19-20th Cent. Princess Henriette Marie of Belgium, Duchess of Vendôme.

Henriette Marie Charlotte Antonia was born on 30 November 1870, in Brussels, Belgium. She was the daughter of Princess Marie Luise Alexandrine of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (17 November 1845 - 26 November 1912) and Prince Philippe of Belgium, Count of Flanders (24 March 1837 - 17 November 1905). Her maternal grandparents were Princess Josephine of Baden and Prince Karl Anton of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. Her paternal grandparents were Louise Marie, Queen Consort of the Belgians (3 April 1812 - 11 October 1850) and Leopold I, King of the Belgians (1790-1865). Henriette Marie's parents were married on 25 April 1867, in Berlin. Her siblings were: Baudouin (1869-1891), Joséphine Marie (1870-1871), Joséphine Caroline (1872-1958) and Albert I (1875-1934). She was the younger twin sister of Joséphine Marie. Joséphine Marie died on 18 January 1871, in Brussels. Henriette Marie of Belgium married Philippe Emmanuel Maximilien, 8th Duke of Vendôme (18 January 1872 - 1 February 1931) on 12 February 1896, in Brussels. He was the son of Sophie Charlotte, Duchess of Alençon (23 February 1847 - 4 May 1897) and Ferdinand Philippe Marie, Duc d'Alençon (12 July 1844 - 29 June 1910). They had four children.

The Children of Henriette of Belgium and Philippe Emmanuel of Vendôme:

Princess Marie Louise (31 December 1897 - 8 March 1973)
Princess Sophie (19 October 1898 - 9 October 1928)
Princess Geneviève (21 September 1901 - 1983)
Prince Charles Philippe (4 April 1905 - 10 March 1970)  

Her father, Philippe died on 17 November 1905, in Brussels. He was buried in the Church of Our Lady, in Laeken. Her mother, Marie Luise died on 26 November 1912, in Brussels. She was buried in the Church of Our Lady, in Laken. Her husband, Philippe Emmanuel died on 1 February 1931, in Cannes. He was buried in the Chapelle Royale de Saint Louis, in Dreux. Henriette Marie of Belgium died aged 77, on 28 March 1948, in Sierre, Valais, Switzerland.

19th Cent. Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott was born 29 November 1832, in Germantown, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Abigail May Alcott (8 October 1800 - 25 November 1877) and Amos Bronson Alcott (29 November 1799 - 4 March 1888). Her maternal grandparents were Dorothy Sewall and Joseph May. Her paternal grandparents were Mrs. and Mr. Joseph Chatfield Alcox. Louisa May's parents were married in the spring of 1830. She had three sisters: Anna Bronson Alcott (16 March 1831 - 13 July 1893), Elizabeth Sewall Alcott (24 June 1835 - 14 March 1858) and Abigail May Alcott (26 July 1840 - 29 December 1879). Her father, Amos was a philosopher, teacher and writer. In 1834, he opened the "Temple School" in Boston. He stated that any failing was the teacher's responsibility. According to Louisa May, "Life is my college. May I graduate well, and earn some honors." And; "Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead." In 1840, the Alcott family moved to Concord, in Massachussetts. Lousia May was educated by her father and his close friends, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. In 1843, the family moved to an experimental commune, known as the Fruitlands. In 1845, they returned to Concord. Louisa May worked as an occasional teacher and began writing to help support her family. In 1849, Louisa May wrote Inheritance. In 1854, her first book, Flower Fables, was published. Her sister, Elizabeth Sewall died on 14 March 1858.

"Housekeeping ain't no joke."

By 1860, she was publishing stories and poems in the Atlantic Monthly. Louisa May Alcott volunteered as a nurse during the American Civil War. In the winter of 1862-1863, she was a nurse in Washington, D.C., until she contracted typhoid. In 1863, her memoir Hospital Sketches was published. According to Hospital Sketches by Louisa May Alcott, "I want something to do." This remark being addressed to the world in general, no one in particular felt it their duty to reply; so I repeated it to the smaller world about me, received the following suggestions, and settled the matter by answering my own inquiry, as people are apt to do when very much in earnest. "Write a book," quoth the author of my being. "Don't know enough, sir. First live, then write." "Try teaching again," suggested my mother. "No thank you, ma'am, ten years of that is enough." "Take a husband like my Darby, and fulfill your mission," said sister Joan, home on a visit. "Can't afford expensive luxuries, Mrs. Coobiddy." "Turn actress, and immortalize your name," said sister Vashti, striking an attitude. "I won't."

"Go nurse the soldiers," said my young brother, Tom, panting for "the tented field."
"I will!" So far, very good. Here was the will - now for the way."

"The White House was lighted up, and carriages were rolling in and out of the great gate. I stared hard at the famous East Room, and would have liked a peep through the crack of the door. My old gentleman was indefatigable in his attentions, and I said, "Splendid!" to everything he pointed out, though I suspect I often admired the wrong place, and missed the right. Pennsylvania Avenue, with its bustle, lights, music, and military, made me feel as if I'd crossed the water and landed somewhere in Carnival time. Coming to less noticeable parts of the city, my companion fell silent, and I meditated upon the perfection which Art had attained in America - having just passed a bronze statue of some hero, who looked like a black Methodist minister, in a cocked hat, above the waist, and a tipsy squire below; while his horse stood like an opera dancer, on one leg, in a high, but somewhat remarkable wind, which blew his mane one way and his massive tail the other. "Hurly-burly House, ma'am!" called a voice, startling me from my reverie, as we stopped before a great pile of buildings, with a flag flying before it, sentinels at the door, and a very trying quantity of men lounging about. My heart beat rather faster than usual, and it suddenly struck me that I was very far from home; but I descended with dignity, wondering whether I should be stopped for want of a countersign, and forced to pass the night in the street. Marching boldly up the steps, I found that no form was necessary, for the men fell back, the guard touched their caps, a boy opened the door, and, as it closed behind me, I felt that I was fairly started, and Nurse Periwinkle's Mission was begun." In 1864, On Picket Duty, and Other Tales were published and The Rose Family: A Fairy Tale. In 1865, her novel Moods. In 1866, she wrote A Long Fatal Love Chase. In 1867, Morning-Glories and Other Stories was published. In 1868, she wrote Little Women. In 1868, Three Proverb Stories. In 1869, Good Wives. In 1870, Old Fashioned Girl. In 1871, Little Men. In ca 1872, Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag. In 1873, Work: A Story of Experience. In 1875, Eight Cousins. In 1875, Beginning Again. In 1876, Rose in Bloom, Silver Pitchers, and Independence: A Centennial Love Story. Her mother, Abigail May died on 25 November 1877, in Concord, Massachusetts. She was buried in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord. Louisa May wrote, "I never wish her back, but a great warmth seems gone out of life... She was so loyal, tender, and true, life was hard for her and no one knew all she had to bear but her children." In 1877, Under the Lilacs and A Modern Mephistopheles were published. Her younger sister, May died 29 December 1879. Louisa May took care of her 2 year's old daughter, Louisa May Nieriker. Also in 1879, Louisa May became the first women to register to vote in a town election. In 1880, Jack and Jill: A Village Story was published. In 1886, Jo's Boys and Lulu's Library. In 1888, A Garland for Girls. Her father, Amos Bronson Alcott died on 4 March 1888, in Boston. According to Louisa May Alcott; "It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women." And; "I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship." Louisa May Alcott died on 6 March 1888, in Boston. Her last words were; "Is it not meningitis?" She was buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, Massachussetts. In 1995, A Long Fatal Love Chase was published for the first time. In 1996, The Inheritance.

"Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy." Louisa May Alcott
 

Excerpts and Source: Hospital Sketches by Louisa May Alcott.

19th Cent. Frances Anne Kemble

 

Frances Anne Kemble was born on 27 November 1809, in London, England. She was the daughter of Maria Theresa De Camp and Charles Kemble (25 November 1775 - 12 November 1854). Her paternal grandparents were Sarah Ward and Roger Kemble (1721-1802). Frances Anne's parents were married on 2 July 1806. Her siblings included: Adelaide Kemble (November 1815 - 4 August 1879). The actress Sarah Siddons (1755-1831) was her paternal aunt. Both of her parents were actors. Called Fanny, she first appeared on the stage on 26 October 1829, as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, at Covent Garden. In 1832, she accompanied her father on a theatrical tour of America. She played Portia, Beatrice, Lady Teazle and Julia in The Hunchback. Frances Anne retired from stage and married Pierce Butler on 7 June 1834, in Philadelphia. He was the son of Sarah Butler and Mr. Butler. The heir to a Georgia plantation. They had two daughters, Sarah and Frances (-18 December 1910). In March 1836, Pierce inherited the Georgia plantation. In December 1838, Frances Anne, Pierce, their two daughters and their nurse Margery O'Brien set out for Butler Island. According to a Journal of a Residence on a Georgia Plantation by Frances Anne Kemble, "I am amusing myself by attempting to beautify, in some sort, this residence of ours. Immediately at the back of it runs a ditch, about three feet wide, which empties and fills twice a day with the tide. This lies like a moat on two sides of the house. The opposite bank is a steep dyke, with a footpath along the top. One or two willows droop over this very interesting ditch, and I thought I would add to their company some magnolias and myrtles, and so make a little evergreen plantation round the house. I went to the swamp reserves I have before mentioned to you, and chose some beautiful bushes among others, a very fine young pine, at which our overseer and all the negroes expressed much contemptuous surprise; for though the tree is beautiful, it is also common, and with them, as with wiser folk 'tis 'nothing pleases but rare accidents.' In spite of their disparaging remarks, however, I persisted in having my pine tree planted; and I assure you it formed a very pleasing variety among the broad smooth leaved evergreens about it. While forming my plantation I had a brand thrown into a bed of tall yellow sedges which screen the brimming waters of the noble river from our parlour window, and which I therefore wished removed. The small sample of a southern conflagration which ensued was very picturesque, the flames devouring the light growth, absolutely licking it off the ground, while the curling smoke drew off in misty wreaths across the river. The heat was intense, and I thought how exceedingly and unpleasantly warm one must feel in the midst of such a forest burning, as Cooper describes. Having worked my appointed task in the garden, I rowed over to Darien and back, the rosy sunset changing meantime to starry evening, as beautiful as the first the sky ever was arrayed in."

"It is Wednesday, the 20th of March; we cannot stay here much longer; I wonder if I shall come back again! and whether, when I do, I shall find the trace of one idea of a better life left in these poor people's minds by my sojourn among them. One of my industries this morning has been cutting out another dress for one of our women, who had heard of my tailoring prowess at the rice island. The material, as usual, was a miserable cotton, many-coloured like the scarf of Iris. While shaping it for my client, I ventured to suggest the idea of the possibility of a change of the nethermost as well as the uppermost garment. This, I imagine, is a conception that has never dawned upon the female slave mind on this plantation. They receive twice a year a certain supply of clothing, and wear them (as I have heard some nasty fine ladies do their stays, for fear they should get out of shape), without washing, till they receive the next suit. Under these circumstances I think it is unphilosophical, to say the least of it, to speak of the negroes as a race whose unfragrance is heaven-ordained, and the result of special organisation." Unable to live with slavery, in the spring of 1839, Frances Anne left her husbands plantation. Her sister, Adelaide married Edward John Sartoris in 1843. In 1847, Frances Anne returned to stage. She then moved to Italy. In 1848, she wrote A Year of Consolation. According to A Year of Consolation by Frances Anne Kemble, "Saturday, 20th December. Left Southampton per steamboat, for Havre, at 10 o'clock at night the weather clear over head, but blowing very hard horrible little boat where, objecting to lie close to two old women, the only empty berths were, one into which the water forced itself, or one in close proximity to the boiler in the latter I slept. The gale increased to a perfect hurricane: luckily it was in the stern of the ship ; but what with it and the thumping of the water, pursuing and overtaking the little steamboat, I thought its poop would be driven in. I have crossed the Atlantic six times, and have never spent a more terrible night at sea. Came to the bar by eight o'clock in the morning, but the tide was out the inner harbour without sufficient water to admit us; we therefore lay till twelve o'clock, beaten by a furious wind and frothing angry sea, as sick as possible, and a great deal crosser. The landing, custom-house, &c., all went smoothly enough, to the great delight of my inexperience, which had imagined to itself all manner of horrors. Put up at the Hotel de 1'Amiraute like an old French noble house the great quaint room, with its grey boiserie innumerable doors of communication, and bed-rooms and dressing- rooms running into each other in most ingenious intricacy. With a roaring wood fire, and, pulling the chilly furniture all round it, it got to look quite comfortable, but the doors, and cupboards, and exits, and entrances confound me the place looks made for playing at hide and seek all one's life. The charges high, the people civil, and the house comfortable enough." Her husband, Pierce filed for divorce on 7 April 1848. Frances Anne and Pierce were divorced in September 1849. Pierce kept custody of their daughters. According to Journal of a Residence in America by Frances Anne Kemble, "Wednesday, August 1st, 1852. Another break in my journal, and here I am on board the Pacific, bound for America, having left home and all the world behind. Well! We reached the quay just as the ship was being pulled, and pushed, and levered to the entrance of the dock; the quays were lined with people; among them were several known faces, Mr. , Mr. - M came on board to take my letters, and bid me good-by. I had a bunch of carnations in my hand, which I had snatched from our drawing-room chimney; English flowers! dear English flowers! they will be withered long before I again see land; but I will keep them until I once more stand upon the soil on which they grew. The sky had become clouded, and the wind blew cold." Her daughter, Sarah married Owen Jones Wister. They had one child, Owen Wister born in 1860. Pierce died of malaria in August 1867. Her daughter, Frances married James Leigh in 1871. They had a daughter, Alice born in 1874. In 1877, Frances Anne returned to England. Frances Anne Kemble died on 15 January 1893, in London. She was buried in Kensel Green Cemetary.
 

"A sacred burden is this life ye bear: Look on it, lift it, bear it solemnly, Stand up and walk beneath it steadfastly. Fail not for sorrow, falter not for sin, But onward, upward, till the goal ye win." Frances Anne Kemble

Excerpts and Sources: Journal of a Residence on a Georgia Plantation by Frances Anne Kemble, A Year of Consolation by Frances Anne Kemble and Journal of a Residence in America by Frances Anne Kemble.

17-18th Cent. Françoise d'Aubigné, Marquise de Maintenon.

 Françoise d'Aubigné 
by Pierre Mignard
1694

Françoise d'Aubigné was born on 27 November 1635, in Niort, France. She was the daughter of Jeanne de Cardillac and Constant d'Aubigné, Baron de Surimau. Her paternal grandfather was Théodore-Agrippa d'Aubigné (8 February 1552 - 29 April 1630). Her siblings included a brother, Chevalier D'Aubigné. Her mother was her father's second wife, Constant d'Aubigné married first Ann Marchant. They had a son, Theodore (1613-1670). Françoise was educated in a convent. Françoise d'Aubigné married Paul Scarron in 1651. Her husband died in 1660. The treaty of Pyrenees was sealed by the marriage of Louis XIV, King of France and Navarre (5 September 1638 - 1 September 1715) to Maria Theresa of Spain (10 September 1638 - 30 July 1683) in 1660. The King's brother, Philippe I, Duke of Orléans (1640-1701) married Henrietta Anne, Princess of England (1644-1670) on 31 March 1661, in the Chapel of the Palais-Royal, in Paris. In July 1661, Louise Françoise de La Baume Le Blanc de La Vallière (1644-1710) became the King's mistress. Louise gave birth to their fourth child, a son named Louis on 2 October 1667. By this time the King had a new mistress, Françoise-Athénaïs de Rochechouart de Mortemart, Marquise de Montespan (1641-1707). According to The Memoirs of Madame de Montespan by Madame de Montespan, "One day his Majesty said to me, "Have you ever met in society a young widow, said to be very pretty, but, at the same time, extremely affected? It is to Madame Scarron that I allude, who, both before and after widowhood, has resided at the Marais." I replied that Madame Scarron was an extremely pleasant person, and not at all affected. I had met her at the Richelieus' or the Albrets', where her charm of manner and agreeable wit had made her in universal request. I added a few words of recommendation concerning her petition, which, unfortunately, had just been torn up, and the King curtly rejoined, "You surprise me, madame; the portrait I had given to me of her was a totally different one." That same evening, when the young Marquis d'Alincour spoke to me about this petition which had never obtained any answer, I requested him to go and see Madame Scarron as soon as possible, and tell her that, in her own interest, I should be pleased to receive her. She lost no time in paying me a visit. Her black attire served only to heighten the astounding whiteness of her complexion. Effusively thanking me for interesting myself in her most painful case, she added: "There is, apparently, some obstacle against me. I have presented two petitions and two memoranda; being unsupported, both have been left unanswered, and I have now just made the following resolve, madame, of which you will not disapprove. M. Scarron, apparently well off, had only a life interest in his property. Upon his death, his debts proved in excess of his capital, and I, deeming it my duty to respect his intentions and his memory, paid off everybody, and left myself nothing. To-day, Madame la Princesse de Nemours wishes me to accompany her to Lisbon as her secretary, or rather as her friend. "Being about to acquire supreme power as a sovereign, she intends, by some grand marriage, to keep me there, and then appoint me her lady-in-waiting."

"And you submit without a murmur to such appalling exile?" I said to Madame Scarron. "Is such a pretty, charming person as yourself fitted for a Court of that kind, and for such an odd sort of climate?"

"Madame, I have sought to shut my eyes to many things, being solely conscious of the horribly forlorn condition in which I find myself in my native country."

"Have you reckoned the distance? Did the Princess confess that she was going to carry you off to the other end of the world? For her city of Lisbon, surrounded by precipices, is more than three hundred leagues from Paris."

"At the age of three I voyaged to America, returning hither when I was eleven."

"I am vexed with Mademoiselle d'Aumale for wanting to rob us of so charming a treasure. But has she any right to act in this way? Do you think her capable of contributing to your pleasure or your happiness? This young Queen of Portugal, under the guise of good-humour, hides a violent and irascible temperament. I believe her to be thoroughly selfish; suppose that she neglects and despises you, after having profited by your company to while away the tedium of her journey? Take my word for it, madame, you had better stay here with us; for there is no real society but in France, no wit but in our great world, no real happiness but in Paris. Draw up another petition as quickly as possible, and send it to me. I will present it myself, and to tell you this is tantamount to a promise that your plea shall succeed. Mademoiselle d'Aubigne, all flushed with emotion, assured me of her gratitude with the ingenuous eloquence peculiar to herself. We embraced as two friends of the Albret set should do, and three days later, the King received a new petition, not signed with the name of Scarron, but with that of D'Aubigne. The pension of two thousand francs, granted three years before her death by the Queen-mother, was renewed. Madame Scarron had the honour of making her courtesy to the King, who thought her handsome, but grave in demeanour, and in a loud, clear voice, he said to her, "Madame, I kept you waiting; I was jealous of your friends." Françoise-Athénaïs gave birth to her first child with the King, Louise Françoise (1669-1672) in 1669. The baby girl was entrusted to be raised by Mme Scarron in Vaugirard, near Paris. According to Madame de Montespan, "When dissuading Madame Scarron from undertaking a journey to Lisbon, I had my own private ends in view. I considered her peculiarly fitted to superintend the education of the King's children, and to maintain with success the air of mysterious reserve which for a while was indispensable to me. I deputed my brother, M. de Vivonne, to acquaint her with my proposals, proposals which came from the King as well, nor did I doubt for one moment as regarded her consent and complacency, being, as she was, alone in Paris. "Madame," said M. de Vivonne to her, "the Marquise is overjoyed at being able to offer you an important position of trust, which will change your life once for all."

"The gentle, quiet life which, thanks to the kindness of the King, I now lead, is all that my ambition can desire," replied the widow, concealing her trouble from my brother; "but since the King wishes and commands it, I will renounce the liberty so dear to me, and will not hesitate to obey." Accordingly she came. The King had a few moments' parley with her, in order to explain to her all his intentions relative to the new life upon which she was about to enter, and M. Bontems furnished her with the necessary funds for establishing her household in suitable style. A month afterwards, I went incognito to her lonely residence, situate amid vast kitchen-gardens between Vaugirard and the Luxembourg. The house was clean, commodious, thoroughly well appointed, and, not being overlooked by neighbours, the secret could but be safely kept. Madame Scarron's domestics included two nurses, a waiting-maid, a physician, a courier, two footmen, a coachman, a postilion, and two cooks. Being provided with an excellent coach, she came to Saint Germain every week, to bring me my son, or else news of his welfare. Her habitually sad expression somewhat pained the King. As I soon noticed their mutual embarrassment, I used to let Madame Scarron stay in an inner room all the time that his Majesty remained with me."

"In the following year, I gave birth to the Duc du Maine. Mademoiselle d'Aubigne, who was waiting in the drawing-room, wrapped the child up carefully, and took it away from Paris with all speed. On her way she met with an adventure, comic in itself, and which mortified her much. When told of it, I laughed not a little; and, in spite of all my excuses and expressions of regret, she always felt somewhat sore about this; in fact, she never quite got over it. Between Marly and Ruel, two mounted police officers, in pursuit of a nun who had escaped from a convent, bethought themselves of looking inside Madame Scarron's carriage. Such inquisitiveness surprised her, and she put on her mask, and drew down the blinds. Observing that she was closely followed by these soldiers, she gave a signal to her coachman, who instantly whipped up his horses, and drove at a furious rate. At Nanterre the gendarmes, being reinforced, cried out to the coachman to stop, and obliged Madame Scarron to get out. She was taken to a tavern close by, where they asked her to remove her mask. She made various excuses for not doing so, but at the mention of the lieutenant-general of police, she had to give in. "Madame," inquired the brigadier, "have you not been in a nunnery?"

"Pray, monsieur, why do you ask?"

"Be good enough to answer me, madame; repeat my question, and I insist upon a reply. I have received instructions that I shall not hesitate to carry out."

"I have lived with nuns, but that, monsieur, was a long while ago."

"It is not a question of time. What was your motive for leaving these ladies, and who enabled you to do so?"

"I left the convent after my first communion. I left it openly, and of my own free will. Pray be good enough to allow me to continue my journey."

"On leaving the convent, where did you go?"

"First to one of my relatives, then to another, and at last to Paris, where I got married."

"Married? What, madame, are you married? Oh, young lady, what behaviour is this? Your simple, modest mien plainly shows what you were before this marriage. But why did you want to get married?" As he said this, the little Duc du Maine, suffering, perhaps, from a twinge of colic, began to cry. The brigadier, more amazed than ever, ordered the infant to be shown as well. Seeing that she could make no defence, Madame Scarron began to shed tears, and the officer, touched to pity, said: "Madame, I am sorry for your fault, for, as I see, you are a good mother. My orders are to take you to prison, and thence to the convent specified by the archbishop, but I warn you that if we catch the father of your child, he will hang. As for you, who have been seduced, and who belong to a good family, tell me one of your relatives with whom you are on friendly terms, and I will undertake to inform them of your predicament." Madame Scarron, busy in soothing the Duc du Maine, durst not explain for fear of aggravating matters, but begged the brigadier to take her back to Saint Germain. At this juncture my brother arrived on his way back to Paris. He recognised the carriage, which stood before the inn, with a crowd of peasants round it, and hastened to rescue the governess, for he soon succeeded in persuading these worthy police officers that the sobbing dame was not a runaway nun, and that the new-born infant came of a good stock." Henrietta Anne died on 30 June 1670, at the Château de Saint-Cloud, in Saint-Cloud, France. Phillippe married his second wife, Elizabeth Charlotte of the Palatinate (1652-1722) by proxy on 16 November 1671, in Metz. In 1678, the King gave Françoise d'Aubigné the title of Marquise de Maintenon. According to Madame de Montespan, "At first the King used to feel afraid of Madame Scarron, and seemingly laughed at me when I endeavoured to persuade him that there was nothing affected or singular about her. The Marquis de Beringhen, for some reason or other, had prejudiced his Majesty against her, so that very often, when the King heard that she was visiting me, he never got beyond the vestibule, but at once withdrew. One day she was telling me, in her pleasant, original way, a funny tale about the famous Brancas, and I laughed till I cried again, -in fact, until I nearly made myself quite ill. The King, who was listening at the door, was greatly tickled by the story. He came in smiling and thoroughly self-possessed. Then, addressing the governess, he said, "Madame, allow me to compliment you and to thank you at the same time. I thought you were of a serious, melancholy disposition, but as I listened to you through the keyhole, I am no longer surprised that you have such long talks with the Marquise. Will you do me the favour of being as amusing some other time, if I venture to make one of the party?" The governess, courtesying, blushed somewhat; and the King continued, "Madame, I am aware of your affection for my children; that is a great recommendation to me; banish all restraint; I take the greatest pleasure in your company." She replied, "It was the fear of displeasing you which, despite myself, caused me to incur your displeasure." The King continued, "Madame, I know that the late M. de Scarron was a man of much wit and also of agreeable manners. My cousin, De Beaufort, used to rave about him, but on account of his somewhat free poems, his name lacks weight and dignity. In fact, his name in no way fits so charming a personality as yours; would it grieve you to change it?" The governess cleverly replied that all that she owed to the memory of her defunct husband was gratitude and esteem. "Allow me, then, to arrange matters," added the King. "I am fond of sonorous names; in this I agree with Boileau." A few days afterwards we heard that the splendid Maintenon estates were for sale. The King himself came to inform the widow of this, and, giving her in advance the fee for education, he counted out a hundred thousand crowns wherewith instantly to purchase the property. Forthwith the King compelled her to discard this truly ridiculous author's name, and styled her before everybody Madame de Maintenon. I must do her the justice to state that her gratitude for the King's liberality was well-nigh exaggerated, while no change was perceptible in her manners and bearing. She had, naturally, a grand, dignified air, which was in strange contrast to the grotesque buffoonery of her poet-husband. Now she is exactly in her proper place, representing to perfection the governess of a king's children. Spiteful persons were wont to say that I appeared jealous on seeing her made a marquise like myself. Good gracious, no! On the contrary, I was delighted; her parentage was well known to me. The Duchesse de Navailles, my protectress, was a near relative of hers, and M. d'Aubigne, her grandfather, was one of King Henri's two Chief Gentlemen of the Chamber. Madame de Maintenon's father was, in many respects, greatly to blame. Without being actually dishonest, he squandered a good deal of his fortune, the greater part being pounced upon by his family; and had the King forced these harpies to disgorge, Madame de Maintenon could have lived in opulence, eclipsing several of the personages at Court. I am glad to be able to do her justice in these Memoirs, to the satisfaction of my own self-respect. I look upon her as my own handiwork, and everything assures me that this is her conviction also, and that she will always bear it in mind. The King said to us, "Go and see the Chateau de Maintenon, and then you can tell me all about it. According to an old book, I find that it was built in the reign of Henri II. by Nicolas de Cointerot, the King's minister of finance; a 'surintendant's' castle ought to form a noteworthy feature of the landscape." Madame de Maintenon hereupon told us a most extraordinary story. The lady who sold this marquisate had retired two years previously to the island of Martinique, where she, at the present moment, owned the residence of Constant d'Aubigne, the same house where the new Marquise de Maintenon had spent her childhood with her parents, so that while one of these ladies had quitted the Chateau de Maintenon in order to live in Martinique, the other had come from Martinique in order to reside at the Chateau de Maintenon. Truly, the destinies of some are strange in this world. The chateau appeared to be large, of solid proportions, and built in a grandly simple style, befitting a minister of dignity and position. The governess shed tears of emotion when setting foot there for the first time. The six priests, whom the surintendant had appointed, officiated in the large chapel or little church attached to the castle. They approached us in regular procession, presenting holy water, baskets of flowers and fruit, an old man, a child, and two little lambs to the Marquise. The villagers, dressed out with flowers and ribbons, also came to pay, their respects to her. They danced in the castle courtyard, under our balcony, to the sound of hautbois and bagpipes. We gave them money, said pleasant things to everybody, and invited all the six clerics to sup with us. These gentry spoke with great respect of the other Madame de Maintenon, who had become disgusted with her property, and with France generally, because, for two winters running, her orange-groves and fig-trees had been frost-bitten. She herself, being a most chilly, person, never left off her furs until August, and in order to avoid looking at or walking upon snow and ice, she fled to the other end of the world. "The other extreme will bring her back to us," observed Madame de Maintenon to the priests. "Though his Majesty were to give me Martinique or Saint Domingo, I certainly would never go and live there myself." When we returned, all these little details greatly amused the King. He, too, wanted to go and see the castle of another Fouquet, but, as we complained of the bad roads, he ordered these to be mended along the entire route." In 1680, the King made Madame de Maintenon second Mistress of the Robes to his daughter-in-law, the Dauphine. Queen Marie-Thérèse died on 30 July 1683, at Versailles. Françoise married King Louis XIV in secret at midnight on 10 October 1683, in the Chapel at Versailles, by François de Harlay de Champvallon, Archbishop of Paris. Madame de Montespan wrote, "The following week Madame de Maintenon, entirely cured of her scratch, consented to the King's will, which she had opposed in order to excite it, and in the presence of the Marquis and Marquise de Montchevreuil, the Duc de Noailles, the Marquis de Chamarante, M. Bontems, and Mademoiselle Ninon, her permanent chambermaid, was married to the King of France and Navarre in the chapel of the chateau. The Abbe de Harlay, Archbishop of Paris, assisted by the Bishop of Chartres and Pere de la Chaise, had the honour of blessing this marriage and presenting the rings of gold. After the ceremony, which took place at an early hour, and even by torchlight, there was a slight repast in the small apartments. The same persons, taking carriages, then repaired to Maintenon, where the great ceremony, the mass, and all that is customary in such cases were celebrated. At her return, Madame de Maintenon took possession of an extremely sumptuous apartment that had been carefully arranged and furnished for her. Her people continued to wear her livery, but she scarcely ever rode any more except in the great carriage of the King, where we saw her in the place which had been occupied by the Queen. In her interior the title of Majesty was given her; and the King, when he had to speak of her, only used the word Madame, without adding Maintenon, that having become too familiar and trivial." In 1684, Madame de Maintenon became first Lady in Waiting to the Dauphine. Françoise d'Aubigné founded the Royal house of St. Louis, at Saint-Cyr. Françoise-Athénaïs died on 27 May 1707, at Bourbon-l'Archambault. Louise de La Vallière died on 7 June 1710, in Paris, France. Louis XIV died on 1 September 1715, at the Château de Versailles, in Versailles. He was interred in the Saint-Denis Basilica, in Saint-Denis, France. Françoise d'Aubigné died aged 83, on 15 April 1719, at Saint-Cyr, France. She was buried at Saint-Cyr.

Excerpts and Source: The Memoirs of Madame de Montespan by Madame de Montespan.

19-20th Cent. Victoria Melita of Edinburgh, Grand Duchess of Russia.

Victoria Melita of Edinburgh was born on 25 November 1876, at the San Antonio Palace, in Malta. She was the daughter of Maria Alexandrovna of Russia (17 October 1853 - 24 October 1920) and Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (6 August 1844 - 31 July 1900). Her maternal grandparents were Maria Alexandrovna (8 August 1824 - 8 June 1880) and Alexander II, Emperor of Russia (29 April 1818 - 1 March 1881). Her paternal grandparents were Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom (24 May 1819 - 22 January 1901) and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (26 August 1819 - 14 December 1861). Victoria Melita's parents were married on 23 January 1874, at the Winter Palace, in St. Petersburg. Her siblings were: Alfred (15 October 1874 - 6 February 1899), Marie (29 October 1875 - 18 July 1938), Alexandra (1 September 1878 - 16 April 1942) and Beatrice (20 April 1884 - 13 July 1966). She was called Ducky by her family. Her sister, Marie of Edinburgh married Crown Prince Ferdinand of Romania on 10 January 1893, in Sigmaringen, Germany. Victoria Melita of Edinburgh married Ernst, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine (25 November 1868 - 9 October 1937) on 19 April 1894. He was the son of Princess Alice of the United Kingdom (25 April 1843 - 14 December 1878) and Ludwig IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine. The couple's first child, a daughter, Elisabeth Marie Alice Viktoria was born on 11 March 1895.

The Children of Victoria Melita of Edinburgh and Ernst of Hesse and by Rhine:

Elisabeth Marie Alice Viktoria (11 March 1895 - 6 November 1903)

Stillborn Son (25 May 1900)

Her father, Alfred died of throat cancer on 30 July 1900, at Schloss Rosenau, in Coburg. He was buried at the Ducal family's cemetery outside Coburg. Victoria Melia and Ernst were divorced on 21 December 1901, by the Supreme Court of Hesse. According to Six Years at the Russian Court by Margaretta Eagar, the nanny for Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna (1895-1918), Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna (1897-1918), Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna (1899-1918) and Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna (1901-1918), "A sweet and pretty child, with wide grey-blue eyes and a profusion of dark hair. She was much like her mother, not only in face, but also in manner. Looking at her I used to wonder what those wide grey-blue eyes saw, to bring such a look of sadness to the childish face". Her daughter, Princess Elisabeth of Hesse died of typhoid on 6 November 1903, in Skierniewice, Poland. She was buried in Rosenhöhe, Darmstadt. Victoria Melita married her second husband, Grand Duke Cyril Vladimirovich of Russia (12 October 1876 - 12 October 1938) on 8 October 1905, in Tegernsee. He was the son of Maria Alexandrovna of Hesse and Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich of Russia. She became Grand Duchess Victoria Feodorovna of Russia. The couple's first child, a daughter Maria was born on 2 February 1907.

The Children of Victoria Melita of Edinburgh and Cyril Vladimirovich:

Maria Kirillovna of Russia (2 February 1907 - 27 October 1951) Married Friedrich Karl, Prince of Leiningen.

Kira Kirillovna of Russia (9 May 1909 - 8 September 1967) Married Louis Ferdinand, Prince of Prussia.

Vladimir Kirillovich of Russia (30 August 1917 - 21 April 1992)

Her mother, Maria Alexandrovna died on 24 October 1920, in Zürich, Switzerland. Victoria Melita died on 2 March 1936. She was interred at the family mausoleum in Coburg, Germany. Her remains were transferred on 7 March 1995, to the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Excerpts and Source: Six Years at the Russian Court by Margaretta Eagar.

15-16th Cent. Caterina Cornaro, Queen of Cypros.

 

Caterina Cornaro was born on 25 November 1454, in Venice, Italy. She was the daughter of Fiorenza Crispo and Marco Cornaro (December 1406 - 1 August 1479). Her maternal grandparents were Valenza Comnena Paleologa and Nicolo Crispo di Santorini. Caterina's parents were married in 1444. She had a elder brother Nobil Huomo Giorgio Cornaro (1452 - 31 July 1527). Caterina Cornaro was married to James II, King of Cyprus on 30 July 1468, by proxy in Venice. He was the illegitimate son of Marietta de Patras and John II, King of Cyprus. Caterina Cornaro and James II were married in person in 1472, at Famagusta, in Cyprus. Her husband, James II died on 10 July 1473, at Famagusta. Catarina was pregnant at the time of her husband's death. She acted as Regent until the birth of their son, James later in 1473. He succeeded his father, as James III. The little King died in his first year.
 

The Child of Caterina Cornaro and James II:

James III, King of Cyprus (1473 - August 1474)

 

Her brother, Nobil Huomo Giorgio Cornaro married Elisabetta Morosini, Patrizia Veneta in 1475, in Venice. Her father, Marco died 1 August 1479. In 1489, Caterina was forced to abdicate. Later in 1489, she was made the Sovereign Lady of Asolo. Catarina Cornaro died on 10 July 1510, in Venice.

18th Cent. Maria Amalia of Saxony, Queen Consort of Spain.

 

Princess Maria Amalia Christina Franziska Xaveria Flora Walburga of Saxony was born on 24 November 1724, at Zwinger Palace, in Dresden, Germany. She was the daughter of Maria Josepha of Austria (8 December 1699 - 17 November 1757) and Frederick Augustus II, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony (17 October 1696 - 5 October 1763). Her maternal grandparents were Wilhelmina Amalia of Brunswick, Holy Roman Empress (21 April 1673 - 10 April 1742) and Joseph I, Holy Roman Emperor (26 July 1678 - 17 April 1711). Her paternal grandparents were Christiane Eberhardine of Brandenburg-Bayreuth, Queen Consort of Poland (19 December 1671 - 4 September 1727) and Augustus II, King of Poland (12 May 1670 - 1 February 1733). Maria Amalia's parents were married on 20 August 1719, in Dresden. Her siblings were: Friedrich August of Saxony (1720-1721), Joseph Augustus of Saxony (1721-1728), Frederick Christian of Saxony (1722-1763), Maria Margaretha of Saxony (1727-1734), Maria Anna of Saxony (1728-1797), Franz Xavier of Saxony (1730-1806), Marie Josèphe of Saxony (1731-1767), Carl Christian of Saxony (1733-1796), Maria Christina of Saxony (1735-1782), Maria Elisabeth of Saxony (1736-1818), Albert Kasimir of Saxony (1738-1822), Clemens Wenzeslaus of Saxony (1739-1812) and Maria Kunigunde of Saxony (1740-1826). Maria Amalia of Saxony was engaged to Carlos of Bourbon, King of Naples and Sicily (20 January 1716 - 14 December 1788) in 1737. He was the son of Elisabeth Farnese (25 October 1692 - 11 July 1766) and Felipe V, King of Spain (19 December 1683 - 9 July 1746). Maria Amalia and Carlos were married by proxy in May 1738, in Dresden.

The Children of Maria Amalia of Saxony and Carlos III:

Maria Isabella Antonia of Spain (6 September 1740 - 2 November 1742)

Maria Josepha Antoinette of Spain (20 January 1742 - 1 April 1742)

Maria Isabella Anne of Spain (30 April 1743 - 5 March 1749)

Maria Josepha Carmela of Spain (6 July 1744 - 8 December 1801)

Maria Louisa of Spain (24 November 1745 - 15 May 1792) Married Archduke Peter Leopold of Austria in 1764.

Felipe Antonio Genaro of Spain (13 June 1747 - 19 September 1777)

Carlos IV Antonio Pascual of Spain (11 November 1748 - 19 January 1819) Married Princess Maria Luisa of Parma.

Maria Theresa Antonieta of Spain (2 December 1749 - 2 May 1750)

Ferdinand of Spain (12 January 1751 - 4 January 1825) Married 1st: Maria Carolina of Austria in 1768. Married 2nd: Lucia Migliaccio.

Gabriel Antonio Francisco of Spain (11 May 1752 - 23 November 1788) Married Infanta Mariana Vitória of Portugal.

Maria Ana of Spain (3 July 1754 - 11 May 1755)

Anthony Pascual Francisco of Spain (31 December 1755 - 20 April 1817)

Francis Xavier Antonio of Spain (15 February 1757 - 10 April 1771)

Her sister, Marie Josèphe of Saxony married Louis Ferdinand, Dauphin de France (1729-1765) on 9 February 1747. Her mother, Maria Josepha of Austria died on 17 November 1757, in Dresden, Saxony. She was buried in the Catholic Court Church, in Dresden. Her husband's half brother, Ferdinand VI named Carlos his Heir on 10 December 1758. Ferdinand VI died on 10 August 1759, at Villaviciosa de Odón. Her husband succeeded him, as Carlos III. Maria Amalia of Saxony died from tuberculosis on 27 September 1760, at Buen Retiro Palace. She was interred at the Royal Crypt, in the El Escorial. Carlos III died on 14 December 1788, at the Royal Palace of Madrid.

SAGITTARIUS

Sagittarius

 (23 November - 21 December)

Sagittarius is the 9th Sign in the Cycle of Zodiac. They are known to be generous, honest, indipendent, optimistic, patient and tolerant. On the other side, they can also be irresponsible, late, reckless and unemotional. They are athletic, dynamic, enthusiastic, extrovert, gentle, kind, logical, persuasive, philosophical, straight-forward and great friends. They like adventure, excitement, freedom and to explore. They don't like mind games. They are compatible with Aries, Gemini, Leo and Aquarius. Not so compatible with Taurus, Cancer, Virgo and Sagittarius Rules the Hips. The Angel of Sagittarius is Sachiel. The Birthstone of Sagittarius is Amethyst, Sapphire, Turquoise and Topaz. The Color of Sagittarius is Purple. The Day of the Week of Sagittarius is Thursday. The Element of Sagittarius is Fire. The Flower of Sagittarius is Carnation. The Herb of Sagittarius is Clovepink. The Lucky Charms of Sagittarius is Pearl and Topaz. The Lucky Color of Sagittarius is Blue and Purple. The Lucky Number of Sagittarius is 9. The Lucky Stone of Sagittarius is Turquoise. The Metal of Sagittarius is Tin. The Mood of Sagittarius is Mutable. The Planet of Sagittarius is Jupiter. The Planetary Stone of Sagittarius is Topaz. The Stone of Sagittarius is Amethyst and Sapphire. The Symbol of Sagittarius is The Centaur.

Five Sagittarius Forever

19-20th Cent. Alexandra of Denmark, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom (1 December 1844 - 20 November 1925)

16th Cent. Mary, Queen of Scots (8 December 1542 - 8 February 1587)

18-19th Cent. Jane Austen (16 December 1775 - 18 July 1817)

18-19th Cent. Marie Thérèse Charlotte (19 December 1778 - 19 October 1851)

20th Cent. Édith Piaf (19 December 1915 - 10 October 1963)

Three Sagittarius Dolls

MARGARET                       MARIE ADELAïDE                          JEANNE-FRANçOISE

One Sagittarius Quotes

"I don't believe in astrology; I'm a Sagittarius and we're skeptical." Arthur C. Clarke

17th Cent. Elisabeth of France, Queen Consort of Spain.

 

Elisabeth de France was born on 22 November 1602, at the Château de Fontainebleau, in Fontaineblau, France. She was the daughter of Marie de' Medici (26 April 1573 - 3 July 1642) and Henri de Bourbon (13 December 1553 - 14 May 1610). Her maternal grandparents were Johanna, Archduchess of Austria (24 January 1547 - 11 April 1578) and Francesco I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany (25 March 1541 - 17 October 1587). Her paternal grandparents were Jeanne d'Albret, Queen of Navarre (7 January 1528 - 9 June 1572) and Antoine de Bourbon, Duc de Vendôme, King of Navarre (22 April 1518 - 17 November 1562). Elisabeth's parents were married on 17 December 1600. Her siblings were: Louis XIII, King of France (27 September 1601 - 14 May 1643), Christine Marie, Duchess of Savoy (12 February 1606 - 27 December 1663), Nicholas Henri, Duke of Orléans (16 April 1607 - 17 November 1611), Gaston, Duke of Orleans (25 April 1608 - 2 February 1660) and Henrietta Maria, Queen Consort of England (25 November 1609 - 10 September 1669). Her mother was her father's second wife, following the annulment of his marriage to Marguerite de Valois (14 May 1553 - 27 May 1615) in 1599. Her father, King Henri IV was assassinated on 14 May 1610, in Paris by François Ravaillac. He was buried at the Saint-Denis Basilica. Her brother, Louis was crowned King on 17 October 1610. Their mother, Marie de' Medici served as Regent until 1617. Elisabeth was married by proxy to Felipe, Prince of Asturias (8 April 1605 - 17 September 1665) on 8 October 1615, in Bordeaux. He was the son of Margaret of Austria (25 December 1584 - 3 October 1611) and Felipe III, King of Spain (14 April 1578 - 31 March 1621). On the same day her brother, Louis was married by proxy to Felipe's sister Ana Maria Mauricia (22 September 1601 - 20 January 1666). The two Princesses were exchanged on 25 November 1615, at the Isle of Pheasants. Elisabeth and Felipe were then married in the Saint Mary Cathedral, in Burgos. She was called Isabel in Spain. Her sister, Christine Marie married Victor Amadeus I, Duke of Savoy, on 10 February 1619, in Paris.
 

The Children of Elisabeth de France and Felipe IV:

Infanta Maria Margarita (1621-1621)

Infanta Margarita Maria Catalina (1623-1623)

Infanta Maria Eugenia (1625-1627)

Infanta Isabel Maria Teresa (1627-)

Baltasar Carlos, Prince of the Asturias (17 October 1629 - 9 October 1646)

Infanta Maria Anna Antonia (1636-1636)

Infanta Maria Theresa (10 September 1638 - 30 July 1683) Married Louis XIV in 1660.

Her father-in-law, Felipe III died on 31 March 1621, in Madrid. He was succeeded by her husband, as Felipe IV. Her sister, Henrietta Maria was married to Charles I, King of England, Scotland and Ireland (19 November 1600 - 30 January 1649) by proxy on 11 May 1625, before they were married in person on 13 June 1625, in Canterbury. Elisabeth died aged 42, on 6 October 1644, at Royal Alcázar, in Madrid, Spain. Felipe IV married his second wife, Mariana of Austria ( 24 December 1634 - 16 May 1696) in 1649. Felipe IV died on 17 September 1665. He was succeeded by his son with Mariana, as Carlos II, King of Spain (6 November 1661 - 1 November 1700).

18-19th Cent. Dorothea Jordan

 

Dorothea was born on 21 November 1761, near Waterford, in Ireland. She was the daughter of Grace Phillips and Francis Bland. In 1774, her father, a stagehand abandoned the family to marry an Irish actress. In 1777, Dorothea made her stage debut. An affair with Richard Daly led to the birth of a daughter, Frances born in 1782, in Dublin. In 1785, as Mrs. Jordan she appeared at Drury Lane. In 1786, she began an affair with Sir Richard Ford. They had three children, one son and two daughters. In ca 1790, Dorothea Jordan became the mistress of William, Duke of Clarence (21 August 1765 - 20 June 1837). He was the son of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom (19 May 1744 - 17 November 1818) and George III, King of the United Kingdom (4 June 1738 - 29 January 1820). Dorothea and William had ten children. In 1797, the family settled in Bushy House.

The Children of Dorothea Jordan and William, Duke of Clarence:

George Augustus FitzClarence (1794-1842)

Henry Edward FitzClarence (27 March 1795 - September 1817)

Sophia FitzClarence (August 1796 - 10 April 1837)

Mary FitzClarence (19 December 1798 - 13 July 1864)

Frederick FitzClarence (9 December 1799 - 30 October 1854)

Elizabeth FitzClarence (17 January 1801 - 16 January 1856)

Adolphus FitzClarence (18 February 1802 - 17 May 1856)

Augusta FitzClarence (17 November 1803 - 8 December 1865)

Augustus FitzClarence (1 March 1805 - 14 June 1854)

Amelia FitzClarence (21 March 1807 - 2 July 1858)

In 1811, the relationship ended. In 1814, Dorothea Jordan took up acting. In 1815, she went to France. Dorothea Jordan died on 5 July 1816, in Saint-Cloud, France. William, Duke of Clarence married Princess Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen (13 August 1792 - 2 December 1849) on 11 July 1818, in Kew. George IV died on 26 June 1830. He was succeeded by William IV. He was crowned King on 8 September 1831. William IV died on 20 June 1837, at Windsor Castle.

19-20th Cent. Margherita of Savoy-Genoa, Queen Consort of Italy.

Margherita Maria Teresa Giovanna was born on 20 November 1851, in Turin, Italy. She was the daughter of Elisabeth of Saxony, Duchess of Genoa (4 February 1830 - 14 August 1912) and Ferdinand, 1st Duke of Genoa (15 November 1822 - 10 February 1855). Her maternal grandparents were Amalie Auguste of Bavaria and John of Saxony. Her paternal grandparents were Maria Theresa of Tuscany and Charles Albert of Sardinia. Margherita's parent were married on 22 April 1850, in Dresden Cathedral. She had a younger brother, Thomas, 2nd Duke of Genoa (1854-1931). Her father, Ferdinand died on 10 February 1855, in Turin. Margherita of Savoy-Genoa married Umberto (14 March 1844 - 29 July 1900) on 21 April 1868, in Turin, Italy. He was the son of Maria Adelaide of Austria (3 June 1822 - 20 January 1855) and Vittorio Emanuele II, King of Italy (14 March 1820 - 9 January 1878). Margherita and Umberto had a son, Prince Vittorio Emanuele born on 11 November 1869, in Naples.

The Child of Margherita of Savoy-Genoa and Umberto I:

Vittorio Emanuele III (11 November 1869 - 28 December 1947) Married Elena of Montenegro in 1896.

Her father-in-law, Vittorio Emanuele II died on 9 January 1878, in Rome. He was succeeded by her husband as Umberto I. Her son, Vittorio Emanuele married Elena of Montenegro (8 January 1873 - 28 November 1952) on 24 October 1896. She was the daughter of Milena Vukotić, Queen Consort of Montenegro (4 May 1847 - 16 March 1923) and Nikola I Petrović-Njegoš, King of Montenegro (7 October 1841 - 1 March 1921). They had five children. Her husband, Umberto I was assassinated on 29 July 1900, in Monza by the anarchist Gaetano Bresci. He was interred at the Pantheon, in Rome. He was succeeded by their son, as Vittorio Emanuele III. Her mother, Elisabeth died on 14 August 1912, in Stresa, Piedmont. Margherita of Savoy-Genoa died aged 74, on 4 January 1926, in Bordighera. She was interred at the Pantheon, in Rome.