Chateau de Montsoreau, Normandie, France

5th of August, 1774.

Chere Mme,

I hope you have been well there in Versailles. I miss your company in *our* home. I hear the weather in Versailles is nice. Here, in Normandy, it has been fairing fine as well. I enjoyed a cool sea breeze in your garden that I dedicated to you on our wedding day. I must say that my days have been passing rather slowly. Of course, I sometimes visit the ports to maintain the business but I would really like it if you could please leave behind your court life and return to *our* home. There is undoubtedly a lot to explore here. . .

I must say to you truthfully that I am asking you this on persistence of my mother. She finds your absence "unacceptable, not fit for a young doting wife". She obliged me to persuade you to retire from court life. And I believe that to be right decision.

Of course, I know how you would miss your friends and family but they can always visit you here. And I am sure you will be welcomed here by everyone. So please, ma femme, return to the Montsoreau chateau, to your family and home.

Veuillez recevoir, Madame, mes salutations distingues.

Votre mari le Marquis.

((referred to this letter ))