Le Journal de Paris de octobre 1624

Silk Crisis continues to grow

Auriane Delaunay showing off the lacework of Madam Yar

The cries of distress from most of the ladies of Paris can even be heard in the royal palaces. Almost no new silk dresses can be obtained after the audacious theft of several gowns from the establishment of Marie Àpropos on the Île-de-la-Cité. About the only lady sporting the latest fashion is Gisèle Barthélemy, whose latest dress was a gift from her beau, Phillipe Lemoine. Although being denied by the Guild of Tailors, rumours persist that there is a huge stockpile of silk being hoarded by a rich client of the Guild.

One other lady that doesn't seem to be concerned about the shortage is Auriane Delaunay who has been sporting some intricate lace work in place of her linen ruff. This is the work of Aline Yar's Italian Mother and apparently took many hours of patient work. Whether this is the start of a new fashion trend remains to be seen. Madam Àpropos has expressed the view that, unlike the ruff, it fails to encourage the correct posture - though as the ruff can, in general, be only used once, she may have a business reason to support its continued use!

Flora Pernet showing that the silk crisis is requiring some sacrifices.

Meanwhile Cochon de Lait and Marius Thibodeaux have assiduously worked to distract their companions from the crisis. M. de Lait has ensured his continued following of the rules of floral etiquette by presenting Flora Pernet with a bouquet of asters while M. Thibodeaux has presented Émilie Beaufils with the season's finest pruneaux d’Agen fourrés, which were quickly gobbled up!

All of the above were much luckier than Fourier Transformée who was wooing Brigitte Silvestre. When he arrived with a large box, she admitted him at once but when she discovered that the box did not contain the expected silk dress he was quickly shown the door and told to remove the painting kit he had brought. Better luck next month!

Billiards match between Hunter's and Bothwell's

After the successful indoor billiards tournament at Hunter's last month, Phillipe Lemoine was invited to give a demonstration at the prestigious Bothwell's club. With an enthusiastic reception there (possibly aided by some of the worst octobre weather making the billiards pitch at Bothwell's completely waterlogged), a competition match between Hunter's and Bothwell's has been set up for the end of novembre. Members of the Hunter's team will be invited into Bothwell's for the event.

Victoria Gainsbourg fickle affections

With the departure of Jean Huile for the frontier, it seems that Victoria Gainsbourg has been quick to forget him and has been seen in the company of Omer Dalors. M. Huile has cause to issue a challenge to a duel, but does not need to do so until his return from frontier.

Continued slide of Henry Lightfoot

It seems that M. Lightfoot has been somewhat distracted by the continued political turmoil in London. Word has reached us that his father had invested in the play A Game of Chess which played in August until a prosecution against the play was brought by the Privy Council (the pretext being the portrayal of a living king rather than the political content of the play). As a result M. Lightfoot has not been seen around Paris this month and is steadily losing social status.

Roget Thésaurus scares off muggers

After watching one of the many plays of the month, Roget was accosted by a small group of gentlemen who suggested that he might like to have them accompany him on his way home for his own safety. Roget quickly demonstrated how he on his duel against Jean Huile earlier this year to show that he was perfectly safe thank you!

Army planning major siege at Namur

In a clear follow up to last season's successful siege at Château de Montaigle, the army is planning a major advance to the city of Namur next year. All regiments apart from the 69^th Arquebusiers and the Gascon Regiment will be required to join the army during julliet, août and septembre 1625. Investors in arms companies receive a payout of 80%, while those investing in finance need to find an additional 60% to keep their investments afloat. Those investing in commerce receive a 10% payout.

As part of the preparation for next year's campaign, the frontier regiments welcome Jean Huile who has decided to spend the autumn season helping them.

Le Perche du Coudray Updates

Congratulations to OMer Dalors, Cochon de Lait and Phillipe Lemoine who have completed courses in Rapier, Cutlass and Sabre respectively. M. Dalors' Rapier skill is now rated as 10, M. de Lait's Cutlass skill at 11 and M. Lemoine's Sabre skill at 8.

Regimental News

Grand Duke Maxmillian Dragoons

Roget Thésaurus is promoted to subaltern.

Royal Marines

Sir Alex Kuzbidon is promoted to captain of C company.

Picardy Musketeers

Aline Yar is promoted to captain of C company.