(edited from first post July 16, 2021)
If you have been following me, you know that the heroine of my book, Rain Dodging, is Mary of Modena, queen-consort to James II. 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.
University of Oxford;
My search for how this happened is the arc of Rain Dodging.
Meet Many of Mary’s Maids
One of the four close friends Mary brought with her from Italy was Contessa Vittoria Davia Montecuccoli, 18 years-old when she accompanied Mary on her escape from England to France in 1688. They called each other cousin.
For her loyalty, she was awarded the titles of Countess of Almond and Peer of Scotland. The countess remained with Mary until her death,
Lady Bellasyse, Susannah Armin, was Lady of the Bed Chamber until she married a close friend to James II, However, she was widowed young and became one of James’ lovers. He procured rank of Baroness for her. Ironically, though she had been one of James’ mistresses, Lady Bellasyse was a faithful correspondent with Mary in French 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 II’s older 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 joined the exiled court at St. Germain. She died as a result of falling out of bed.
by Gascar
When Lady Sophia Stewart Bulkeley married the Master of the Household to King Charles II and King James II, it placed her about the Court. She was appointed Maid of Honor to Queen Mary of Modena, then Lady of the Bedchamber, and followed James and Mary into exile.
Lady Anne Digby Spencer Countess of Sunderland, wife 2nd Earl ofSunderland, Althorp,. (Yes, the same Althorp!) One of the Hampton Court Beauties. At the birth ofMary’s son, The Pretender, one of only two women present,
.by Lely
by Mary Beale, National Trust.
Carey Mourdaunt (nee Fraser) Maid of Honor to Mary of Modena, niece of the powerful Countess of Peterborough, Groom of the Stole), also maid of honor to Catherine de Braganza, wife of Charles II. One of the Hampton Court Beauties painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller. Her father was a first Baronet and physician to Charles II.
YOU WILL MEET MORE OF MARY’S COURT in
RAIN DODGING: Connecting Royal History, Travel, and a Women’s Personal Journey
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