Léon Hennique Novel

(1) Brumaire was the second month in the French Republican Calendar. The 18th Brumaire (9 November 1799) was the date of Napoleon Bonaparte’s coup d’état that ended the Directory government and established the French Consulate. ↑ Return

(2) The Régiment de La Couronne (Regiment of the Crown) was an infantry regiment of the Kingdom of France, created in 1643. ↑ Return

(3) Jean Pierre de Batz, Baron de Sainte-Croix, known as the Baron de Batz or de Bance, (1754–1822), was a French royalist and businessman. He is best known for his efforts, often daring and often placing him at personal risk, to save King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. On 21 January 1793, de Batz tried in vain to raise the crowd in boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle to save the king from execution. Several royalists were killed, though de Batz managed to escape. De Batz also made efforts to save the queen, Marie Antoinette. He remained partially in hiding until he obtained a certificate of non-emigration in June 1793.↑ Return

(4) The Committee of General Security (French: Comité de sûreté générale) was a parliamentary committee of the French National Convention which acted as police agency during the French Revolution. Established as a committee of the Convention in October 1792, it was designed to protect the Revolutionary Republic from internal enemies. Along with the Committee of Public Safety it oversaw the Reign of Terror. The Committee of General Security supervised the local police committees in charge of investigating reports of treason, and was one of the agencies with authority to refer suspects to the Revolutionary Tribunal for trial and possible execution by guillotine. In 1794 the committee was involved in the arrest and execution of Maximilien Robespierre and several of his political allies on 9 Thermidor. On 4 November 1795, along with the end of the National Convention, the Committee of General Security dissolved↑ Return.

(5) Jean-Marie Leclair l’aîné (Jean-Marie Leclair the Elder) (1697–1764) was a French Baroque violinist and composer. He is considered to have founded the French violin school↑ Return.

(6) The pochette is a small stringed instrument of the bowed variety. It is a small violin-like instrument designed to fit in a pocket, hence the name “pochette” (French for small pocket). Also known as a pocket fiddle, it was designed to be used by dance masters in royal courts and noble households, and by street musicians, from about the 15th century until around the 19th century, becoming especially popular in the 1800s ↑ Return.

(7) passacaglia: the dance, as it first appeared in 17th-century Spain, was of unsavoury reputation and possibly quite fiery. In the French theatre of the 17th and 18th centuries it was a dance of imposing majesty. Little is known of the actual dance movements and steps. Musically the passacaglia is nearly indistinguishable from the contemporary chaconne; contemporary writers called the passacaglia a graver dance, however, and noted that it was identified more frequently with male dancers↑ Return.

The rigaudon anglicized as rigadon or rigadoon, is a French baroque dance with a lively duple metre. The music is similar to that of a bourrée, but the rigaudon is rhythmically simpler with regular phrases (eight measure phrases are most common). It originated as a sprightly 17th-century French folk dance for couples. Traditionally, the folkdance was associated with the provinces of Vivarais, Languedoc, Dauphiné, and Provence in southern France, and it became popular as a court dance during the reign of Louis XIV. Its hopping steps were adopted by the skilfull dancers of the French and English courts, where it remained fashionable through the 18th century. By the close of the 18th century, however, it had given way in popularity as a ballroom dance (along with the passepied, bourrée, and gigue) to the minuet.

The bourrée is a dance of French origin and the words and music that accompany it. In the Baroque era, after the Academie de Dance was established by Louis XIV in 1661, the French court adapted the bourrée, like many such dances, for the purposes of concert dance.

A branle is a type of French dance popular from the early 16th century to the present, danced by couples in either a line or a circle. The branle was danced by a chain of dancers, usually in couples, with linked arms or holding hands. Although originally French dances of rustic provenance, danced to the dancers’ singing, the branle was adopted, like other folk-dances, into aristocratic use by the time that printed books allow us to reconstruct the dances. Some aristocratic branles included pantomime elements, such the branle de Poitou, the possible ancestor of the minuet, which acts out gestures of courtship.

(8) Louis Antoine de Bourbon, Duke of Enghien (1772–1804) was a member of the House of Bourbon of France. More famous for his death than his life, he was executed by order of Napoleon Bonaparte, who brought charges against him of aiding Britain and plotting against Napoleon↑ Return.

(9) The Peace of Pressburg was signed in Pressburg (today Bratislava) on 26 December 1805 between French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and Holy Roman Emperor Francis II, as a consequence of the French victory over the Russians and Austrians at the Battle of Austerlitz (2 December)↑ Return .

(10) The reference to “Year 13” (l’an treize) in the text refers to the French Republican Calendar, a revolutionary system of timekeeping introduced during the French Revolution to replace the Gregorian calendar and eliminate references to Christianity and monarchy. This calendar was officially used in France from late 1793 to 1805.

In this revolutionary calendar:

• Years were counted from the foundation of the French Republic on September 22, 1792 (which became Day 1 of Year 1)
• Each year began on the autumnal equinox
• Months were renamed based on natural phenomena and seasonal characteristics
• The seven-day week was replaced with a ten-day week (décade)

Year 13 of the Republican Calendar ran from September 23, 1804, to September 22, 1805. This period coincides with the early years of Napoleon’s Empire, shortly after his coronation as Emperor in December 1804, when he had already begun to consolidate power but before many of the European campaigns mentioned later in the novel.

The Republican Calendar was abolished by Napoleon and France returned to the Gregorian calendar on January 1, 1806↑ Return.

(11) a fabric or articles made of esparto. Esparto, halfah grass, or esparto grass is a fibre produced from two species of perennial grasses of north Africa, Spain and Portugal. It is used for crafts, such as cords, basketry, and espadrilles↑ Return.

(12) a small triangular shawl, worn round a woman’s shoulders and neck↑ Return.

(13) This passage describes the rapid expansion of Napoleon Bonaparte’s empire and influence across Europe during 1805-1806, a pivotal period in the Napoleonic era.

After being proclaimed Emperor of the French in December 1804, Napoleon continued his ambitious campaign of territorial expansion and political restructuring of Europe. In May 1805, he was crowned King of Italy in Milan Cathedral, adding another royal title to his imperial status. He then established himself as “Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine” in July 1806, effectively dissolving the ancient Holy Roman Empire and replacing it with a coalition of German states under French influence.

The Bonaparte Family Dynasty

Napoleon systematically installed members of his family as rulers across Europe:

• Joseph Bonaparte (Napoleon’s elder brother): Made King of Naples and Sicily in March 1806, and later King of Spain in 1808
• Louis Bonaparte (Napoleon’s younger brother): Appointed King of Holland in June 1806
• Elisa Bonaparte (Napoleon’s sister): Given the Duchy of Lucca in 1805, later expanded to include Tuscany
• Pauline Bonaparte (Napoleon’s sister): Her husband Prince Camillo Borghese was given the Duchy of Guastalla in 1806, though Pauline herself held the title of Duchess

Military Commanders and the New Nobility

Napoleon also rewarded his most successful military commanders with grand titles:

• Joachim Murat (Napoleon’s brother-in-law and cavalry commander): Created Grand Duke of Berg in March 1806
• Louis-Alexandre Berthier (Napoleon’s Chief of Staff): Named Sovereign Prince of Neuchâtel in March 1806
• Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte (Marshal of France): Made Prince of Pontecorvo in 1806 (ironically, later became King of Sweden and fought against Napoleon)

The “new nobility” mentioned in the text refers to Napoleon’s creation of the “Imperial Nobility” beginning in 1804, comprising both old aristocratic families who supported him and new titles granted to military officers, officials, and others who had served the Empire with distinction. Many of these titles were associated with territories in the conquered Venetian States, which had substantial wealth that could support these new nobles (metaphorically “gilding their seams”).

The Fourth Coalition

The passage concludes by referencing the formation of what would become the Fourth Coalition against France. By autumn 1806, Prussia, Russia, England (Britain), and Sweden had allied themselves against Napoleon’s expanding power. This coalition formed in response to Napoleon’s aggressive expansionism and the perception that he “threatened to devour everything.”

The war mentioned at the end of the passage erupted when Prussia declared war on France in October 1806. Napoleon’s forces subsequently achieved decisive victories at Schleitz (October 9), Saafeld (October 10), Jena and Auerstedt (both on October 14) – crushing the Prussian army and allowing Napoleon to occupy Berlin by the end of the month, further cementing his control over continental Europe↑ Return.

(14) This passage situates the Marquise de Cluses’s illness against the backdrop of Napoleon’s continued consolidation of power across Europe following his remarkable military successes of 1806-1807.

The Continental Blockade

The “blockade already in place” refers to the Continental System (or Continental Blockade), which Napoleon established through the Berlin Decree of November 21, 1806. This economic warfare policy aimed to cripple Britain by prohibiting all trade and correspondence between Britain and continental Europe. By cutting off Britain’s access to European markets, Napoleon hoped to damage its economy and force its capitulation. The blockade remained in effect until Napoleon’s downfall in 1814, though it was never fully effective and ultimately caused significant economic harm to France and its allies as well.

Military Campaigns of 1807

The reference to “Eylau” and “Friedland” points to two significant battles in Napoleon’s campaign against Russia:

• Battle of Eylau (February 7-8, 1807): A bloody and inconclusive battle fought in East Prussia (now Bagrationovsk, Russia) during harsh winter conditions. Both sides suffered tremendous casualties (approximately 25,000 French and 15,000 Russian/Prussian), and neither could claim a decisive victory. This battle marked one of the few times Napoleon failed to achieve a clear triumph.
• Battle of Friedland (June 14, 1807): Four months after Eylau, Napoleon secured a decisive victory against Russian forces under General Levin August von Bennigsen near Friedland (now Pravdinsk, Russia). This battle effectively ended the War of the Fourth Coalition and forced Tsar Alexander I to negotiate peace terms.

Treaty of Tilsit

The “Treaty of Tilsit” refers to the peace agreements signed in July 1807 in the town of Tilsit (now Sovetsk, Russia):

• The first treaty (July 7, 1807) was signed between France and Russia
• The second treaty (July 9, 1807) was signed between France and Prussia

These treaties were highly favourable to France, dramatically altering the European political landscape. Russia became an ally of France and joined the Continental System against Britain. Prussia lost nearly half its territory and population, was forced to pay enormous indemnities, and had to accept French garrisons on its remaining lands. The meeting of Napoleon and Tsar Alexander I on a raft in the middle of the Niemen River became a famous symbol of Napoleon’s dominance of Europe at this zenith of his power.

The Kingdom of Westphalia

The “unstable throne of Westphalia” refers to the Kingdom of Westphalia, created by Napoleon after the Treaty of Tilsit. This new state was formed from territories taken from Prussia, Brunswick, Saxony, and Hesse-Kassel, and was intended to serve as a model state for Napoleon’s vision of a modernized Germany.

Napoleon appointed his youngest brother, Jérôme Bonaparte, as King of Westphalia in August 1807. The kingdom was described as “unstable” because it was an artificial creation with no historical precedent, composed of disparate territories with different traditions, and entirely dependent on French military support. Despite introducing progressive reforms like religious tolerance, abolition of feudalism, and a constitution, the kingdom remained fragile. It would last only until Napoleon’s defeat in 1813, when its territories were reclaimed by their former rulers↑ Return.

(15) https://www.facebook.com/HydeHall1817/videos/today-we-take-a-closer-look-at-the-argand-lamp-our-second-video-in-the-series-of/297156531682947/↑ Return

(16) The Marquis Robert’s casual remark about Junot’s arrival in Lisbon references a significant historical event during the Napoleonic Wars. In late 1807, Napoleon ordered General Jean-Andoche Junot (1771-1813) to lead French forces into Portugal in what would become known as the First French Invasion of Portugal.

Background and Context

This military campaign was a direct consequence of Portugal’s refusal to comply with Napoleon’s Continental System. Despite pressure to close its ports to British shipping, Portugal—Britain’s oldest ally—had maintained commercial relations with the United Kingdom. Napoleon would not tolerate this breach in his economic blockade against Britain.

The Invasion

In October 1807, Napoleon negotiated a secret treaty with Spain (the Treaty of Fontainebleau) to divide Portugal between them. Under this agreement, French troops were permitted to cross Spanish territory to attack Portugal.

The invasion began on November 19, 1807, when Junot led approximately 25,000 troops across the Spanish frontier toward Lisbon. The Portuguese army, poorly equipped and led by officers who had not fought since 1801, offered little resistance. Prince Regent John (later King John VI), refusing to capitulate to French demands, made the unprecedented decision to transfer the Portuguese court to Brazil. On November 29, the royal family and court (nearly 15,000 people) boarded ships and fled Lisbon, taking with them the state treasury, government archives, and many valuable items.

Junot in Lisbon

Junot’s forces entered Lisbon on November 30, 1807—just one day after the Portuguese royal family had departed. This is precisely the news that the Marquis Robert is reading about in the Moniteur (the official newspaper of the French government). The Portuguese campaign had indeed been remarkably swift, as the Marquis observes, with minimal military resistance. Junot moved so quickly that his troops arrived exhausted and depleted, having covered rough terrain at a punishing pace.

Aftermath

Junot was appointed Governor of Portugal and made “Duke of Abrantes” by Napoleon. However, his occupation would be short-lived. In August 1808, British forces under Sir Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington) landed in Portugal, defeated Junot at the Battle of Vimeiro, and forced the French to evacuate Portugal under the terms of the Convention of Cintra.

This campaign marked the beginning of what would become the Peninsular War (1807-1814), a protracted conflict that would eventually contribute significantly to Napoleon’s downfall by draining French resources and manpower. The Portuguese campaign, which appeared so swift and successful in the newspaper report that the Marquis was reading, would ultimately prove to be the opening act of one of Napoleon’s most costly military commitments↑ Return .

(17) a light low-wheeled carriage with a removable folding hood↑ Return.

(18) Jacques-Bénigne Lignel Bossuet (1627–1704) was a French bishop and theologian. Renowned for his sermons, addresses and literary works, he is regarded as a brilliant orator and literary stylist of the French language. By the early 1660s, Bossuet was preaching regularly before the court of King Louis XIV at Versailles. He was appointed tutor to the Dauphin in 1670 and elected to the Académie Française a year later. In 1681, he was appointed Bishop of Meaux, a position he held until his death. Bossuet was a strong advocate of political absolutism and the divine right of kings. Later in his life, he was also involved in the controversies over Gallicanism and Quietism, and supported the king’s revocation of the Edict of Nantes, which abolished the rights of the Huguenot Protestant minority. Bossuet died in 1704 at the age of 76. The works of Bossuet best known to English speakers are three great orations delivered at the funerals of Queen Henrietta Maria, widow of Charles I of England (1669), of her daughter Henriette, Duchess of Orléans (1670), and of the outstanding military commander le Grand Condé (1687). He published his Discours sur l’histoire universelle (Discourse on Universal History) in 1681 ↑ Return.

(19) Anne of Austria (1601–1666) was Queen of France from 1615 to 1643 by marriage to King Louis XIII. She was also Queen of Navarre until the kingdom’s annexation into the French crown in 1620. After her husband’s death, Anne was regent to her son Louis XIV during his minority until 1651. Despite a climate of distrust amidst the Franco-Spanish War and twenty-three years of childlessness in which she suffered five miscarriages, Anne gave birth to an heir, Louis, in 1638 and a second son, Philippe two years later. When Louis XIII died in 1643, Anne outmanoeuvred her opponents to become sole regent to her four-year-old son, Louis XIV, and appointed Cardinal Mazarin as chief minister. The Fronde, a major revolt by the French nobility against Anne and Mazarin’s government, broke out but was ultimately suppressed. In 1651, Anne’s regency formally ended when Louis was declared of age. She retired from active politics in 1661 and moved to the convent she had commissioned, Val-de-Grâce, where she died of breast cancer five years later↑ Return.

(20) This densely packed paragraph encapsulates the zenith of Napoleon’s power and the beginning of its decline, covering critical events from approximately 1809 to 1812.

The opening reference to Pope Pius VII as “captif à Savone” (captive at Savona) refers to Napoleon’s imprisonment of the pontiff. Following disagreements over the Continental System and church authority, Napoleon’s troops occupied Rome in 1808. When Pius VII excommunicated those responsible, Napoleon had him arrested in July 1809. The Pope was initially held at Savona (in northwestern Italy) until 1812, then transferred to Fontainebleau, where he remained until 1814. This captivity symbolized Napoleon’s willingness to challenge even the Catholic Church’s power.

The “Joseph Bonaparte proclaimed King of Spain” refers to Napoleon’s installation of his elder brother on the Spanish throne in 1808 after forcing the abdication of the Spanish Bourbon monarchy. This decision sparked the Spanish War of Independence (referred to in the text as “la guerre Ibérique” or the Iberian War), which would become what the author describes as a “plaie crapuleuse” (sordid wound) in Napoleon’s empire. The conflict developed into a protracted guerrilla war with British support under Wellington, draining French resources and ultimately contributing significantly to Napoleon’s downfall.

The references to “Essling” and “Wagram” indicate the 1809 War of the Fifth Coalition, when Austria attempted to break away from Napoleon’s influence. The Battle of Essling (May 1809) was a rare setback for Napoleon, but he recovered to win decisively at Wagram (July 1809). The “Treaty of Vienna” (actually the Treaty of Schönbrunn) subsequently reduced Austria’s territory and power. To cement peace with Austria, Napoleon divorced his first wife Josephine and married Marie-Louise, daughter of the Austrian Emperor, in 1810.

“The King of Rome had come into the world” refers to the birth of Napoleon’s only legitimate son, Napoleon François Charles Joseph Bonaparte, on March 20, 1811. Named the King of Rome at birth, he represented Napoleon’s hopes for establishing a hereditary dynasty.

The “138 départements” and “seven Illyrian provinces” represent France at its greatest territorial extent under Napoleon. The traditional provinces of France had been reorganized into departments after the Revolution, and Napoleon continued expanding these through conquest. The Illyrian Provinces, established in 1809 from territories taken from Austria, extended Napoleon’s direct control into the Balkans.

The final portion of the paragraph describes the turning point: oppressed peoples beginning to resist, subjugated monarchs quietly rebuilding their resolve, and the continuous drain of the Peninsular War—all precursors to Napoleon’s fateful decision to invade Russia in 1812. This Russian campaign, referenced in the final sentence, would prove catastrophic for Napoleon, with the loss of most of his Grande Armée and the beginning of his ultimate downfall.

This paragraph effectively compresses years of complex historical developments to show the context in which young Agénor was developing his royalist world view, even as the seemingly unstoppable Napoleonic juggernaut began showing its first serious signs of vulnerability↑ Return.

(21) These three battles marked the opening phase of Napoleon’s disastrous Russian campaign of 1812. Ostrowno (25-26 July) was technically a French victory but cost Napoleon precious time and men as Russian forces under Barclay de Tolly conducted their strategic withdrawal deeper into Russian territory. Smolensk (16-18 August) saw Napoleon capture the ancient city, but only after the Russians had evacuated and burned much of it, denying the French the decisive battle and supplies they desperately needed. Borodino (7 September)—the bloodiest single day of the Napoleonic Wars—was pyrrhically won by the French at enormous cost: some 70,000 casualties between both armies, with Napoleon losing irreplaceable veterans while the Russians, though forced to retreat, preserved the core of their army. These “victories” were actually strategic defeats that foreshadowed the catastrophe to come, as each battle drew Napoleon further from his supply lines into the vast Russian interior—a trap from which his Grande Armée would never escape↑ Return.

(22) This passage telescopes the dramatic collapse of Napoleon’s empire from 1812-1814. The burning of Moscow (September 1812) was ordered by the city’s governor, Count Rostopchin, denying Napoleon the prize he expected; finding a deserted, smouldering city instead of the glorious conquest that might have brought Tsar Alexander to terms, Napoleon faced his first great strategic impasse. The retreat from Moscow became one of history’s most catastrophic military disasters: of the 600,000 men who had crossed into Russia, fewer than 40,000 combat-effective soldiers recrossed the frontier. Meanwhile, Wellington’s victory over Marshal Marmont at Salamanca (22 July 1812) broke French power in Spain, while General Malet’s bizarre coup attempt in Paris (October 1812)—where he nearly succeeded in overthrowing the government by spreading false news of Napoleon’s death—revealed the empire’s fragility. The Sixth Coalition (1813-1814) united virtually all of Europe against France: Britain’s subsidies, Russia’s manpower, Prussia’s resurgent nationalism, and Austria’s opportunistic betrayal of her former son-in-law created an overwhelming alliance. The lightning campaign of 1814, despite Napoleon’s tactical brilliance in battles like Champaubert and Montmirail, could not overcome the mathematics of fighting all Europe simultaneously with a teenage conscript army—leading inexorably to abdication and exile to Elba↑ Return.

(23) A short, lightweight bodice or jacket worn by women in the early 19th century, typically covering the shoulders and upper body, often made of fine fabric and sometimes adorned with lace or embroidery↑ Return.

(24) Henri Coiffier de Ruzé, Marquis de Cinq-Mars (1620-1642), was a young French courtier who became the favourite and rumoured lover of King Louis XIII. At age 19, he captivated the melancholic king with his beauty, wit, and charm, rising rapidly to become Grand Master of the Horse. However, his ambition led him to conspire against Cardinal Richelieu, the king’s chief minister. When the plot was discovered, Louis XIII—despite his deep attachment to Cinq-Mars—had him executed for treason. The relationship exemplified the dangerous power that youthful charisma could wield over an ageing monarch, making Cinq-Mars a legendary figure representing both the allure and peril of royal favouritism↑ Return.

(25) This passage captures the heated political tensions of early 1815, as ultra-royalist émigrés clashed with moderate constitutionalists. The Charter of 1814 was Louis XVIII’s constitutional compromise granting civil liberties and limiting royal power. Georges Cadoudal (executed 1804) and General Moreau (died 1813) were anti-Napoleonic conspirators whose posthumous rehabilitation by ultra-royalists angered former imperial officers. General Pierre Dupont, dubbed “the capitulator of Bailén” after his humiliating 1808 surrender to Spanish forces, became a controversial choice as War Minister. Most inflammatory was the mass dismissal of Napoleonic veterans—experienced officers placed on half-pay to make room for inexperienced émigré nobles returning from exile. This policy created a bitter, unemployed military class that would prove crucial to Napoleon’s dramatic return from Elba in March 1815, just weeks after this fictional scene↑ Return.

(26) A prestigious royal tapestry manufactory in Paris, established in the 17th century and known for producing luxurious tapestries for French royal palaces↑ Return.

(27) Pierre Mignard (1612-1695), a celebrated French painter who served as court painter to Louis XIV and was known for his portraits and religious scenes↑ Return.

(28) A royal carpet and rug manufactory in Paris, originally established to create floor coverings in the French style as alternatives to imported Turkish carpets. Known for their plush, detailed designs↑ Return.

(29) The Maison Royale de Saint-Louis was a boarding school for girls set up on 15 June 1686 at Saint-Cyr in France by King Louis XIV at the request of his second secret wife, Françoise d’Aubigné, Marquise de Maintenon, who wanted a school for girls from impoverished noble families↑ Return.

(30) André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732), a renowned French cabinetmaker who developed a distinctive marquetry technique using tortoiseshell, brass, and exotic woods. His furniture became synonymous with luxury during Louis XIV’s reign↑ Return.

(31) Napoleon landed at Golfe-Juan, near Cannes, on March 1, 1815, beginning the famous “Hundred Days” that would end at Waterloo. Having escaped from his exile on the island of Elba with just over a thousand men, he chose this small bay on the French Riviera for his audacious return—launching what would be his final bid to reclaim the French throne↑ Return.

(32) A military headdress resembling a tall fur cap, typically worn by hussars and other light cavalry in European armies of the period↑ Return.

(33) Light infantry or cavalry soldiers in the French army, known for their mobility and skirmishing skills. The name literally means “hunters” and refers to their original role as light troops sent ahead to scout and engage the enemy↑ Return.

(34) Half-pay officer (demi-solde): A Napoleonic veteran placed on half-pay during the Bourbon Restoration, often politically suspect for their continued loyalty to the deposed Emperor↑ Return.

(35) On 1 March 1815, on his return from Elba, Napoleon landed in Golfe-Juan with a small band of 1100 loyal soldiers. And from here he set out on the extraordinary adventure that was to lead to the return to power two and a half weeks later, 20 March, with his triumphal entry into the Tuileries palace which had been hastily abandoned by Louis XVIII. This was the beginning of the Hundred Days↑ Return.

(36) This passage succinctly references the dramatic sequence of historical events in 1815: Napoleon’s brief return to power (March-June 1815, known as the “Hundred Days”), his decisive defeat at Waterloo (June 18, 1815), his subsequent exile to the remote Atlantic island of Saint Helena (where he would die in 1821), and the Second Restoration of the Bourbon monarchy under Louis XVIII. This second restoration (1815-1824) proved more durable than the first (1814-1815), which had been rapidly overthrown by Napoleon’s return↑ Return.

(37) The War in the Vendée (French: Guerre de Vendée) was a counter-revolutionary insurrection that took place in the Vendée region of France from 1793 to 1796, during the French Revolution↑ Return.

(38) Signed on November 20, 1815, this second Treaty of Paris (following Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo) imposed harsher terms on France than the first treaty of 1814. It required France to pay war indemnities, surrender territory, and endure Allied occupation for up to five years↑ Return.

(39) Light cavalry armed with lances, of Polish origin but also found in German, Austrian and Russian armies of the period↑ Return.

(40) Elite heavy cavalry units in various European armies, distinguished by their carbines (short rifles) and typically serving as shock troops↑ Return.

(41) Michel Ney (1769-1815), one of Napoleon’s most celebrated marshals, executed for treason after supporting Napoleon during the Hundred Days despite having pledged loyalty to Louis XVIII↑ Return.

(42) a horse-drawn carriage used for transporting passengers or mail, especially in the 18th and early 19th centuries↑ Return.

(43) The formal title given to the king’s eldest brother in the French court. During Louis XIV’s reign, this referred to Philippe, Duke of Orléans (1640-1701)↑ Return.

(44) Robert Nanteuil (1623-1678), renowned French portrait artist and engraver who served at the court of Louis XIV, famous for his pastels and engravings of French nobility↑ Return.

(45) a piece of furniture for use during prayer, consisting of a kneeling surface and a narrow upright front with a rest for the elbows or for books↑ Return.

(46) Prestigious French orders of chivalry. The Order of the Holy Spirit was the highest order of chivalry during the French monarchy, while the Order of Saint Michael was the oldest French order of knighthood↑ Return.

(47) Justaucorps à brevet: It was characterised by being of blue colour with silver or gold embroidery and was only given to those who had accompanied the King on trips to Marly or had been granted specific permission. It was considered quite an honour to be offered such a piece of clothing but other than that it carried no rights. Louis XIV created a patent on 4 February 1665 stating that only a select few could wear this particular colour combination (blue with gold/silver trimmings) while all others were prohibited without an express permission from the King↑ Return.

(48) A card game popular in aristocratic circles during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly favoured at the court of Louis XIV. Similar to primero, it was a precursor to poker and involved bidding and bluffing↑ Return.

(49) Elite cavalry units serving as royal guards, originally disbanded during the French Revolution but restored by Louis XVIII during the Bourbon Restoration↑ Return.

(50) Louis XVIII’s “liberal politics” represented a delicate balancing act between old and new France. Restored to the throne in 1814 after Napoleon’s first abdication, the king granted the Charter of 1814—a constitutional document that guaranteed civil liberties, freedom of religion, and a bicameral parliament, while preserving royal prerogatives. This compromise infuriated ultra-royalists like Agénor, who viewed any limitation on absolute monarchy as treasonous. The king’s liberal posturing included amnesty for former revolutionaries, retention of the Napoleonic administrative system, and recognition of property changes since 1789. For die-hard legitimists, Louis XVIII had betrayed centuries of Bourbon tradition by accepting constitutional constraints and revolutionary gains, making him almost as objectionable as the usurpers who preceded him↑ Return.

(51) After Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo in 1815, the victorious allies occupied France with 150,000 troops and imposed crushing war reparations of 700 million francs. The Duke of Richelieu, Louis XVIII’s chief minister and a former émigré who had served Tsar Alexander I in Russia, leveraged his personal relationship with the Tsar to negotiate France’s early liberation. Originally scheduled to last five years, the occupation ended in 1818—three years ahead of schedule—after Richelieu convinced the allies that France had paid sufficient reparations and demonstrated political stability. This diplomatic triumph made Richelieu a hero to French patriots, while Alexander I’s magnanimity earned him gratitude even from former enemies. For conservatives like Agénor, this moment of national liberation seemed the perfect opportunity to restore traditional monarchy rather than continue liberal experiments↑ Return.

(52) A decorative variegated yellow and purple marble, often used in ornate interior design during the period↑ Return.

(53) a curtain hung over a door or doorway↑ Return.

(54) Gros de Tours: a heavy silk fabric with a ribbed texture, named after the city of Tours in France and popular for formal draperies↑ Return.

(55) The Thuret family of clockmakers established themselves as one of the outstanding craftsman-dynasties in 17th-and 18th-century Paris. Their clocks are signed “Thuret”, and distinguishing which member of the Thuret family made a specific clock is sometimes an unrewarding effort↑ Return.

(56) A rare wood from the Indo-Malayan region used in marquetry and fine cabinetmaking↑ Return.

(57) Refers to one of the Carracci brothers (Annibale, Agostino, or Lodovico), prominent Italian Baroque painters active in the late 16th and early 17th centuries↑ Return.

(58) Renowned portrait painters: Pierre Mignard (1612-1695), French court painter; Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), Dutch-born English court painter; Charles Beaubrun (1604-1692), French portrait painter to the court↑ Return.

(59) This passage alludes to a famous description from a letter by Madame de Sévigné describing the opulent court fashions during the reign of Louis XIV↑ Return.

(60) A hairstyle inspired by Ninon de Lenclos (1620-1705), a celebrated French courtesan known for her wit, beauty, and literary salon↑ Return.

(61) Between 1795 and 1814 Louis wandered throughout Europe, sojourning in Prussia, England, and Russia, promoting the royalist cause, however hopeless it seemed after Napoleon’s proclamation as emperor in 1804. Although financially hard pressed, he refused to abdicate and accept a pension from Bonaparte. After Napoleon’s defeats in 1813, Louis issued a manifesto in which he promised to recognize some of the results of the Revolution in a restored Bourbon regime. When the Allied armies entered Paris in March 1814, the brilliant diplomatist Talleyrand was able to negotiate the restoration, and on May 3, 1814, Louis was received with jubilation by the war-weary Parisians↑ Return.

(62) a covered entrance large enough for vehicles to pass through, typically opening into a courtyard↑ Return.

(63) Louis Mynuel, merchant-clockmaker privileged King Louis XIV, worked regularly with André-Charles Boulle. The excellence of his movements made him one of the most important clockmakers of his time. Louis Mynuel’s works are now preserved in the Louvre Museum, the Château de Fontainebleau, the Royal Swedish Collections, the Royal Palace in Turin and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London↑ Return.

(64) In Greek mythology, Argus Panoptes (“all-seeing”) was a giant with a hundred eyes scattered across his body, only some of which slept at any time, making him the perfect watchman. Hera employed him to guard Io, one of Zeus’s lovers whom Zeus transformed into a white heifer to hide her from his wife. The deception failed, and Hera ultimately received Io as a gift. Io then endured a long and arduous journey under the watchful eye of the hundred-eyed giant Argus, until Zeus sent Hermes to kill Argus, freeing Io↑ Return.

(65) (with numerous spelling variations) is a type of horse-drawn carriage. The carriage had four wheels, a long body with two seats (face to face), and a folding hood over the rear seat. The body could be converted to sleep two people full length. The term is a variant of the Polish term bryczka, a “little cart”, from bryka, “cart”↑ Return.

(66) Rich vermilion↑ Return

(67) A jabot is a decorative clothing-accessory consisting of lace or other fabric falling from the throat, suspended from or attached to a neckband or collar, or simply pinned at the throat. Its current form evolved from the frilling or ruffles decorating the front of a shirt in the 19th century↑ Return.

(68) ornamental work in cloth, metal, leather, or other material with regular patterns of openings and holes↑ Return.

(69) a decorative clasp or hook from which chains holding a watch, purse, keys, etc. were suspended↑ Return.

(70) Duke of Berry or Duchess of Berry was a title in the Peerage of France. The Duchy of Berry, centred on Bourges, was originally created as an appanage for junior members of the French royal family and was frequently granted to female royals. The style “Duke of Berry” was later granted by several Bourbon monarchs to their grandsons. The last official Duke of Berry was Charles Ferdinand of Artois, son of Charles X. In 1820 he was assassinated at the Paris Opera by Louis Pierre Louvel, a Bonapartist↑ Return.

(71) Louis Pierre Louvel (1783–1820) was the assassin of Charles Ferdinand, Duke of Berry. He was executed by guillotine in Paris on 7 June 1820↑ Return.

(72) a pair of glasses or opera glasses held in front of a person’s eyes by a long handle at one side↑ Return.

(73) a chapel or room in which the corpse of a sovereign or other exalted personage lies in state pending the funeral service↑ Return.

(74) Named after the town of Sedan in France where it was first used, the sedan chair consisted of a seat inside a cabin with a detachable roof, mounted on two poles and carried by two men known as ‘chairmen’, one at the front and one at the rear. The passenger would get in and out through a hinged door at the front of the chair↑ Return.

(75) The “preservation laws” refer to the Six Acts, passed by the British Parliament in December 1819 following the Peterloo Massacre. These repressive measures were designed to curtail radical reform movements and preserve social order. They included restrictions on public gatherings, expanded powers to seize weapons, increased punishments for seditious libel, and higher taxes on publications to limit their circulation. The courtiers in the novel suggest that a royal scandal would be especially dangerous given these recent attempts to contain growing anti-royalist sentiment↑ Return.

(76) The Carbonari (lit. ’charcoal burners’) was an informal network of secret revolutionary societies active in Italy from about 1800 to 1831. The Carbonari may have further influenced other revolutionary groups in France, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Uruguay, the Ottoman Empire, and Russia↑ Return.

(77) a short decorative pillar forming part of a series supporting a rail or coping↑ Return.

(78) an exterior set of steps and a platform at the main entrance to a large building such as a church or mansion↑ Return.

(79) A tapabor was a type of country bonnet or cap (now an archaic term) with edges that could be folded down to protect against rain and wind. It was popular in 17th and 18th century France, often appearing in period portraits as a less formal headwear choice↑ Return.

(80) a large lute with the neck extended to carry several long bass strings, used for accompaniment in 17th and early 18th century music↑ Return.

(81) A guéridon is a small table supported by one or more columns, or sculptural human or mythological figures, often with a circular top↑ Return.

(82) In French interior design, vernis Martin is a type (or a number of types) of japanning or imitation lacquer named after the 18th century French Martin brothers: Guillaume (died 1749), Etienne-Simon, Robert and Julien. They ran a leading factory from between about 1730 and 1770, and were vernisseurs du roi (“varnishers to the king”)↑ Return.

(83) a metal stand, typically one of a pair, for supporting wood burning in a fireplace↑ Return.

(84) The Pains and Penalties Bill 1820 was a bill introduced to the British Parliament in 1820, at the request of King George IV, which aimed to dissolve his marriage to Caroline of Brunswick and deprive her of the title of queen. George and Caroline had married in 1795, when George was still Prince of Wales. After the birth of their only child, Princess Charlotte of Wales, they separated. Caroline eventually went to live abroad, where she appointed Bartolomeo Bergami to her household as a courier. He eventually rose to become the head servant of her household, and it was widely rumoured that they were lovers. In 1820, George ascended the throne and Caroline travelled to London to assert her rights as queen of Great Britain and Ireland. George despised her and was adamant that he wanted a divorce. Under English law, however, divorce was not then possible unless one of the parties was guilty of adultery. As neither he nor Caroline would admit to adultery, George had a bill introduced to Parliament, which if passed would declare Caroline to have committed adultery and grant the King a divorce. In essence, the reading of the bill was a public trial of the Queen, with the members of the House of Lords acting as judge and jury. After a sensational debate in the Lords, which was heavily reported in the press in salacious detail, the bill was narrowly passed by the upper house. However, because the margin was so slim and public unrest over the bill was significant, the government withdrew the bill before it was debated by the House of Commons, as the likelihood of it ever passing there was remote. The incident became known as the Trial of Queen Caroline↑ Return.

(85) A fine, closely woven cotton fabric with a smooth finish, known for its durability, crispness, and lightness. Popular for summer garments and bed linens in the 19th century↑ Return.

(86) A lightweight, glossy cotton fabric similar to percale but treated with a glazing process to give it a smooth, lustrous finish. Often used for dresses, linings, and bookbinding in the 19th century↑ Return.

(87) a bright orange-red colour↑ Return.

(88) a cloth usually made from silk or cotton with a thick, soft surface↑ Return.

(89) Valenciennes lace is a type of bobbin lace which originated in Valenciennes, in the Nord département of France, and flourished from about 1705 to 1780. Later production moved to Belgium, in and around Ypres. Bobbin lace is a lace textile made by braiding and twisting lengths of thread, which are wound on bobbins to manage them↑ Return.

(90) Gabrielle de Rochechouart de Mortemart, Marchioness of Thianges (1633–1693) was a French noblewoman. A great beauty and wit, she was the older sister of Françoise de Rochechouart de Mortemart, Madame de Montespan↑ Return.

(91) La duchesse de Sully refers to Charlotte Séguier, who became the Duchess of Sully through her marriage to Maximilien-François de Béthune, Duke of Sully (the grandson of the famous minister of Henry IV)↑ Return.

(92) The full-bottom wigs of Louis XIV’s reign were commonly called in-folios, in reference to the bulky, oversized tomes of the past↑ Return.

(93) a bright crimson or pinkish-red colour↑ Return.

(94) A justacorps or justaucorps is a knee-length coat worn by men in the latter half of the 17th century and throughout the 18th century. It is of French origin, where it had developed from a cape-like garment called a casaque↑ Return.

(95) Rhinegraves are a form of breeches which were popular from the early 1660s until the mid-1670s in Western Europe. They were very full petticoat breeches gathered at or above the knee. They were worn under petticoat breeches or under an overskirt which was decorated with ribbon loops around the waist and around the knee. Where the knee was gathered, a large frill of lace and stocking tops added further decoration↑ Return.

(96) A cavalier hat is a variety of wide-brimmed hat which was popular in 17th-century Europe. These hats were often made from felt and usually trimmed with an ostrich plume. They were frequently cocked up or had one side of the brim pinned to the side of the crown of the hat (similar to the slouch hat) which was then decorated with feathers. Cavalier hats derived their name from supporters of Charles I of England during the English Civil War, known as Cavaliers, who were noted for wearing extravagant clothing. It was a common hat style throughout Europe during the 17th century, until it was later replaced in fashion by the tricorne, which was originally a cavalier hat with its brim bound into a triangle↑ Return.

(97) refers to a specific style of fashionable men’s footwear from the Louis XIV period. These shoes featured: a base of fine velvet material; decorative elements on the sides or front that flared outward, resembling the sails or blades of a windmill; these “wings” or flaps were often adorned with ribbons, bows, or other decorations; they were typically worn with red heels, which was a status symbol in Louis XIV’s court↑ Return.

(98) a belt for a sword or other piece of equipment, worn over one shoulder and reaching down to the opposite hip↑ Return.

(99) an ornament on some military and naval uniforms, consisting of braided loops hanging from the shoulder and on dress uniforms ending in points that resemble pencils↑ Return.

(100) The “double vote” refers to the electoral law passed on June 29, 1820, during the reign of Louis XVIII following the assassination of the Duke of Berry. This law established a two-tier electoral system within France’s already restricted census suffrage (where only men paying at least 300 francs in direct taxes could vote). The law created departmental electoral colleges comprised of the wealthiest quarter of eligible voters who were granted the privilege of voting twice: once in their arrondissement college to elect 258 deputies, and again in the departmental college to elect an additional 172 deputies. This controversial measure was designed to strengthen the monarchist and ultra-royalist presence in the Chamber of Deputies, which had been trending liberal since 1816. Despite public protests, the law passed by 154 votes to 95, effectively amplifying the political influence of the landed aristocracy. The law was later repealed after the July Revolution of 1830↑ Return.

(101) The Army of Condé was a counter-revolutionary military force formed in 1791 by Louis Joseph, Prince of Condé, consisting of French aristocrats and royalists who had fled France during the Revolution. Operating from exile, primarily in Germany and along the Rhine, they fought alongside other European powers against the revolutionary French armies, hoping to restore the monarchy. The army was disbanded in 1801 following the Peace of Lunéville, with many of its officers later returning to France after Napoleon’s amnesty for émigrés↑ Return.

(102) Carnelian (also spelled cornelian) is a brownish-red mineral commonly used as a semiprecious stone↑ Return.

(103) A derogatory comparison referencing Louis Dominique Cartouche (1693-1721), a notorious French bandit and criminal who became a folk legend. By likening Napoleon to Cartouche, the royalist character M. de Montégrier dismisses the Emperor as nothing more than a glorified criminal who seized power illegitimately—a usurper rather than a legitimate ruler↑ Return.

(104) Grand Siècle or Great Century refers to the period of French history during the 17th century, under the reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV↑ Return.

(105) This passage covers the Bourbon Restoration following Napoleon’s defeat through the July Revolution of 1830 and early years of the July Monarchy. After Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo (1815), the Bourbon monarchy was restored with Louis XVIII, followed by his ultra-royalist brother Charles X, whose conservative policies triggered the July Revolution (1830), replacing him with Louis-Philippe of the Orléans “younger branch” of the royal family↑ Return.

(106) Françoise-Louise de La Baume Le Blanc, Duchess of La Vallière and Vaujours (1644–1710) was a French noblewoman and the mistress of King Louis XIV of France from 1661 to 1667. After an illness in 1670, La Vallière turned to religion, and wrote a popular devotional book. In 1674, she entered a Carmelite convent in Paris where she died in 1710↑ Return.

(107) a stylized lily composed of three petals bound together near their bases. It is especially known from the former royal arms of France, in which it appears in gold on a blue field↑ Return.

(108) Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter (1607–1676) was a Dutch States Navy officer. His achievements with the Dutch navy during the Anglo-Dutch Wars earned him the reputation as one of the most skilled naval commanders in history↑ Return.

(109) Abraham Duquesne, marquis du Bouchet (1610–1688) was a French naval officer. He distinguished himself in the Third Dutch War, fighting as second in command of the French squadron at the Battle of Solebay and later supporting the insurgents in the revolt of Messina from Spain, fighting Admiral Michel Adriaanzoon de Ruyter, who had the united fleets of Spain and the United Provinces under his command. He fought the combined Dutch-Spanish fleet at the Battle of Stromboli and the Battle of Augusta where De Ruyter was mortally wounded↑ Return.

(110) François de Vendôme, Duke of Beaufort (1616-1669), a French nobleman and military leader. He was the grandson of King Henry IV of France through an illegitimate line (his father was César, Duke of Vendôme, an illegitimate son of Henry IV). The passage is describing a historical military scene set during the Siege of Candia (modern-day Heraklion, Crete), which took place from 1648 to 1669. This was part of the long-running war between the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire. In 1669, Louis XIV of France sent a French expeditionary force to Candia to help the Venetians against the Ottoman Turks, and the Duke of Beaufort was appointed to command this force. The Duke of Beaufort was indeed killed during this expedition in June 1669 in a sortie against the Turks↑ Return.

(111) a herald’s official coat emblazoned with the arms of the sovereign↑ Return.

(112) a small hairpiece or toupee designed to conceal the first signs of baldness↑ Return.

(113) a coatdress or coat dress is a woman’s dress that resembles an overcoat, usually with collar, lapels and front fastenings similar to a coat, and made in spring-or autumn-weight fabrics↑ Return.

(114) a part of a longer coat or cloak that falls loosely over the shoulders from the neckband↑ Return.

(115) Napoléon, Prince Imperial (1856–1879), also known as Louis-Napoléon, was the only child of Napoleon III, Emperor of the French, and Empress Eugénie. After his father was dethroned in 1870, he moved to England with his family. On his father’s death in January 1873, he was proclaimed by the Bonapartist faction as Napoléon IV. In England, he trained as a British Army officer. Keen to see action, he persuaded the British to allow him to participate in the Anglo-Zulu War. In 1879, serving with British forces, he was killed in a skirmish with a group of Zulus. His early death caused an international sensation and sent shockwaves throughout Europe, as he was the last serious dynastic hope for the restoration of the House of Bonaparte to the throne of France↑ Return.

(116) Jean-Gilbert Victor Fialin, Duc de Persigny (1808–1872) was a statesman of the Second French Empire. A devoted and fanatical follower of Louis-Napoleon, whose service dated back to the future Emperor’s wilderness years of exile and imprisonment, Persigny stood out among the Emperor’s motley political entourage as the most passionate ideologue of Bonapartism. The Emperor’s famous wry comment: “The Empress is a Legitimist, Morny is an Orleanist, Prince Napoleon is a Republican, and I myself am a Socialist. There is only one Bonapartist, Persigny – and he is mad!”↑ Return

(117) Louis-Mathieu, comte Molé (1781–1855) was a French statesman and a close friend and associate of Louis Philippe I, King of the French during the July Monarchy (1830–1848)↑ Return.

(118) The July Monarchy* was threatened in 1839 by Louis-Mathieu Molé, who had formed an intermediate government. Guizot and the leaders of the left centre and the left, Thiers and Odilon Barrot worked together to stop Molé. Victory was secured at the expense of principle, and Guizot’s attack on the government gave rise to a crisis and a republican insurrection. None of the three leaders of that alliance took ministerial office, and Guizot was not sorry to accept the post of ambassador in London, which withdrew him for a time from parliamentary contests. This was in the spring of 1840, and Thiers succeeded shortly afterwards to the ministry of foreign affairs.

* The July Monarchy (French: Monarchie de Juillet), officially the Kingdom of France (French: Royaume de France), was a liberal constitutional monarchy in France under Louis Philippe I, starting on 9 August 1830, after the revolutionary victory of the July Revolution of 1830, and ending 26 February 1848, with the Revolution of 1848. It marks the end of the Bourbon Restoration (1814–1830). It began with the overthrow of the conservative government of Charles X, the last king of the main line House of Bourbon↑ Return.

(119) Abd al-Qadir ibn Muhyi al-Din (1808–1883), known as the Emir Abdelkader or Abd al-Qadir al-Hassani al-Jaza’iri, was an Algerian religious and military leader who led a struggle against the French colonial invasion of Algiers in the early 19th century. Abdelkader was effective at using guerrilla warfare and for a decade, up until 1842, scored many victories. Until the beginning of 1842 the struggle went in his favour; however, the resistance was put down by Marshal Bugeaud, due to Bugeaud’s adaptation to the guerilla tactics employed by Abdelkader↑ Return.

(120) Marie Joseph Louis Adolphe Thiers (1797–1877) was a French statesman and historian who served as President of France from 1871 to 1873. He was the second elected president and the first of the Third French Republic. Thiers was a key figure in the July Revolution of 1830, which overthrew King Charles X in favor of the more liberal King Louis Philippe, and the Revolution of 1848, which overthrew the July Monarchy and established the Second French Republic. He served as a prime minister in 1836 and 1840, dedicated the Arc de Triomphe, and arranged the return to France of the remains of Napoleon from Saint-Helena↑ Return.

(121) The Oriental Crisis of 1840 was an episode in the Egyptian–Ottoman War in the eastern Mediterranean, triggered by the self-declared Khedive of Egypt and Sudan Muhammad Ali Pasha’s aims to establish a personal empire in Ottoman Egypt. The French, under the newly-formed cabinet of Prime Minister Adolphe Thiers, sought to increase French influence in North Africa after their conquest of Algeria. Supporting Muhammad Ali’s thus-successful revolt seemed suitable. Counter Admiral Julien Pierre Anne Lalande was dispatched to the Mediterranean to eventually join forces with the defected Ottoman fleet. However, France became politically isolated when the other Great Powers backed up the Sultan, and Thiers was unprepared to bring his country into open war with Britain. France switched sides and aligned against Muhammad Ali in October 1840↑ Return.

(122) The Convention of London of 1840 was a treaty with the title of Convention for the Pacification of the Levant, signed on 15 July 1840 between the Great Powers of United Kingdom, Austria, Prussia, Russia on one hand and the Ottoman Empire on the other. The Convention lent some support to the Ottoman Empire, which was having difficulties with the rebellious Wali of Egypt. Because Muhammad Ali of Egypt did not accept the terms of the convention, the Oriental Crisis of 1840 resulted↑ Return.

(123) In the London Straits Convention concluded on 13 July 1841 between the Great Powers of Europe at the time—Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Austria and Prussia—the “ancient rule” of the Ottoman Empire was re-established by closing the Turkish Straits (the Bosporus and Dardanelles), which link the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, from all warships whatsoever, barring those of the Sultan’s allies during wartime. It thus benefited British naval power at the expense of Russia as the latter lacked direct access for its navy to the Mediterranean. The treaty is one in a series dealing with access to the Bosporus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles. It evolved as a reaction to the secret article in the Treaty of Hünkâr İskelesi (Unkiar Skelessi), created in 1833, in which the Ottoman Empire guaranteed exclusive use of the straits to Ottoman and Imperial Russian warships in the case of a general war, allowing no “foreign vessels of war to enter therein under any pretext whatsoever”. The modern treaty controlling relations is the Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits from 1936, which is still in force↑ Return.

(124) Marshal General Jean-de-Dieu Soult, 1st Duke of Dalmatia (1769–1851) was a French general and statesman. He was a Marshal of the Empire during the Napoleonic Wars, and served three times as President of the Council of Ministers (prime minister) of France↑ Return.

(125) a hat with a brim turned up on three sides↑ Return.

(126) The cabochon ruby is one of the oldest and most coveted gemstone used since ancient times↑ Return.

(127) Edme-Jean Gallien (1720–1797) was a French bronzier, known for his exquisite craftsmanship in creating decorative bronze objects during the 18th century. He specialized in designing and producing ornate items such as clocks, wall lights, and other decorative pieces, often in the Louis XVI style. His works were highly regarded for their intricate detailing and artistic elegance↑ Return.

(128) Philippe-Claude Montigny (1734-1800), was an important ébéniste (cabinetmaker) during the reign of Louis XV and Louis XVI. He was known for creating high-quality furniture pieces, particularly cabinets, commodes, and tables, often with exquisite marquetry work↑ Return.

(129) a branched support for candles or other lights, which either stands on a surface or projects from a wall↑ Return.

(130) Étienne Levasseur, born in 1721 and died on December 8, 1798 in Paris, was a French master cabinetmaker↑ Return.

(131) Turquin Blue Marble is part of the Bardiglio marbles family. Its name comes from pardillo which means grey in Spanish. But the English-speaking countries choose to call them Dove marbles because of their bluish gray hues similar to those of the birds. Composed of saccharoidal limestone rocks, it is extracted from the Apuan Alps quarries, such as Carrara, where it is called Bardiglio Carrara. It can also be found in other careers in Sardinia and the Alps. In the 18th century, this marble was fashionable once more. It was used in the fabrication of commodes under the reign of Kings Louis XV and Louis XVI. Later on, since blue is a cool colour, it was highly appreciated during the Directoire and Empire styles as a reference to classical antiquity. Blue is difficult to find in the nature, so thanks to its rare colour, it was used in ornamentation↑ Return.

(132) The reference to the Count of Chambord relates to Henri d’Artois (1820-1883), the grandson of Charles X and Legitimist pretender to the French throne who was referred to by royalists as “Henri V.” After the fall of the monarchy in France, he represented the Bourbon claim to the throne and lived in exile↑ Return.

(133) The Duke of Orléans referenced in the text is Ferdinand Philippe, Duke of Orléans (1810-1842), who was the eldest son of King Louis-Philippe I of France. The historical detail mentioned in the novel is accurate—Ferdinand Philippe died tragically on July 13, 1842, when he fell from his carriage in Neuilly-sur-Seine while his horses bolted. The accident broke his skull, and he died a few hours later. This was a significant event in French history because Ferdinand Philippe was the heir to the French throne during the July Monarchy (1830-1848). His death was shocking to French society and had political implications, as it disrupted the succession to the throne. When the revolution of 1848 broke out a few years later, causing Louis-Philippe to abdicate, the absence of the popular Ferdinand Philippe as an alternative leader may have contributed to the end of the Orléanist monarchy↑ Return.

(134) Charles Le Brun (1619—1690) was a painter and designer who became the arbiter of artistic production in France during the last half of the 17th century. Possessing both technical facility and the capacity to organize and carry out many vast projects, Le Brun personally created or supervised the production of most of the paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects commissioned by the French government for three decades during the reign of Louis XIV. Under his direction, French artists created a homogeneous style that came to be accepted throughout Europe as the paragon of academic and propagandistic art↑ Return.

(135) Adam Frans van der Meulen (1632—1690) was a Flemish Baroque painter who specialized in battle scenes↑ Return.

(136) A Berlin or Berline carriage is a type of enclosed four-wheeled carriage with two interior bench seats facing one-another↑ Return.

(137) a stiff decorating fabric with patterns in high relief↑ Return.

(138) A cornette is a piece of female headwear. It is essentially a type of wimple consisting of a large starched piece of white cloth that is folded upward in such a way as to create the resemblance of horns (French: cornes) on the wearer’s head↑ Return.

(139) This historical reference relates to the First Franco-Moroccan War that took place in 1844. Here’s the context:

In August 1844, France, under King Louis-Philippe, conducted a series of military actions against Morocco:

1. The bombardment of Tangier (Tanger): On August 6, 1844, the French navy bombarded the Moroccan port city of Tangier in response to Morocco’s support of Abd el-Kader, an Algerian emir who was leading resistance against French colonial expansion in Algeria.
2. The bombardment of Mogador (now known as Essaouira): On August 15, 1844, the French bombarded this Moroccan port city as well, continuing their campaign of naval attacks.
3. The Battle of Isly: On August 14, 1844, French forces led by Marshal Thomas Robert Bugeaud defeated the Moroccan army at the Battle of Isly (near the Algeria-Morocco border). This was a decisive land victory for the French.

These military actions were part of France’s broader colonial ambitions in North Africa. The French had conquered Algeria in 1830 and were solidifying their control against resistance. Abd el-Kader had taken refuge in Morocco, and the Sultan of Morocco had provided him support, which prompted the French military response↑ Return.

(140) “Riquet with the Tuft” (in French, “Riquet à la Houppe”) is a classic French fairy tale written by Charles Perrault and published in his collection of fairy tales in 1697↑ Return.

(141) This refers to the French expression “traîner une casserole” (to drag a saucepan), which is an idiom meaning to have a scandal or embarrassment following you around. It creates the image of someone walking with a pot tied to their clothing, making noise and drawing attention to their shame wherever they go. In this context, the passage is saying that Louis-Philippe has finally had a proper scandal attached to him through Bonaparte’s escape from Ham prison↑ Return.

(142) These passages contain several important historical references from mid-1840s France during the July Monarchy under King Louis-Philippe:

– Prince Bonaparte’s escape from Ham (May 25, 1846): This refers to the future Napoleon III (Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte), nephew of Napoleon I, who was imprisoned in the fortress of Ham after his failed coup attempt in Boulogne in 1840. He escaped in 1846 by disguising himself as a workman named Badinguet. This escape clearly delighted Agénor and the Chevalier, who appear to be legitimists (supporters of the traditional Bourbon monarchy) and therefore opposed to the “Orléanist” July Monarchy of Louis-Philippe.

– “la doucereuse famille Egalité“ (the saccharine Equality family): A derogatory reference to the Orléans family. “Égalité” refers to Louis-Philippe’s father, Philippe Égalité (Duke of Orléans), who voted for the execution of his cousin Louis XVI during the Revolution and adopted the name “Égalité” to show his revolutionary sympathies. Legitimists considered the Orléans branch as traitors to the true monarchy.

– “After previous incidents at Strasbourg and Boulogne, surely Toulon and Lille shall witness similar upheavals!“: References to Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte’s previous coup attempts—Strasbourg (1836) and Boulogne (1840). The characters anticipate (correctly) that he would make further attempts from Toulon and Lille. He would eventually succeed in the 1851 coup that established the Second Empire.

– Abd-el-Kader being imprisoned: Abd el-Kader was an Algerian religious and military leader who led resistance against French colonial expansion in North Africa. After years of fighting, he surrendered to French forces in December 1847 on the promise of exile to the Middle East but was instead imprisoned in France until 1852 when Napoleon III released him.

– Signs of unrest in the newspapers: Agénor perceives signs of mounting trouble in the press, like a pressure cooker about to explode. This foreshadows the 1848 Revolution that would overthrow Louis-Philippe. The period 1846-47 saw economic crisis, poor harvests, and growing political discontent.

– Opposition arming itself and holding banquets: The “banquet campaign” was a series of political gatherings organized by the opposition in 1847-48 to circumvent laws against political meetings. These banquets became increasingly radical and would ultimately trigger the February 1848 Revolution when the government tried to ban them.

– References to Spain, trade, lighthouses, railways: Under Louis-Philippe’s “bourgeois monarchy,” France pursued commercial expansion, infrastructure development, and diplomatic alliances (including with Spain through the “Spanish marriages” affair of 1846), but as the passage suggests, these could not overcome deeper social and political problems.

– “idyllic Baetica“: this reference to ancient Baetica (southern Spain) portrays it as an idealized, utopian land—contrasting with the corruption and instability of contemporary France.

The passage captures a moment just before the collapse of the July Monarchy, seen through the eyes of characters who oppose Louis-Philippe and observe with satisfaction the mounting signs of his regime’s weakness and coming downfall↑ Return.

(143) Robert le diable (Robert the Devil) is an opera in five acts composed by Giacomo Meyerbeer between 1827 and 1831, to a libretto written in French by Eugène Scribe and Germain Delavigne. Robert le diable is regarded as one of the first grand operas at the Paris Opéra↑ Return.

(144) Françoise, Duchess de Choiseul-Praslin (1807–1847) was a French duchess and heiress who was found murdered. Her husband, Charles de Choiseul, Duke of Praslin was believed guilty for her death and committed suicide while awaiting trial days later on August 24, 1847. The controversy created by the death of the duc and duchesse further contributed to the start of the French Revolution of 1848. The couple were considered members of the royal court of the King Louis Philippe I and their scandals added to the public feeling that the King and his court were not trustworthy or honourable↑ Return.

(145) Le Moniteur Universel was a French newspaper founded in 1789 by Charles-Joseph Panckoucke. Initially titled Gazette nationale ou Le Moniteur universel, it became the official government publication from 1799 to 1869, recording parliamentary debates, political events, and official documents. The journal played a crucial role in shaping public discourse during the French Revolution, the Napoleonic era, and subsequent regimes. It ceased publication on June 30, 1901↑ Return.

(146) Horace-François-Bastien Sébastiani (1772-1851) was born in La Porta in Upper Corsica. He was Brigadier of the Brigade of the 9th Dragoons in 1799, Brigadier General in 1803 and Division General in 1805. He fought at Austerlitz, in the Peninsular War, and in the Russian, Saxe and French Campaigns. He was made a Count of the Empire in 1809, Navy Minister in 1830, Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1830 to 1832 and Maréchal de France in 1840↑ Return.

(147) Reversis, or more rarely Réversi, is a very old trick-taking card game in the Hearts family. Its origin is uncertain, but it may have emerged in Italy before spreading to Spain and France. It was very popular with the French aristocracy in the 17th and 18th centuries, and much played elsewhere, except in Britain↑ Return.

(148) 1. Beaujoyeux (Balthasar de Beaujoyeulx, c.1535–c.1587): An Italian-French composer and choreographer who served at the court of Catherine de’ Medici. He is primarily remembered for creating Le Ballet Comique de la Reine (1581), often considered the first true ballet de cour, which revolutionized court entertainment by combining music, dance, poetry, and design into a unified dramatic work. 2. Campra (André Campra, 1660–1744): A French composer of the late Baroque period who successfully bridged the styles of Lully and Rameau. After serving as music master at Notre Dame Cathedral, he gained prominence for his opéra-ballets which blended French and Italian styles. His works L’Europe galante (1697) and Les Fêtes vénitiennes (1710) were particularly celebrated during the reign of Louis XIV and the Regency period. 3. Lully (Jean-Baptiste Lully, 1632–1687): Italian-born composer who dominated French music during Louis XIV’s reign and became the principal architect of French Baroque style. As the Sun King’s appointed Superintendent of Royal Music, Lully transformed French opera through his tragédies en musique, established the French overture form, and standardized the five-part string orchestra. His close relationship with Louis XIV gave him unprecedented control over French musical life until his death from gangrene following an accident while conducting with a heavy staff↑ Return.

(149) The War of the Queen’s Rights (La Guerre des Droits de la Reine, 1667-1668): This brief conflict, also known as the War of Devolution, was initiated by Louis XIV to claim territories in the Spanish Netherlands (modern Belgium) on behalf of his wife, Marie-Thérèse of Austria. When Marie-Thérèse’s father, Philip IV of Spain, died in 1665, Louis XIV claimed that parts of the Spanish Netherlands should pass to his wife as her inheritance, despite her previous renunciation of succession rights upon their marriage. The legal justification rested on an ancient Brabantine custom of “devolution,” whereby children of a first marriage (Marie-Thérèse) had precedence over those of a second marriage (her half-brother Charles II of Spain). The war ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1668), which granted France some border towns but fell short of Louis XIV’s territorial ambitions, setting the stage for his later, more expansive wars↑ Return.

(150) This passage chronicles the tumultuous events of the French Revolution of 1848 and its aftermath. In February 1848, public demonstrations in Paris escalated after government troops fired on protesters, igniting a revolution that forced King Louis-Philippe to abdicate and flee to England. The “bourgeois king” who had ruled since 1830 was replaced by the Second Republic. The text references several key figures and events: Auguste Blanqui and Armand Barbès (radical revolutionaries), Alphonse de Lamartine (moderate republican who helped establish the provisional government), and General Cavaignac (who suppressed the June Days uprising). The “Polish day” refers to demonstrations supporting Polish independence. The “June battles” were worker insurrections brutally suppressed by Cavaignac’s forces, resulting in thousands dead (including Generals Négrier and Damesme, and Archbishop Affre of Paris) and many more deported to colonial Algeria. After this bloodshed, Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte (nephew of Napoleon I, “the corporal”) was elected president in December 1848, later staging a coup in 1851 and establishing the Second Empire in 1852. The passage reveals the political shifts that divided French aristocracy, with Royalists like the Marquis de Cluses remaining loyal to the exiled Bourbon pretender (Henri V), while opportunists like M. de Prahecq eventually accommodated Napoleon III’s regime↑ Return.

(151) Frohsdorf refers to Schloss Frohsdorf, a castle near Vienna, Austria, which served as the residence of the exiled Bourbon pretender to the French throne, Henri, Count of Chambord (referred to in the text as “Henri V”). After the Revolution of 1830 overthrew Charles X, legitimist royalists like the Marquis de Cluses remained loyal to the Bourbon line rather than accepting the Orléanist monarchy of Louis-Philippe or later, Napoleon III’s empire. By writing to Frohsdorf, the Marquis is communicating directly with the court-in-exile of the man he considers the rightful king of France↑ Return.

(152) a long-seated upholstered armchair fashionable in the 18th century↑ Return.

(153) a stiffened or hooped petticoat worn to make a long skirt stand out↑ Return.

(154) a narrow ornamental strip of fabric, typically a silk braid or piece of lace, used to trim clothing or finish upholstery↑ Return.

(155) a curtain hung over a door or doorway↑ Return.

(156) Armide is an opera in five acts by Jean-Baptiste Lully. The libretto by Philippe Quinault is based on Torquato Tasso’s poem La Gerusalemme liberata (Jerusalem Delivered). The work is in the form of a tragédie en musique, a genre invented by Lully and Quinault. Critics in the 18th century regarded Armide as Lully’s masterpiece↑ Return.

(157) Issé is an operatic pastorale héroïque by the French composer André Cardinal Destouches. Although Destouches was only 25 at the time of its premiere, it is considered his best score↑ Return.

(158) A voir cette brune merveille,

On ne sçait qui charme le mieux

De son clavecin par l’oreille,

Ou de sa beauté par les yeux↑ Return.

(159) Maria Theresa of Spain (1638–1683) was Queen of France from 1660 to 1683 as the wife of King Louis XIV. She was born an Infanta of Spain and Portugal as the daughter of King Philip IV and Elisabeth of France, and was also an Archduchess of Austria as a member of the Spanish branch of the House of Habsburg. Her marriage in 1660 to King Louis XIV, her double first cousin, was arranged with the purpose of ending the lengthy war between France and Spain. Famed for her virtue and piety, she saw five of her six children die in early childhood, and is frequently viewed as an object of pity in historical accounts of her husband’s reign, since she was often neglected by the court and overshadowed by the King’s many mistresses. Without any political influence in the French court or government (except briefly in 1672, when she was named regent during her husband’s absence during the Franco-Dutch War), she died aged 44 due to complications from an abscess on her arm. Her grandson Philip V inherited the Spanish throne in 1700 after the death of her younger half-brother, Charles II. The resulting War of the Spanish Succession established the House of Bourbon as the new ruling dynasty of Spain, where it has reigned with some interruption until the present time↑ Return.

(160) A doublet is a snug-fitting jacket that is shaped and fitted to a man’s body. The garment was worn in Spain, and spread to the rest of Western Europe, from the late Middle Ages up to the 17th century↑ Return.

(161) A hussar was a member of a class of light cavalry, originally from the Kingdom of Hungary during the 15th and 16th centuries. The title and distinctive dress of these horsemen were subsequently widely adopted by light cavalry regiments in European armies during the late 17th and 18th centuries↑ Return.

(162) ornamental braid or coat fastenings consisting of spindle-shaped buttons and loops↑ Return.

(163) a long Turkish robe open in front↑ Return.

(164) A jerkin is a man’s short close-fitting jacket, made usually of light-coloured leather, and often without sleeves, worn over the doublet in the 16th and 17th centuries↑ Return.

(165) This refers to the royal motto of the French monarchy. During Louis XIV’s reign, the royal motto was typically “Nec pluribus impar” (Not unequal to many), suggesting the Sun King’s superiority↑ Return.

(166) This describes a pattern or “sowing” of the letter “L” scattered across the design. The letter L represents “Louis” (Louis XIV in this context). This was a common decorative pattern in Louis XIV’s era, where his royal monogram (the letter L, often interlaced or paired Ls) was scattered throughout decorative elements on clothing, architecture, furniture, and other royal objects↑ Return.

(167) A pinto horse has a coat colour that consists of large patches of white and any other colour↑ Return.

(168) a green stone used in jewellery and decoration↑ Return.

(169) a vertical bar between the panes of glass in a window↑ Return.

(170) a flower-shaped ornament or motif, used especially on buildings, coins, and books↑ Return.

(171) The phrase (in French mâchonne de la salive) describes one of the physical manifestations of death that can occur in a person’s final moments. It refers to Laure’s mouth making small, involuntary chewing or working movements with saliva—something that can happen during the dying process. It’s a clinical and somewhat stark detail that Hennique includes to convey the physical reality of death↑ Return.

(172) This passage references a rapid succession of major French historical events spanning roughly 1850-1880. The “wars of Italy, Syria, China, and Mexico” refer to France’s military campaigns under Napoleon III (1852-1870): the Franco-Austrian War (1859), the French expedition in Syria (1860-1861), the Second Opium War in China (1856-1860), and the French intervention in Mexico (1861-1867). The “battles with Prussia” and “the fallen Second Empire” allude to the catastrophic Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) that ended Napoleon III’s reign. “Bazaine” refers to Marshal François Achille Bazaine, whose surrender at Metz was considered treason. “Another invasion” was Prussia’s occupation of French territory, leading to the establishment of the Third Republic. “The rechristening of Alsace and parts of Lorraine” indicates these territories being annexed by Germany after the war. “The Commune” refers to the Paris Commune uprising (March-May 1871), a socialist revolutionary government violently suppressed. The “era of peace and hatred” describes the tense European climate of the 1870s-1880s. “Chambord” was Henri, Count of Chambord (1820-1883), the Legitimist pretender to the French throne who died at Frohsdorff, Austria, ending the direct Bourbon line↑ Return .

(173) Ipsiboé was a novel written in 1823 by Charles-Victor Prévot, vicomte d’Arlincourt (1788–1856), a French novelist born at the Château de Mérantais in Magny-les-Hameaux, Yvelines. During the 1820s, his popularity—earning him the epithet “the prince of the romantics”—rivalled that of Victor Hugo. Alexandre Pierre Chevalier Moline de Saint-Yon (1786-1870), a French general, writer, and politician, composed Ipsiboë, a four-act opera with music by Rodolphe Kreutzer. It premiered at the Académie Royale de Musique on March 31, 1824↑ Return .