Lady Ophelia's Parisian heartache...

Can't believe we are already up to week 5 of Darcy's Postcard Challenge for 2012!

This week Lady Ophelia is hoping to sample the romance of Paris, France.

Unfortunately, her husband is met with a terrible miscarriage of justice, which has darkened his mood.

In January 1895, Lieutenant-Colonel Alfred Dreyfus, an officer in the french army was tried for treason and sentenced to life imprisonment on the dreaded Devil's Island. He was accused of spying for the Germans(Franco- Prussian war), though many believed it was the fact that he was the only Jewish officer at headquarters that made him a scapegoat. He was put through the humiliation of a public degradation ceremony before being exiled.

Fortunately, he was later exonerated, and rejoined the French army and served gallantly through the Great War. An honourable soldier will never be anything less.

" My Dear Miss Lillian,

I am so upset. Richard has been beside himself since our arrival in Paris. I had thought this would be the most romantic place to visit, but Richard is feeling so guilty for not getting here sooner. Apparently, a French army officer by the name of Alfred Dreyfus has been "Cashiered", and given life imprisonment on Devil's Island. Richard feels that if he had been here he could have stopped this outrageous event, as he has total confidence that this gentleman and officer has been targeted purely for his birth right.

He is taking me to the theatre this evening. A place called "Moulin Rouge". There is quite a commotion about the lead dancer, as it is rumoured "la Goulue" is planning on leaving the theatre to form her own company, and tour the country. I hope this evenings entertainment will bring a smile to Richard's face, my poor darling is so upset.

Yours Affectionately

Effie XXX"
"My Darling Effie,

please give Sir Richard my best wishes. I too have been shocked by the speed and secrecy that accompanied Mr Dreyfus through this matter.It IS outrageous that someone should be judged guilty because of their faith in this day and age! I hope your husband is successful in his efforts on Mr Dreyfus' behalf.

As to your evenings entertainment, I may have been remiss in my duties as your educator, with regard to such places as "Moulin Rouge". I can barely bring myself to even write those words. I will only say, I hope you close your eyes for the more "exotic" parts of the performance.

If you get chance, you may wish to look up the Lumière Brothers. They are working on something called "moving pictures", sounds quite extraordinary.

Your ever-loving Governess

Miss Lillian

p.s.Under the circumstances, I feel poor grammar is the least of your worries.

The images on my page are of Alfred Dreyfus, Louise Weber aka "la Goulue", and what is belived to be the first ever cinema poster from 1895.

I wonder if Effie will every have chance for romance on this Grand Tour? :D XXX