The heroine of Rain Dodging is Mary of Modena. Her court was as close as England ever came to the world of the précieuses, the intellectual and literary circles that formed around French women in the first half of the 17th century.
Meet six of Mary of Modena’s Attendants as the Duchess of York and as Queen:
Mary of Modena brought four close friends with her from Italy. One was Contessa Vittoria Davia Montecuccoli,
three years older than Mary, was an Italian noblewoman who became a lady-in-waiting to Mary. She was 18 years-old when she accompanied Mary on her escape from England to France in 1688. Mary and Vittoria called each other cousin. For her loyalty, she was awarded the titles of Countess of Almond and Peer of Scotland. She remained with Mary until her death, 30 years later. (Sullivan)
Lady Bellasyse, Susannah Armin . . .
was Lady of the Bed Chamber until she married a close friend to James, Sir Henry Bellasyse, Knight of the Bath. She was widowed young and became one of James’ lovers. He procured rank of Baroness for her. Though she had been one of James’ mistresses, Lady Bellasyse was a faithful correspondent with Mary in exile.
Frances, Countess of Bantry and Duchess of Tyrconnel . . .
known as La Belle Jennings was one of the most celebrated beauties at the court of Charles II, (James’ brother). Her first court appearance, when 15, caused a sensation: “Miss Jennings adorned with all the blooming treasures of youth, had the fairest and brightest complexion more dazzlingly than had ever yet been seen. Her tresses were of a most beauteous flaxen.”(Count de Gramont) Frances rejected James when he became Duke of York. She was almost alone among her competitors in maintaining a reputation of chastity. She was a Maid of Honor to Mary as duchess, then Lady of the Bedchamber once Mary was queen. Frances joined the exiled court at St. Germain. Her younger sister was Sarah Churchill, the famous Duchess of Marlborough. Frances died as a result of falling out of bed.
Lady Sophia Stewart Bulkeley . . .
married Henry Bulkeley, Master of the Household to King Charles II and King James II. Her marriage placed her about the Court, and she was appointed Maid of Honor to Queen Mary of Modena, then appointed Lady of the Bedchamber. She followed James and Mary into exile. Sophia had six children.
Lady Anne Digby Spencer . . .
Countess of Sunderland, wife 2nd Earl ofSunderland, Althorp, Northhamptonshire. (Jesse) One of the Hampton Court Beauties. At the birth of the pretender, along with Susannah Bellasyse, the only women present. (Armstrong and Jerrold)
Carey Mourdaunt (nee Fraser) . . .
Niece of Penelope O’Brien, Countess of Peterborough, Groom of the Stole) was a maid of honor to Mary of Modena. (Sullivan) She had also been a maid of honor to Catherine de Braganza, wife of Charles II, and was one of the Hampton Court Beauties painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller. Her father was a 1st Baronet and physician to Charles II.
YOU WILL MEET MORE OF MARY’S COURT IN RAIN DODGING!
