Memoirs of the Princesse de Ligne, Vol. 2 (of 2)

EDITED BY LUCIEN PEREY TRANSLATED BY LAURA ENSOR
IN TWO VOLUMES.—VOL. II.
NEW YORK SCRIBNER AND WELFORD 1887
Printed by R. & R. Clark, Edinburgh
Arrival of the Prince-Bishop in Paris—Letters from Madame de Pailly—Letters from the Princesse de Ligne-Lichtenstein—The Abbé Baudeau at Bel Œil—Arrival of the de Lignes in Paris—Marriage of Hélène and Prince Charles—Their departure for Brussels.
The Prince-Bishop at last decided to start for Paris. He had hardly arrived when he received a visit from Madame de Pailly, who informed him of his niece’s inclinations, and explained to him the progress of affairs. The Bishop earnestly requested to see the Princesse de Ligne-Luxembourg herself, but at that moment she was staying with Madame de Brionne at her country place of Limours. Madame de Pailly at once resumes her pen:—
“The Prince-Bishop, Madame, is always inquiring whether you have returned; he is extremely desirous to have the honour of seeing you, and I should be very glad if you could seriously discuss the matter with him.
“Occasions on which I can prove to you my zeal and entire devotion will not be wanting with so vacillating a mind; you will be able to say through me anything you please. I will see to everything, and render you a faithful account of what happens. But it seems to me that we must settle between ourselves what is to be the point of departure. He has referred several times to the question of settlements, especially with regard to the present. Would it not be better to present him with a copy of the deed of property? It would hurry on the transaction, and be a wise measure.
“The Prince de Salm’s agents are very active; he constantly alludes to him, and he listens to my replies as if they were quite new to him; he goes on confiding to my ear all the proposals that are made to him. We have three fresh rivals, who, for the present, however, give me no anxiety.”
The desired explanations at last arrived from Brussels, in the following letter:—