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Episode Two
The distress of a mistress
One thing that did not elude Louis XIV. is how the ingenuities of a Harlequin were responsible for keeping a certain Elizabeth on the throne of England for 45 years. A woman!
To break this undisputed and glorious record he endows this Harlequin with an annuity and promptly instructs him to clear out the useless Court of Versailles and inject it with the splendour and quality it deserves.
As the annual 'lever et coucher du roi' is about to take place this very day the Harlequin can dispense with the invitations crucial to his plan, as the Court is bursting with chosen subjects who will bear witness to the King's daily awakening and retiring ceremony.
In close collaboration with Moliere, the King's one and only friend, which soon became obvious to the Harlequin, he sets up a casting, the winners of which will be granted an 'Appointment to the Court'.
Very much to the amusement of Louis, who besides all governance and artistic recognition is pretty much desperate for a new mistress.
Relieved at D'Artagnan's news that the rebels opposing France's territorial expansion in America are solely a bunch of savages wearing funny haircuts, Louis can go for an extensive walk and very much look forward to the evening's celebration at which he will reveal his latest choreography.
In charge of the menu is a certain Francois Couteau, the rising star of Europe's culinary arts, whose transfer fee was the largest ever paid and in the King's belief worth every single Louis D'or.
After a turbulent casting show, which expectedly created plenty of envy amongst the participants, the Harlequin is now fully aware of how to run business affairs at his new employer's estate, ensuring the length of Louis' subsequent reign of 72 years to remain unique. Even if in 300 years' time once again a certain Elizabeth is to ascend the throne of England.
Menu
'Baroque'
Starter
(Mme de Montespan)
Scallops in Riesling-Butter
Intermediate
(Moliere)
Smoked Salmon on Rösti
with Honey-Dill-Mustard Vinaigrette
Main
(Louis XIV.)
Entrecôte with green Asparagus
Dessert
(Mme de Maintenon)
Mousse au Chocolat
Saturday, September 19th, 2026
7pm
1,495p
COSTUME CONTEST
Dress like their Majesties!
Best costume wins 2,500p
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