Letters of Two Brides · Chapter
XLI: The Baronne de Macumer to the Vicomtesse de l’Estorade explained
Louise writes to Renée, expressing sympathy for her recent suffering and noting the compensations of being childless.
What happens
Louise writes to Renée, expressing sympathy for her recent suffering and noting the compensations of being childless. She announces Louis's promotion to officer of the Legion of Honour, and describes her brother's marriage to Mlle. de Mortsauf, facilitated by her fortune. Louise reveals her unease about the Duc and Duchesse de Soria's presence in Paris, particularly Felipe's glances at Marie Hérédia, and her efforts to outshine her. She plans to leave Paris for Chantepleurs in early spring, tired of society, and reassures Renée of her indifference to jealousy, citing Felipe's growing love and his disparaging remarks about his sister-in-law.
Themes in this chapter
Love vs. Marriage
Louise's jealousy of Felipe's attention to Marie Hérédia and her efforts to secure his love contrast with the arranged marriage of the Duc and Duchesse de Soria.
Female Autonomy and Sacrifice
Louise uses her fortune to advance her family's position, yet expresses a desire to escape Parisian society for a quieter life at Chantepleurs.
Society and Appearance
Louise describes her lavish social maneuvers, including being 'doubly lavish of sweetness and caresses' to outshine Marie Hérédia.
Characters to notice
- Louise de Chaulieu
Writes to Renée, expressing sympathy and sharing news of her brother's marriage and her own social maneuvers.
- Renée de Maucombe
Recipient of the letter; Louise addresses her as 'poor sweet' and refers to her 'terrible trouble' and double agony.
- Felipe Hénarez
Louise mentions his glances at Marie Hérédia and his disparaging remark about his sister-in-law's lack of brains.
- Marie Hérédia
Duchesse de Soria; Louise is uneasy about Felipe looking at her and criticizes her beauty and lack of wit.
- Louis de l'Estorade
Promoted to officer of the Legion of Honour, as announced by Louise.
- Duc de Soria
Mentioned as being in Paris with his wife; Louise notes he suits Marie Hérédia well.
Key passages
“Poor sweet —Macumer and I forgave you all your naughtiness when we heard of your terrible trouble.”
Dear Renée, Macumer and I have forgiven your past misdeeds upon learning of your great suffering.
Louise expresses forgiveness and sympathy for Renée's ordeal.
“I am the less sorry that a little Abencerrage is not on his way, because the Duchess will no doubt stay in Paris over her confinement, and she won’t be a beauty any longer.”
I am not too disappointed that I am not pregnant, because the Duchess will remain in Paris for her childbirth and will lose her beauty.
Louise reveals her relief at not being pregnant, as it allows her to outlast Marie Hérédia's attractiveness.
“He told me yesterday (he is looking over my shoulder now) that his sister-in-law, the Princess Hérédia, his destined bride of old, the dream of his youth, had no brains.”
Felipe said to me yesterday, while reading over my shoulder, that his sister-in-law, who was once intended to be his bride, is unintelligent.
Louise delights in Felipe's disparaging comment about Marie Hérédia, confirming his preference for her.