From a young age he was taught to steer his way blindfolded through labyrinths. He has honed the skill at great cost, first navigating through the vagaries of court intrigue, a foreigner and the Dauphin’s favorite, then faced with the brutal realities of war, and later escaping the deadly labyrinths of Fez, and the treacherous … Continue reading Chapter Four- Artful Diversions, by Mordaunt
Ballet Royal de la Nuit
costume of Louis XIV as apollo in the Ballet Royal de la Nuit. costumes by henri de Gissey (c.1621-1673) Louis XIV, indeed recited these verses on February 23,1653 at the Ballet Royal de la Nuit, written by Isaac de Benserade. The music for the ballet was written by Jean de Cambefort, Jean-Baptise Boesset, Michel Lambert, … Continue reading Ballet Royal de la Nuit
Marie Madeleine de Vignerot
Marie de Vignerot was the daughter of René de Vignerot, Seigneur de Pontcourlay, and Françoise de Plessis, the elder sister to Armand-Jean du Plessis. Marie’s father was in the court of Henri the IV as Gentleman of the Chamber and Captain of the Guard. Her mother Francois was a devout woman and instilled in her … Continue reading Marie Madeleine de Vignerot
Gaston Jean-Baptiste, Comte de Comminges (1613-1670)
Poor M. de Comminges! This is the only case where the fictionalized character in our story is not at all faithful to history. The real Comminges was the nephew of Francois de Gitaut, Comte de Comminges (1581-1663), known as the old Guitaut, who was the Captain of Anne of Austria's Guards. Gaston succeeded his uncle in … Continue reading Gaston Jean-Baptiste, Comte de Comminges (1613-1670)
Moyse Charas
Moyse Charas, or Moses Charas (2 April 1619 – 17 January 1698) was an apothecary during the reign of Louis XIV. He became famous for publishing compendiums of medication formulas, which played vital roles in the development of modern pharmacy and chemistry. He was pharmacist to Charles II of England. He was arrested and imprisoned by the Spanish … Continue reading Moyse Charas
Chapter Two- Oubliette, by Mordaunt
Above her, creaking floor-planks sag under the weight of armed men, their booted feet thumping as they march into the house. Every time one of them steps over the narrow gap between the planks, they block the ray of light that slithers into the cellar where she hides, the cellar where Mamma keeps the oils … Continue reading Chapter Two- Oubliette, by Mordaunt
The d’ Artagnan Romances & “Between Two Kings”
Alexandre Dumas, c. 1859–1870. Carte de Visite Collection, Boston Public Library/ Le Siecle- original publications (1844 & 1847) Written by Alexandre Dumas in collaboration with Auguste Maquet, whose story and strained collaboration with Dumas deserves its own post, the d' Artagnan romances remain the main inspiration for all versions of the Musketeer story, including the BBC … Continue reading The d’ Artagnan Romances & “Between Two Kings”
Soundscapes
Much of our inspiration for this story comes from music of the period. Many of our characters sing, dance, and play music. There are royal balls, ballets, elegant soirees, and rowdy taverns. Here we will be posting about all the songs and music we use our story. For the moment, click here for "our opening … Continue reading Soundscapes
Histories & People
Many characters in our story are historical. Dumas did the same with his four Musketeers. Other characters in our story, although fictional, are based on historical people and/or are combinations of historical people. As our story moves on we will be adding their stories here, for you to explore! Franz Hals 1630. Officers and sergeants … Continue reading Histories & People
Château de Bourron-Marlotte
This small château, which in the story serves as one of Rochefort's many safe-houses, is not too far from Fontainebleau and is a hotel today. The owners provide a brief history of the place, and it is in that history that we discovered a way to connect this charming place with our story. M. de … Continue reading Château de Bourron-Marlotte
