Part 2 Chapter 7
(This chapter is really just a bunch of letters exchange between Charlotte and her parents while she is in France)
April 27, 1788
Dearest Mama and Papa,
Today, Uncle Henri arrived in France. After a few hours in a carriage, we arrived at Uncle Henri's villa. His house is grand, made of the finest white bricks and too many windows for me to count. His estate covers 1000 acres. He has some of the most beautiful countryside in France as his land. I think I shall be able to get many beautiful paintings done while I am here.
My room is large with a four poster bed with dark green curtains on all sides. The curtains have tiny purple flowers all over them. I even have my own fireplace that the servants come in and light every morning.
I met Uncle Henri's family and they are all very nice. His father, the Marquis de Lafayette, is well and lives only a few miles away. He was very happy to meet me when I arrived. He said to tell you that he still remembers you both and hopes that you are doing well in Philadelphia. Henri's wife, Marie-Claire, is a lovely, blonde-haired woman. She is slim and delicate and is one of the friendliest people I have ever met. She has been treating me like family. They have two children; a little, dark-haired girl named Helene (she's two years old) and a newborn baby boy with golden curls. His name is Andre.
I miss you both terribly, but I know that my time in France will be most entertaining. I shall write often of my adventures here in France. I love you both very much.
Your daughter,
Charlotte
May 12, 1788
Dearest Mama and Papa,
Uncle Henri took me to see the Cathedral of Notre Dame today. It is the largest and most stunning church I have ever seen! It has a large round window in the front called the Rose Window. It is gigantic and is made of many pieces of stained glass. I was able to stay long enough to paint it.
I will send this to you so that you can see it. We will stay in Paris for another week and then will return to Uncle Henri's estate.
I am learning some French from Aunt Marie-Claire. She is a kind and patient teacher. She makes me feel at home wherever we are.
I wish you were here with me. I miss you both.
Your loving Daughter,
Charlotte
July 12, 1788
Dearest Charlotte,
We are so happy to hear that you are enjoying your time in France. We miss you terribly. The house is empty without your sweet smile and voice. Your painting of the Cathedral of Notre Dame was lovely!
We are doing fine in Philadelphia. Papa is quite busy with the paper. There is much news around the city.
Moses asked me to tell you that he and your classmates miss you terribly and hope that you will tell them about France when you return.
Be safe and enjoy the rest of your time in France! The rest of the year will go all too quickly. We miss you and love you very much.
Your loving Mother,
Sarah Hiller
July 30, 1788
Dearest Mama and Papa,
I was so happy to get your last letter. I am glad that you are both doing well and that there is plenty of news so keep you busy. Uncle Henri informed me today that he and Aunt Marie-Claire and I have been invited to the Palace of Versailles for the King and Queen's annual autumn ball in September.
I am quite nervous about being in the presence of royalty. Uncle Henri is teaching me to dance and Aunt Marie-Claire has me practicing etiquette for meeting royalty daily. I will be far less frightened with Uncle Henri and Aunt Marie-Claire there. I wish you were both here to give me courage, but I know you will be thinking of me from home.
Your daughter,
Charlotte
October 1, 1788
Dearest Mama and Papa,
Last night was the royal ball. It was the most exciting and lovely event I have ever been to in my life! The party was in the Palace's famous Hall of Mirrors. It is an entire room made of glass windows. The king was looking very handsome in his powdered wig, white suit jacket and breeches and red sash. The queen was quite beautiful. She was wearing a powdered wig piled into a high pompadour with curls hanging down her neck and her gown was light blue and her skirt stood out from her body for about a foot on either side of her body.
Uncle Henri bought me a new dress for the ball of the finest gold coloured silk; the same colour as my hair. He also bought me a dress of scarlet red with bright yellow petticoat and stomacher underneath. I was sure to thank him profusely for these gifts. I am having such a wonderful time in France! I will write again soon.
Your loving daughter,
Charlotte
August 17, 1788
Dearest Charlotte,
We are writing to wish you a happy birthday, for by the time you receive this letter, it will be your birthday. It is difficult knowing that you are across the ocean on this happy day, but know that we will be thinking of you.
We have sent a birthday gift for you with this letter. We hope you enjoy it. Happy 7th birthday, Angel. We love you and miss you very much.
Love, your father,
James
October 17, 1788
Dearest Mama and Papa,
Thank you so much for the lovely shawl! I love the red and yellow roses embroidered on the white cotton. It is simply beautiful! I have had a wonderful birthday. Uncle Henri and Aunt Marie-Claire got me a story book about a beautiful girl named Belle, which means Beauty in French. Belle meets a hideous beast and he falls in love with her and eventually she falls in love with him and he turns into a handsome prince. It is a wonderful story.
I wish you were here to spend my birthday with me, but I just keep thinking that I will be seeing you in six months.
Love,
Charlotte
November 30, 1788
Dearest Charlotte,
We were so happy to hear that you enjoyed the King and Queen's ball. We are proud that you were invited to such an important event and were able to conduct yourself as a proper young lady. Your gowns sound lovely. You are a lucky girl. We have sent your Christmas gift with this letter. Enjoy your Christmas in France.
Love,
Mama
January 2, 1789
Dearest Mama and Papa,
Thank you so much for the red rose brooch you sent me for Christmas. It goes so well with my scarlet dress! I hope you enjoyed the portrait I sent of me in my gold dress. I did not paint it. Uncle Henri had a professional artist commission it.
At Christmas, I received a china figurine of a nightingale from Uncle Henri and his family.
Uncle Henri and I will be leaving for Philadelphia in a month's time. I look forward to seeing you soon, but I will be sad to leave France.
I miss you both so terribly.
Love,
Charlotte
April 17, 1789
The ship was rocking gently in the waves as it pulled into Philadelphia Harbour. After being away for so long, Charlotte felt happy to finally be back home. She waited as the gangplank was lowered and then she spotted them. Mama and Papa were standing close together; Papa's arm around Mama's waist. Charlotte flew down the gangplank and into Mama's arms. Papa put arms around both of them and hugged. They all began to cry.
Charlotte had forgotten how much she loved Mama and Papa's hugs. She especially missed the smell of Mama's perfume and Papa's friendly smile. Charlotte had never felt so happy and safe in her life. She walked back to the print shop, between Papa and Mama, holding hands with them. Papa's other arm was around Uncle Henri's shoulders. He would come and stay with them for a while and then return to France soon.