To Lt.Colonel (Retd) le Chevalier Marcel de Mylcandonai
Chateau Neuf
Mylcandonai-sur-Rhone
Near Avignon
Cher Papa,
It was good to see you at the wedding too, though I agree that the weather
could have been better. Let's hope that it won't be too long before you come
to a sunnier Paris for another - and that we get more chance to spend some
time together then.
I did manage to get to the bottom of the Adjutant-General question
eventually and am pleased to relate that my appointment has finally been
confirmed. I swear that these War Office clerks are a greater danger to my
health than Spanish, Dutch or Austrian musket balls ever were!
You are correct in your assumption that I have no intention of renewing any
aquaintance with my ex-wife. Her doings are of no interest to me whatsoever
these days, though I am told that you were correct in your evaluation of the
length of de Custaad's tenure. Her current beau is none other than the
Guillaume Grosscanard who made poor Nicole's life such a misery for such a
long time - and my complete absence of affection for Sue can best be gauged
by the fact that I feel no concern whatsoever for her plight.
I'm pleased to hear that you arrived back at Mylcandonai-sur-Rhone safely. I
am indeed still seeking to purchase Petite Masure but there has been a delay
due the tardiness of my Arms Investment returns - more clerks causing
headaches!
I am not privy to the reasoning behind Duc Senior's appointment of Major de
Custaad as a Minister without Portfolio - I can only assume that he can do
little damage in the absence of one. The Major was indeed lucky not to be
dragged into the du Pain trial, since it is largely thanks to him that the
regiment to which we both gave so much of our lives is now but a shadow of
its glorious past. I can't lay too much fault for this at Pic's door, since
his duties as Minister of War take up so much of his limited time.
Still, being in government at least means that the Major can't do any
further damage to the armed forces - not that any Generals of note would
consider him for a staff position anyway. Maybe that's it? Perhaps Duc
Senior felt sorry for him?
I was sorry to hear of your embarassing ailment, though I must say that,
despite your lack of personal contact with either horses or Jesuits, it does
largely seem to be your own fault. Does your physician hold out hope of a
rapid cure?
Your Dutiful Son,
Alain
