Madeleine de Clermont-Tonnerre

Madeleine de Clermont-Tonnerre, Comtesse de Moray (22 July 1610–Present), Comtesse de Moray, nicknamed Manon, is a Grandelumierian noblewoman, courtier, and Dame d’Honneur to Nicole de Lorraine, Imperatrice-Mere de Grandelumiere.
She married Jacques IV de Stuart de Moray, Comte de Moray and had six children together, two girls and two boys, counting their twins. 
== Biography ==
=== Birth ===
Madeleine de Clermont-Tonnerre, originally styled Mademoiselle de Cruzy, was born on 22 July 1610, the Feast of Mary Magdalene, in the château d'Ancy-le-Franc, in the town of Ancy-le-Franc, Champagne, Kingdom of France, Empire of Grandelumiere. She was the fifth child and second daughter born to Charles-Henri I de Clermont-Tonnerre, Comte de Clermont, and his wife Catherine Marie d'Escoubleau de Sourdis.
Madeleine was baptised on the day of her birth in the château's chapel, with Henri de Lorraine-Guise, Duc de Guise, and his wife Catherine de Clèves, suo jure Comtesse d’Eu, represented by proxies, acting as godparents.
=== Childhood ===
Madeleine grew up in Ancy-le-Franc under the guardianship of her governess, Marguerite de Grolée, and in the company of her siblings, while the Comte and Comtesse de Clermont were away pursuing their court commitments. 
In 1615, Madeleine, like her sister Isabelle, was sent to the Ursuline convent in Tonnerre, which had been founded by her father because the city didn't have enough nuns providing an education for young girls. Here, Madeleine learned reading, writing, arithmetic, geometry, catechism, religious history, Latin, domestic economy, needlework, and cooking. In addition, the Duchesse de Guise, Madeleine’s godmother, made sure that these lessons were supplemented by private tuition in history, geography, drawing, singing, dancing, music, other Latin languages such as Italian, and Spanish, astronomy and a extra theological education. 
=== Adolescence ===
Upon the passing of the Comte de Clermont in 1625, Madeleine's older brother, the Baron d'Ancy-le-Franc, inherited the county in place of his elder brother who, as a bishop, couldn't inherit. He arranged for his sister Isabelle to be sent to court and married off, while Madeleine would take remain in the country and take veil, however, in 1626, due to Isabelle’s inappropriate behavior at court, Madeleine would be called upon to take her place. She would be betrothed to the third cousin of Emperor Charles X of Grandelumiere, Jacques de Stuart de Moray, Comte de Dun-le-Roi, son and heir of Jacques III de Stuart de Moray, Comte de Moray, a matrilineal descendant of King James V of Scotland.
Madeleine’s arrival at court coincided with another arrival, that of Nicole de Lorraine, suo jure Duchesse de Lorraine. It would be due to the latter’s joyous entry and her subsequent marriage to Emperor Charles X of Grandelumiere, which meant that her presentation at court had to be postponed until after the ceremonies. When the time came, she was presented to both Emperor and Empress by her brother Charles Henri II, Comte de Clermont. Soon after, Madeleine was married to the Comte de Dun-le-Roi, in the Church of Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois in the presence of a few members of the.
Within her early court years, Madeleine was a known spiritualist, whom often visited astrologist's, and tarot readers. She was a known and frequent holder of seances. She was a known astrology enthusiast, and had a astrologist predict her first Childs birth date, in which the Astrologist got the date spot on. This and many other instances would secure her belief and trust in celestial bodies. Stating in her private writings and memoirs 'Since god created the universe and earth, he has been leaving messages in the stars guiding us on the righteousness path of piety, faith, hope and devotion.' 
=== Marriage ===
She and her husband maintained a happy relationship in their early years of marriage. But as the marriage grew and progressed they became cold and distant behind closed doors. Madeleine was a loving and kind woman, who treated her spouse with high regard and the upmost respect.
She was described as an obedient, respectful, and perfect wife. Without a doubt Madeleine was a loving and understanding woman towards her husband. That many would strive for a wife like that. But she was returned with the cold shoulder. Written in her memoirs "I wish he would love me back, but I will never stop till the last breath exits my body." She cherishes her husband and follows him loyally. 
In 1649, Madeleine discovered her husband's extramarital affair and his illegitimate children. After reading letters from his mistress asking for funds for their children together. Madeleine held back her tears, as she asked her husband if it was true, to his reply saying that it was. He also told her that she has made her the happiest he has ever been. Which devastated the Comtesse. she replied back saying, "If she makes you happy, then I am happy for your happiness." When her husband left the room, she'd enter a deep rage, in which she would destroy various objects within there rooms such as a vase threw. 
=== Heart-Ache ===
In 1649, the Comtesse de Moray suffered from insufferable sleeplessness. She complained about such things to the Duchesse de Mayenne, who gave her a sedative, made of 'ground-up Valerian and lavender extract. In which she was put to sleep. The Comtesse de Moray suffered, a sleepless night before this. In which she was up till four in the morning sobbing. In modern terms, the Comtesse de Moray was in a depression and was afflicted with a large amount of pain. Never the less, Madeleine put on a strong and happy face for her children, friends, family, and her husband. She being too naïve and loyal, still held her husband in high regard and had a strong affection for him.
== Court of Henri III & II ==
=== Revolts of Paris ===
In the year 1649, the Empire was shook by a revolt which was produced from Plague and famine terrozing the lower class of Grandelimiere, as well the execution of the assassin' responsible for the Emperors poisoning. The countryside of Grandelumiere. During this time, her and her husband were away in there Chateau. Sometime during December of that year, peasants surrounded the Louvre hurling jeers, insults and cries for the Imperial family to answer to them. Which would result in the storming of the Louvre. The Imperial family and Nobility would flee to Chateau de Blois, the residence of the Monsieur. The Comte and Comtesse de Moray would set there way from Dun-le-Roi, to Blois to reunite and meet with the Imperial court, the Emperor and the regent once more.
=== Death of Jacques IV de Stuart de Moray ===
In the February of 1655, The Comte de Moray fell terribly ill. He continued to recover numerous times from the illness, but the ailment lingered always returning. Sometime during the end of the month, the family had gathered for a familial dinner and soiree. It wasn't until after dinner, did the Comte de Moray begin to expel Hematemesis. The Physicians of the Moray family were summoned to his rooms to properly treat and medicate the dying man. As the physicians proceeded on with the treatment, The Comte began to experience worsening symptoms. As they carried on, Madame la Comtesse de Braine, stepped in demanding the physicians stop, as medical treatment was only hurting him. The physicians ceased treatment, his last rights, and confession were read. The Comte passed at almost half' past six, leaving Madeleine A widow. 
==== Widowhood ====
During the two years following her beloved husband's passing her already present depression would worsen. She would give up on her cheerful facade, too weakened to maintain it. It was noted that she would barely eat and became extremely overprotective over her growing number of grandchildren. It was once regarded that she got into a heated argument with Monsieur le Prince de Joinville, over the denial of visitation with her grandchildren due to an unknown circumstance. She also went on to cut off many of those close to her, only letting a select few in her life. During this period, she would become dependent on her sister-in-law, with Madame la Duchesse de Champdenier becoming a haven of comfort and reassurance. Her attitude would also change, she began to take her suppressed anger out on Madame la Comtesse de Clermont, using Madame de Clermont's weaknesses for her advantage. Which would lead to Madame de Clermont physically attacking the Comtesse Dowager. Her sour and grouchy attitude would be eased down with her long-time companion and platonic sweetheart, Monseigneur le Cardinal de Guise's compassion. Eventually, Her sister-in-law Madame de Champdenier would begin to ease the depressed woman into the new limelight. Encouraging her to return to a self-loving lifestyle. With the help and consideration of her sister, she would semi-return to her old self, finally opening back up, and beginning to take care of her personal needs. Upon this, during 1658 - 1660 she would keep a more active schedule, frequently venturing to Paris to visit with family, and having an active role in her grandchildren, and great-nieces, and nephews lives.
==Death of Madeleine de Clermont-Tonerre==
In the year 1660, during the month of March. Madeleine's health would deteriorate, due to the alarming rate of her quick depleting health. She would remain under the watchful eyes of her physician. While her condition was not of a serious sort, she remained monitored. In an instant, this all changed. While descending down the stairs, at Chateau de Vaucresson she would promptly pause, and would suddenly pass out (Hitting her head on the marble floors.) Following this, she was rushed to the Comte de Morays room for further inspection. It was declared by the physician she had experienced a heart attack. As her family rushed around her, she would make her tearful farewell to her children, siblings, as well as her nieces and nephews. She would request her final confession, following her confession she would begin to enter cardiac arrest, she would plead with her brother to watch after her children and would utter her final words; "Même si tous te renient, moi jamais je ne te renierai." She passed away, in her brothers embrace. His weeps of anguish and sorrow would be heard, her family would rush in to investigate the old cardinals weeps, to only see a lifeless, and empty Madeleine. Days following, her funeral would commence and would shortly be followed with the reading of her last will and testament. She would leave 6 children, 3 brothers and a sister, and various nephews and nieces.
== Appearance & Personality ==
=== Appearance ===
Madeleine is often described as a pale-looking young woman, of brown long hair which usually does in small curls and decorates with fresh flowers, mainly roses; and pearls, and hazel-coloured eye. By the year 1638, her appearance is described as the following one: "with 28 years old, the Comtesse enjoins of a delicate formed body. Her height was normal for a woman in our era, with only 5'0 in height. Her eyes were big and amazingly bright, as well, long eyelashes. Her lips are described as small, and her face as lightly round, straight-shaped nose, described as one of a roman a trait which all her siblings share and a puled white teeth." She is also described to have the La Marck cheeks. The strong and chiseled cheeks, along with the distinctive Clermont nose, which each of her siblings shares. With her delicate curved hourglass body, she is also said to have a chest in which overflows her bodice. She was seen as a symbol for maternity and fertility, in which she is often painted as the Roman Goddess Ceres.
=== Personality ===
Manon is known for being a joyous woman, very happy and alive, such as her brother, the Comte de Clermont. She was renowned for her kindness and empathy towards those of all walks of life. Her kindness extends to fellow courtiers, family and those of lower status. Madeleine was described as an optimist, always looking and believing in the best outcome, even if such is dim. A caring and loving nature in which those around her will feel like they are the only person in the world whom Madeleine cares for. In such cases like in 1644, when her elder brother the Comte de Clermont, was injured during a charge outside of the Bastile. Madeleine stayed by his side, caring and keeping her brother company. Those who speak with Madeleine will leave with a smile on their face and the feeling of a strong friendship with Madeleine.
== Issue ==
* Élisabeth Gabrielle de Stuart de Moray, Princesse de Sedan (4th July 1634 — present)
* Jacques Philippe Louis de Stuart de Moray, Comte de Dun-le-Roi (23rd April 1635 — present)
* Louise Marie de Stuart de Moray, Marquise Douairière de Huntly (22nd February 1636 — present)
* Philippe Antoine de Stuart de Moray, Chevillar de Sagonne (12th March 1637 — presesent)
* Louis Raphaël de Stuart de Moray, Seigneur de Bussy (12th March 1637 — 18th March 1637) †
* Marie-Madeleine de Stuart de Moray, Princesse de Joinville (11th November 1640 — present)
* Miscarriage (25th January 1643) †
* Marie Grisel de Stuart de Moray, Mademoiselle de Cogny (3rd December 1644 — 7th December 1644) †
* Marie Louise Henriette Françoise de Stuart de Moray, Mademoiselle de Rothes (1st December 1645— 27th December 1649) †
* Louis Claude Henri de Stuart de Moray de Stuart de Moray, Seigneur de Rothes (28th August 1647 — 28th August 1647 †
* Grisel-Marguerite Élisabeth de Stuart de Moray, Mademoiselle de Saint-Germain-des-Bois (1649 - present, Mademoiselle de Saint-Germain-des-Bois (27th December 1649 — present)
==Titles, Styles, and Honors==
=== Titles and Styles ===
Comtesse Douairière de Moray, Comtesse Douairière de Dun-le-Roi, Dame Douairière de Doune, Dame Douairière de Saint-Colme, Dame Douairière d'Abernethy, Dame Douairière de Strathdearn, Suo Jure Comtesse de Sagonne, Dame de La Bourdaisière
* 22 July 1610–1626 Mademoiselle de Cruzy
* 28 July 1626-1634 Madame la Comtesse de Dun-le-Roi
* October 1634-1655 Madame la Comtesse de Moray
*February 1655-Present Madame la Comtesse Douairière de Moray, Madame la Comtesse de Sagonne
=== Honors ===
* N/A
Category:Grandelumièrian Nobility
Category:Grandelumièrian Countesses
Category:House of Clermont-Tonnerre
Category:17th Century Births
Category:Pair d'Ecosse
Category:Scottish Nobility
Category:House of Stuart of Moray