as a mother to sway my heart and good sense. She is coming to Paris, and nothing I say will stop her. She has also heard of the sale of Chateaugay and somehow feels neglected in not having been consulted about my decision to do so; as if it were hers of which to dispose. She says that next I will be "throwing away" Lespinasse, her childhood home. I naturally wrote to comfort her and allay such fears, but I do not know what I shall say to her about the wedding when she arrives, as F-'s fears are entirely founded upon truth.

Still no word from T- in Calais. I begin to wonder if my letters can have gone astray, for now I have sent several with no answer.

Olympe, Comtesse