Coat of arms : Mercy Argenteau,
Rose on the cover of the book .The Chateau D'Avaray in the background.
There was a time when in the castle of Argenteau, reigned the very pretty Countess Louise de Mercy d'Argenteau. She was born Louise de Chimay and was the granddaughter of the famous Madame Tallien. She had married Eugene de Mercy d'Argenteau. The beauty of the Countess Louise was famous, the Emperor Napoleon III fell in love with it.
After the collapse of the Second Empire and the death of Napoleon III, Argenteau will become a high place of music in Europe. Liszt will be a regular there. Thanks to Louise, Russian music is introduced in Liège and even in France.
The beautiful Countess had discovered with delight the compositions of
the famous group of five: Balakirev, Moussorgsky, Borodin, Rymsky
Korsakov, and Cesar Cui. It is in the latter, in Moscow, that the beautiful Louise, widowed since 1886, will die of cancer in November 1890.
Louise de Mercy d'Argenteau had a daughter, Rosalie, who was always called Rose. The relations between mother and daughter was never, it seems, been very tender. When Louise's story is read by her friends, her daughter Rose does not have a very good role. A difficult child, she married, by convention, Herbert de Beziade, Duke of Avaray. She leads -far from Argenteau - a life of "jet-set" it would say today. "Jet-set" is an anglicism that refers to " the social category (aristocracy, billionaires) whose main occupation is to party in places that are strictly reserved ."
Now, the Liège publishing house "Noir dessin production" is releasing a
complete translation of the autobiography of Rose de Mercy d'Argenteau.
An autobiography that first appeared in the United States, in 1924 in
the magazine "America Weekly" and in 1925 in New York under the title
"The Last of a Race".
It is also under this title, "The Last of a Race ", that it is published
for the first time in French. The book is called autobiographical novel. And that's the right name for these pages that can be touching but sometimes puzzling. Indeed, Rose was not a child and a beloved teenager, she launched into life with frenzy. Revolt, revenge, suffering, it is not always easy to separate things. The story is however very interesting in more than one way.
Through the life of Rose, as pretty as her mother and who takes drugs
for a long enough period, we go from Argenteau to France, Italy,
England, the United States, Egypt, we meet Leopold II, the Duke of
Edinburgh, Frederick of Prussia, Mac Mahon, Roosevelt, the Prince of
Wales, Tsar Nicholas, and many other celebrities.
Rose had a son, Antoine, with whom relationships will also be very difficult.
It is clear that the narrative sometimes fishes with approximations,
and even from time to time errors, but with that, it is an exciting
story from where the castle of Argenteau is never completely absent.
"The last of his race" by the Countess Rose de Mercy d'Argenteau.
Rosalie- Francoise- Adelaide- Caroline -Eugenia-Marie of Mercy Argenteau.
Born on June 18 1862 in the Chateau of Argenteau in Belgium.
Duchess D'Avaray. The Princess Montglyon .
Florimond Claude Comte de Marcy -Argenteau.
(20 April 1727 – 25 August 1794)
Count Florimonde De Mercy-Argenteau was born in Belgium.He joined the Austrian Court and was sent to Paris as diplomat . He arranged the marriage between Marie-Antoinette and the French Dauphin who became King Louis XVI. He was very powerful during the King's reign as he had a lot of power over Queen Marie Antoinette as her guardian. He left France during the French Revolution and ended up as the Austrian Ambassador to London -where he died.
Invitation to a ball hosted by the Count de Mercy-Argenteau in 1770.
Chateau D'Argenteau.
The old historical chateau of Argenteau in Belgium was all a quiver with excitement with hope on the day of July 18 1862 as a new heir was expected to be born , Their joy turned to mourning as the news came that it was "only a girl". The only hope was that a boy will be born next. Unfortunately Princess Louise had a procedure after the birth and she would never have another child..So "the girl" would be the last one of a family that covers ten centuries of illustrious writers, warriors, crusaders ,diplomats and dukes.The disappointment of her sex grew no less as time went on .If anything it intensified. To the father the sex was a cause of regret- ever present-but reasonable.For the mother is a cause of rage which developed into a smoldering resentment and a hate toward the child.
.
The father:- Count Eugene Mercy Argenteau.
The mother:- Princess Louise de Caraman-Chimay.
The Comedy and Tragedy of the Second Empire
by Edward Leggy
The Comtesse de Mercy-Argenteau was, then, born Comtesse de Caraman-Chimay. It has been said of her that, “like Cleopatra, she would have thrown pearls into the goblet or her heart out of window, according to the caprice of the moment.” When she made her appearance in Paris the Second Empire was at its zenith; the world’s gaze was riveted upon it. All was gaiety and sunshine. It was a magnificent Court, that of the Tuileries in the reign of Napoleon III. and his consort. Only the Cassandras of the period went about predicting, and rightly, that it would not last.
The Comtesse de Mercy-Argenteau was a contemporary of some very celebrated women whose names, at least, are still remembered. There were notably the Princesse de Sagan, the Duchesse de Mouchy, the Comtesse Edmond de Pourtalès, and the Marquise de Galliffet, wife of that dashing cavalryman of whom so many amusing stories are told. Our Comtesse shone at the head of the famous “Décameron,” and was counted the most beautiful of the lovely group. They wittily said of her that her grandmother was a goddess, her mother a queen, and she herself a “moderne.” For the first there was Olympus, for the second a throne, for the third the little English cart, which, said one of her sprightly{247} friends, “takes to the Allée des Acacias every morning our mondaines semi-garçons.”
As already hinted, the young Comtesse de Mercy-Argenteau made a sensation in Paris society—in the Faubourg as well as at the Tuileries, at Compiègne, and at St. Cloud. The Empress Eugénie admitted her into close friendship. The Emperor paid her his most respectful homage. If a particularly delicate mission had to be undertaken, who so fit to carry it out as this charming woman? We need not wonder, then, that Napoleon III., in the hour of his despair, appealed to her devotion, and charged her to go, as his ambassadress, “séduire le vainqueur et tenter de sauver la France.” Many women envied the Comtesse her mission to Berlin, foredoomed to failure as it was.
The Comtesse was renowned for her jewelry. In diamonds she outshone the Empress; her pearls were the finest in the world; she possessed the family jewels both of the Chimays and the De Mercys. After the war she devoted herself to study. She shines as a musician, in languages she is proficient, she paints miniatures à merveille, and she has always been a sportswoman.
Princess Louise. "The Mother"
Franz Liszt.
Emperor Napoleon III.
![[Image unavailable.]](https://www.gutenberg.org/files/57554/57554-h/images/i_451_sml.jpg)
Rose's mother -Princess Louise was the reigning belle of the ball .She was a great pianist and befriended musicians like Franz Liszt, who became her lover- and promoted Russian composers Rimsky -Korsakoff and Borodin's music in Russia and all over Europe. Borodin was overcome by the luxury and sumptuous furniture of the chateau at Argenteau and wrote about having to dress in tails for the evening meal and being served by four footman at dinner. Napoleon III visited her incognito as Monsieur Benaguet at the Hotel de la rue de Surenes- and it set the tongues wagging Rose's parents were both Bonapartists and imperialists.The Princess did a lot to help Napoleon III when he was taken prisoner. .She wrote a book about her relationship with Napoleon. "The Last Love of an Emperor".
Comtesse Louise de Mercy-Argenteau, née Princesse de Caraman-Chimay,
Rose's mother.Later in her life just before she died.
Marie-Clotilde-Elisabeth Louise de Riquet (3 June 1837 – 8 November
1890) was the eldest daughter of Michel Gabriel Alphonse Ferdinand de
Riquet (1810–1865), created prince de Chimay 1834, for himself only, and
Rosalie de Riquet de Caraman (1814–1872)In childhood she developed
considerable aptitude as a pianist. On 11 April 1860 she married Eugène
Arnould Henri Charles François Marie, comte de Mercy-Argenteau (22
August 1838 – 2 May 1888). She met Franz Liszt the next year. In 1866,
she met emperor Napoleon III and befriended him. After his defeat at the
Battle of Sedan, she visited him for a last time when he was a prisoner
of the Prussians at Schloss Wilhelmshöhe and consoled him playing
music. She later wrote a book about their four-year relationship, The
Last Love of an Emperor.In the early 1880s, she developed an interest in
Russian music. This led to her studying the Russian language,
translating some vocal music by several Russian composers, and arranging
concerts and recitals of their music. Her advocacy of music by The
Mighty Handful favored that of César Cui and facilitated the production
of the latter's opera Prisoner of the Caucasus in Liège in 1886. Cui's
collection of piano pieces entitled À Argenteau is a musical
reminiscence of the count and countess' estate in Belgium. La Comtesse
de Mercy-Argenteau died of cancer on 8 November 1890 in Saint
Petersburg, Russia.
======================
Her nurse Bartlett and little Rose.
Rose was for ever told that she was a "fright of a child " and her
mother had all the mirrors in the nursery covered .Rose observed every
pretty lady she saw and imitated their posture and manner. She was a
sorry-looking daughter of a beautiful mother, who never made her forget
that.
After one disappointing trip to Paris when Rose was promised a visit to
the circus,that never happened ,she got back to Argenteau to find out
that Bartlett was let go . Rose no longer needed a nurse but would now
have a governess. Loosing the only person who showed her some affection
was a great shock to Rose .When she reacted to that by becoming
hysterical- her mother called for a maid and took a little golden ruler
from her desk and whipped the girl soundly, and then sent her to bed.
Rose was educated by private governesses and tutors at home in the Chateau Argenteau.. For religious instructions she mixed with other children .Here she met a distant cousin who was a descendant of James 1 of England . His name was Fitz-James.He was a handsome young man and six years older than Rose They were betrothed by their families and as the custom was.They saw very little of each other and always chaperoned. "Mon petit mari" soon left for five years militarily service in Africa. After his return they would be married. Rose had at least three years of hard study before her, to complete her baccalaureate exams .
Life was unhappy for Rose and she could not wait for the return of Fitz- James so that they could get married and she could escape her prison of living hell .One day she was calmly informed that the engagement was over and no reason was given. When she never heard from him again she accepted the fact that it was all over.
Rose just before her debut wearing her famous pearl earrings.
The Duke Fitz-James.
Hotel Mercy-Argenteau Paris
Her approaching debut was coming up and as her parents were Imperialist and not Royalists the problem arose where she should have her debut to society.The problem was solved when she received an invitation from Queen Isabella of Spain to a ball at the Palais de Castille in Paris.
Queen Isabella of Spain.
For the first time in her life Rose's mother gave her some attention and told her what to wear and how to behave. She knew a new life was opening up for her and she was delirious with excitement She wore a white tulle gown with a tight fitting white satin bodice. On her head a crown of fresh 'La France" roses .When she bowed to kiss the Queens hand she turned her head and kissed her own gloved hand, as she heard rumors that the queen suffered from a skin infection.
Her success was apparent and presentation followed presentation as the Royalist dowagers approved of her. Rose sunned herself in the rare approval - and of masculine admiration there was no doubt. The culminating triumph came when she was invited to do the quadrille with Hubert Comte D'Avaray at a ball hosted by Duchess de Maillé a pillar of the Royalist clan.(Hubert's Great Grandmother was from the Maillé family)
After their return to Argenteau for a few weeks her parents took her to Cowes for the Royal regatta.Here she met die Prince Edward and Princess Alexandra of Wales and and later in London made her bow to Queen Victoria,They remained on the Isle of Wight for a month of bliss.
The Prince and Princess of Wales.
Crown Prince William of Orange.
The Princess of Wales (later Queen Alexandra) wanted Rose to marry in England and they found a perfect match for her- His Royal Highness William off Orange. The Crown Prince was known as Citron and was the eldest son of the King of Holland and Queen Sophie of Wurtenberg.
He was then 26 years old.The Price agreed to the marriage, but needed more time to sow his wild oats before he settled down. He loved Paris, and that is where he went. He wanted to reach the limit but one night he went to far and was found dead in a Montmart opium den.
Rose Mercy -Argenteau.
Rose's mother preferred a first-family marriage in Paris to any country's crown, and was perfectly satisfied with whatever arrangement would take Rose out of her presence and off her hands.
Rose would always remember the evening of December 18 1882. Her mother had received three offers of marriage and decided a decision had to be made. They arrived in Paris and she confronted Rose and her father with the propositions. Rose was not excited by the prospects as one young man she could not even remember, and the other two she met only once. She told her parents that she was not interested in marriage .Her furious mother threatened that she would be sent to a convent if she did not marry. Rose suggested that they write the three names on pieces of paper and the fourth should be the convent. She promised that whatever was written on the paper she would marry -or go to a convent. She drew the name Duke of D"Avaray. Her marriage was a lottery.
Birth announcement of Hubert Béziade 'd Avaray. .
Le Comte D'Avaray ( Jules Victor Camille d' Béziade d'Avaray)
et La Comtesse (née Antoinette Armande Iréne Séguier)
Pur la naissance de leur fils
Edouard Joseph Hubert Marie d' Béziade d'Avaray
Paris le 15 Avril 1856.
Edouart-Joseph-Hubert-Marie de Beziade Duke D'Avaray 15 April 1856- 23 January 1930.
Married February 3 1883.
Rosalie -Francoise-Adélaide-Caroline -Eugénie -Marie of Mercy Argenteau.
18 July 1862- 1925.
Rose with her uncle the Prince of Chimay and Hubert Duke of D'Avaray.
Rose's impression of the Duke of D'Avaray in her own words:-
"Hubert was a good looking ,well groomed, extremely self satisfied young man His naturally curly hair was carefully combed and flattened out as if ironed. In spite of his looseness of features , his puffy yellow-white skin, his lightly bulging eyes of insipid blue, the tout ensemble was not unpleasing He was tall well built but the absolute lack of athletic exercise, or any outdoor sports, made him at twenty five more like a stately major d'uomo than a alert active young man.
A scion of the Royalist party bending a knee to ask in marriage the only daughter of an ardent Bonapartist because she happened to be a belle of the season. He agreed to my selection of a bride as he would have agreed to the purchase of a good looking horse or a fine ornament.- with no feeling of delicacy."
Rose during the time of her marriage.
The couple met for the next month twice a week -once at each parent's home.They had nothing to say to each other-practically speaking two different languages. He was an ultra Royalist and she was from the detested Regime Imperial. After eight meetings they were married. The first of February was the civil ceremony where Rose wore a dress of plain navy serge ,and her large peal earrings. After the ceremony her mother took they newly made countess for a drive in the Bois and then dropped her off with an old family friend Princes d' Henin. Rose was left there on many occasions as a child while her mother would rendezvous with several of her male friends under the shelter of Rose's innocent company.
Rose and her mother Princess Louise.
The old princess wanted to know how Rose fell in love and decided to marry Hubert. She was horrified when Rose told her that she had no feelings for the duke but at least she would have the freedom to dye her hair bright red ,paint her lips like her mother, and wear what she likes. The old lady was very upset and said if that is so- but what about the end of the day when the duke will share her bed and demand more than a goodnight kiss? Bit by bit the Princess tore the veil of ignorance away until Rose was sobbing uncontrollably on her lap. When her mother returned the Princess took her aside and spoke to her in private. She was furious with Rose and told her she is lying and she should pull herself together for the celebration at her grandfather's mansion that evening When her mother realized how upset she was she calmed down and told her she should go to bed and she did not need to attend the wedding reception,She told Rose that they would discuss it the next morning with her father. The next day her father told her that it is done- she is married -and should get on with it. He would not discuss it any longer. She got dressed later to attend the wedding reception at the Hotel D'Avaray-"the immense prion like palace shut off from the street by the huge chiseled door".
She was secretly amused to see the unconcealed envy in the eyes of so many dowagers with marriageable daughters. Her new husband's grandfather took delight in parading Rose around.
The next morning it was time to prepare for the noon ceremony at the Madeleine church.
The Madeleine Church in Paris.
For the noon ceremony Rose wore a wedding gown made of white Venetian lace ,tightly fitted and laced at the back with a long court train. The over gown was made of a web-like cashmere and on her head a orange blossom wreath anchored the veil that covered her from head to toe..She wore her pearls earrings, the ruby engagement ring as well as a decorative pin. They guest met afterwards in the sacristy which was much too small . The Imperial family was represented by Count Waleski. The French Royal Family's representatives where Duke de Mirepoix and the Duke of D'Aosta. The Grand Duke and Duchess Vladimir of Russia were there ,as well as the King of the Belgians. The Duke of Edinburgh for the British and Archduke Franz Ferdinand for the Austrian Royal House.
They couple left the church arm in arm down the center aisle to the thundering organ playing Mendelssohn wedding march.As wedding gifts the bride received and ermine lined cape from the Russian Tsar and Tsarina.Queen Victoria sent a set of gold mounted toiletries and from the Belgian King a set of flawless diamond earrings.
CARNET D'UN MONDAIN :-
A crazy world at the marriage of the Count of Avaray with Mlle de Mercy-Argenteau.
One hour in line to arrive to greet the happy couple.
Miss Rose de Mercy pale and ravishing in her ultra-simple dress, a
Christian vestal skirt, in white wool, with a long train, sliding on the
carpets with softness and softness swan plumage. Corsage of large white silk in breastplate, molding its slender waist. The hair Coises la Malvina (it is the new fashion, borrowed from the Restoration), and a large veil of tulle enveloping all the toilet.,
Her mother- the
Countess de Mercy-Argenteau, so perfectly beautiful and graceful, with
her blond hair, her queen like profile and her elegant figure, seemed like the bride's sister .
She
had chosen a very serious dress, all in black velvet, with such a robe.
An old gold hat, crested on the dazzling gold of her hair. Couldn't be
more severe and she only looked prettier. Poor countess! One does what
one can!
Near rgw Count of Avaray, the Marquise d'Avaray, his mother, a very
noble bathroom blue velvet eye of the
King. Blue hat enhanced with old lace and crowned with feathers.
Around
the newlyweds the Duchess d'Harcourt, aunt of Mlle de Mercy, in garnet
velvet mixed with pale pink, with superb sable. Garnet velvet hood with a tuft of pink feathers.
The Countess d'Qultremont, sister of Madame d'Harcourt and of Count Eugène de Mercy, charming dress in slate gray velvet, all sparkling with steel. Bodice with bib, embroidered with steel. Slate velvet hat, lined with steel and crowned with feathers.
The Princess of Henin, in satin and large green velvet; Baroness de Brienen, in nuanced lapis blue; the
duchessse of La Rochefoucauld Bisaccia, wrapped in a czarine pelisse in
satin medlar, embellished with jet embroidery of the same color and
framed with sable sable. Hood of plush medlar with bouquet of turquoise feathers.
The
Maréchale de Mac-Mahon, the Maréchal et la Maréchale Canrobert, the
Comtesse de Pourtalès, returned on purpose, in a moss dress and golden
autumn leaf hood; the Countess of Kersaint in lilac satin; the Baroness
de Noirnlont, in periwinkle blue satin, periwinkle feathered hat the
Duke and Duchess of Gramont, the Prince of Leon, the Prince of Line, the
Duke and Duchess of Mirepoix, the Count Karl de MercyArgenteau, the
Duchess of Uzès, the Duke and Duchess of Sabran, the Duchess of Luynes,
General Count Fleury, the Duke of Montmorency, General de Galliffet, the
Baron and Baroness of Saint-Priest, the Count and Countess of Alidigné,
viscount Maurice Fleury, Mr. Charles Bocher, the count of Alsace, the
count and the countess of Beaumont, the baroness of Carayon-Latour ,.
the Countess of Ayguevives, the Marquise d 'Espeuilles,the
Marquis du Lau, Count Wladimirde Mostesquiou, the Prince and Princess of
Béarn, the Viscountess of Bernis, Mme Gavini, the Due and Duchess of
Caraman, the Prince of Bauffremont, the Count Pierre de Brissac, the
Count of Rougé, the the age Baroness, Baroness Sénancourt,
the Septimius Count de Dampierre, Mr. Carolus-Duran, Count Lambertye,
Viscount of Janzé, Armand counts and François de Gontaut, Count
Goluchowski the Gurowski count, the Marquise de Sinety , the Count and
Countess of Espeuilles, the Duke and Duchess of Fitz-James, the Count
and Countess of Harcourt, Countess Aymar de La Rochefoucauld, the Baron
and Baroness of Beyens, the Count and Countess of Merode,
the prince and princess of Ligne, the count of Toustain, the count of
Praslin, the count of Béthune, etc., following the next almanac
=============
In their private train carriage the maid and valet brought the papers so that they could read about the description of the previous night's reception and the wedding ceremony that morning.Hubert voiced his first regret about being away for four months on this honeymoon. He was missing Paris already.
As Paris move further and further away the groom got more restless and nervous.When he heard the stop Melun being called , he jumped up and exclaimed "My keys- I forgot my keys! " and was off.
There was no groom when the train arrived in Fontainebleau -neither for the first night of his honeymoon. .He arrived the next day and apologized. Later Rose learned that his father introduced him to a "good friend" who could teach him all the finer point in love. When Hubert realized that he will have to perform that night he panicked and rushed back to Paris and spent the night with his "friend". The bride did not mind spending her first wedding night alone.
Rose was coming into her own and realized that she was a beautiful woman and that men admired her beauty. It gave her more confidence and the longer she was away from her mother the better she felt.The first stop in Italy was in Florence but her husband had this abnormal horror and dread of disease.They went to Venice where he did not want to go and once there he did not want to stay. Rome and Naples was out of the question for the same reason so Rose went on her own to Rome and Naples where she also visited Pompeii.
On the train from Florence to Verona a good-looking officer share their compartment.He was openly showing his admiration for Rose without words and when her husband fell asleep he became bolder. She got up to move to Hubert's other side to get more distance between herself and the officer. When she got up he grabbed and kissed her. She slapped his face and fell onto her sleeping husband whose only concern was that she woke him up! The officer left with a wink and threw his card on the seat where he was sitting.
In a terrific gale that made her dear husband miss Paris and his beloved Jockey Club even more, they landed in Salonika .From there they went to Athens and then on to Constantinople, making the French Embassy their their headquarters. The Ambassador was the Marquis de Noailles and his Russian wife.
The Last Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid .
The Sultan and ruler of Turkey was a barbarous blood-thirsty savage who massacred the Armenians to such an extend that the world rose in anger protest against him.Rose met him three times during their stay.His yacht had a trap hole- and many a concubine ended down there being dumped into the Bosphorus river once she served her master.
The Sultan himself took Rose to visit the harem in his palace when they were for a reception.The women of the harem were dressed in gorgeous French creations of fifteen to twenty years ago .They were adorned with stunning jewels, their hair was oiled and perfumed ,and their nails were painted. They wore very high heeled shoes .They were of all ages and invariably stout. Some of the younger Circassian and Nubian girls had beautiful figures .They wore nothing except tin veils draped around them. They were the "fratra" or nobodies .Yet the most beautiful of the harem inmates.
The Sultan mentioned that Rose was a welcome guest to the harem and "may Allah be praised, if she can be induced to stay".
Turkish men 1887.
Rose dressed for a ball.
Their arrival in Vienna had been heralded from Paris and Constantinople Prince de Metternich was a close friend of Rose's parents .They arranged a continuous rounds of sightseeing, fêtes and balls to greet the "jeune ménage" As a matter of fact the young couple was going from bad to worse.
Rose found that she could at least think and speak as she liked ,come and go as she liked, and dress as she liked.She had nothing in common with her husband. All he could think about was his health and when "this abominable trip" will be over. Rose was indifferent to him and was founding him more distasteful as time went on. Suppressed and denied the normal gratifications of pleasure all through her life the complete freedom went to her head .She stated to flirt outrageously.Her husband refused to go anywhere .She went to a dinner given in their honor alone -all of Vienna was there. The Archduke Rudolph ( He would soon commit suicide with his mistress at Mayerling) and his wife Stephanie of Belgium was there as well as Archduke Franz Ferdinand .Rose danced and danced and drank water and brandy to keep up her spirit.
Archduke Rudolph- Crown Prince of Austria .
(Mayerling)
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria.
(The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and wife on June 28 1914
would start World War 1 )
Archduke Franz Ferdinand took Rose under his wing and she enjoyed the attention. She gave herself a free hand in his ardent flirtation and the tongues of evil stated to wag. Swept off her feet by his Hussar-like lovemaking and delighted with the homage - she could not care what the Viennese where saying about her. Princess Metternich warned Rose not to resent the Archduke's attention as it would mean her social downfall. The Princess also raved against Hubert- who has been married for three month already- but he still had not made Rose his wife.After the Princess gave Hubert a bit of her mind he refused to attend any social gatherings or balls , leaving Rose free to do as she pleased. He spent his nights at the Jockey Club gambling.She enjoyed seeing the Archduke and enjoyed his attention and admiration.
Hotel D'Avaray 85 Rue de Grenelle .Paris.
Returning to Paris after the four month honeymoon, their married life started .They moved in to Hubert's ancestral home the Hotel D'Avaray where he grew up.It was a large mansion between court and garden ,bare and desolate ,as was the sensation that held Rose in its grip once the big porch-cochiere closed behind .
On the ground floor ,with its huge high ceiling rooms, lived the old Duke D'Avaray Edouard Theophile de Beziade and his wife Duchess Matilde de Rouchchouart-Mortemart .The parents Marquis Jules Camille De Beziade and his wife Marquise Armande Sequier lived on the second floor. Hubert and Rose moved into the top floor.
Camille - Duke D'Avaray.
Her handsome father-in-law Camille liked her and she was very fond of him.He was a gentle soul ,lacking decision ,completely dominated by his wife Armande''s force of character and imense fortune over which she always kept close control. She was not of equal rank as her husband .She was a thoroughly unpleasant woman with obnoxious habits. She had pretty feet and hands and snappy black eyes but her skin was greasy and yellow and rarely washed out of consideration for her health. Her lips were thin and tightly pinched.She also went to the best couturiers in Paris but always looked unkempt. She was extremely intelligent and well versed in law and wrote with some ability.Her attitude towards Rose was complex..Rose was good tempered and understood her and humored her. but got the feeling that she was seen as an intruder. In the beginning she allied herself with Rose against her son "Will he never stop gambling ?" "Take him with you where he can't gamble!" Later on Rose was to blame for all her husband's trespasses.
Armande would now and then permit herself to trespass gleefully on the forbidden ground of romance and adventure, urging Rose to tell her stories of her gay activities. All of a sudden wrapping herself in frigidity she would stop Rose suddenly;"Enough of this foolery. I only wanted to see how far you go.One day you will go too far! Rose learned to watch for and avoid the trap.
Soon after their return to Paris the Prince and Princess de Leon , her husbands cousins, gave a ball .Her husband asked Rose to drop him off at the Jockey Club and he would join her later, As she slowly ascended the grand staircase when she became aware of a man looking at her .Her heart leaped when she realized it was Fitz James- her "petit mari." He came closer and without a greeting asked her "How could you marry someone else after you promised me?"She told him what her parents told her;- that he was going to marry somebody else and that he had forgotten about her.
After paying their respects to their hosts they retired to corner to catch up. He told her that while he was still in Africa his parents lost their fortune and that Rose's family, learning about it, put an end to the engagement.
The Duchess out on the town with a ostrich feather fan.
Her husband never arrived that evening ,and she took the carriage home at 4:00 am but could not stop thinking about Fitz -James and the time they have wasted .Her husband spent most of his time at the club gambling so she had enough time on her hands to see Fitz- James. The went riding, went to the theater and opera, and attended balls. She fell more and more under his spell and decided they were sliding down a very dangerous slope.Their meeting attracted notice and comments. Rose did not love her husband but she was not ready to break her marriage vows. She decided that Fitz -James should get married. She had a friend Vivien who was madly in love with him She arranged for them to get married. Their social circle was baffled and Rose was the object of many curious glances at the wedding ,where she kissed both the bride and the groom This done she went home broken hearted..
Rose decided that she should try and be seen with her husband more or else people would talk.The club was his home and gambling his life. He rose late, lunched with is parents and wife and then off to the races. Came home to dress for dinner and return late or early morning .From where she did not know -nor did she care. Rose spent her day getting up early as a dutiful daughter-in-law and joined her mother-in-law for early morning mass then had breakfast with them .After a fencing lesson and a shower she would get a good massage An hour drive in the Bois de Boulogne or a walk will fill the morning. Back to prison for a dreary lunch -with her husband looking at his watch every five minutes Visits, lectures, walks anything to fill the afternoon and at night the theater or opera and balls .Even the Chat Noir -a famous night club in Paris.
Rose hated to try on clothes and endured the fittings at Creed for tailored dresses and Douchet and Worth for gowns - even Paquin for negligees . Soon she had a mannequin of her size do all the fittings. Hats were another story and she would gladly visit Virots and order them by the dozen. She was shameless in her greed for hats!
Count Paul Vasili 1858-1941)
Was the name under which Princess Catherine Radziwell wrote books .
This is what she wrote in her book on Paris Society about Rose the young Marquise D'Avaray:-
"She was a person of rare beauty ,full of life freshness and health .She reminded one of a portrait of the painter Ruben-. with her perhaps a little too self asserting personalty.Her beauty is aristocratic accomplished in every respect but her mind is not refined. She allows herself to be carried away by the joy and the impulses of her youth .I detected in her a love for reality in preference to ideals s which makes her vulgar and un-poetic.She sees the broad lines of the world but does not grasp it details.She is like the loudest note of a brass band which is a welcome sound after the sweet notes of the fiddles and flutes"
Worth Atelier. Paris.
Gowns by Worth .
Hat by Virot.
One evening Rose was trying on a gown that she wore a few month before but to her surprise she could not close it around her waist.She realized that she was going to be a mother.
Mother Rose and son Antoine.
October 1 1885. After fifteen hours of labor ,Rose delivered a healthy baby boy Antoine-Hubert-Louis-Camille-Maurice Béziade - and her duty to produce a heir was accomplished. Hubert was on a hunting trip in France.Her mother-in-law chose a nurse that came armed with certificates from mayor and clergy. Rose soon realized that the baby was hungry and replace the nurse with a peasant woman Emilie Rousseau with ample milk. Her mother-in-law never forgave her and this was the beginning of their feud over the boy,
When Hubert arrived three days later at Argenteau to see his son ,some difficulties arose between him and Rose's parents over money settlements. The marriage contract stated that each of the families would settle twenty five thousand francs a year on the couple.Her husband's family has settled their account but Rose's portion had not been paid. Her parents proposed to turn over their house in Paris to the couple but the amount they thought it was worth was not agreeable to her or her husband .Bitter words was exchanged and after deliberating if she could stay in Argenteau with her parents or return to Paris -she decided to go with her husband to Paris.It was the lesser of two evils.
On their return to Paris Rose hurled herself back into the social life and as the Paris season just started she had a great time. One masked ball after the other filled her evenings. Baby Antoine was left in the capable hands of Emilie ,and Rose saw him now and then when her schedule permitted.
Rose dressed for a masked ball in Paris .
Baby Antoine looking on as his mother Rose, father Hubert and her uncle Prince Chimay- go for a ride with another guest.
In June 1887 they went to London for Queen Victoria's jubilee festivities, and on to Cowes where for seventeen days - not much rest was had. Every one was there -The Grand dukes from Austria, as well as members of the British Royal family. A grand time was had by all. Swimming driving lunching, tennis ,yachting, dining, bridge, dancing -one after the other all night and day.
The tent of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward V11) in the garden was the temple to which some were invited .From these dimly lit tête-a-têtes some guests turned away smiling discreetly, others were envious of the privilege and others very much shocked.
Rose-The Duchess D'Avaray on the Royal yacht Britannia in Cowes in 1887.
The last days in England were a whirlpool and Rose had her first good rest on the boat over the English Canal back to France. From Calais a fast train to Paris and then via Versailles to the Chateau Mareil le Gyon -that belonged to Rose's mother-in-law's family.
Chateau Mareil le Gyon.
Chateau Mareil le Gyon: Then and now.
Painting that hung in the Chateau by Francoise-Andre Vincent
The Marquise of La Galaiziere being created Chancellor of Loraine.
This was Armande Sequier's ancestor.
Chateau D'Avaray in the Loire Valley .
The Chateau Mareil le Gyon belonged to the Sequier family.It was situated close to Paris and a convenient distance to travel .Armande made the rules, so as it was her family's home .that was where the family spent their summers. The Chateau D'Avaray was in the Loire Valley and too far.The old Duke and his wife spent their summers there. It suited Hubert ,as well as Rose, just fine as they were closer to Paris if the country life got a bit too boring.
The large room were almost bare of furniture- but what was there where of the best quality. Big tapestries and wall hanging with priceless antiques and heavy silver. . The lonesome country life bored Hubert and he did not even spend Sunday with the family but sped back to Paris as soon as he could. Rose when to church with her elders and attended the receptions her mother-in-law arranged.
The food was as odd as the house and its furniture. It was abundant- first soup. an entrée ,fish, roast, a cold dish ,two vegetables and to end it all cheese and dessert .It exactly tasted the same owing to the Duchess's strange fancy to a "roux" -a brown butter sauce covering every dish. Even the old Duke who who rarely summoned the spirit to criticize anything was irritated by the constant appearance of this sauce at dinner time and would call out in despair :-"Enfin pourquoi toujours ce roux? Pouquoi pas pour changer quelquefois une sauce blanche méme?" Why the brown sauce every day -can't we have a white sauce for a change, The old Duchess reply was always the same - a white sauce is nice but the brown sauce has more nutrition.
Rose was an ardent horsewoman and rode very often along the "grand route" to Paris. The chance meetings were very pleasant and amusing and spicy enough to repeat. When only one rider appeared and turned his horse to accompany her, they could take one of the pretty side paths conductive to delightful, if prudent tête-a-têtes.Something happened soon to put a stop to this, Two of her cavaliers got into a duel . One was killed while the other was badly hurt.This put a damper on the summer fun.
The Jockey Club. Paris. The Duke's home from home.
Soon after their return to Paris a note was sent to Rose requesting a private interview.The footman showed in a rather unsavory character.He showed Rose a note, signed by her , stating that she would pay the bearer of this note eighty thousand francs. Very indignant she returned the note and told that man that she has never seen it and that she definitely did not sign it.He took the note and told her that it would be sad if a noble man of such an old and good family ,will end up in prison because of this. She asked for the note back and told the man that he should return in four days.
She did not know where Hubert was and she could not talk to his parents as his father had no money and his mother refused to pay his gambling debts.The only one she could think to turn to was the Prince of Wales He was a close friend of her mothers and liked Rose very much. She sent him a telegraph that she would be in the Berkeley Hotel London the next day and if he could meet her there. Sir Stanley Clark arrived at the hotel at noon and with his help Rose arranged for a lunch menu for the Prince who arrived at one with his equerry .After the lunch the two gentlemen left and Rose told the Price her tale of woe.He asked her to give him some time .Later the same day he had a gentleman deliver the money to Rose. The Prince did not care for her husband but was very fond of Rose.She had the opportunity later to return the favour.
She rushed back to Paris and settled the debt .She confronted Hubert about making notes of obligation in her name. He assured her that he did not sign her name but thanks anyhow for paying the debt! They had a big argument and that ended their physical relationship.
Paris has lost its charm for Rose. She felt horror for her husband and his mother and the dreary mansion . Every time the heavy bronze door of the Hotel D'Avaray closed behind her she shuddered.
The only light in this dark time was Fitz-James who was also very unhappy in his marriage but Rose urged him to wait for a suitable time before they made up their minds to divorce their spouses and get married. Rose's biggest hurdle was her son Antoine.
One evening Hubert joined her when she was climbing the stairs to their apartment .He begged her to save him once again .She wanted to refuse but decided to help him- to get what she wanted. She asked Hubert to meet her in their son's nursery the next morning and she would give him an answer.
The next morning she told Hubert the only reason she is helping him is for the sake of their son. She needs the power of attorney to sell the house that her father gave them , and that she needs a six month trail separation.He was so pleased that he agreed to all of her demands.
She paid him the money later in the day before he left for the Jockey club. That evening she dined with the his mother- the old Duchess Armande- and told her that she was leaving for six months - traveling for the Holy Land on a pilgrimage and not all the ugly steps that lead to her decision.
Her son would stay in the Hotel D'Avaray with his nurse Emilie and her mother-in-law. Rose kissed her hand and went upstairs. She left Armande mortified at what Paris society will have to say about this.Rose could not care less.
Rose promised Fitz-James to meet him at the Duchess de Doudeauville's ball that evening . She was going to tell him that she was leaving for the Holy Land for six months -alone. Her black velvet gown a diamond star in her hair and her diamond earrings made her look like a frozen iceberg with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Fitz -James was not thrilled to hear the news -but she was adamant.
The Duchess in her velvet gown.
She instructed her maid Clothilde to start packing that same night .The next day she spent with her little boy visiting all the their favorite places . She went to the Notre Dame de Victoires and prayed that he will still stay a part of her life forever.
Notre Dame Des Victoires.
That night she and Clothilde left on the night train to Marseilles. When arriving they went to the harbor .The first boat leaving was a French liner sailing for Tunis ,and they boarded right away.
Rose was very serious about this pilgrimage and wanted guidance for her life.She wanted to go where the Lord suffered and died for mankind.She wanted to go to her Father in pertinence and receive absolution.She wanted to start again -Sweet, clean and fresh.
-TO BE CONTINUED-
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