Dowager Princesse d'Angoumois Versailles, December 1, 1773

Dearest Madame,

This past week has been dreadfully soured as I fell ill shortly after I wrote you last. At first I was terrified that I had contracted pox when attending to Madame Royale, but God has seen fit to protect me from such and it was simply a fever and chills that kept me a bed for the past week. Honestly I feel blessed, with the hateful gossip spreading through court of late, it seems almost impossible for a good God fearingmademoiselleto keep her virtue in tact! Have you heard the whispers even so removed as you are inAngouleme? All theservantsare a flutter with new gossip each day, each one more convoluted than the last! Honestly I don't think one could spin a truth from the lot if pressed on pain of death. It would seem as though the courtierstrulylack for something of substance to occupy their minds as we enter the winter months.

I both dread and am overly excited for the following month of activities. With such joy as to witness my dearest brother marry one I would hope to call dearest sister soon, it is hard to think that I also dread the occasion. Oh do not mistake my words dear mother, I truly hold nothing but joy in my heart for the union, but I am troubled that such events will throw our house into focus. With how everyone gossips so, what will theyconjureup next? That I am secretly a dancer inParis? Honestly mother they have the tongues of vipers! Your council on this would be most graciously accepted as I've no idea how to avoid these scandals apart from staying from court alltogether You know the true heart of your daughter dear mother, I would not for an instant do anything that could come back upon my dear Brother's name, but that does not seem to matter when the geese start tosquawk. For now I will remain proper, reserved, and quiet, in the hopes that I will not draw any unwanted attention.

Jeanne has now poked her head into my chambers three times in the space of mycorrespondencewith you, I've a notion she wishes to subject me to more of that foul drink she passes off as medicine. So it is with a deeply sad heart that I will have to end this letter. And so I will do so with the deepest devotions of love, respect and a fond desire tohopefullysee you soon.

Ever your faithful daughter,

Marie-Jocelyn de Saint Cyr