Friday 3 February 2012

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
Photobucket

33 comments:

  1. You are having so much fun, I can tell ... and it's catching! I'm hooked on your story line and enjoying it to no end. Fabulous! xoDonna

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  2. Your story is wonderful, can't wait for more.... To answer your question.... ACEO is ATC size, they're fun!

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  3. Wow. You have an amazing imagination and your story is wonderful. I will have to go back and catch up on the previous installments. I have bought some cards so I can join in the fun. Better late than never! Happy Friday, Gina!

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  4. Great book and postcard! Loving the story see you next week!

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  5. Loving the way the story is developing and your illustrations for it.
    Can't wait for the next instalment!
    Hugs xx
    p.s. I didn't close my eyes during the more "exotic" bits at the Folies Bergeres...perhaps I should have done! lol

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  6. I enjoy visiting your story every week, really beautiful artwork, your project will be stunning when all your cards are together, a real work of art! M

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  7. Gorgeous! ♥
    And I was so concentrating on her writing and then find Lillian not correcting her... :(
    Looking forward to next weeks chapter! :)

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  8. I really enjoyed your story. You are so creative and the card is gorgeous!! xo

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  9. Lol Gina I am kept my eyes shut a little. I just love your humour. Fabulous!

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  10. I love Iris and yours is beautiful. This is a great story.
    Jen x

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  11. story is amazing and love how you have both corresponding. I think I'd peek between my fingers. beautiful flower and fab book page. so much info and research. wonderful

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  12. I really enjoy your posts, so much detail..they sound like real people lol

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  13. I'm really into your descriptions and story. Lovely pics too. Roll on next week. keep it coming, it's most enjoyable. Caz

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  14. I love how you did the journal page and what a nice colored iris! Do you have a new blogbackground? Today it really catches my eye :-)

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  15. another great postcard..amazing storyline

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  16. pretty flower..great card again

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  17. Oh my, I love your postcard & background story, I am following almost the same as I would a good book, can't wait for the next instalment - this ones a doozy :)

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  18. I am beginning to wonder if Effie needs to take a lover... that husband never has time for her! Imagine the letter she'd get from Miss Lillian after that confession!!! I am sure Effie will behave herself ;)

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  19. beautiful one of my favorite (2) flowers!

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  20. I am loving your story! Your flower is just beautiful :-)

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  21. I love learning with Lady Ophelia :) and the way her former governess writes so intimately, chastising her along the way :) Glad she got out of China intact and enjoys her broadening education vis the Moulin Rouge.

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  22. Another beautiful postcard and what an amazing history lesson you are taking us on ! Glad Miss Lillian gave her a break with the grammar this week :-) Esther xx

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  23. Awesome story, Gina! And I love your orchids. :)

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  24. Another brilliant instalment! Your iris is beautiful and the postcard page is stunning.

    Janet xx

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  25. great research, story, and art!

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  26. Love what you are doing with this challenge.

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  27. Great postcard Gina, I really must start my book too.

    Nicki.xxx

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  28. I find myself looking forward to reading your story...and enjoying it each time! Beautiful card as always!

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  29. Awesome story and beautiful card!

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  30. having just wandered the streets of the modern day Montparnasse red light area the Moulin Rouge has been surpassed by 'zapping' the cheapest form of which we could find would set the modern mister back 2 euros (£1.60)

    we were not brave enough to investigate fully...

    love your card.

    dx

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  31. Really pretty design and again your story is so full of detail , I love how much you put into each week xxx

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  32. You've created a wonderful postcard. Love the soft colors.

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  33. Just love reading Miss Lillian's responses each week...and your FABulous creativity...aloha

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