This is a series where we translate the memoirs of the highly suspicious Countess Albine de Montholon - the suspected last mistress of Napoleon. Here Albine describes Fanny Bertrand, someone who could be considered as a sort of rival. I have a feeling as we keep going through accounts of Longwood some of this writing below will ring a bit false. Time will tell.
Fanny Bertrand.
Albine writes:
- since then [Madame Bertrand had] all the advantages attached to this position.
Her husband had replaced Duroc as Grand Marshall; but he had only occupied this position for a short time.
For Madame Bertrand there was a lot of difficulty adjusting from the Tuileries palace to the privations of the Bellérophon.
Her privilege had been great, one would regret it. Except for a few moments of liveliness when, as the Emperor said, the the Creole in her showed herself, it was very easy to live with her. It would be impossible for someone to have more distinction in one’s form and in one’s manners and, when she wanted, to please more easily.
Her stature was tall, beautiful and flexible. She had pretty feet, pretty hair and a pleasant face, and, moreover, everything that one would need to represent properly the wife of a Grand Marshal.
She loved the world, the court, luxury, grandeur, which did not prevent her from being an excellent mother and very active and caring with her children.
Genuine attachment to her husband is the best proof of the noble qualities of this attractive woman. I liked her a lot as a companion in exile and we have always lived very well together.
This is the best rebuttal I can make to any contrary assertions that may have been falsely asserted.
The only disagreement we ever had took place on the Bellérophon.
Walking on the bridge, the Duke de Rovigo was there too, the conversation was about the way in which we would address the Emperor in England; she was still under illusions and I had none; the Duke was of my opinion; she dreamed of castle life and affluence.
"Do you think," I said to her, "that they are going to carry us around on a sumptuous upholstered throne?"
This dream of hers did her honor, it was to count on British good faith and generosity.
This is the only time that there had been a tiff between us, and yet it was very moderate; but the conversation was lively, we were heard and it could be believed that we were fighting. Our children loved each other like brothers and this affection, born in exile, never ended.
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Il s'agit d'une série où nous traduisons les mémoires de la comtesse très suspecte Albine de Montholon - la dernière maîtresse présumée de Napoléon.
Albine décrit ici Fanny Bertrand, quelqu'un qui pourrait être considéré comme une sorte de rival.
J'ai le sentiment que nous continuons à parcourir les récits de Longwood, certains de ces écrits ci-dessous sonneront un peu faux. Le temps nous le dira.
