# XXXVIII: The Vicomtesse de l’Estorade to the Baronne de Macumer explained — Letters of Two Brides

> Chapter companion for Letters of Two Brides by Honoré de Balzac.

## What happens

Renée writes to Louise, mentioning a full reply awaiting her at Chantepleurs and expressing continued fears about Louise's marriage. She discusses political news about a possible dissolution of Parliament, her father's plan to stand for election, and her son Armand's development as he learns to walk and smile meaningfully. Renée also announces her intention to wean Armand in December, asserting her views on child-rearing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Motherhood and Family Duty

Renée describes her son's development and her decision to wean him, emphasizing her role as a nurturing mother.

### Friendship and Correspondence

The letter is a continuation of the intimate correspondence between Renée and Louise, maintaining their bond across distance.

### Social Class and Aristocracy

Discussions of parliamentary dissolution and political maneuvering reflect the aristocratic family's involvement in governance.

## Character check-ins

### Renée de Maucombe

Writes to Louise, discusses her son's growth and her weaning plans, and comments on political affairs.

### Louise de Chaulieu

Recipient of the letter; Renée addresses her as the Baronne de Macumer and mentions her honeymoon journey in Italy.

### Louis de l'Estorade

Renée's husband; noted as not yet forty, and his political career is discussed in relation to the dissolution.

### Comte de Maucombe

Renée's father, who agrees to stand for election and will resign his seat at the right moment.

### Naïs

Renée's son, referred to as 'your godson' (Louise's godson), learning to walk and making meaningful smiles.

## Key lines

> Your godson has found out how to walk without his godmother’s help. He is altogether delicious, and begins to make the prettiest little signs to me, which bring home to one that here is really a thinking being, not a mere animal or sucking machine.

Your godson has learned to walk on his own. He is delightful and now makes charming gestures that show he is a thinking person, not just an infant.

_Renée marvels at her son's developmental milestones, highlighting his growing awareness._

> I have been so successful in my profession of nurse that I shall wean Armand in December. A year at the breast is quite enough; children who are suckled longer are said to grow stupid, and I am all for popular sayings.

I have been so effective as a nurse that I plan to wean Armand in December. A year of breastfeeding is sufficient; longer nursing supposedly makes children dull, and I believe in common wisdom.

_Renée asserts her maternal authority and adherence to popular beliefs about child-rearing._

## Links

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