#bal a versailles

[fidjiefidjie]

Bonjour, bonne journée ☕️ 👑

Buffet du bal des débutantes dans l'Orangerie du château 🏰 Versailles 1961

Photo de Paul Almasy

[moratoirenoir]

[mouldyrubbish]

i adore these fragram pictures... 

[hedgehog-moss]

I just read a detailed account of the Bal des Ifs and I’d never realised how funny this event was when you don’t focus on Madame de Pompadour. All I was taught at school is that it was the masquerade ball in 1745 where Louis XV first took (public) notice of la Pompadour, but what I didn’t know was that the former royal mistress had recently died so there was a vacancy so to speak, and a lot of noblewomen showed up specifically hoping to catch the King’s attention. 

But he came dressed up as a shrub (a yew tree similar to the ones in the royal topiary gardens) along with seven other men in identical costumes, so no one knew for sure which one was the King. People always focus on how Madame de Pompadour recognised the royal shrub and talked to him, but what about the women who didn’t!! History is written by the winners but I want to hear about the women who doggedly danced the minuet with random shrubs hoping this one was the one. My book mentions that a determined noble lady followed a yew tree outside the room on a hunch, only to find that she had bet on the wrong shrub. This is what the shrub costumes looked like by the way, imagine stalking one all over the park of Versailles at night because you think his gait looks kingly and you are an ambitious noblewoman

[comtessezouboff]

La Galerie des Cotelles Set

A retexture by La Comtesse Zouboff — Original Mesh by @thejim07

At the very moment when Louis XIV wrote the first version of 《Manière de montre les jardins de Versailles》, he expressed his desire to recreate his words as images.

In 1688, he comissioned an outstanding set of 24 paintings describing the different groves in gardens with mythological allegories to be placed in the galerie at the Trianon de Marbre.

The ornamentation of the gallery linking Trianon to Trianon-sous-bois was entrusted to three painters between 1688 and 1689: Jean Cotelle painted twenty-one of the twenty-four canvases hung in this room, Etienne Allegrain two others, and Jean-Baptiste Martin.

This gallery, decorated around 1690, bears the name of the author of most of the paintings which appear there and which represent views of the groves of Versailles and Trianon, embellished with mythological figures.

This set remained in place until the First Empire. Napoleon I considered replacing them with paintings to his glory. The works will return to their original location in 1913 after being restored to 《La Colection Royale》 by Louis Philippe and can be seen there to this day.

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This set contains 24 paintings with the original frame swatches, fully recolourable. They are:

View of the Amphitheater of the Grove of the Théâtre d'Eau with the Toilette of Psyche.

View of the Bassin du Dragon and the Gutter of the Neptune Fountain with Apollo Slaying the Serpent Python.

View of the Colonnade Grove with Apollo Served by the Nymphs.

View of the Entrance of the Labyrinth Grove with Nymphs and Cupid Catching Birds in their Nets.

View of the Fountain of the Fifty-Two Jets, or Plat-Fond at the Trianon with Mars and Venus.

View of the Grove of l'Encelade with Jupiter Slaying Enceladus the Giant with the Feast of Lycaon.

View of the Grove of L'Étoile or la Montagne d'Eau with Diana Saving Arethusa from Alpheus.

View of the Grove of the Arc de Triomphe Towards the Fountain of La France Triomphante with Nymphs Chaining Captives.

View of the Grove of the Arc de Triomphe with Venus and Adonis on a Chariot Driven by Cupid.

View of the Grove of the Baths of Apollo or des Dômes with Diana and her Nymphs.

View of the Grove of the Labyrinth Showing the Fountain of the Fight of the Animals and the Two Fountains of the Fox and the Crane with Diana and the Nymphs.

View of the Grove of the Salle de Bal with Armide Crowning Renaud.

View of the Grove of the Théâtre d'Eau with the Toilette of Psyche.

View of the Marais or Chêne-Vert Grove with Nymphs Playing Various Games.

View of the Neptune Fountain, the Bassin du Dragon and the Allée d'Eau with the Judgement of Paris.

View of the Orangerie and the Palace from the Pièce d'Eau des Suisses with the Abduction of Helen of Troy.

View of the Orangerie of Versailles and the Pièce d'Eau des Suisses with Vertumnus and Pomona.

View of the Parterre d'Eau with the Apotheosis of Venus.

View of the Parterres of the Trianon de Marbre with Zephyrus and Sleeping Flora

View of the Trois-Fontaines Grove with Garden Loves.

View of the Trois-Fontaines Grove with Venus and the Nymphs.

View of the Feast or Council Room Grove in the Palace of Versailles.

View of the Grove of the Miroir d'Eau Fountain and the Île-Royale in the Palace of Versailles.

Perspective view of the Grove of the Galerie des Antiques.

Found under decor > paintings for 1.850§

(you can just search for "Cotelle" using the catalog search mod to find the entire ser much easier!)

Retextured from:"The virgin of the Rosary" found here

Disclaimer!

All of the paintings shown here aren't as blurry as in the screenshots and its colors are more vibrant in-game!

Cc shown here:

Walls, door and bench by @thejim07

Floor by @martassimsbookcc

Windows by @missyzim

Chandelier and garland by @hydrangeachainsaw

Pediment by Mutske (TSR)

Consoles by ShinoKCR (TSR)

Drive

(Sims3Pack | Package)

(Useful tags below)

@joojconverts @ts3history @ts3historicalccfinds @deniisu-sims @katsujiiccfinds @gifappels-stuff

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[lz-didyounotice]

11th doctor Mission : Save the king

This gif do not belong to me.

Heyy! This fic is a little longer then the last one. Wanted to do a propper adventure for the doctor and Clara to follow. This one is also cought in a time paradox. You will be presented as Jeanne du Berry, Favorite of the King Louis XV. I inspired myself with the plot of "The girl in the fireplace". Hope you enjoy !

Froggit-

Warning : Could be concidered Angst at the end, with a preestablished relationship. Mention of prostitution. As always, english is not my frist language.

------------------------

“Jeanne du Berry '' was one of the most beautiful women the 18th century had ever seen. From Lorraine to Paris, her beauty was jealous of many, as she attracted all eyes wherever she went. A tall and skinny figure, adorning wonderful pale skin. Her blue eyes looked so innocent, yet she knew how to make use of her charms. Her Long brown hair bleeding into blond as she walked amongst the sun.

She was also known as the favorite of the king, the one who had been part of his most desired dreams by the ladies of the court. Yet, by his side, she never wanted to change who she was and try to be another woman with the numerous étiquettes she was supposed to follow. It wasn’t her place to be. All she wanted was to love the king, make him laugh, let him know he deserved to be treated like a normal individual, to let his title aside when he was by hers. To love him for who he was, and not what he was supposed to be.

After the death of the previous queen, Jeanne rose to power. The king’s daughters all wanted to see her fall, to see her lying in the dirt like the prostitute she was. A whore who had no right to be by their father's side. 

Fortunately enough, Jeanne had what it took to ignore the pretentious princesses all too worried about their reputation to care for their father's feelings. And despite giving her best to be kind around her, something was lurking. Wanting her to be a part of something bigger. A piece of machinery well wired who needed guidance in the more gruesome ways.

As she entered her quarters, the king's valet was waiting for her. 

"Sa Majesté souhaite que vous l’honoriez de votre présence ce soir pour le bal..."

(His Majesty wishes you to honor him with your presence tonight for the ball...)

"Faites-lui savoir que je me présenterais avec joie à ses côtés."

(Let him know that I would gladly present myself at his side.)

—--------------

As the doors of a blue police booth opened, a little brunette had taken a look outside, outstanded by the beautiful scenery. 

The doctor hadn’t lied. Versailles was beautiful at this time of the year. In her dark blue dress, she also looked magnificent, a candy to the eye some would say. Her hair, up in a simple updo, refusing to wear one of those tall and overly done wigs (She had tried to before, but it was too itchy to even keep. Plus, if she needed to run, it would be a disaster). 

As she turned around, she fell eye to eye with the doctor trying to activate the chameleon system of the Tardis. For the occasion, he had put on a magnificent Blue-tailed coat, with an intricate chemise, adorned with a waistcoat of a darker shade of blue. He hadn’t put a wig on either and preferred to hide it with a magnificent officer hat. 

“Doctor, Hurry up, I don’t think we should be late for such an event! ”

“There is only so much I can do Clara !” Said the doctor trying to make the Tardis invisible.

“There seems to be something preventing her from disappearing… A force field or something of the sort. Which is weird since I closed the last one. ” He continued, still searching for the issue.

“Last one ?”

“Yes, well it wasn’t quite a force field, more of a time portal. Had a wonderful night with Madame de Pompadour on the occasion. Wonderful woman I might add.” He said while finally resolving their little camouflage problems. “Ah ha!”

“We may go now ?“ Pressed Clara, still waiting by the door.

“Yes !”

—--------------

The Ballroom was extraordinarily beautiful. Filled with too many of the richest people in the country. If she was being honest, Clara found it rather charming, yet felt a little uncomfortable around so many gorgeous women and men. 

Elbows locked with the doctors, the assembly awaited for the king to arrive, rearranging themself as he was announced. 

“Sa majesté le roi !”

As dictated the etiquette, Clara and the doctor bowed before him and returned to position once he had passed. The brunette found it rather hilarious, trying to retain a smile as she graced the floor. Checking for the doctor's eyes, she found him deep in thought, as if he had seen something he had wished to unsee. 

But before long another person was announced. 

“Madame la Comtesse du Barry !”

And here she was, the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. She wasn't wearing any fancy wigs, her hair let down on her shoulders, decorated with white and long feathers. Her dress was assorted to the cream-white coat the king was adorning. Her trail seemed to be as long as the ballroom as she gently walked towards him.

Once before the king, she presented herself, but as she did so, her eyes couldn't quit his, making the others start chattering, breaking the silence that once stood in the room. And as she did it two other times, Clara looked at the doctor, confused by what was happening before her. 

But soon enough, the chatter was silenced by the music starting, a soft yet charming baroque rhythm playing in the assembly. And as the crowd arranged to dance, The Comtesse had in mind something rather scandalous for both her and Her Majesty. Taking his hand in hers, she accompanied him to the middle of the ballroom and started dancing with him. As everyone stopped to look at them, the Doctor couldn’t stop himself from seeing something he would have wanted to avoid.

All he could see was the golden bracelet around her right wrist, a piece of jewelry he knew wasn’t what it seemed. A shimmer perhaps? Whoever was dancing with the King wasn’t the real woman, a copycat at best, and looking at most of the guests, some wore the same one, hiding it under exaggerated sleeves. 

“Doctor? Is something wrong…?”

“Very wrong…” Catching the girl's hand, he went to one of the hallways, trying to drown out the noise as he thought of a plan. “I guess I know now why I had so much trouble with the Tardis. We might have some uninvited guests… and a portal inside the castle.” He let out flapping his hands about.

“Why would someone want to invade Versailles in the 18th century? ”

“Lots of reasons…! An alien could easily overthrow someone else to get what he wants from it, by preparing a future terrain… Now, what I don’t understand is why choosing the favorite of the king and not the king himself.”

“Maybe he is the next target…? ”

“They would have already done it. Or-” Then it occurred to him that the king had been gone for months before the ball. Giving enough time for those who wanted to hurt him to take place within the court. “Or it was easier to blend in…” He turned toward Clara, excited by his breakthrough, but the frown on Clara's face made him get on track.

—--------------

Being attached to her bed was not really how she expected her reunion with the king. Her arms stretched too far for her to reach her feet tied to the end of the bed, unable to move. She was stuck and worried sick. Worried for her son, worried for the king- 

The room which seemed so calm and charming was now giving her chills as she knew she would soon be killed by those imposters. All of them had left her alone, wanting to partake in the king's murder. The silence was slowly killing her. She had tried to cry for help, but the music seemed too loud for someone to hear. 

Tired of her luck, she took a deep breath one last time and called, her vocal cords trying to hold as she begged to be let out of this situation. 

And soon enough commotion  was noticed by the woman, making her cry once more. Begging whoever was in the hallway to walk into the room. A weird whirring noise was heard, then the lock gave out, leading the door to open.

Before her, stood a tall youthful young man, with unruly brown hair, sticking up in some places. Behind him, a beautiful woman, seemingly the same age as him, wearing a magnificent blue dress. 

“Excuse me, sir…, do you happen to know how to get me out of those bindings ?”

“Please do not Sir… Just call me the Doctor. ” The man said while coming closer to the headboard. Using his sonic screwdriver manages to get her out of the metallic bindings.

“ The Doctor? What a particular name… Is it your occupation or is it a title ?”

“More of a title.”

“What a pity, your hands seem adept at such handy work.” Said Jeanne as her own were finally freed. Soon enough she was off the bed, standing before the two travelers. “Regrettably, there’s no time for discourse, for my liege is threatened with poison by one of those deceitful fellows. One has assumed my likeness, and I dread I may be implicated in the scheme.”

“We may be of assistance!“

“I would have expected as such.”

“Those individuals as you call them, what do you know of them ?” Asked clara, stepping beside the doctor.

"From what I saw, they resemble humans with crystal antlers protruding from their foreheads. Lacking noses, they still appeared capable of breathing. One among them spoke of a civil conflict back in their homeland, mentioning something termed 'the hour of joy,' if memory serves."

“Ow! How stupid could I be! Of course!” Said the Doctor, slapping his forehead frustrated he had let such information sleep through. “ To flee the war they had to have a way out. That’s why there is a time vortex opened. They want to kill the king so it would be easier to find a new home for their people in one of the most influential countries of her century.”

“Doctor? Do we have a plan ?”

“Need to find the portal and send them somewhere other than here.”

“How do we do that ?”

“Simple” The doctor confirmed while scanning the room. “As expected. Jeanne, has there been any renovation in your room while the king was away ?”

“A painting of the king had been installed in my room…”

“Clever! Now could you show me where that would be ?”

Not losing any time, Jeanne convail them in a small room, adjacent to the bed. A rather large library awaited behind. In the middle of the room, was a soft red sofa, invaded by all sorts of books and before it stood a medium painting of the king.

Putting out his sonic, the doctor took it upon himself to jump on a chair and try to open what was hiding the portrait. “Here you are” As the painting got off the wall, a mix of wires had been discovered, a large panel hidden behind.

After reversing its polarity, the doctor finally was able to close the portal. Making whoever wanted to enter it appear on another planet that wasn’t Earth. Now, all they had to do was to get the imposters back to their ship.

—--------------

Jeanne was confused, yet still grateful for the help of the doctor. The ball was still going, and the final moments were to arrive soon, her dear king would be taken away. With a loud bang, the doors at the end of each hall opened, leaving the Comtesse now the center of attention. 

She entered furious, still in the dress she had on this morning. Her corset was killing her, but running to get to the scene was not an option. The doctor had told her about the shimmers. How certain of the guests could also be traitors. But all you could think of was getting this imposter off her lover. 

“My liege! I fear I am not the one you are holding in your arms!” Jeanne was still running toward him, not caring about the looks the other guests were giving her. 

The music had stopped, and panic seemed to ensue as everyone saw double. Thanks to the doctor the situation was taken care of. Explaining what was happening to the king, it wasn’t long after he was out of the fake Jeanne's arms, trying to get back to his favorite. Still connected to their ship, the individual fled. The doctor promised them a safer and harmless way out. Welcoming them to an inhabited planet where they could thrive again.

—--------------

In the end, everything went well, no one was hurt, and the king was saved. He had even tried to get compensation for the help the doctor had offered. But he had refused, claiming it was just another Saturday for him.

Jeanne had followed the doctor and Clara back to the Tardis, wanting to know more about the two time travelers. It was irrational, yet she seemed to be attracted to this incredibly gentleman. Clara had gone ahead, entering the Tardis while the Comtesse stayed to discuss with the timelord.

“So, tell me. Am I to ever see you again?”

“We weren’t to meet in the first place.“ Let out the doctor.

"That is regrettable. I would have desired to learn more about you."

“You can always ask.”

"Can you be truthful? Your eyes betray a distant presence. Why must it be so melancholic?" Looking into his eyes, all she could see was dread, something old that still lingered.

“An old friend of mine had been missing. I searched everywhere, but I’ll find her at some point.”

"If she holds such significance to you, perhaps she is nearer than you anticipate."

“How could she be ?”

"I suppose destiny plays a role? And it's undeniable that you're attractive; I wouldn't fault her for desiring your return."

The doctor couldn't help himself but look at her. Something was screaming at him to look closer into it, to try and understand, but shoving a sonic screwdriver into someone’s face wasn’t a good approach.

“Have we met before ?”

"I don't believe we have. But something suggests it won't be the final occasion either."

“How can you be so sure ?” The Doctor said while trying to find out why he was so attracted to her.

"Life unfolds in mysterious manners. So do I. To my knowledge, no one is born twice."

“I can guess of a few species that can.”

“You're the Bowtie maniac, you should be the one who knows.”

The doctor looked as if he had seen a ghost. “I’m not -(A bow tie maniac)”. In the whole universe, there was only one person who called him this, that he accepted it from. Locking eyes with hers, all he could see was how old they seemed, how much they lived, despite seeming so young. But it made sense. After all (Y/N) had told him about certain past lives. Never giving a name to not disturb time paradoxes that weren’t meant to be. She did mention having had a peculiar life in the 18th century, falling in love with the king. But never would he have guessed for you to have been born as Jeanne de Becu. La Comtesse du Barry.

“Madame! Le roi vous attend !” They heard being called. The Valet of the king interrupted the many questions that had yet to be asked, but it was better to not know and let destiny be what it had done best. Reunite one another.

Jeanne felt there was something more and she wanted to know. But it would ruin the surprise, wouldn’t it? Caressing his confused face with her right hand, she smiled at him. A simple smile, that made his hearts flutter. 

"I suppose this is merely a 'farewell,' Doctor. I'll see you when the time arrives, my Bowtie Maniac." And as her hand left his cheek, he felt his hearts hurt, being left once more by the woman he loved the most in the entire universe.

—--------------

Bonus : 

The Tardis felt silent, sad even. The tension was too much for Clara, and she couldn’t help herself from asking what was going on. Why was he looking so distraught, and was being so quiet as he brought her home?

“Who was she ?”

“Jeanne du Berry? Favorite of the King. A more pleasant way to say concubine. She was born in a monastery. But she became a lady in waiting, then worked in a brothel. She got the visit of a rich noble from the court that presented her to the king. It was love at first sight.”

“And to you ?”

“I didn’t know her by that name. At least never heard her mentioning it as one of her previous incarnations. She never wanted me to know.”

“Why would she hide it ?”

“Paradoxes. If I had known, I might never have wanted to meet the younger version of herself. Avoid it even.”

“What happened to her ?”

“I lost her” Seeing the sad face of Clara, the Doctor still wanted to see her smile, and stop worrying about what went through his head. “But I’m sure we will meet again. Travel together once more like we always did. I’m sure you two would love each other.” Finally let out the doctor full of hope.

[coolvieilledentelle]

L'histoire des Madeleines françaises se transmet de génération en génération depuis le XVIIIe siècle. Et cela est lié à la personnalité du noble duc de Lortargin - Stanislav Leszczynski, ou plus précisément à la fille de Stanislav - Maria. Selon une version, en 1755, Stanislav aurait donné un grand bal, mais son pâtissier tomberait soudainement malade. Pour se sortir de cette impasse, le malheureux pâtissier a demandé à sa bien-aimée, une servante nommée Madeleine, de lui confectionner de délicieux petits biscuits en forme de coquille, qu'elle cuisinait de temps en temps, et dont elle recevait la recette de sa grand-mère. Les cookies ont fait sensation au bal ! Plus tard, Maria épousa le roi de France Louis XV et emporta la recette avec elle à Versailles sous le nom de cette même servante, Madeleine.

Une recette de Madeleines insolites aux amandes et aux baies

1 œuf large; 50 grammes de sucre ; 60 g de beurre ; 30 grammes de farine ; 45 grammes de farine d'amande (ou d'amandes moulues) ; Baies (je préfère la combinaison de framboises et d’amandes. Mais c’est très savoureux avec des myrtilles et des fraises). Comment préparer la madeleine : Étape 1 : Faites fondre le beurre.

Étape 2. Dans un bol, battre l'œuf et le sucre blanc jusqu'à épaississement. Incorporez ensuite délicatement la farine et les amandes à l'aide d'une spatule.

Étape 3. Versez l'huile tiède et remuez à nouveau doucement, mais jusqu'à consistance lisse.

Étape 4. Viennent ensuite les baies. Vous pouvez les ajouter à la pâte, mais je les colle ensuite dans le moule, avec la pâte renversée.

Étape 5. Assurez-vous de graisser la poêle avec de l'huile (j'étale de l'huile d'olive avec un pinceau) et saupoudrez de farine. Les madeleines ressortiront alors parfaitement et leur « dos » ne sera pas abîmé. Répartissez la pâte dans les moules et insérez les baies.

Étape 6. Placer au four à 200 degrés pendant 8 à 12 minutes. Je fais cuire pour 8 personnes. Vérifiez avec une lame de couteau la cuisson

Sortez immédiatement ( tièdes) des moules et mangez-les tièdes également. En général, elles ont meilleur goût le jour de la cuisson, je les prépare donc en petites portions.

[arsenicetvieillesenseignes]

C’est sûr, L'Hôtel de la Poste c'est pas la Villa Florentine. Au zinc, y'a Robert, le taulier. Un gars pas méchant, mais une gueule toujours bougonne, comme s'il avait mâché du gravier au petit-déj. Un matin, alors que Lyon s’éveille sous le crachin, une dame débarque. Elle est sapée comme pour un bal, mais sa binette dit qu'elle n'est pas là pour danser. C’est le genre de fille qui n'a pas mordu dans le gâteau de la vie du côté de la crème. « Bonjour beau brun, je cherche la chambre 12. Paraît qu'elle a vue sur le grand théâtre du monde », lance-t-elle avec un regard qui claque comme un coup de feu dans une ruelle sombre. Robert la zieute avec des mirettes qui ont l'air de fouiller jusqu’au fond de son âme et lui répond sur un ton grimaçant : « La 12, ma belle, c'est tout un poème. Fais gaffe, par contre, y'a des souvenirs accrochés aux rideaux qui pourraient te filer le cafard. C'est pas Versailles, hein, faut pas rêver. Les araignées sont les seules locataires qui râlent pas sur le loyer. La dernière fois qu'on a vu de l'espoir ici, c'était dans les yeux d'un poivrot qui avait réussi à remonter dans sa chambre sans trébucher. » Elle esquisse un sourire qui dit qu'elle en a vu d'autres. Le bonhomme ajuste ses binocles comme s’il allait plonger dans le grand bain des mots croisés et ajoute : « Au deuxième, ma p'tite dame. Mais je te préviens, les murs ont parfois des oreilles et la moquette capte les confidences mieux qu'une appli d'espionnage installée sur un smartphone. » Un sourire malicieux aux lèvres, elle rétorque : « T’en fais pas, la discrétion, c’est mon fonds de commerce. » Puis elle grimpe l'escalier en colimaçon. Ses jambes dessinent des ombres qui dansent sur les marches usées. Le bois grince sous ses pas. Ça sonne comme la mélodie d'une chanson que personne n'écrira jamais. Robert lâche un soupir et se remet à compter les miettes de son existence en se disant que si les chambres de ce rafiot pouvaient parler, elles feraient la nique aux meilleures pipelettes du quartier.

[fruitchouli]

perfumes of the tweak 🦍

cdg guerilla 1 , liz taylor white diamonds legacy , olfactive studios violet shot 🔫, jean desprez bal a freaking versailles, und thierry mugler alien fusion

[rockofeye]

What's your favorite scent to use? If it's Florida Water, besides that, is there another cologne or perfume you like to use?

Hi,

I definitely like Florida Water for a lot of things. It's a core ingredient for a lot of spiritual work, and many lwa utilize it as well. Also common is Lotion Pompeia, which is a cologne despite it's name, and Rev d'Or. Bien Etre in most of its scents is common, and Royal Bain de Champagne and Bal a Versailles are less common but very special.

Folks also offer their lwa other scents, too, whether they are spiritual colognes or perfumes and colognes people might wear. I have a heliotrope cologne some of my lwa really like, as well as tobacco cologne, lavender cologne, vetiver cologne, and others. It kind of depends on what my lwa like or what work I am doing specifically!

[wildbeautifuldamned]

Bal O Versailles Perfume Bottle Mint ebay gigisfivendime

[moratoirenoir]

[bitchinbarzal]

Le Bal des Débutantes, also known simply as "le Bal" (or, previously, the "Crillon Ball"), is a debutante ball and fashion event held annually in November in Paris, bringing together between 20 and 25 debutantes aged 16 to 22 from many countries, together with their parents and a similar number of young men. It started as a social event and was first held in the Orangery of the Château de Versailles on 10 July 1958, Its purpose is to raise money for Charities to help young women

The criteria for invitation as a débutante are an attractive appearance, intelligence, and famous parents. The débutantes often come from families known in entertainment, business, or politics etc

mama H absolutely does put her in

[forthegothicheroine]

Year in review, what perfumes and perfume brands did you like best this year? Which ones do you want to try, or try more from, in 2023?

Good questions! Let's see, best perfumes I tried for the first time this year...

Enchanted Forest by The Vagabond Prince

Magnolia Bliss by Juliette Has a Gun

Fraaagola Saalaaata by Hilde Soliani

Replica Under the Lemon Tree by Maison Margiela

Fracas by Robert Piguet

Best new perfume brands I tried this year...

Vagabond Prince

4160 Tuesdays

Marissa Zappas

Lubin

Maison Tahité

Perfumes I'd like to try samples of next year...

Bal a Versailles by Jean Desprez

Cacao in the Sun Maison Tahite

Replica Whispers in the Library by Maison Margeila

Tuscan Leather by Tom Ford

Bobbing for Snake Oil by Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab (if it ever comes back in stock...)

General brands I'd like to try more of next year...

Guerlain

By Kilian

Vagabond Prince

Imaginary Authors

Marissa Zappas

[untilthenextencore]

Linda Mujer : Ch. 4~...

From that point on it was more or less smooth sailing. Merce seemed to open a bit more. But only a bit. She still made a stunning if slightly self-possessed vision perched on the couch between Robert & Jimmy.

The girls who had hoped to end up with Robert or Jimmy still whispered about her. But not one of them cared much. Even in the times when a rather pushy girl attempted to perch herself on Robert's lap startling Merce a bit, the lads handled it with their usual aplomb. Robert gently repositioned the girl back onto her feet. "There we are, luv. Careful now. Don't want you to hurt yourself. Ya having fun?"

"Yeah. But I think I'd have more fun with you." She whined, attempting to twirl a curl of his blonde hair around her finger.

Robert stopped her short, taking her hand & pressing a kiss to her fingers. "I'm glad you think so, luv. But maybe another time, yeah?" He then clinked glasses with her. "Cheers."

The girl nodded, batting her eyes at him & giving Jimmy a little wave too before throwing Merce a look & sauntering off in a huff.

Merce was a bit surprised & yet somehow not at all. "Are they always like that?"

Robert shrugged. "Sometimes. They can be. Some of them."

Jimmy's hand then came over hers, patting it comfortingly. "But you need never worry about that, my dear. Not with us. Not ever."

Just then, Peter appeared. "Mind if I take him from you for a moment, my dear? Have to talk a bit of business & I don't want to bore you with all the inconsequentials."

"Anything for you, papa. Hurry back." She smiled.

A moment later Robert brought up the elephant in the room once more. "So, how do you know Peter again, luv?"

"Robert~..." She laughed. "I told you already. I'd tell you over tea one day. Maybe."

"Tomorrow." He pointed out.

"Tomorrow..." She nodded before adding a beat later. "Maybe..."

They both laughed.

Robert then leaned in, going in for a kiss suddenly. Merce turned to the side, reaching for a bottle of cider. This leads Robert's nose only graze her hair.

He inhaled her scent & grunted. Half-growled. Roses. Jasmine. Sandalwood. Patchouli. Oranges. Vanilla. Musk. He throbbed just from that. The scent on her skin. The scent on her. The scent of her.

Turning back as Robert leaned back a bit, Merce tilted the bottle towards him. "Another cider?"

"How'd you know? Thank you, luv." He laughed, taking it & taking a big swig before beginning again. "Your perfume..."

"Oh? Oh, you like? Thank you. It's called Bal a Versailles." She smiled brightly.

"Let me guess. Roses, jasmine, oranges, sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, musk."

"Yes!" She clapped quickly in a miniature form of applause, leading Robert to bow making her laugh again. "Very good! Yes, it's got tons of floral & fruity & green notes. I even get a hint of lemon at times."

"Lemon you say?" He quirked a brow. "One of my favorites."

"So I've heard... Can't imagine where though..." Merce shrugged, leading them to share a conspiratorial laugh.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything..."

They looked to the sound of the voice to see Jimmy headed back their way.

"Hello, stranger." Merce's smile remained bright as she welcomed him back. "All done making your illicit business deals & discussing your ill gotten gains?"

Jimmy laughed. "Cheeky. Where did all this cheek come from?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Merce shifted her gown to allow him to easily retake his seat before then adjusting her glimmering shroud. "Behind a veil."

All three laughed.

Robert was still laughing as he added. "Yeah, Pagey. Are you done powdering your nose?"

Jimmy cut him a look that was just to the left of withering, clearly unamused. "Ha-ha, Percy. Spoken like someone who's on his fifth cider of the night."

"Gentlemen!" Merce spoke up, fighting back a laugh. "Gentlemen! Gentlemen please! I met you as gentlemen & I'd prefer if gentlemen you remained!" Now the laughter broke through, making her fight back tears of a different kind as she covered her mouth.

Her face flushing hot from both the situation & her ribald laughter, Merce pulled a lace folding fan from her pocketbook & began to fan herself as she collected herself. This gave the gentlemen at hand time to do the same. It also gave time for a surprisingly simple question to bore itself into their heads.

"By the way, luv..." Robert started with the lighting of another cigarette & another sip of his cider. "Your name on the marquee your sort of stage name... Linda Mercedes or Mercedes Linda depending on region I'm told... Is that your actual name? Or are we to remain calling you Miss or Señorita Rios until Peter lets us in or we find out the truth?"

"Indeed. It's so simple yet lyrical in its simplicity. Almost too perfect to be real." Jimmy nodded, alighting a fresh cig of his own off of Robert's.

"And yet it is." She nodded with a giggle. "Rather funny enough it is both a play on words in Spanish and my actual name. Though, I don't know if the play on words was intended at that time of course."

"Linda meaning pretty in Spanish right?" Robert asked, chest puffing in pride at his opportunity to show off even the barest touch of bilingualism.

"Yes, it does." She nodded. "It's been anglicized into being pronounced, "Lihn-duh" in English-speaking countries. But in Spanish & thusly in my name, it is meant to be pronounced more along the lines of "Leen-dah"."

"Leen-dah?" Robert inquired to Merce's nodding approval. He then practiced the newfound pronunciation under his breath, hiding his hard-working lips behind his cider bottle.

"How fitting. Linda Mercedes Rios." Jimmy noted, doing his best to use the correct pronunciation.

"Pretty Mercedes Rios." Robert grinned, making sure his dimple popped to full effect. He leaned into her slightly, though whether he was attempting another kiss or merely a nuzzle was unclear as before he could make too much of an inroads, Jimmy cut in.

"Is it Linda Mercedes or Mercedes Linda Rios then?"

"It's Mercedes Linda. Officially, on my birth certificate, it reads - and Peter will tell you..." Merce cast a wry smile Robert's direction before returning her gaze to Jimmy. "Mercedes Linda Lolita Laelia Lourdes Quintero Rojas."

"Wah..." Robert hushed in surprise at the indeed lyrical & old world sounding name.

Jimmy, however, at least externally, was less than gobsmacked. "Lolita Quintero? Like in "Mark of Zorro"?"

"You know it? Wow!" Merce's eyes widened. "I'm surprised. That movie came out before either of us was born! Are you a fan of it? Big on swashbuckling, Jimmy?"

Robert felt his stomach muscles contract with the effort it took to hold in the laughter that was clawing at his diaphragm to get out as he shrugged, doing his best to maintain his lackadaisical exterior, noting wryly. "Nah. Just Lolitas..."

Merce gazed at him in slight confusion, allowing Jimmy to cut in again as he cut his eyes at his blonde friend in a look that was a little less than mirthful & amused.

"I've seen it a few times. A spirited picture. You do the name perfect justice, may I say. It fits you beautifully. Truly lovely." Jimmy punctuated his words with a kiss to her hand, on the curve of her knuckles, holding it between his larger two yet again.

Her smile was incandescent now. Face lit by a blush as it nestled in a shroud of stars & shimmering sparkles as it was still being cooled by the soft waves of her lace fan.

"Thank you..." She whispered in a voice that was cooler than her burning cheeks & the heat flickering in her chest - fires building in her heart - would seemingly show or allow. "You are a gentleman."

Robert was not to be dissuaded though. "So many pretty names. For such a pretty girl. Fitting indeed." His Cheshire Cat grin remained as he - taking note of Pagey's hold on her hand - busied himself in arranging & fixing an errant curl near the curve of her neck.

Her blush intensified, leading her to begin fanning slightly faster to quell the flames as he continued.

"Such lovely names for such a lovely girl." He repeated in a purr, the backs of his fingers caressing her downy cheek as he curled & twined the errant lock of hair around his fingertips. "I heard Peter call you Merce, is that what you like to be called? What you prefer to be called? Certainly is less formal & distant-sounding than Miss or Señorita Rios."

Merce opened her mouth to speak or attempt to speak when she was distracted by the chimes of a nearby clock. Checking her watch to see if the chimed time was correct instead she was left to gasp. "I'm afraid that is something you'll have to decide yourself. Either that or perhaps we can pick this up at tea tomorrow. It seems that if Peter is to call me anything right now it should be a car. That is if I'm to get any sleep before my rehearsals or said tea tomorrow afternoon."

"Oh? So soon? Must you leave just yet, Cinderella?" Robert teased, continuing his cheek caresses.

"I'm afraid I must." With a soft, shy giggle Merce stowed her fan back away. She then took Jimmy's hand & kissed him on the cheek & repeating with Robert before adding as she rose & turned to face the both of them. "I had a wonderful time tonight. I can't thank you two enough for reuniting me with Peter. I don't have the words. There are no words. I shall cry if I even try to attempt to find them. Just know I am forever grateful. Eternally grateful. Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. But I really must go. Please excuse me. I hope to see you tomorrow."

"Anytime, luv." Robert reclined, looking very much the laid-back rock Golden God, even as he reached out to hold her hand like Jimmy was yet again doing himself. Caressing the back of her hand with his thumb, he grinned his same Cheshire Cat grin while looking up at her. "And you can count on it. Wouldn't miss it for the world."

Jimmy patted her hand softly, speaking just as softly. "You're very welcome, my dear. And indeed, I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow. Shall I see you to the car?" He asked, beginning to rise from the couch, as Robert did in turn before Merce shook her head & stopped both.

"No, please. You've done enough trust me." She laughed. "I don't want to take you from the party unnecessarily. This is your party after all. They're your guests. I'll just have Peter walk me down if he can manage to get away a moment. Thank you just the same. Thank you. Thank you. Goodnight."

And with a quick curtsy, her hands left theirs. And in a breathless hush, she left to find Peter. And in the blink of an eye, both she & Peter left the room, Peter insisting on following & accompanying her home in order to ensure she make it safely there.

And with that, just as if the last remnants of a glimmering, shimmering, shrouded dream, in said blink of an eye, she was gone...

~

Hope you all enjoy~!

As ever, this is forever under construction~!

[amateurbourguignon]

La comtesse Madeleine de Montgomery, la princesse Hedwige de Bourbon-Parme et la duchesse de Grammont entourant Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe) au bal donnée par cette dernière dans sa propriété de Versailles. 1938.