It was a warm summer morning in 1755 when the third child, and second daughter was born to Jean-Claude Honfleur and his wife Marie-Jeanne Befonnier. By the name of Henriette-Anne, this chestnut eyed child of equally rich brown hair would be born, into a vastly wealthy banking family. This banking family was founded Jean- Joseph Honfleur, who with the help of his sons, Philippe-Baptiste and Jean-Claude, managed to expanded a single bank in Paris, to spread to all major cities in France. In this pocket of wealth she grew up, playing on the Savonnerie rugs of the family’s Hotel in Paris, or riding a horse in their country estate, little “Riette” as she was called, grew up dressed in the finest frocks her family could offer. While her brother was taught by governors, she sat in her mother’s lap, playing with the pearls that dangled from her mother’s neck, her cheerful giggles matched by the gentle tunes her father would play on his flute.


When she reached the aged of seven, her eyes full of tears when it was decided she would join her elder sister in a convent, to start her education like all girls of privilege. It was hope a good education would improve the Honfleur sister’s chances of catching a wealthy and respected suitor and possibly noble; so no expense was spared. They were sent to the prestigious abbey of Notre-Dame-la-Royale known as "Maubuisson”. After being taught how to read and write, sing and dance, paint, and play the part, little Riette grew into a presentable lady; enhanced with all the etiquette and social graces taught by the Abbey. Ten years passed quickly while she was engrossed in her studies and practices except for a few days in 1765, when she attended the funeral of her father, made her more careful and more grounded. At the age of 16, in 1771 she was taken from the Abbey to return to her beloved parent’s home, where her mother greeted her with open arms.


For two years, she lived with her mother and elder sister, where her education was finally completed, with lessons on how to charm, talk with wit, and glide. These little gestures and tricks show her how to carry herself with a dignified demeanour. In 1773, her grandfather arranged for her to come to Versailles, where she would be put to the ultimate test. Every inch noble except her blood, it is hoped a suitor would make up for that. She was prepared to dazzle admirers, but could she survive the sharp tongues and aggressive nobles? Who were eager to remind her of her insignificance, and people pushing her around? With rival bankers ready to ruin her and her family to raise their own fortunes, and chaotic mates who played pretty verses to match their folly all around, and people trying to seize her family’s weath, one could only wonder, could she survive?


Thank you Delos Helstein and Maximilianiii Massenberg especially (for opening a new world for me to see and enjoy, and providing a backbone for this new Adventure), MariaTheresa Milneaux, MarieLouise Harcourt, Stormy Lorakeet, MariaAntonia Barenhaut. Thank you for welcoming me to court, and helping me adapt and learn each step. I greatly appreciated your valued time and help, and a pleasure to meet each of you