To the MARQUISE OF ARMENTIERES from THE DUCHESS OF SAINT-AIGNAN ((
@Eid3r - Private))
Mon cher Amelie,
I am extremely glad to hear from you and also happy that you are now enjoying the pleasantries of the chateaux instead of the sufficating atmosphere of Paris. I feel that, should our husbands and all other these who participate in the affairs of state have spent more time with the Nature, the atmosphere in the Chambers and the Council of State would not have been that nervous.
Me and my husband would gladly visit your manor, if you and Henri would return us the visit. Oh, my dear, if you would have only seen our new cherry and pear orchard! I do often spend whole evenings there, reading a book and listenting to the leaves rustle. We are also goint to erect a pavilion there, so, hopefully, next summer, should you choose to come, we will be able to dine there quite pleasantly.
How are your children? Are they enjoying their state in the chateaux? My Hippolyte loves the estate much more than Paris - but, I am afraid, due to the lack of oversight coming from his father and tutor, he is becoming quite boisterious. Our assistant gardener, Rene, has taught him upstream fishing - and now he fishes each morning. Claude would have found such pursuit quite ungentlemanly (as you know, he himself is an avid hunter) - but I believe that , when you spend time in the country, you have the right to some indulgence.
When have you heard last from your dear Henri? I must say that I am slightly worried about Claude each time I leave him in Paris. He tends to overwork, spends whole evenings in his cabinet, reading the documents. He often forgets to eat properly, only smokes cigars - and I am not sure that such attitude towards your digestion is very healthy,
I would be once again to hear from you, dear friend, even if I cannot now speak to you in person.
I remain yours truly,
Anne de Beauvilliers