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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 8 days

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Palais de Thornolie, Salle du Trône: 22 May 1850, 15:30

[Murmured Chatter as Everyone Leaves the Room]

Le Roi Gaspard: I'm not certain any of us imagined you would clean up so well.

Comte de Montavin: [Dark Chuckle] Not sure I had a choice, Oncle.

Le Roi Gaspard: En effet. Arabella is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Let us hope for your sake your bride is not the same.

Comte de Montavin: Hmm....

Le Roi Gaspard: These things are never easy, Gaston.

Comte de Montavin: You mean having your hands tied behind your back?

Le Roi Gaspard: Given your proclivities I would be suprised if this was the first time.

Comte de Montavin: [Chuckles] I wasn't aware you knew.

Le Roi Gaspard: Ton père has always kept me informed of your whereabouts, neveu. You should hardly be surprised.

Comte de Montavin: [Sighs] I suppose not.

Le Roi Gaspard: You have grown into an honourable man, Gaston. This may not be what you intended for your life, but-

Comte de Montavin: And how would you know?

Le Roi Gaspard: You are not the only one in this room who was forced into a marriage they didn't want.

Comte de Montavin: [Shocked] You and-

Le Roi Gaspard: Oui. The last person on this Earth I ever expected to be bonded to was ta tante. But forces beyond my control made sure I had no say in the matter. I was bombarded with a wedding, a wife, and a new path in life all in one evening.

Comte de Montavin: I...I don't understand. Who would have the ability to force you into marriage?

Le Roi Gaspard: Someone long since passed...

Comte de Montavin: Qui?

Le Roi Gaspard: ...It's not important. What is important is despite what is being burdened on your shoulders is not more than you can carry. Between ton père, ta tante, and myself, you have been raised to overcome these challenges. Marriage is a fickle business, Gaston, but you have the knowledge and intelligence to manage those turbulent waters with ease.

Comte de Montavin: Did you truly just relate my impending marriage to my naval experience?

Le Roi Gaspard: [Chuckles] Merely making sure you're paying attention. Now come along, we mustn't keep ta tante waiting. I fear you've already endured her rath long enough, and I'm not sure I want to join you in your boots.

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 9 months

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Salon d’Épitoise, Palais de Thornolie: 19 May 1850, 16:00

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: [Mutters] I can see what you mean....

La Reine Arabella: I cannot fathom what could have transpired between them after the opera...she looks so crestfallen...

Duchesse de Clèrisseau: Oliver seems so as well...Her behaviour has been truly worrying, Arabella. Especially-

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Your Maman is staring at me...

Madame Adelaide: I think she's concerned...did you truly reject Oliver's invitation?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: As I wrote to him, I-

Madame Adelaide: Don't attempt to lie to me, Eleanor. I know you. Why did you really reject him?

Duc de Clèrisseau: Do you truly have to look so annoyed?

Le Roi Gaspard: [Scoffs] You of all people should not be asking me that.

Duc de Clèrisseau: [Sighs] You're never going to let this go, are you?

Le Roi Gaspard: Perhaps when you finally decide to tell me the full story.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Gaspard-

Marquis de Clèrisseau: Are you even going to speak with her?

Monseigneur Oliver: She's made it clear she doesn't wish to spend her time with me.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: I'm not sure it's that simple, Oliver.

Monseigneur Oliver: Quoi?

Steward: Monsieur le Comte de Connier, Majestés.

Le Roi Gaspard: Morel? This is certainly a surprise.

Comte de Connier: Je vous prie de m'excuser. I do not wish to intrude on your personal time, but I'm afraid the matter is rather urgent.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Morel...You're not suggesting-

Comte de Connier: I'm afraid the time is finally upon us.

Le Roi Gaspard: You're absolutely certain?

Comte de Connier: My man followed a person of interest carrying a lettter heading to the docks a few days ago.

Marquis de Clèrisseau: What is so-

Duc de Clèrisseau: Silence, Ernest.

Le Roi Gaspard: Did he make it aboard the ship?

Comte de Connier: My man attempted to stop him, but was unsuccessful.

Monseigneur Oliver: I don't follow. What is so important about stopping a man with a letter?

Madame Adelaide: Surely someone carrying something as simple as a letter is harmless, is it not?

La Reine Arabella: Hush. Monsieur, was your man successful in uncovering any further information?

Comte de Connier: Not at present, Madame. If my suspicions are correct, the time we feared is fast approaching.

Le Roi Gaspard: Messier, please escort le Duc et le Comte to my study. It seems we have much to discuss.

Steward: Oui, Majesté.

Monseigneur Oliver: I'm coming with you.

Le Roi Gaspard: Non.

Monseigneur Oliver: Have I not be forced to spend hours on end with you in order to be prepared for my role as the future Monsieur le Roi? Surely I should be involved if-

Le Roi Gaspard: That may be true, Oliver, but today is not that day. Madames et mademoiselles, pardonnez-moi. [Leaves]

[Heavy Silence]

La Reine Arabella: [Stands] Oliver-

[Oliver Storms Off]

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 9 months

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Les Jardins Privés, Palais de Thornolie: 19 May 1850, 16:15

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Oliver!

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Oliver, arrêtez vous!

Monseigneur Oliver: Go back inside, Eleanor.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: I will do no such thing.

Monseigneur Oliver: Did you hear him? Treating me as if I was just some school boy who hadn't finished his lessons? He's the one who's been preparing me to succeed him, forcing me to sit with him for hours on end, and now when there is something of a real threat he tells me to stand aside? Why is there so much mystery?! I will not stand for it!

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Do you think perhaps this may have something to do with the arguments you and Addy overheard weeks ago?

Monseigneur Oliver: Where did you hear that?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: You wrote to me. I remember everything you tell me.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Scoffs] I'm not sure why you bother to remember anything when it comes to me. Did you not reject me?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: My rejection of your invitation has nothing to do with how I feel about you and you know it!

Monseigneur Oliver: Do I? Were you not the one who said you could overcome your reservations while we watched the opera? And where are we now?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: ...

Monseigneur Oliver: [Deep Sigh] Nothing is going the way I imagined.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Everything will be alright, Oliver. I swear it.

Monseigneur Oliver: Why did you reject me, Eleanor?

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Oliver....s'il vous plaît-

Monseigneur Oliver: I must know.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: I already told you-

Monseigneur Oliver: ...Something's happened...

Mademoiselle Eleanor: Quoi?

Monseigneur Oliver: You're frightened.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: I am not. You're being absurd.

Monseigneur Oliver: Ma dulcinée-

Mademoiselle Eleanor: I'm certain once votre père know more of what is happening he'll involve you.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Sighs] Eleanor...stop attempting to side-step my question.

Mademoiselle Eleanor: I'm merely worried for you, that's all.

Monseigneur Oliver: Worried for me? Eleanor-

[Eleanor cuts him off, rushing to hug him]

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 10 months

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Palais de Thornolie: 17 May 1850, 13:45

Le Roi Gaspard: Très bon, and there's still no update from Parlement?

Duc de Clèrisseau: They should be starting the voting process in the coming weeks.

La Reine Arabella: Ah! Henri!

Duc de Clèrisseau: Arabella, bonne journée.

La Reine Arabella: I'm so glad to have caught you. Perhaps you may be able to assist me in unearthing a rather curious situation.

Duc de Clèrisseau: I shall endeavour to do my best.

La Reine Arabella: Are you aware Eleanor has rejected Oliver's invitation to join him at the Prix de Thornolie?

Duc de Clèrisseau: [Sighs] Oui...I am aware.

La Reine Arabella: Do you not find it...rather odd? At the opera everything appeared quite settled between them.

Duc de Clèrisseau: En effet...truth be told, Arabella, Eleanor has been acting peculiar ever since that night. She's withdrawn, jumpy, and any time a letter is handed to her in my presence she goes deathly pale. Charlotte and I are growing more concerned by the day. Something is clearly amiss.

La Reine Arabella: Oliver has been utterly beside himself since she sent word rejecting him...[sighs] but I suppose until we can uncover what is happening I will have to arrange for another to accompany him....Perhaps...Mademoiselle Aubert?

Le Roi Gaspard: Aubert? You cannot be serious, Arabella. You truly think it wise?

La Reine Arabella: You know as well as I Oliver must be seen making an effort, regardless if his heart has made its decision. Not to mention the Chronicle has spoken often enough regarding the two of them in recent weeks...

Duc de Clèrisseau: Perhaps...we can do something in the meantime? To reconcile whatever has happened between our two children?

Le Roi Gaspard: Honestly, is this truly necessary?

La Reine Arabella: Oui...a wonderful idea, Henri. I shall arrange for an afternoon tea in two days time. I'll go and make the arrangements now and have an invitation ready for you before you leave. We shall get to the bottom of this. I'm certain of it.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Merci, Madame.

La Reine Arabella: Oh, and Gaspard? Do try not to look so sour-faced. It's never suited you.

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 10 months

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Salon Fréluire, Palais de Thornolie: 18 May 1850, 15:30

Monseigneur Oliver: Why did it have to be Mademoiselle Aubert?

La Reine Arabella: You must be seen actively pursuing a match. Eleanor has rejected your invitation, and because you cannot show up unaccompanied I had no choice but to make the invitation.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Scoffs] But Aubert? You could have issued an invitation to practically anyone else, Maman.

La Reine Arabella: Perhaps-

Monseigneur Oliver: You do realise she and I have already agreed not to pursue a match?

La Reine Arabella: That may be, but-Adelaide, is something the matter?

Madame Adelaide: I...I'm afraid not. I feel a bit unwell. Pardonnez-moi...[Leaves]

La Reine Arabella: Adelaide-

Monseigneur Oliver: Let her go. She's suffered an emotional week.

La Reine Arabella: What do you mean?

Monseigneur Oliver: I'm not at liberty to say.

La Reine Arabella: [Sighs] The two of you and your secrets...I'll go check on her. Meanwhile, do try and not to look so heartbroken. While I cannot do much regarding Eleanor's rejection at present, I have invited her and the rest of their family for tea tomorrow so that we may discover the root of the problem. So please try and be patient. [Leaves]

Le Roi Gaspard: She speaks wise words, Oliver.

Monseigneur Oliver: I've already made my decision.

Le Roi Gaspard: [Sighs] Your heart may have made a decision, but have you-

Monseigneur Oliver: The decision is made, both by heart and reason.

Le Roi Gaspard: Then explain it me. Why her?

Monseigneur Oliver: [Sighs] I've known Eleanor for almost my entire life, Papa. There is nothing about her I do not know, and that includes all the things she doesn't wish to put on display for anyone. She possesses the greatest strength of character, a keen mind...a true queen in every sense of the word. She is steadfast in her resolutions. She is gentle in her presentations. But...

Le Roi Gaspard: Quoi?

Monseigneur Oliver: I need her to see it...

Le Roi Gaspard: Hmm...

Monseigneur Oliver: Papa?

Le Roi Gaspard: See that she does.

Monseigneur Oliver: Quoi?

Le Roi Gaspard: You've given me a great deal to think about. Thornolia will need all of those qualities, and more, in her next Madame la Reine in order to secure and maintain her future. Without someone as strong as the mademoiselle you described...you will not be able to face what lies ahead. Excusez-moi. [Leaves]

Monseigneur Oliver: What lies ahead? What do you mean? Papa?

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 9 months

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Le Cabinet du Roi, Palais de Thornolie: 19 May 1850, 16:30

Le Roi Gaspard: And you have every reason to believe the message was intended for a member of l'insurrection?

Comte de Connier: All signs point in that direction, Monsieur.

Duc de Clèrisseau: How can you be so certain?

Comte de Connier: My man has been following men of interests for years. Per the orders of Monsieur le Roi, of course. A few days ago one such person was spotted carrying a letter, making way toward the docks.

Le Roi Gaspard: Continue.

Comte de Connier: My man continued to follow him, and when he saw him preparing passage onto the ship he attempted to intervene, but the man caught on and took off. I am regretful to say we lost him.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Do we know where the ship was travelling to?

Comte de Connier: Sibna, which is known to be a transfer port for Thalia.

Le Roi Gaspard: Damn.

Duc de Clèrisseau: We must make preparations for your and your family's safety. If this letter is indeed meant for Les Insurgés, then someone has managed to fool us all and betray our loyalties.

Le Roi Gaspard: Henri, s'il vous plaît. We cannot start making contingency plans yet.

Comte de Connier: With all do respect, Monsieur, Henri may be right. It is best we make preparations. We cannot risk another event as dire as the one we left behind.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Think of Aug-

Le Roi Gaspard: There is no need to continue that thought. Not a day goes by where I do not think of him.

Duc de Clèrisseau: [Sighs] You know what this means, do you not? You must speak with your children.

Le Roi Gaspard: Non.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Honestly, Gaspard, we no longer have the time to spare their feelings! We are crossing into trouble waters! You cannot seriously be considering to gamble with your children's future, just as you cannot ask me to do the same, especially if your son's intentions with my daughter are realised!

Le Roi Gaspard: [Deep Sigh] Morel, what do you suggest?

Comte de Connier: I believe it would be wise to cancel all future engagements, Monsieur. It would not be wise to appear at such public events if there are those nearby preparing to strike.

Le Roi Gaspard: Arabella would never allow it.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Gaspard-

Comte de Connier: Then we heighten your security. I can invite Duc de Fleurieux et Marquis de Montavin to discuss the matter further.

Le Roi Gaspard: Très bien. Tell your man to continue his surveillance. Have him watch the docks for his return. If we can apprehend him before he's able to deliver the reply we can hopefully avoid any further distress.

Comte de Connier: Oui, Monsieur.

Duc de Clèrisseau: And Oliver? Adelaide?

Le Roi Gaspard: [Short Silence] We keep this from them...for the time being.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Gaspard-

Le Roi Gaspard: I will tell them, Henri. Adelaide can wait, but I will tell Oliver after the Masquerade. We've made him agree to announce his engagement then, so I do not want to deprive him of joy on such an occassion.

Duc de Clèrisseau: That seems rather uncharacterisc of you, I must say.

Le Roi Gaspard: I'm not as heartless as you all seem to believe, Henri.

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 10 months

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La Chambre de la Madame Royale, Palais de Thornolie: 18 May 1850, 15:40

La Reine Arabella: Oh, ma chérie!

Madame Adelaide: [Sniffs] Leave me be, Maman.

La Reine Arabella: I will do no such thing, not when you're in such a state. Come here...

Madame Adelaide: This is all your fault! You and Papa! Forcing me to stay in Oliver's shadow when all of us know he's already made up his mind! Now Jonathan is married and-

La Reine Arabella: Jonathan? Le Marquis de Tourac?

Madame Adelaide: Oui, Maman! He promised to wait for me, yet what does he do days latter? He receives a special license to marry Mademoiselle Robin! He betrayed me, Maman!

La Reine Arabella: Hush...it's all going to be alright, chérie.

Madame Adelaide: How can you possibly say that?

La Reine Arabella: Because no mondamoiseau who truly loved you would make such vows only to sever them later.

Madame Adelaide: It's not as if it matters anymore...he's gone.

La Reine Arabella: Shh, Ma chérie, I know you feel as if your heart is breaking, and I truly am sorry to have played such a part in your heartache. But trust me when I say this will pass. Your heart will heal, and when it does, someone far more worthy of it will come along. Someone worth waiting for.

Madame Adelaide: I was such a fool. I truly believed he loved me, Maman. [Sobs]

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 11 months

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Les Jardins Privés, Palais de Thornolie: 16 May, 1850, 14:00

Comte de Montavin: Mon frère...

Monseigneur Oliver: Stop...talking...

Comte de Montavin: Arrêtez!

Monseigneur Oliver: Non!

Comte de Montavin: What’s wrong?

Monseigneur Oliver: Absolutely nothing.

Comte de Montavin: [Sighs] Must we always play this game? You know I’ll win.

Monseigneur Oliver: Stop talking or-

Comte de Montavin: [Chuckles] Always fighting with too much emotion, mon frère...[Takes Off Helmet]

Monseigneur Oliver: [Shoves Helmet Off] I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.

Comte de Montavin: If I were a gambling man, and I am, I’d say you were taking your frustrations out on me.

Monseigneur Oliver: You’re insufferable, you know that?

Comte de Montavin: As are you when you refuse to talk. Now speak. I’ve never seen you so incensed.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Catching his Breath] I...I finally received a letter from Eleanor. I wrote to her the day after the opera and had no word from her until this morning.

Comte de Montavin: And?

Monseigneur Oliver: [Sits Up and Crouches] I wrote to ask her to accompany me to the Prix de Thornolie....and she rejected my invitation.

Comte de Montavin: That’s what’s bothering you? In all honesty, Oliver, I’m not even the least bit surprised.

Monseigneur Oliver: Quoi?

Comte de Montavin: Knowing Eleanor as I do, she’s probably beginning to realise what attaching herself to you would do to the privacy she so desperately covets.

Monseigneur Oliver: Non...you don’t understand, Gaston...something’s happened, I’m certain of it. At the opera she told me she’d be willing to accept all of me, despite everything...none of this adds up...

Comte de Montavin: Hmm...perhaps later you and I can do some digging.

Monseigneur Oliver: You...you would help me?

Comte de Montavin: You wound me...of course I will. But until then, can we please do a bit of fencing which doesn’t involve you trying to stab me right through?

Monseigneur Oliver: [Smirks] I make no promises.

Comte de Montavin: [Grins] Bien. Now get up.

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 1 year

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Les Jardins Privés, Palais de Thornolie: 11 May, 1850, 10:45

Lady’s Maid: I truly am sorry for pulling you away so urgently, but la Madame has been in a right state since we returned to le palais yesterday afternoon. This morning she practically shouted at me to leave her be. And she’s never so unkind...

Monseigneur Oliver: Oui...do you know what could possibly have upset her?

Lady’s Maid: I have my assumptions, Monseigneur, but no facts. Though I know enough that bringing you here to speak with her is better than reaching out to la Madame.

Monseigneur Oliver: I see...Merci, Mlle Boudreaux. I’ll see what I can do.

Lady’s Maid: Monseigneur. [Curtseys Quickly and Leaves]

Monseigneur Oliver: [Walks Quietly toward Adelaide] Addy?

Madame Adelaide: [Sniffs] Go away, Oliver.

[Oliver Grabs Adelaide Gently and Turns Her Around]

Monseigneur Oliver: Addy, whatever’s the matter?! Why are you crying?

Madame Adelaide: H-he did it...

Monseigneur Oliver: Adelaide look at me. Who did what?

Madame Adelaide: [Crying] H-he went through w-with it. I had to s-it there and smile and...and-

Monseigneur Oliver: You’re not making any sense. Tell me wh-

Madame Adelaide: [Shouts] I loved him, Oliver!

Monseigneur Oliver: Qui?

Madame Adelaide: Jonathan!

Monseigneur Oliver: Le Marquis de Tourac?

Madame Adelaide: Oui! He p-promised! Promised to wait for me! He swore he would go to his father and ask him to speak to Papa...and...and now he’s married!

Monseigneur Oliver: Quoi? Married? To whom?

Madame Adelaide: [Sobs] To Mademoiselle Robin!

Monseigneur Oliver: Addy-

Madame Adelaide: He secured a special license for the wedding. They were married yesterday.

Monseigneur Oliver: How do you know all this? It could be nothing more than go-

Madame Adelaide: I know because I was there, Oliver! La Duchesse invited me to attend with her!

Monseigneur Oliver: Mon dieu, Adelaide. If you loved him, why on Earth did you accept an invitation to watch him marry someone else?

Madame Adelaide: What choice did I have?!

Monseigneur Oliver: Every choice in the world!

Madame Adelaide: I couldn’t decline. Maman saw the invitation and thought it a good idea for me to represent the family. Not to mention it would have been horribly rude.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Sad Sigh] Ma chère soeur...

Madame Adelaide: I feel like such a fool, Oliver...

Monseigneur Oliver: Look at me. You are anything but a fool. By my understanding, he’s the one who betrayed you. Made you promises only to turn around and brake them at your feet. He’s not worthy of the ground you walk on, Adelaide.

Madame Adelaide: I just...h-how could he do this to m-me?

Monseigneur Oliver: [Pulls Adelaide into a Hug] Come here. Don’t think of him anymore...he’s not worth it. I’m not sure how the two of you managed to find one another, and we will discuss that later, but his actions have made it clear he is not worthy of the love you gave him.

Madame Adelaide: I cannot stand this, the pain is-

Monseigneur Oliver: Come, let’s go inside. There’s still plenty of time before the opéra. I’m sure I can-

Madame Adelaide: Non. Non, not with Maman-

Monseigneur Oliver: Shh, alright...I’ve got you. It’ll all be alright in the end, Addy, I promise. I’ve got you.

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 11 months

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Palais de Thornolie, 15 May 1850

Mon adorable amie,

Your silence since last I wrote has left me feeling rather anxious. Have I misjudged your affections? You must tell me if so, as the last thing I would wish to do is anger you. Please write to assuage my fears, ma chérie.

These last few days without word from you has been agony. Entertaining the affections of mademoiselles to honour our agreement must be endured, of course, but to receive no word from you from you in all this time...I admit I was even so distracted during an afternoon spent with Mademoiselle Soleuvre and her mother that I spilled tea all down her dress when the footman came announcing a letter had arrived for me. Maman was none too pleased at my carelessness, I can assure you, and yet imagine my disappointment when the letter I received did not bear your delicate handwriting?

I do hope you will reply to my latest, if anything to assure me all is well.

Je vous embrasse,

Oliver

Chateau de Clèrisseau, 16 May 1850

Mon Cher Monseigneur,

Do forgive the absence of my response to your previous letter, just as I hope you will forgive the contents of which I write to you now.

I sincerely regret that I must reject your request to accompany you to the Prix de Thornolie, as I will be otherwise entertained.

All is well, but unfortunately I must decline such an offer.

Eleanor V.

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 1 year

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La Chambre de la Madame Royale, Palais de Thornolie: 8 May 1850, 13:30

[Knocking]

Madame Adelaide: Entrez.

Monseigneur Oliver: You’ve been hiding.

Madame Adelaide: Your point being?

Monseigneur Oliver: I was wondering if you could do me a favour.

Madame Adelaide: I don’t suppose this favour has anything to do with your poor behaviour the other day?

Monseigneur Oliver: [Sighs] You know, Maman said I was lucky very few know of what happened, but she failed to mention how irritating those few would be.

Madame Adelaide: It’s a fitting punishment, I must say. No less than you deserve. She’s in quite a state.

Monseigneur Oliver: You’ve spoken with her?

Madame Adelaide: Of course. She wrote to me just this morning. You are not her only tie to le palais.

Monseigneur Oliver: How is she?

Madame Adelaide: I do not believe I am at liberty to say.

Monseigneur Oliver: Addy, s'il vous plaît.

Madame Adelaide: [Sighs] Eleanor is...angry. And frankly, so am I.

Monseigneur Oliver: Do you think she’ll ever forgive me?

Madame Adelaide: That depends.

Monseigneur Oliver: On?

Madame Adelaide: Whether or not you can tame that viciously unattractive jealous streak of yours. She is absolutely humilated, Oliver. Can you understand that?

Monseigneur Oliver: I-

Madame Adelaide: I simply cannot believe you would put her in such a position. Did you truly ask her to convey her true feelings about le Vicomte de Vignieu? In front of him? Had she not managed herself the way she did your words would have ruined her reputation! You claim you love her more than life itself, but if you truly did you would not have done such a horrid thing.

Monseigneur Oliver: I know...Addy, I ruined everything...

Madame Adelaide: [Sighs] What is the favour you wish to ask?

Monseigneur Oliver: I was hoping you would invite Mademoiselle Aubert to join you at Gala de l'Opéra.

Madame Adelaide: Quoi?

Monseigneur Oliver: I did not stutter, Addy.

Madame Adelaide: I don’t understand...you cannot stand Aurora. Especially for all she did to-

Monseigneur Oliver: There’s no point reminding me of it.

Madame Adelaide: [Scoffs] If this is your way of apologising-

Monseigneur Oliver: Let us say I also have been asked a favour, and if I don’t wish to have Maman breathing down my neck-

Madame Adelaide: I...suppose I could write to her and extend an invitation.

Monseigneur Oliver: Merci, Addy.

Madame Adelaide: Just know you are not the only one who cannot stand her, Oliver. What she did, regardless of the reasons behind it, do not sit well with me.

Monseigneur Oliver: That certainly makes two of us.

Madame Adelaide: Is there anything else?

Monseigneur Oliver: Non...Addy what is it?

Madame Adelaide: It’s nothing, Oliver.

Monseigneur Oliver: You’ve not been yourself for a few days. You can talk to me, Addy. Just because I’ve been dealing with my own worries, does not mean I do not worry about you.

Madame Adelaide: I know. I assure you, I’m fine.

Monseigneur Oliver: If anything changes-

Madame Adelaide: I’ll come straight to you.

Monseigneur Oliver: Très bien. Now, I must be off.

Madame Adelaide: Quoi? Where are you going?

Monseigneur Oliver: Where do you think? I need to rectify my mistakes.

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 1 year

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Le Cabinet du Roi: 9 May 1850, 16:30

Le Roi Gaspard: Très bon. And I would like an invitation sent to le Premier Ministre. Hopefully he can shed some light on the matter.

Duc de Clèrisseau: I’ll see to it that the invitation be sent out today.

Le Roi Gaspard: Merci, Henri.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Now that affairs of state have been managed for the day, might I inquire how le Monseigneur’s search is going?

Le Roi Gaspard: [Sighs] Truthfully, I don’t believe he is taking the matter seriously. Especially given his display at la Fête des Fleurs is anything to go by.

Duc de Clèrisseau: [Chuckles] Hmm...that particular matter has ruffled the feathers of all the women in my home. Though, should we truly be surprised? He is your son, after all. You acted in a similar way when you were told to stay away from-

Le Roi Gaspard: Ça suffit!

Duc de Clèrisseau: [Scoffs] Honestly, Gaspard, it’s been forty years. It is more than time to move on.

Le Roi Gaspard: Of course you would say that.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Gaspard.

Le Roi Gaspard: [Scoffs] Regardless, the current matter remains unchanged. Oliver must be seen to be making more of an effort. Aside from your daughter, the only other mademoiselle he’s seen to have any sort of pleasureable conversation with is Cyprien’s daughter.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Surely Oliver is not considering a match with her.

Le Roi Gaspard: From what Arabella mentioned to me this morning, Adelaide extended Mademoiselle Aubert an invitation to accompany her to Gala de l'Opéra. Since she and Oliver and are always in close communication, I’m more than certain Oliver had something to do with it.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Hmmm...for all our sakes, I hope it is nothing more than Adelaide offering a friendly invitation.

Le Roi Gaspard: En effet...

Duc de Clèrisseau: Gaspard?

Le Roi Gaspard: I suppose I find myself wondering your thoughts on Oliver’s...preferred choice?

Duc de Clèrisseau: [Sighs] One thing I’ve noticed over the last few years is above all else, people do nothing but underestimate her. Throughout her education, she was bullied by so many of the other mademoiselles, made to believe she was nothing but mediocre, but then despite their wretched comments she went and obtained the top marks out of all of them. She is a quiet soul, of course. Perhaps a bit too timid and shy, oui. But she is also incredibly intelligent and keenly observant. The fact she is on your side regarding Oliver should be more than enough to show she is far more capable and deserving of such a match than any of the mademoiselles who have curtseyed before you.

Le Roi Gaspard: Perhaps...

Duc de Clèrisseau: I don’t suppose your hesitance towards Oliver’s perferred has anything to do with your own jealousy?

Le Roi Gaspard: Don’t be absurd, Henri. Of course not.

Duc de Clèrisseau: Gaspard. You and Arabella agreed to allow Oliver to make his own decision because of what was done to the two of you. Do not let your own jealousy of Oliver’s freedom to choose cloud your judgement.

Le Roi Gaspard: ...

Duc de Clèrisseau: [Sighs] Very well...I’ll take my leave. If I’m to make sure le Premier Ministre receives his invitation before the end of the day I shouldn’t linger. Bonne journée, Monsieur.

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 1 year

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La Chambre de la Madame Royale, Palais de Thornolie, 28 April 1850, 22:45

Lady’s Maid: Are you alright, Madame?

Madame Adelaide: Hmm?

Lady’s Maid: You’ve not heard a single word I’ve said in the last few minutes.

Madame Adealiade: Oh, my apologies. Just lost in thought, I suppose. It was...a long day.

Lady’s Maid: Oui. I did hear about your encounter with le Comte de Montavin.

Madame Adelaide: ...

Lady’s Maid: You know I am always here to listen, Madame.

Madame Adelaide: [Sighs] I suppose I’m wondering if telling Maman about Gaston’s....exploits...was the right decision.

Lady’s Maid: I believe it was, Madame. If it not too forward for me to say so.

Madame Adelaide: Gaston certainly does not feel the same.

Lady’s Maid: And he has no one else but himself to blame for that. What he did last night was of his own doing, and choices have consequences. You’d do well to remember that.

Madame Adelaide: Oui...

Lady’s Maid: Perhaps we should turn to happier topics of conversation?

Madame Adelaide: Such as?

Lady’s Maid: You’ve hardly said anything about le bal blanc. Did you have the chance to dance with any of the mesdemoiseaux?

Madame Adelaide: Papa did not allow me such an honour.

Lady’s Maid: But surely you had the chance to speak with some of them? Perhaps a certain...letter writer?

Madame Adelaide: I...I may have...spoken to him...

Lady’s Maid: Oh?

Madame Adelaide: Oh, Penelope, do you think it naive of me to believe him to be the one?

Lady’s Maid: The one? My goodness, Madame, I-

Madame Adelaide: Oh, Penelope, I truly believe it! He’s so wonderful and kind to me. And last night after I told him of Papa’s decision he made a vow to wait for me. However long it took.

Lady’s Maid: Well...I...goodness. I didn’t realise you were so infatuated already. Though...do you truly believe he will wait for you?

Madame Adelaide: Of course. After all...he promised.

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 1 year

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Palais de Thornolie, 05 Mai 1850, 09:45

La Reine Arabella: I am not surprised to see you looking in such a state.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Sighs] Maman...

La Reine Arabella: Do you have a moment?

Monseigneur Oliver: I have several, though I imagine I will not particularly appreciate your topic of converstation.

La Reine Arabella: I do hope you understand how lucky you are no one caught wind of your horrifying display yesterday. You not only embarrassed this family, but you humilated Eleanor, even going so far as potentially ruining her chances for a suitable match.

Monseigneur Oliver: Eleanor already has a suitable match.

La Reine Arabella: Judging by your behaviour yesterday you would be lucky if she ever forgave you.

Monseigneur Oliver: I don’t see how you could possibly understand-

La Reine Arabella: [Scoffs] Jealousy? Mon chéri, I am more acquainted with that emotion than you will ever know. I have your father to thank for that.

Monseigneur Oliver: Quoi?

La Reine Arabella: Oliver, if you continue to act and behave this way you will lose her. Not to mention I raised you better than this. If you so much as act in such a manner again-

Monseigneur Oliver: Wait...did you insinuate Eleanor is the one?

La Reine Arabella: [Laughs] Mon chéri, I have known for years.

Monseigneur Oliver: If that were true, why do you and Papa continue to insist I endure this monotony of a saison?

La Reine Arabella: [Sighs] I’m afraid the title you bear demands a great deal of sacrifice. While your father and I have granted you the freedom to make this decision for yourself, you must learn to both understand and accept that this particular choice will affect not just you, but the entire country. The people deserve to know their future roi considers them in all his deliberations, to know he will think of them and their well-being as well as his own. Eleanor already understands that. Why else would she ask you to endure this arrangement?

Monseigneur Oliver: Quoi? You know of our arrangement?

La Reine Arabella: [Stands] Of course I know, a mother knows all...Eleanor is the right choice, Oliver. I see it. Others see it-

Monseigneur Oliver: Then you have yet to read today’s Chronicle.

La Reine Arabella: Other’s who truly know you see it, mon chéri. But regardless, in order to possess such a match you must not only maintain your promises to us all, but you must also learn to be worthy of such a rare jewel. As of now, you are not.

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 2 years

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Palais de Thornolie, Bal Blanc: 27 April 1850, 22:45

Marquis de Tourac: Where are we going?

Madame Adelaide: [Whispers] Quiet...In here.

Marquis de Tourac: Addy...Whatever is the matter? You’ve appeared out of sorts since I laid eyes on you this evening.

Madame Adelaide: My Papa...he...he’s made it quite clear I am unallowed to partake in la saison.

Marquis de Tourac: Quoi?

Madame Adelaide: He says Oliver must be its primary focus. That his choice of bride eclipses all else...which means-

Marquis de Tourac: I cannot court you...

Madame Adelaide: Ugh! This is so unfair! It’s not as if Papa is oblivious to the fact Oliver has already made his decision! Even Oliver believes the whole matter to be ridiculous! If only I-

Marquis de Tourac: Addy.

Marquis de Tourac: All will be well.

Madame Adelaide: How can you possibly say that when-

Marquis de Tourac: Ma chérie, you forget. I am willing to wait for you. However long it takes.

Madame Adelaide: You...You’ll wait for me?

Marquis de Tourac: En effet. My heart has and will only ever belong to you. If waiting a bit longer is what it takes to secure your hand, I am more than happy to do so.

Madame Adelaide: You have no idea how much your words soothe my soul.

Marquis de Tourac: I imagine all this fretting was the reason you have not responded to any of my letters?

Madame Adelaide: [Sighs] Oui...

Marquis de Tourac: [Chuckles] Try and have a bit more faith in me next time, ma chérie. I am not so easily swayed.

Madame Adelaide: I shall endeavour to try.

Marquis de Tourac: Très bon.

[Giggling Heard From Outside the Door]

Madame Adelaide: Someone’s coming.

Marquis de Tourac: I should take my leave. The last thing I wish to do is put you in any sort of compromising position. I’ll make plans to speak with mon père. Just this morning he was asking of my prospects, and I am certain once he hears of my intentions toward you, he will speak to Monsieur le Roi on our behalf. We will find a way.

Madame Adelaide: Do you swear it?

Marquis de Tourac: On my honour. Now, I must go. Save a dance for me?

Madame Adelaide: Lucky for you, my dance card is quite clear.

Marquis de Tourac: Until then, ma chérie.

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theroyalthornoliachronicles · 2 years

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Palais de Thornolie, Bal Blanc : 27 April 1850, 22:25

Waltz: Broken Strings

Mademoiselle Aurora: Pardonnez-moi, but I must ask. Are you as miserable as I am?

Monseigneur Oliver: I’m sorry?

Mademoiselle Aurora: Your surprise shocks me, Monseigneur. After all, since when have you and I ever enjoyed one another’s company? Surely you must feel as miserable as I.

Monseigneur Oliver: Are you normally so forward?

Mademoiselle Aurora: Only when I am forced into the company of someone who I know is just as eager to be rid of my presence as I am of theirs.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Laughs] I was not aware you possessed such a keen eye, Mademoiselle Aubert.

Mademoiselle Aurora: The keenest, I am told.

Monseigneur Oliver: Is that so?

Mademoiselle Aubert: Oui. Would you like for me to prove it?

Monseigneur Oliver: S'il vous plaît.

Mademoiselle Aurora: Very well...I could not help but notice how much of a splendid match you and Mademoiselle Valery make.

Monseigneur Oliver: Hmmm...

Mademoiselle Aurora: There’s a certain...aura about the two of you whenever you are in each other’s company. It is hard to mistake, actually. As if...the two of you are somehow destined for one another.

Monseigneur Oliver: [Sighs] A keen eye indeed...

Mademoiselle Aurora: Pardonnez-moi, perhaps I truly am being too forward.

Monseigneur Oliver: Au contraire, I find it to be quite refreshing. In fact, allow me to repay you for enduring such miserable company.

[Waltz Ends]

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