Prince de Carpgne to Charlotte-Hlne de Carpgne, 26 April 17--

Charlotte chrie,

Please dear sister do not chide me for my conspicuous silence! Marriage is taking up remarkably little of my time - my wife prefer to spend her days in the company of Messrs Bhmer and Bassenge than with myself, although I am loath to complain at being afforded the freedom I fully expected marriage to stifle without even a final gasp.

My friend the Comtesse de Noailles passed comment that our father has been frequenting the corridors here at Versailles. It is for his attention that I enclose the bill for my linens - the numbers at the foot boggle the mind and I cannot fathom if they are livres, louis, francs or even pounds. In any case, he will no doubt deem them wantonly excessive as ever he does, but I must protest in my defense that since I began sending my linens to England to be laundered there has been a world of difference to my toilette! The precision it brings to my appearance cannot be overestimated or indeed overvalued, and I am more than willing to pay thrice this amount for the effect, so help me God!

As discussed previously I have now secure myself a small property close to Versailles, of modest proportion, granted, but entirely suited to my needs and a great relief as retire from court. There I can wear my hair in wild disarray, leave my cravat unpinned and even let my stockings wrinkle!

Be certain I never had recourse to such drastic debauchery, but the freedom to do so is very heaven.

I have little else to report. Pray have father expedite funds to clear the piffling duns I enclosed with the utmost speed. They are holding my household linens hostage and I am required to appear at court barely four days hence!

With love and greatest affection, your caring brother

WL

As postscript, Louis has been a great success at court and sends his best regards also.