The Countess' New Clothes- designs

As promised previously, and somewhat belatedly delivered, here are two of the designs for Olympe's new clothes. I hope to have them completed in reality by the end of the month.

Travel outfit & Mantelet au Lever de l'Aurore (dressing gown)

I will post pictures as soon as they are complete.

And I Quote...

"A charming woman uses more subtlety and politics at her dressing than there are in all the governments of Europe."

- Petit Dictionnaire de la cour (1788)

January 4, 1780

It is quite cold, a fact which deters my inclination to leave the city, but the desire to spend time openly with Thierry overcomes all else. We have determined that as soon as I may take the puppy, we will travel to Riom where our families are, and will both stay at my castle, Chateaugay. When the weather warms a little, we will then proceed further south to dear Saint Saturnin.

In the meantime I am busying myself with seeing to the last orders from my marchandes, and planning the masquerade. There is something so delightfully wicked in hiding identities. I have on more than one occasion had cause to note that people are very different when masked, and do what they otherwise would not. Thierry will fit right in, I hope. Today I will decide the menu, and send someone to the printer's for invitations. There is still much to do before the 15th, including having my costume re-made.

There is yet an answer to be made about the Duchy, but I admit I have been avoiding it. I will speak to T- and see what advice he gives, as well as Msr. Poisson.

Olympe, Comtesse

January 3, 1780

After a quiet New Years with T- we have begun in earnest to plan our escape. It appears that we may leave at the end of the month, but I have ordered several new ensembles and if they are not finished in time then we will delay until they are. There is no better time to acquire new clothing than while one is in Paris. I also, of course must wait for the puppy.

There is some concern about the roads, but the other problem is that the money which I brought is nearly gone, and I do so want to settle with my creditors before I leave.

Another problem I have to consider is whether to bring Pauline home with me, or leave her here with her new husband. I am by no means certain of the treatment she will receive on her own, but I have no use for an additional footman in Auvergne and it seems somehow improper to separate them. However, I'm sure her mother would wish to see her, and by keeping her close I may ensure that she and her child receive the best care. I have determined to keep l'Hotel de Sully at least for a while, and so Mme le Sang-Boeuf and the other servants will stay on.

No word from Maman yet to say that she has arrived safely in Riom. I have finally done as she suggested and visited Saint Cyr yesterday. The sisters look the same as they ever did, and several who were there at my time yet remain. They very much appreciated the books I brought, and the girls were happy for the oranges and sweets. I know what they were thinking, nonetheless; why is this lady unmarried? That being the destination of all our training I would seem to have failed. I of course could not tell them about Thierry.

Comtesse de R- and others are coming for cards soon, so I must prepare. Before I leave I must organize a party of some sort. I shall make plans for that today as well. If I make it a masquerade perhaps T- could attend.

Olympe, Comtesse

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone a happy, safe and prosperous New Year! May all of your sewing projects be on time and under-budget!

December 30, 1779

I have received several invitations to parties celebrating the new year, but knowing Thierry would be left out I have declined them in favor of a quieter evening with him. We shall instead celebrate a new beginning for us.

Comtesse de R-, hearing of my interest in acquiring a puppy informed me that one of her's has just whelped, and she says I may have one of the dear little ones when they are weaned from their mother. I am very excited, and have been to see the litter where I picked out a lovely red and white girl, who (if she survives) will go home with me to Auvergne.

Maman received a letter from her husband, Msr. Cordelay, who requested that she and Mattieu return home. Despite my own planned departure after the Christmas season, they left this morning. Mattieu will finish his studies in Riom, and they must decide very soon what next to do with him. I will miss being near to him.

It being now late in the morning and having had my tea, I must dress and see to some letters. Perhaps I will choose some fabric for my new anglais, but as it is cold I think I would much rather stay at home.

Olympe, Comtesse

December 28, 1779

I have always loved the turn of the year, and I think that with the beginning of a new decade we may well see the fulfillment of our hopes and desires. Thierry and I are considering returning to Auvergne, even though the roads will be difficult this time of year.

Being only two months along, Pauline is not yet showing her condition, but continues to be rather ill, especially in the mornings, which means that Marianne is wont to attend me alone. She, I am sure, would much prefer to remain in Paris, and will only put on airs as she did the last time we had been to town. I did finally receive a request from the footman, Gilbert Boucher, who was instrumental in the candle incident in August. He has requested the latest edition of the Encyclopedie, which I suspect he knows is actually several volumes. As I do like to see people educate themselves I will not spare the expense; I believe there is even an additional index now.

Msr. Poisson has assisted Thierry by once more giving him lodging at his own residence, but as I mentioned we are thinking of leaving soon anyhow. Maman has been in a temper, and I think the cold is getting into her bones. We are enjoying a very nice Christmas, but after a while one does long for home and the solitude of being away from people who give their opinions where they are not wanted.

The most pleasant thing is that Thierry and I have begun to discuss in earnest plans for marrying. This naturally figures into our desire to return home, where we may be together without comment or censure. I always have such high hopes for the new year, but never more so than now. Sometimes my own happiness frightens me, it is so tenuous.

Olympe, Comtesse