To Lt.Colonel (Retd) le Chevalier Marcel de Mylcandonai Chateau Neuf Mylcandonai-sur-Rhone Near Avignon
Cher Papa, I'm glad that you appear to have enjoyed your last trip to Paris so much. I should have known that the Bendy Wendy girls were your idea. Their performance was...interesting, but I'd appreciate it if you refrained from going into too graphic a description of their activities when Louisa is present (or any other ladies, for that matter). I'm pleased that the wedding ceremony at Notre Dame went so smoothly (the Cardinal seemed to consume an inordinate amount of wine at the Nuptual Mass, which caused me some little concern - that chalice could easily have served as a font!). Strange to relate, however, I was far more nervous the first time - despite not marrying into Royalty on that occasion. I suppose that, as the case with the battlefield and the duelling ground, one quickly becomes innured to the perceived dangers? It was truly gratifying to see the Ball so well attended, though I expect this was due more to the bride and her family than the groom, especially where all the foreign dignitaries were concerned. We even got a handsome gift from the The Traitor Sapear, together with his profound regrets that he did not feel that it would be fitting for him to attend in person. (Not a word from Hispaniola though, strangely enough). I did mention the matter of Michelle's title with His Majesty, but I fear that He has many more weighty matters to occupy him at present - not least of which is the question of the fate of Chabot. I gave His Majesty my opinion that a pardon would be singularly inappropriate in this case, but the Court is still waiting for His Majesty's final decision on the matter. Regards the possibility of a peerage for yourself, I feel that it is far too early to broach the subject with any decorum. Have you considered petitioning Duc von Fersen about the next Commissioner appointment? I'm sure that His Majesty would be delighted to elevate you to Baron if he had a firmer reason to do so than merely to please his son-in-law... Details of the new housing and coachbuilding policies have yet to materialise and, I regret, the Military Justice reforms will have to wait until they do so. I must confess that I had hoped these might be in place before the army sees action over the Summer, but the possibility of this actually happening seems increasingly remote. It's possible that the Princess and I may get the opportunity to visit Mylcandonai-sur-Rhone at the beginning of the Summer - I'll let you know when the situation becomes somewhat clearer. Where Petite Masure is concerned, I thought its purchase would have to wait until the returns from this year's arms investments materialised (why do the investment brokers always seem to drag their feet so?). As chance would have it, however, I enjoyed considerable luck at the gaming tables this month, coming out over 2,000 Crowns ahead. This will allow me to purchase Petite Masure this month, and my land agent has been instructed accordingly. That this will occasion some small satisfaction on your part is the dearest wish of Your Dutiful Son, Alain, P.S. Before you jump to any conclusions, this was the first occasion I have ever gambled in my life - and I don't intend to make a habit of it. Also, having seen you lose almost all our family estates at the tables when I was a boy, I did not hazard more than I could afford to lose. Actually, it was Louisa's idea after seeing me mope about the Palace one day. (The Minister of State keeps himself closetted most of the time, and apart from the day to day affairs of the Ministry of War - which largely take care of themselves thanks to the new systems I have instituted - there is little in the way of government business to keep me occupied). I must say that the thrill of hazarding large sums on the roll of the dice is similar to that at the beginning of a battle whose outcome is equally uncertain. Also, being the object of attention for the eager crowd which considerable stakes always seem to draw can be quite pleasant. I still look forward to having more important matters capture my attention, however.
