#marquis de montmirail

[bonhughbon]

HUGH BONNEVILLE and JONATHAN ZACCAÏ as ROBERT, EARL OF GRANTHAM and ÉDOUARD, MARQUIS DE MONTMIRAIL

[adoracora-elizabeth]

Drabble - Boat ride

I wrote a little drabble, about the scene in A New Era where Edouard, takes Cora and Robert on a boat ride.

This day had been amazing. The warmth of the sun was just perfect. The wind in her hair felt liberating. The movement of the boat over the waves had a calming effect. She needed this escape, much more than Robert could know.

Robert had asked her if she was up for the ride, he had noticed that she was tired, but she blamed it on the long trip to come to the south of France. She was not ready to tell him yet. She wanted to enjoy these days to the fullest. This way, Robert had good memories to look back to if things turned out to be what she thought they would be. This could be her last holiday she was making with him and she needed him to have only happy memories.

She looked at him from aside. His captain hat made him even more dapper than he already was. His skin was tanning, even though they had not been long in Le Pradet. His hair had gone fully grey, and she could not love it more.

A wave of sadness hit her. How long was she able to look at him, sit beside him? Simple hold his hand. How much time would they have. Was it years, or months, or even worse, weeks.

This trip was exhausting. The pain in her abdomen was unbearable at times, but she put on a happy face and ignored her dooming future.

Carefully, she moved her hand over Robert’s. She needed to feel his presence. Anker her to this day and this time. Letting go of all the thoughts about what was going to happen. She wanted to be here now. Present in this day, with the love of her life next to her. Relish on her love for him.

Robert took Cora’s hand when he felt her hand, covered in a beautiful lace glove, on his. Slightly grabbing on to him. What did he feel in that little hesitation of her movement?

Softly, he squeezed her hand and looked at her. Cora’s strong features were something he loved from the start. Her jawbone, cheekbones, everything. Her perfectly formed lips, whom often broke out in a smile. The little wrinkles next to her eyes, proof of her smiling all the time. He liked to think he was the reason she was smiling this much.

What did he see on her face now. There was tension in her jaw, he thought. He kept staring at her until she turned her head and gave him a reassuring smile. His Cora always knew what he needed.

What a wonderful future they had in front of them. He was already planning on taking her back here without the family. Just the two of them, taking long strolls on the beach. Enjoying the French cuisine that, he had to admit, was quite good. Drinking wonderful wine and then finding each other in bed each night. He hoped Cora would have enough energy tonight.

He had to refrain himself from kissing her right now. Edouard, the Marquis de Montmirail, was with them on the boat. He squeezed Cora’s hand again, what made her lean in and kiss him on the cheek.

[sir-griswold-of-macelwain]

also the french family are called the Montmirail, and that's also the name of the main character (earl i think tho not marquess? i can be wrong) from a very popular french movie.

On the one hand, I do understand why it #annoys the creators that people are like “oh, Singin’ in the Rain” about A New Era. Because everything they have in the movie was literally just. What happened in that era, it was really like that across the board. Movies were being turned into talkies midway through productions, careers died because of voice issues, etc. Singin’ in the Rain did not invent or exaggerate that. That’s just the history of film! Plus, the most distinctive (and improbable) thing about Singin’ in the Rain—making the film a musical—doesn’t happen.

But also I’m going to keep doing it. Sorry!!

[lerry-hazel]

by association

"You grew up in the 90s", or something, if the introduction of Comte (well, Marquis) de Montmirail in 'Downton Abbey: A New Era'  makes you think of him:

[dream-of-ragtime]

And I hope I can be everything for a while yet

*MASSIVE SPOILERS FOR DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA”

Evidently, I have been haunted by THAT scene ever since I first saw it. This is my first attempt at writing Cobert fan fiction so any feedback is very welcome:)

There’s both original text by none other that our holy master Julian Fellowes and I wrote additionally what I imagined to be their thoughts and fears when they were faced with the possibility of losing each other.

“I know it’s late, but could we go for a walk?”

Although Cora had known for a long time that she would someday be obliged to discuss the matter with Robert, being confronted with that very situation made her feel nauseous. This was something she was used to by now, as it took her often all the willpower she had left to get down a few bites during dinner, but she knew that this time it was not predominantly the illness that made her feel this way. It was the thought of looking into Robert’s unknowing features that scared her the most.

The Marquis de Montmirail and Robert exchanged some final words, but Cora didn’t really understand much of any of it, as behind her still and smiling façade she was fighting an indecisive battle on how she should best deliver the words she was bound to pronounce.

Only after Robert had slipped his arms underneath her own did she once again notice the surroundings clearly. The villa was enlightened by the sparkling party that pulsated around the beautifully decorated walls and for a second, she caught a glimpse of Tom and Lucy swaying in each other’s arms. Another wave of grief suddenly struck her. Robert had also requested earlier that night to share a dance to the cheerful music, just like the two of them had done so many times.

Dancing together had always been one of their passions. Not only because Cora was convinced that she had earned Robert’s love during one of their most memorable dances, but because they would always forget everything and everyone surrounding them when the two of them whirled around the dance floor intertwined in each other’s arms.

However, this evening Cora had to decline. She knew all too well that her constant dizziness would never allow her to spin around. Her muscles, weak as they had become in the past months, could never muster the quick beats she would have to follow along.

Robert had glanced at her somewhat irritated, given the fact that it had not rarely been his wife who had urged him so desperately to share a dance with her. The decline did seem rather unusual.

Luckily, Robert slowly strayed away from the dazzling party, turning into a much calmer corner of the property. Only delicately could the two of them hear the band playing a slow and melancholic ballad.

Staring at the velvet fabric of her dress, Cora still had not made up her mind how she would deliver the news. She knew precisely that Robert was still so agitated due to the possibility that he may have never been the rightful heir to Downton that it felt harsh to confront him with another unsolvable problem. Because yes, it was indeed unsolvable.

Robert must have understood that Cora walked peculiarly silent next to him, as it felt odd to him that she didn’t carelessly start to talk. He had found himself often confused by the way Cora would always find a topic to discuss, no matter how irrelevant it may have appeared to him. Although their arms were tightly intertwined, Robert felt as if thousands of kilometers were in between his wife and himself. In order to break the uncomfortable silence, he asked the first question that came to his mind, even though he did not really care for the answer, as he was still so preoccupied with the unsuspected turn this journey down to the south of France had taken.

“Have you enjoyed our trip, dear?”

Oh, it was too much. The words instantly evoked a feeling of deep hopelessness and Cora felt the panic bubble up inside her chest. She felt as if all the blood inside her head had sacked down at once, leaving her with a strong lightheadedness. She could no longer rationally control her thoughts and so the words just spilled out surprisingly cold and unfiltered.

“I think I’ve got cancer, Robert”

She had stopped her steps and let go of his arm, just staring into the open night and the Mediterranean expanding into the unknown horizon in front of them.

There was a long and heavy silence.

Neither of them dared to breathe and it seemed as if the concept of time had been destroyed all together as they were standing still side by side.  

“Cora, what are you saying? What do you mean?”

Robert knew very well what the concept of cancer signified but it was a sort of perplexed denial that tried to keep up his strength.

“I- I’ve had some…”

Cora’s voice cracked slightly as she tried to pronounce the words. She finally turned to face her husband, standing there with his fists tightly clenched together. His eyes sparkled dangerously, even though his mouth was pressed tightly together to keep up the image of a somewhat steady posture.

“I’ve had some- some symptoms for quite a while, you see, some very evident symptoms and there is no use in denying that”

Cora was once again surprised how rational she made all of this sound. Inside, she could barely keep herself from falling apart.

“Why didn’t you tell me before?!”

“I was going to and then suddenly we were coming here”

Robert’s heartbeat sped up and he as well fell victim of a panic rising inside him. To keep himself from succumbing to the overwhelming emotions, he chose a feeling he could handle much more easily. Anger.

“But you should never have come here! We have to get you to a proper doctor. And I don’t mean some cackling Marseilles!”

Now it was Cora’s turn to feel enraged. She didn’t particularly know why, but it made her feel safer and she liked the sensation of feeling more in control of her feelings, so she answered with a much steadier voice:

“Doctor Clarkson is more than capable of coming up with a diagnosis”

Robert on the other hand felt the panic leak through every fiber of his being. He felt hot and cold, his head throbbed and his hands started to sweat heavily. But didn’t he need to reassure his wife? He was the strong one, wasn’t he?

More to soothe himself than anything else, he said with a stutter:

“We’ll go to London. We’ll- We’ll go to America if we have to”

There was no question that he stumbled and fell down the slippery slope of a deep-rooted fear: He was going to lose Cora. The one person he could not live without.

Cora knew all too well that there was no use in all of this. The symptoms were evident. Gastric cancer. No doctor, whether in London or America, could alter that.

“We’ll discuss it when we know more”

Was there more to know, though? Beside an exact diagnosis, which didn’t leave much room for interpretation at this point, there was not much to discover. Nothing pleasant, anyway.

The tranquility in Cora’s voice triggered a sudden reaction in Robert and he could not help himself but shout.

“You should have told me!”

His face was bright read. The grass underneath his feet felt as if it had started to move and he could not recall having ever felt so lonely. His wife stood there opposite him, but it seemed as if he was trapped in an overwhelming loneliness.

Robert’s outburst started another reaction. This time it was Cora who lost control over her emotions.

“With the chance of a last treat before illness to cover our lives?!”

Her voice lost all of its strength and by the end of the sentence it had almost vanished completely.

“It can’t be as bad as that”

“Robert, I’ve run the hospital for years! Do you think I just sat there with my ears blocked?!”

Like a dam that had been opened abruptly, all that had been building up inside Robert’s chest suddenly burst out. He rarely was a man to openly display his emotions, but now no strength on earth could hold back his genuine fear.

Seeing him like that immediately made Cora feel guilty. This was exactly the reason why she had evaded the topic for so long. Nothing to her was more painful than to watch her loved ones suffer. To be herself the cause of such great sadness seemed unbearable and so she took on the role she had learned to play ever since her first daughter was born: The caring mother.

“Oh no, no no no. No. No”

She started towards her husband, embracing his shaking figure between her arms, trying to reassure him with her warmth and proximity. Although Robert was almost a head taller than his wife, he appeared to be much frailer beside her. Tears fell down the side of his cheeks and his head turned numerous directions in order to evade the face of his love. He could not bear to look at her.

“That’s not what I wanted at all”, she said. “We’re not sad people! My being ill now doesn’t make us sad!”

The words seemed completely ridiculous and she knew so as well, but she wanted to end this moment so desperately that she could not think of another way of reassuring her husband. While his head constantly turned away from her gaze, she tried to catch his glimpse. Looking into each other eyes had always been their biggest comfort after a disagreement and it appeared to her to be the most sensible thing to do now. How could she possibly ease his pain?

Robert chocked up some word fragments she could not quite understand as they were so heavily drenched with his sobs.

“To lose my mother, and my name. Must I lose you too?! I can’t bear it”

His fingers delicately traced her shoulders down her back. Never until know had it appeared to him how slender her frame had gotten. She always had been very slim, but know as he touched her, the narrow shoulders almost seemed to give in under the very subtle pressure of his hands.

Finally, their eyes met. Oh, his beautiful blue eyes. Him loosing her? She had never thought of it that way. She always felt as if she would be the one to lose him. It was her who had always wanted him. Always. So much so, that she had accepted the possibility to live in his company without reciprocated love when she married him. There was no one on this earth that she cared for more, ever since she had first laid eyes upon him in a stuffy London ballroom. If anyone had the harder burden to carry, it was her.

“If I can bear it, you can. Remember, I’ve loved you from the start! I loved you before you loved me!”

Those words hurt him deeply, but Robert knew they weren’t intended as an insult, but simply a mere stating of a fact.

How he hated himself for having been so blind. He had been fond of Cora from very early on, did recognize her kindness and her warm nature, but he was so caught up in the whole “Save-Downton-No-Matter-What-Business” that he didn’t pay enough attention to the actual soul behind the solution to his problem. The shameful feeling of having wasted almost an entire year beside the love of his life would haunt him to his grave.

“I’ve always been ashamed of that”

“Don’t be. I had money. You needed it”

There she was again, the pragmatic wife who, more often than not, had been the calming guide to Robert. Although society might have been convinced that an American heiress may never have control over her emotions, there was no doubt that the English Earl had been dependent on his wife’s matter-of-fact statements more than once.

Cora’s hand brushed over Robert shoulder, feeling his tensed muscles.

“And then love came. And we have been happy, haven’t we?”

In that moment, even though the sentence only lasted for a mere second, their whole life story flashed before their eyes.

The way Robert had awkwardly introduced himself the first time to her, while Cora couldn’t help but giggle.

The moment she had told him that she was pregnant for the first time and the way he didn’t let anyone get too close to her after that, in order to make sure she could not be hurt in any way.

The day Sybil spilled the whole pot of coffee in the library and although Carson had been furious, the two parents burst into laughter.

Their ups and downs. Their most cheerful memories and their most heart-wrenching moments. It was all there, hovering in between them.

“Oh Darling!”

In desperate need of each other they brought their faces together and exchanged a kiss. But it wasn’t just like any other goodnight kiss they had been sharing for more than thirty years of marriage. They clung onto each other as if it would mean they could never touch again were they to separate. Cora tasted the salt of Robert’s tears on her lips, which led her to initiate another kiss before the previous one came to an end. Even though their bodies were as close as they could possibly manage, Cora wanted to be even nearer to her husband, so she let her hands grasp the silvery strands of Robert’s hair and pulled herself even more into the passionate embrace.

After all, she didn’t know how many times life would allow her to feel her husband that way.

A slight sob escaped her lips as they separated once again.

Robert took in the beautiful features of his wife. The moonlight reflected on her pale skin, her eyes sparkling even more due to many tears that gathered on her long, dark lashes. How beautiful she was. How beautiful she always had been.

“You have been everything to me. Everything!”

Oh, and he was to her, indeed. He always had been. But Cora felt her heart relax at the statement. She knew her husband adored her, but it always brought a smile to her face when he reassured her with such a confirmation.

And so it did now, even though the two of them found themselves in such a desperate environment. Their life, laid out in front of them, in pieces. Nevertheless, her smile couldn’t have been more genuine.

“And I hope I can be everything for a while yet”

[polikszena]

(More or less coherent) Thoughts on Downton Abbey: A New Era

This is going to be a very long post, so be prepared.

To start with the non-spoilery bits: I loved it, it was great to see these characters again. The scenery is breathtaking, the castle is still beautiful, the costumes are stunning, the cast is wonderful. I definitely recommend to watch it!

And now to the spoilery stuff:

It was a great idea to start with Branson’s wedding, because it gives an oportunity to do a roll call as both the family and the servants would be there, and it was so nice too see everyone again.

I also loved that we could see some recurring characters in this film as well (unlike in the first one), it was great to see Mr Mason, Dr Clarkson, and Mr Murray!

It was a nice and smart move of Violet to leave the villa to Sybbie as otherwise she wouldn’t inherit anything.

I had to admit, I started laughing when they first mentioned the Marquis of Montmirail, because do you know who else is a Montmirail?

This guy:

Well, he was the Count of Montmirail, not the Marquis, but still, the thought of him being related to the Crawleys and thus having the possibility to wreak havoc in Downton with his servant is equally amusing and terrifying.

(For those who are not familiar with him, this is Godefroy de Montmirail (played by Jean Reno) of the 1993′s film Les Visiteurs (The Visitors), a French comedy about a medieval knight and his servant (played by Christian Clavier) being transferred to the modern-day France. I saw this film about a hundred times when I was a child.)

The film within a film storyline was my favourite, it was very well done, and gave us an opportunity to see what is it like when a film crew invades a stately home (which actually happened to Highclere Castle). Also, letting the servants be the extras in the final scene and thus giving the downstairs actors to wear really fancy costumes was brilliant. Not only plotwise,  but because in several interviews (especially in the early seasons) I heard the downstairs actresses talking about the so-called ‘costume envy’, and now they had the chance to dress up, too. Plus, I really loved when Mr Carson came out in his costume, saying how outrageous this was and Mr Hughes told him that his outfit wasn’t really different from his regular clothes, because this also had been mentioned several times that Jim Carter’s costumes had gone through the least changes over the years. I know these things are not everyone’s cup of tea, but I really enjoyed these kind of inside jokes and self-reflection (and I’m pretty sure there are many more in the film we don’t even know about).

The now infamous hat shop scene was like that, too, when the shopkeeper thought Maud was Carson’s wife. I think it was very funny.

Back to the film within the film, I was so happy that Mr Molesley also got his opportunity to shine, and he did shine brightly. Him becoming a scriptwriter was so well-deserved, and Kevin Doyle was great in the role. I really loved the scene when he described the ending he imagined for The Gambler, and Mary was standing there with Mr Barber, touched by his ideas.

I also loved Daisy’s scene with Myrna Dalgleish, I really enjoyed watching her turning into Mrs Patmore giving the actress a pep talk. This was also very nice because at the beginning of the film Mrs Patmore says something about trying to make Daisy happy. And all the scheming to get Mrs Patmore together with Mr Mason... it was nice to see them finally getting together.

I have read mixed reactions about Thomas’ storyline and I have to admit, I liked that he decided to go with Guy Dexter, even though their relationship didn’t start as easily as it did with Richard Ellis. Although I have to add that Thomas and Richard were basically equals, they both worked in service, but Guy was different as Thomas had to serve him and him being that friendly (I’m not sure that’s the right word) was definitely not something Thomas was used to. Now that he was a butler, he basically achieved everything he could in his profession, and as Guy’s dresser, he would have the opportunity to travel as well, and a chance to be loved properly, to quote Elton John in Rocketman. Plus, he was heartbroken over Richard which I think made his decision easier to make. I hope they will be fine together and become the gay power couple of 1928.

Also, shoutout to Mrs Hughes and Mary for being so supportive regarding Thomas’ sexuality. And to the Hungarian translator of the film who translated Guy Dexter’s original name (Quentin Sidebottom or something like that, I can’t remember) as Tom Porka which sounds like a slavic name, but read together is “Tomporka” which sort of means “little butt” (tompor is a word for butt and -ka is a diminutive suffix in Hungarian).

What I really liked about the French villa storyline was that it put the Crawleys onto the other side of the hereditary coin. The series started with the Crawleys having an outsider heir, a complete stranger to take away what should be theirs, and now they are the outsider heirs who come to take away the villa from Madame Montmirail and her son. I think that’s a pretty clever parallel.

On Robert’s illegitimacy plotline: now that George was born, the Crawleys’ hereditary issues are now resolved, so the possibility of Robert being the Marquis’ son was more of an internal conflict, and I know those things aren’t so interesting visually, perhaps it’d have been more interesting to see more of this, but well, this is a 2-hour film and not a TV series. Still, it was a little weightless, although I have to admit I did wonder whether he was illegitimate or not. (However, I was more afraid that Violet would die before she could tell the truth and we would have never known what had happened)

Cora’s health problems also seemed pretty weightless to me as well, it would have worked a lot better if this were a tv show and not a film. I think it was there so the people might start suspect that it might be her who would die, and when I first heard that Cora would have some health issues, I asked myself “what if Fellowes does something unexpected and instead of Violet he kills off someone else?” (Not that I’d wanted Violet to be killed off, but she was the most likely to go) On the other hand, I liked Robert’s emotional outburst and when Cora decided to help Myrna with her accent.

I also thought Edith’s investigation would be a bit more prominent (I know, this is a 2-hour film), but I’m glad she’s writing again.

As for the Bransons, I wish we could have seen more of the development of their relationship, because after the wedding, they basically were the happy couple and that was it. Also, the baby Branson is a boy or a girl? I can’t remember.

I think it was a wise move of sending Carson away from Downton during the filming and there is something very endearing in the way Mrs Hughes calls him Charlie.

Mary was great during this film, I loved her storyline, the way she handled the whole filming process, and that it was her who initiated the transition to a talking film. I also loved her dynamics with Mr Barber (and Mr Barber in general, he was a great addition to the characters), I ship them since I’ve found out about the voice acting storyline, and while they didn’t get together in the end, I really enjoyed their scenes, to watch their relationship develop, and to see that the attraction was mutual between them, and not just another suitor being head over heels in love with Mary but without any results. Putting him in parallel with Matthew was a smart move and Mary rejecting him in the end kind of mirrored Violet’s storyline with the Marquis.

Violet’s death scene was done very well. It was very sad, but it was very nice that the whole family was there, and Edith and Mary were holding each other, it was such a great scene.

Although I think Mary might still be too young to be Violet 2.0. But I loved the Mary-Carson scene, it was great!

And I don’t think Andy would be suitable for the role of the butler. To begin with, he wants to be a farmer, so I hope he says no to the offer and they hire a 40-something bloke who would get on Mr Carson’s nerves.

I’m so happy for Mr Molesley and Baxter! It’s a well-deserved ending for them! And I really liked the scene between her, Bates and Mr Carson.

The costumes were stunning again, my favourite pieces were Lucy’s blue coat at the beginning, Edith’s Riviera outfit (the one with the orange robe), and Mary’s pyjama set with the dark red robe, that was absolutely gorgeous. Also, I don’t know if it was on purpose, but Mrs Patmore’s costume in The Gambler has a similar colour of the dress Barbra Streisand wore in the restaurant scenes of Hello, Dolly! And this is the scene where she is trying to settle the things with Mr Mason. Anyway, it was a nice touch.

Also, there were a few things I didn’t like. First of all, there are too many things happening in the film and you just can’t feel the weight of them (Cora’s health, for instance), and there were a few of these plotlines that would have needed more screentime to really hit. Well, I think if it wasn’t a two-hour film, but a new season or a half-season, they would have had enough time to elaborate on these.

Second, Mr Bates. I know that I was just mentioning that there were too many things happening in the film, but poor Mr Bates doesn’t really have anything to do here. I love him, I loved his scene with Baxter and Mr Carson, but besides that he couldn’t do much which is a pity because Brendan Coyle is so good at this role. I would have loved to see a scene where he and Robert discuss this whole illegitimacy thingy, or having a chat with Guy Dexter.

Overall, I loved the film, it was great, and thank you for reading this really long rambling!

[thephantomcasebook]

Downton Abbey: 2022 Halloween Special

This is a response to the Anon that sent in the question of if I’m doing a Downton Abbey Halloween special this year. Sorry, the ask feature on my blog is all kinds of messed up, I don’t know what’s going on with it. 

As for your answer ... 

THE STORY 

Set in 1936, Lady Edith Pelham, Marchioness of Hexham, has arrived in Hollywood to negotiate the film rights to her novel that she wrote based on her granny’s time in the South of France and her romance there with the Marquis De Montmirail in the 1860′s. With the huge success of the novel, there has begun a bidding war between several movie studios trying to lure Edith into selling them the movie rights by giving her the big Hollywood welcome and show.

Accompanying Edith is her brother-in-law and close friend, Tom Branson. Supportive but downcast, the owner of the thriving “Branson & Talbot Motors” has come to Hollywood with two goals. The first being that one of the stipulations to Edith’s negations is that her beloved niece Sybbie - a rising star in English Cinema - is to be given a chance to star in the film and portray her Great-Grandmother of whom left her the house that inspired Edith’s novel. Tom is to represent the interests of his break-out young teenage starlet of a daughter. However, Tom is also there to reconnect with his estranged wife Lucy who, nearly eight months ago, left in the night with a suitcase and has since resurfaced in Los Angeles, living with George and Thomas - working as their secretary and assistant.  

Meanwhile, across town, George Crawley, Thomas Barrow, and Lucy Branson, are engaged by several Mexican-American farmers whose neighbors and family members have been ritualistically murdered by a seemingly supernatural being of local folk lore. Knowing his stellar reputation as a master detective - and notorious for being labeled a vigilante - the leaders of the small farming community have come to George and Thomas’s private detective office to beseech the famed George “The Comet” Crawley to investigate the murders of their loved ones and stop this ‘demon’ before it kills again.   

 What isn’t the studios telling Edith? Why has Lucy come to Los Angeles? What vile beast stalks and haunts the citrus fields outside Hollywood? And how does it all tie in? 

You’ll have to find out for yourself dear readers in ... 

THE HOTEL CALIFORNIA: A DOWNTON ABBEY HALLOWEEN SPECIAL.

[emma-hahn]

Imagine that it eventually turns out that Edouard is actually the secret son of Violet and the old Marquis de Montmirail

Wow okay this is wild. I don't think it can be possible, I mean if I remember correctly from ANE, Violet and the Marquis met in 1864, Robert was born in 1865, then the Marquis got married in 1870 and Edouard was born 1973. So there is an eight-year gap between Robert and Edouard, I don't believe Violet would have risked her marriage again (for a third time because Prince Kuragin was after the Marquis if I remember correctly). And Robert would have been old enough to remember his mother being pregnant and if the plan was to give away the child they must have hid Violet or pretend that the baby died during the birth or I don't know, this sounds a bit far-fetched to me.

[my-mother-used-to-say]

Among many interviews over « A new era », Jonathan Zaccaï playing the role of the marquis de Montmirail owner of the villa, speaks about his experience with the Dowton team. Here the two last paragraphs in which he says really kind things about Bredan Coyle or mr Bates. "The 51-year-old actor was charmed by the camaraderie uniting the historical actors of the saga. “More than a troupe, it's a real family of astonishing humility”. And of memory: “Imelda Staunton had just learned during her last day of filming that she had been chosen to camp Elizabeth II in the new seasons of The Crown. By way of farewell, she gave us a little wave like the queen! The opportunity also for the actor who writes his second novel to tell Brendan Coyle all the admiration he had for him. “We didn't have scenes together but I was touched in full by the character of Bates (the valet of the Earl of Grantham, editor's note) and his fights”. Another regret, never having met the icon Maggie Smith. On the other hand, he will not miss the shapely face he had to wear for Montmirail: “I felt as naked as a plucked chicken”, he concludes with a great burst of laughter." Source : https://www.lefigaro.fr/cinema/du-bureau-des-legendes-a-downton-abbey-le-voyage-dans-le-temps-de-jonathan-zaccai-20220501

[partenaires-coupdecoeur]

DOWNTON ABBEY 2 : UNE NOUVELLE ÈRE

En DVD et Bleu Ray

1928. Les Crawley et leurs domestiques assistent tous au mariage de Tom Branson et de Lucy Smith, fille de Lady Bagshaw. C’est alors que Violet annonce à la famille qu’elle a hérité d’une villa dans le sud de la France et qu’elle souhaite à son tour la léguer à la fille de Lady Sybil et de Branson. Le tournage d’un film muet à Downton Abbey, va décider la famille à quitter le château pour aller découvrir cette villa du sud de la France et rencontrer le nouveau marquis de Montmirail.

[bonhughbon]

“Lord Grantham. Bienvenue!” “Monsieur, we are in you debt. Thank you.”

[adoracora-elizabeth]

I have decided to also upload my FanFiction on this page :) here is my new story. We have been happy, haven't we?

Chapter 1

Cora has told Robert she is ill. While they go through the process of finding out what is wrong, they look back at their live together. (Based on the storyline of A New Era.)

Cora was standing on the deck, this trip to France had worn her out. She was happy they were going back home. She felt relieved that she finally told Robert she was ill. Robert said they would go straight to Dr. Clarkson as soon as they were home. She had enjoyed these days in France, Cora felt a hand on her lower back, it was Robert.

Softly he kissed her cheek. "Hello darling, it is time for a nap."

Cora slid her arm around his waist and rested her head against his shoulder. "In a minute" she answered. Robert's hand was still resting on her lower back, his fingers trying to keep her close. She wanted to hold on to this feeling. What if this was the last trip they ever made together. Cora took in a shaky breath, now she had told Robert she was ill, it was harder to stay strong. She felt Robert´s hand tighten around her waist.

"Come, I will lay down with you." He said and notched her off the deck.

Cora willingly followed him. Baxter came in to help her with her dress.

Robert was discreetly waiting outside the cabin. When Baxter left the room, he stepped inside and closed the door behind him. Cora was already in bed, her eyes were closed, she looked frail. Why did he not see how ill she was during the days in France. They did so much, and she never complained. He smiled when he thought of that boat ride with.... he paused.... his brother? No, he shook of that thought, he should still think of him as the Marquis de Montmirail. Cora looked so relaxed that day and when she took his hand, he felt only love. He could have stayed all day on that boat with her.

"Are you coming, or are you staying there?" Cora's voice sounded; she startled Robert.

Quickly he took of his clothes and changed into his pyjamas. When he got in bed, Cora immediately scooted closer, she put her hand on his arm, her face rested inches away from his. He kissed the tip of her nose and Cora let out a soft moan.

"I could sleep forever." She murmured.

Robert covered her hand with his hand and said. "Wait a little bit longer with that my darling."

His words made Cora press her lips against his. "If it is up to me, I will."

Robert felt Cora's lips curl up in a smile. Two nights ago, she told him she was ill, cancer. Oh, her words... he could still hear her say: I think I have cancer. He had insisted on going to a good doctor, and she, his Cora, was standing a couple of steps away from him, being her rational self. He was angry she did not tell him, before they left for this trip, but of course she had thought about it. She did not want to ruin this last treat before illness would take over their lives. What would the future have instore for them, would he lose her? He could not bear the thought of losing his mother and his beloved Cora. And what if he was the brother of de Marquis? That meant he would lose his title and reputation.

"Robert." Cora moved her hand over his chest. "Let go of whatever you were thinking off and try to get some sleep. You need it too."

Robert turned on his side, so he was facing Cora. She had her eyes closed, oh how beautiful she was. "I love you." He said while pressing his lips against her forehead.

Cora folded her hands under her pillow, and he saw her breathing getting slower, she was falling asleep, he should follow her example.

+++

Robert helped Cora to the dining area, she was unstable on her legs. He had hoped that sleeping would make her feel better, but it did not seem to have any affect. Just before they reached the dining room, she pulled her arm back and straightened her back. She did not want to show any weakness towards, Edith and Bertie, Tom and Lucy or Maud. Cora patted Robert's arm. "Thank you darling."

"Mama, Papa there you are." Edith said.

"Being on the sea made us sleepy, so we took an afternoon nap." Robert said, taking his seat. He saw Carson pulling back Cora's chair.

"This trip was wonderful, but I am glad when we are back home." Edith said.

"Did you miss the children?" Bertie asked.

"I even missed the children." Cora said, smiling at Edith.

Carson and other servers entered the room with their dinner. They all chatted about how wonderful the trip had been. Robert looked around the table and he could not be prouder of where they were today. Tom being married again; he had grown fond of that dear boy. Who would have thought. The day Sybil announced she and Tom were going to marry, he had lost it. Now looking back, he hugely misjudged Tom's character. All though Tom had also grown a lot since he was a member of their house.

+++

Robert had brought Cora to a small sitting area; the rest was playing cards in a different room. Maud had announced to go to bed early. Cora asked if they could stay up for a little bit more. The fireplace was lit, and she was sitting in front of it. Robert gave her a drink and sat next to her on the settee. "Did you mean it when you said: 'I loved you from the start?"

Cora smiled. "I loved you from the moment you asked to be on my dance card. I cannot describe what happened, but the twinkle in your eye got me and I was sold" She looked into his eyes. "That is exactly the twinkle I meant; you still have it."

Robert twirled his glass around in his hands. "I am ashamed for not loving you from the start, and only marrying you for your money."

"Darling, it does not matter. As I said, you needed the money and I had it. You fell in love with me and that is what counts."

"Did you have doubts when our wedding day arrived?" Robert asked, still playing with his glass.

Cora chuckled. "Of course, I had doubts, but what could I do? I was promised to you. But I let out some tears right before a walked the aisle. I was looking at myself in the mirror and got incredibly scared. How was I ever going to be a good wife for you, but most of all, how was I going to be a good Lady of the house."

"I remember that." Robert said quietly.

"You remember? How? I did not cry walking down the aisle?"

"No, you definitely did not cry while walking. You were the epiphany of grace in that moment. But I could see it in your eyes, I thought it was because I was taking you away from America and pulling you into a world you did not know."

"I still feel the nerves I felt in the beginning of our marriage." Cora smiled. "Your mother did not make it easy."

"My mother never makes anything easy."

"That is true." Cora leaned in on Robert, she finished her drink. "I will call for Baxter and go to bed." She raised her hand to cup his cheek. "I love you." She kissed his lips and got up. She grabbed Robert's shoulder when she felt unsteady. "Can I use your arm?" She asked.

[paradisesc]

Lost the Bishop Peter of Bethleem

Alas! how woful was our loss! There was lost the Bishop Peter of Bethleem, and Stephen of the Perche, brother to Count Geoffiy, and Renaud of Montmirail, brother of the Count of Nevers, and Matthew of Wallincourt, and Robert of Ronsoi, John of Friaise, Walter of Neuilli, Ferri of Yerres, John his brother, Eustace of Heumont, John his brother, Baldwin of Neuville, and many more of whom the book does not here make mention. Those who were able to escape, they came back flying to the camp.

THE CRUSADERS RAISE THE SIEGE OF ADRIANOPLE

When Geoflry the Marshal of Champagne, who was keep ing guard at one of the gates of the city, saw this he issued from the camp as soon as he could, with all the men that were with him, and gave command to Manasses of l’lsle, who was on guard at another gate, that he should follow after him. And he rode forth with all his force at full speed, and in full array, to meet the fugitives, and the fugitives all rallied round him. And Manasses of 1’Isle followed as soon as he was able, with his men, and joined himself to him, so that together they formed a very strong body; and all those who came out of the rout, and whom they could stop, were taken into their ranks.

The rout was thus stayed between Nones and Vespers. But the most part of the fugitives were so afeared that they fled right before them till they came to the tents and quarters. Thus was the rout stayed, as you have heard; and the Comans, with the Wallachians and Greeks, who were in full chace, ceased their pursuit. But these still galled our force with their bows and arrows, and the men of our force kept still with their faces turned towards them. Thus did both sides remain till nightfall, when the Comans and Wallachians began to retire.

Then did Geofiry of Villehardouin, the Marshal of Cham-pagne and Roumania, summon to the camp the Doge of Venice, who was an old man and saw naught, but very wise and brave and vigorous; and he asked the Doge to come to him there where he stood with his men, holding the; field; and the Doge did so. And when the Marshal saw him, he called him into council, aside, all alone, and said to him: “ Lord, you see the misadventure that has befallen us. V have lost the Emperor Baldwin and Count Lewis, and the larger part of our people, and of the best. Now let us be think ourselves how to save what is left. For if God does not take pity of them, we are but lost.” daily tours istanbul

And in the end they settled it thus: that the Doge would return to the camp, and put heart into the people, and ordei that every one should arm and remain quiet in his tent or pavilion: and that Geoffry the Marshal would remain in full order of battle before the camp till it was night, so that their enemies might not see the host move; and that when it was night all would move from before the city; the Doge of Venice would go before, and Geoffry the Marshal would form the rear-guard, with those who were with him.

RETREAT OF THE CRUSADERS

Thus they waited till it was night; and when it was night the Doge of Venice left the camp, as had been arranged, and Geoffry the Marshal formed the rear-guard. And they de parted at foot pace, and took with them all their people mounted and dismounted, the wounded as well those who were whole they left not one behind. And they journeyed towards a city that lies upon the sea, called Rodosto, and that was full three days’ journey distant. So they departed from Adrianople, as you have heard; and this adventure befell in the year of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ twelve hundred and five.

And in the night that the host left Adrianople, it happened that a company started to get to Constantinople earlier, and by a more direct way; and they were greatly blamed there for. In this company was a certain count from Lombardy named Gerard, who came from the land of the marquis, and Odo of Ham, who was lord of a castle called Ham in Vermandois, and John of Maseroles, and many others to the number of twenty-five knights, whom the book does not name. And they went away so fast after the discomfiture, which had taken place on the Thursday evening, that they came to Constantinople on the Saturday night, though it was ordinarily a good five days’ journey. And they told the news to the Cardinal Peter of Capua, who was there by the authority of Innocent Pope of Rome, and to Conon of Bethune, who guarded the city, and to Miles the Brabant, and to the other good men in the city. And you must know that these were greatly affeared, and thought of a certainty that all the rest, who had been left before Adrianopie, were lost, for they had no news of them.

[worldtravell]

Lost the Bishop Peter of Bethleem

Alas! how woful was our loss! There was lost the Bishop Peter of Bethleem, and Stephen of the Perche, brother to Count Geoffiy, and Renaud of Montmirail, brother of the Count of Nevers, and Matthew of Wallincourt, and Robert of Ronsoi, John of Friaise, Walter of Neuilli, Ferri of Yerres, John his brother, Eustace of Heumont, John his brother, Baldwin of Neuville, and many more of whom the book does not here make mention. Those who were able to escape, they came back flying to the camp.

THE CRUSADERS RAISE THE SIEGE OF ADRIANOPLE

When Geoflry the Marshal of Champagne, who was keep ing guard at one of the gates of the city, saw this he issued from the camp as soon as he could, with all the men that were with him, and gave command to Manasses of l’lsle, who was on guard at another gate, that he should follow after him. And he rode forth with all his force at full speed, and in full array, to meet the fugitives, and the fugitives all rallied round him. And Manasses of 1’Isle followed as soon as he was able, with his men, and joined himself to him, so that together they formed a very strong body; and all those who came out of the rout, and whom they could stop, were taken into their ranks.

The rout was thus stayed between Nones and Vespers. But the most part of the fugitives were so afeared that they fled right before them till they came to the tents and quarters. Thus was the rout stayed, as you have heard; and the Comans, with the Wallachians and Greeks, who were in full chace, ceased their pursuit. But these still galled our force with their bows and arrows, and the men of our force kept still with their faces turned towards them. Thus did both sides remain till nightfall, when the Comans and Wallachians began to retire.

Then did Geofiry of Villehardouin, the Marshal of Cham-pagne and Roumania, summon to the camp the Doge of Venice, who was an old man and saw naught, but very wise and brave and vigorous; and he asked the Doge to come to him there where he stood with his men, holding the; field; and the Doge did so. And when the Marshal saw him, he called him into council, aside, all alone, and said to him: “ Lord, you see the misadventure that has befallen us. V have lost the Emperor Baldwin and Count Lewis, and the larger part of our people, and of the best. Now let us be think ourselves how to save what is left. For if God does not take pity of them, we are but lost.” daily tours istanbul

And in the end they settled it thus: that the Doge would return to the camp, and put heart into the people, and ordei that every one should arm and remain quiet in his tent or pavilion: and that Geoffry the Marshal would remain in full order of battle before the camp till it was night, so that their enemies might not see the host move; and that when it was night all would move from before the city; the Doge of Venice would go before, and Geoffry the Marshal would form the rear-guard, with those who were with him.

RETREAT OF THE CRUSADERS

Thus they waited till it was night; and when it was night the Doge of Venice left the camp, as had been arranged, and Geoffry the Marshal formed the rear-guard. And they de parted at foot pace, and took with them all their people mounted and dismounted, the wounded as well those who were whole they left not one behind. And they journeyed towards a city that lies upon the sea, called Rodosto, and that was full three days’ journey distant. So they departed from Adrianople, as you have heard; and this adventure befell in the year of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ twelve hundred and five.

And in the night that the host left Adrianople, it happened that a company started to get to Constantinople earlier, and by a more direct way; and they were greatly blamed there for. In this company was a certain count from Lombardy named Gerard, who came from the land of the marquis, and Odo of Ham, who was lord of a castle called Ham in Vermandois, and John of Maseroles, and many others to the number of twenty-five knights, whom the book does not name. And they went away so fast after the discomfiture, which had taken place on the Thursday evening, that they came to Constantinople on the Saturday night, though it was ordinarily a good five days’ journey. And they told the news to the Cardinal Peter of Capua, who was there by the authority of Innocent Pope of Rome, and to Conon of Bethune, who guarded the city, and to Miles the Brabant, and to the other good men in the city. And you must know that these were greatly affeared, and thought of a certainty that all the rest, who had been left before Adrianopie, were lost, for they had no news of them.

[mirelaloveworld]

Lost the Bishop Peter of Bethleem

Alas! how woful was our loss! There was lost the Bishop Peter of Bethleem, and Stephen of the Perche, brother to Count Geoffiy, and Renaud of Montmirail, brother of the Count of Nevers, and Matthew of Wallincourt, and Robert of Ronsoi, John of Friaise, Walter of Neuilli, Ferri of Yerres, John his brother, Eustace of Heumont, John his brother, Baldwin of Neuville, and many more of whom the book does not here make mention. Those who were able to escape, they came back flying to the camp.

THE CRUSADERS RAISE THE SIEGE OF ADRIANOPLE

When Geoflry the Marshal of Champagne, who was keep ing guard at one of the gates of the city, saw this he issued from the camp as soon as he could, with all the men that were with him, and gave command to Manasses of l’lsle, who was on guard at another gate, that he should follow after him. And he rode forth with all his force at full speed, and in full array, to meet the fugitives, and the fugitives all rallied round him. And Manasses of 1’Isle followed as soon as he was able, with his men, and joined himself to him, so that together they formed a very strong body; and all those who came out of the rout, and whom they could stop, were taken into their ranks.

The rout was thus stayed between Nones and Vespers. But the most part of the fugitives were so afeared that they fled right before them till they came to the tents and quarters. Thus was the rout stayed, as you have heard; and the Comans, with the Wallachians and Greeks, who were in full chace, ceased their pursuit. But these still galled our force with their bows and arrows, and the men of our force kept still with their faces turned towards them. Thus did both sides remain till nightfall, when the Comans and Wallachians began to retire.

Then did Geofiry of Villehardouin, the Marshal of Cham-pagne and Roumania, summon to the camp the Doge of Venice, who was an old man and saw naught, but very wise and brave and vigorous; and he asked the Doge to come to him there where he stood with his men, holding the; field; and the Doge did so. And when the Marshal saw him, he called him into council, aside, all alone, and said to him: “ Lord, you see the misadventure that has befallen us. V have lost the Emperor Baldwin and Count Lewis, and the larger part of our people, and of the best. Now let us be think ourselves how to save what is left. For if God does not take pity of them, we are but lost.” daily tours istanbul

And in the end they settled it thus: that the Doge would return to the camp, and put heart into the people, and ordei that every one should arm and remain quiet in his tent or pavilion: and that Geoffry the Marshal would remain in full order of battle before the camp till it was night, so that their enemies might not see the host move; and that when it was night all would move from before the city; the Doge of Venice would go before, and Geoffry the Marshal would form the rear-guard, with those who were with him.

RETREAT OF THE CRUSADERS

Thus they waited till it was night; and when it was night the Doge of Venice left the camp, as had been arranged, and Geoffry the Marshal formed the rear-guard. And they de parted at foot pace, and took with them all their people mounted and dismounted, the wounded as well those who were whole they left not one behind. And they journeyed towards a city that lies upon the sea, called Rodosto, and that was full three days’ journey distant. So they departed from Adrianople, as you have heard; and this adventure befell in the year of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ twelve hundred and five.

And in the night that the host left Adrianople, it happened that a company started to get to Constantinople earlier, and by a more direct way; and they were greatly blamed there for. In this company was a certain count from Lombardy named Gerard, who came from the land of the marquis, and Odo of Ham, who was lord of a castle called Ham in Vermandois, and John of Maseroles, and many others to the number of twenty-five knights, whom the book does not name. And they went away so fast after the discomfiture, which had taken place on the Thursday evening, that they came to Constantinople on the Saturday night, though it was ordinarily a good five days’ journey. And they told the news to the Cardinal Peter of Capua, who was there by the authority of Innocent Pope of Rome, and to Conon of Bethune, who guarded the city, and to Miles the Brabant, and to the other good men in the city. And you must know that these were greatly affeared, and thought of a certainty that all the rest, who had been left before Adrianopie, were lost, for they had no news of them.

[pinkemilya]

Lost the Bishop Peter of Bethleem

Alas! how woful was our loss! There was lost the Bishop Peter of Bethleem, and Stephen of the Perche, brother to Count Geoffiy, and Renaud of Montmirail, brother of the Count of Nevers, and Matthew of Wallincourt, and Robert of Ronsoi, John of Friaise, Walter of Neuilli, Ferri of Yerres, John his brother, Eustace of Heumont, John his brother, Baldwin of Neuville, and many more of whom the book does not here make mention. Those who were able to escape, they came back flying to the camp.

THE CRUSADERS RAISE THE SIEGE OF ADRIANOPLE

When Geoflry the Marshal of Champagne, who was keep ing guard at one of the gates of the city, saw this he issued from the camp as soon as he could, with all the men that were with him, and gave command to Manasses of l’lsle, who was on guard at another gate, that he should follow after him. And he rode forth with all his force at full speed, and in full array, to meet the fugitives, and the fugitives all rallied round him. And Manasses of 1’Isle followed as soon as he was able, with his men, and joined himself to him, so that together they formed a very strong body; and all those who came out of the rout, and whom they could stop, were taken into their ranks.

The rout was thus stayed between Nones and Vespers. But the most part of the fugitives were so afeared that they fled right before them till they came to the tents and quarters. Thus was the rout stayed, as you have heard; and the Comans, with the Wallachians and Greeks, who were in full chace, ceased their pursuit. But these still galled our force with their bows and arrows, and the men of our force kept still with their faces turned towards them. Thus did both sides remain till nightfall, when the Comans and Wallachians began to retire.

Then did Geofiry of Villehardouin, the Marshal of Cham-pagne and Roumania, summon to the camp the Doge of Venice, who was an old man and saw naught, but very wise and brave and vigorous; and he asked the Doge to come to him there where he stood with his men, holding the; field; and the Doge did so. And when the Marshal saw him, he called him into council, aside, all alone, and said to him: “ Lord, you see the misadventure that has befallen us. V have lost the Emperor Baldwin and Count Lewis, and the larger part of our people, and of the best. Now let us be think ourselves how to save what is left. For if God does not take pity of them, we are but lost.” daily tours istanbul

And in the end they settled it thus: that the Doge would return to the camp, and put heart into the people, and ordei that every one should arm and remain quiet in his tent or pavilion: and that Geoffry the Marshal would remain in full order of battle before the camp till it was night, so that their enemies might not see the host move; and that when it was night all would move from before the city; the Doge of Venice would go before, and Geoffry the Marshal would form the rear-guard, with those who were with him.

RETREAT OF THE CRUSADERS

Thus they waited till it was night; and when it was night the Doge of Venice left the camp, as had been arranged, and Geoffry the Marshal formed the rear-guard. And they de parted at foot pace, and took with them all their people mounted and dismounted, the wounded as well those who were whole they left not one behind. And they journeyed towards a city that lies upon the sea, called Rodosto, and that was full three days’ journey distant. So they departed from Adrianople, as you have heard; and this adventure befell in the year of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ twelve hundred and five.

And in the night that the host left Adrianople, it happened that a company started to get to Constantinople earlier, and by a more direct way; and they were greatly blamed there for. In this company was a certain count from Lombardy named Gerard, who came from the land of the marquis, and Odo of Ham, who was lord of a castle called Ham in Vermandois, and John of Maseroles, and many others to the number of twenty-five knights, whom the book does not name. And they went away so fast after the discomfiture, which had taken place on the Thursday evening, that they came to Constantinople on the Saturday night, though it was ordinarily a good five days’ journey. And they told the news to the Cardinal Peter of Capua, who was there by the authority of Innocent Pope of Rome, and to Conon of Bethune, who guarded the city, and to Miles the Brabant, and to the other good men in the city. And you must know that these were greatly affeared, and thought of a certainty that all the rest, who had been left before Adrianopie, were lost, for they had no news of them.