Dowager Princesse d'Angoumois Versailles, November 10th 1773

Dearest Madame,

I would like to first thank you dearest mother for you kind letter Ireceivedlast week, as always yourcorrespondencebrought joy and happiness to my day. I pray this letter in turn finds you in good spirits and health and sure in the knowledge that as ever you are first in the minds of your children away at court. I was so glad to hear from Henri that his visit with you went swimmingly and I must admit I blushed for your kind words passed along.

I cannot describe to you, my dear mamma, the trouble that winds through his majesty's court of late. I am positively sick with worry for the fate of my dearest brother's marriage. It would seem all you warned me of with regards to choosing my allies well was well founded advice. Oh how I wish you were here, your years of experience within her late Majesties household would be a boon to me now more than ever. The Duc and Duchesse have been expelled from their household positions, and worse still court itself! Of course none of us can be too surprised that punishment comes down from his Majesty, a fool thing like a duel, but how unfortunate to all close to the Tancarville family! Mamma you must write me and give your comfort and direction on this matter, I fear I'm lost as to how to best proceed. They are yet the Duc and Duchesse and so as they retain title I'm quite sure they will again find favor at court. But shall I as others give in to snubbing them and their house? Or is it better to be forgiving or even yet more silent on the matter? How I wish I had someone to speak to of these matters at length. I find myself ever sodisappointedby Gabrielle, she has once more retreated to the chapel at d'Ivoire, refusing to attend court with me. Henri, bless him, does his best to escort me, and when he can not insures as per your request I amadequatelychaperoned. (Not that I would ever find myself compromised of course.)

I do have some good news in the wake of all this mess, I have had heard whispers there may be a wonderful announcement made this week! Between this and the coming Royal Wedding I nearly float upon the joy that fills my life. I have made sure to attend my prayers as you wished, twice a week to the chapel in the least, and I pray constantly for the good favor of our family and your health. I ask you to continue to light candles for Madame Royale, whom as you know is still unwell, I shall keep youapprisedof her condition as I know it worries you to hear of her in such a condition. At last we were told, it was confirmed that she has taken ill with the pox, and having seen it myself I do not doubt it. I pray God will keep her through this and she will recover in short order.

May the arrival of this short letter bring you happiness, My wishes of health, blessings and prayers for you my dearest mother,

Ever your faithful daughter,

Marie-Jocelyn de Saint Cyr

(( I decided to start writing again about my experiences at court, this time to my mother, hope you enjoy!! This is for the purposes ofcharacterdevelopment only and not to be referenced in RP unless you catch me by chance writing :P ))