Paris Gazette #1
March, 1615
Section A: Headline News
Tension Builds on the Spanish Front
YVES M. d'EGMANN, Military Correspondent, BAYONNE Following a bitter winter in which has paralyzed much of France with lost crops, illness, and death, it seems the Spanish have been biding their time for an opportune moment to make a strike across the Pyrenees. Rumors of troop movements have persisted for some time, but the lack of direct intelligence precluded any direct actions by the French military command. Indeed, desertion and illness in the ranks have largely immobilized the Dragoons and 3rd Brigade of Foot, the units headquartered in the Spanish Frontier Military Province.
But the threat will not be unopposed. The Frontier Regiments have been dispatched to face the enemy, as usual. But two remarkable volunteers have also stepped into the breach.
Section B: Court Scene
Queen Mother Ousts High Command
THIERRY des ROCHES, Political Correspondent, PARIS - The Queen Regent, Marie de Medici, today charged the Commissioner for Public Safety to prosecute a dozen or so brigadiers, generals and even the Field Marshal for conspiring to poison the young King Louis XIII. The cabal, found to be in possession of papers, cyphers, and chemical reagents suggestive of such a plot, has insisted that no
Some in the military community feel that Her Majesty might be attempting to staff the upper echelons with loyalists in order to maintain a handle on authority despite the young King's impending majority. Others, however, suggest that such a plot has been long considered by the Hohenzollern Margrave of Brandenburg-Bayreuth. The truth of the matter, however, is not imediately evident.
It remains to be seen who, if anyone, will be elevated to command of the Armies of France.
Section C: Social Scene
The Club Scene in March
The manager of The Blue Gables had something of a surprise this month, when a newcomer to Paris, Henri de Nantes, showed up and offered money to join the exclusive establishment. As luck would have it, however, the gentleman (despite offering to buy rounds of libations at his own expense) lacked the necessary requirements for acceptance. This forced the poor manager to inelegantly close the door in Messr. de Nantes' face.
Red Phillips turned out to be a popular spot during the third week, as newcomers Captain Jean Neige and Subaltern Hugh d’Orbec met and were seen drinking each others' health in the lounge. It was good to see the clubs coming back to life after a long, cold winter.
Affairs of the Heart in March
CHRISTINA LeCROIX, Society Correspondent, PARIS - This correspondent, Dear Reader, thinks that perhaps there might be something in the water this month, as Cupid's arrows have proven uncommonly accurate. Ah, but I carry on so! Come, let us offer before you the sweetmeats of desire with all the details, of course.
The month got off to a slow start, with no amorous activities at all in the first week. In the second, two gentlemen were seen at the doorsteps of ladies: King's Musketeer Bertrand Castillon at the door of Mlle Roxane Cavineau, who, despite a pleasing nosegay, declined an interview; and Mlle Bubbles LeDoux' gentleman caller, Captain Jean Neige. His suit, pressed with suitable ardor, was gladly accepted by the lady. He had been seen in a local jeweler's shop, and rumor has it he had bought her a fine bracelet.
The third week this month was a veritable flurry of activity! Messr Castillon's siege of Mlle Cavineau's heart had managed to soften the lady's defenses sufficiently for the valiant soldier to win the day (and, it ought to be noted, the lady herself). Meanwhile, the brazen Major Henri de Nantes performed a perfect cavalry charge against Argante de Berry's former paramour Bebe le Brunette, and in so doing stole her heart. Likewise, Dragoon Hugh d’Orbec sought and won a private interview with his new love, S. Enemme.
In all, Spring being a time for love and Paris the city of love... what could be more perfect?
Section D: Military News
Regimental News
PORTHOS, Special Correspondent, PARIS - The Spring season has begun with the report of musket-fire, as threats to the southern border emerge and the bold actions of some new arrivals brings a spark of hope to even grizzled rank-and-file veterans, like yours truly. The King’s Musketeers saluted the arrival in Paris of a new Subaltern, Bertrand Castillon, who (it is said) performed his barracks duty with perfect aplomb. despite being new to military life. Another Subaltern, Hugh d’Orbec, joined the Grand Duke Max’s Dragoons and immediately set to work showing his troopmates how to really clean a stable. An officer joined the ranks as Jean Neige was made Captain in the Picardy Musketeers.
Somewhat later in the month, Henri de Nantes was made Major in Princess Louisa’s Light Dragoons, following a suitable contribution to the orphans of war. On the subject of the two latter worthies, it must be noted that Major de Nantes volunteered the 3rd Squadron to join the Frontier Regiments against the Spanish threat, as indeed did Captain Neige; however, the Captain lacked the authority to do so. He somehow managed to persuade the legendarily reticent Major N. Picée to take action.
Clearly these will be two gentlemen to watch, as they embody the bravery and esprit de corps of the French fighting man!
Section E: About the Town
New Arrivals to Paris
Paris saw the arrival of four newcomers; namely, Bertrand Castillon, second son of the late Viscount Castillon, Henri de Nantes, heir of the
Who's Hot and Who's Not
Two gentlemen stand out for their contributions to couture this month: Jean Neige, for his fashionable clothing and flair, and the scandalous Bertrand Castillon, who, despite being the son of
Section F: The Back Page
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