Marie-Zéphyrine de Bourbon-Condé

## Comtesse de Caumont

Her, with the family piano and music notes. Painted by an unknown artist.

**Marie-Zéphyrine** **de Bourbon-Condé**, Comtesse de Caumont (16 August 1758 - Present) is a French princesse du sang as her quality of being the daughter of Louis V de Bourbon-Condé and descendant of the Grand Condé.

As of 1775, she stands in an uncertain position as she is about to become the age to be married. She doesn't know whom shall be it, especially that is she of royal blood. Balancing on the line of the family's legacy, making her very careful on her choice of permanence, not wanting to anger her Father who doesn't want her nor her sister to marry any families of low standing or peerage, and has protected them from any proposals from them.

This also extends to her brother, whom has put enormous pressure of her sister, conjuring her to marry promptly with an advantageous party of her choice while admitting the same treatment to the potential grooms deemed unworthy of her royal blood.

## Early Life

### **Upbringing.**

Marie-Zéphyrine was born as the last child of Louis V, Prince de Condé and Charlotte de Rohan-Soubise, his deceased wife, a member of the ancestral house of Rohan. Many though that the baby would be a boy, but were surprised as to see it was a girl. Nonetheless, she was styled as *Mademoiselle d'Enghien* as the second daughter and the last offspring of Louis V. From the start, she and her sister were destined to be one of the most sought-after parties in France, leading to her and her siblings to be educated, so they can represent their dynasty through every ceremonies and passing-by.

Bestowed with a corresponding culturally, literary and expanded moneyed education by her great-aunt -- Henriette Louise de Bourbon-Condé-- along with being educated at the royal abbey of Bernardine Panthémont. Although, she sought more knowledge by reading books in the library inside of their residence, making her more intelligent in the world of music and the arts.

Even with all of that she has learned, she knows her duty as a pawn for the extension of the family bloodline won't ever change. That is why she has become indifferent the talk of marriage and children along with the conditions and expectations of the family itself, fully understanding her status in the hierarchy of the family. Yet, her values as a Christian remained strong, even with nature taking its course, taking her mother away.

## Adolescence

As she grew older, the conversation of marriage couldn't be avoided any longer. And so, she was taught what and what not to do when she has become a wife of a man with the same status as her family. Although, she *resented* the fact that she had to marry, she couldn't do anything about it, lest she incur the wrath of the bloodline on to her.

Yet, she continued to explore the world of the music, arts, and the world around her, in her free time she wasn't studying in Science & Mathematics. A private letter addressed to her sister, who was mourning the breaking of her engagement to the Comte d'Artois, showed her sympathy and understanding. She knew that they mutually sparked a flame of affection and comfort, but fate had other plans for Louise and the Comte. Once her sister marries, she will be next to play the game of love. The question that lingered on her mind now was not of *"How?"* but *"When?"*.

## Court of Louis XV

### Relations in the Court of Louis XV.

So far, she has made a few friends inside of court, which include the Comte de Busset & the Duchesse D. de Fronsac who arrived to le Chateau de Meudon on the 12th of August, 1775. Thankfully, she has stayed away from being in the prying hands & eyes of love, as that had affected a few in the past weeks. By now, in 1777, she has an admirer, to whom she has stayed as friends, not wanting to feel the wrath of loving someone of lower peerage. Her quick thinking king worked, preventing any negative publicity whatsoever to happen in the first place.

Her family, however, were still looking for the *right* one for her. And, by this point, she doesn't know if they're going to *find* him. Nonetheless, she carried on, continuing her charity work along with educating the lower classes of French Society.

## Character Synopsis

### Appearance & Personality.

Something to make note of is that she is known to be impulsive in her interests such as reading books. But, she has learned early on to not show it publicly, as it embarrasses her when it takes charge. Even with that, she is polite & caring like any woman taught in aristocracy. Yet, she is forward-thinking, always wanting to see improvements to the world, and most of all, to the lives of the people. She has always thought of those below her status as living beings, knowing their suffering instead of being in ignorant bliss. Adding on to that, she never underestimates anyone, especially those who want to achieve the dreams they've established.

As for her appearance, she keeps herself well-kept and distinct from the court. But not in a way to outshine the people, instead, to show that she is unique in choices of fashion. She does by wearing certain accessories such as black bows and matching jewelry. She's self-aware to not take the stage from the other women, letting them be in front to the unfolding drama and intrigue.

## Titles and Styles

* **16 August 1758 - 24 October 1760:** *Son Altesse Sérénissime, Marie-Zéphyrine de Bourbon, Mademoiselle de Bourbon,* Princesse du Sang de France.

* **24 October 1760 - Present:** *Son Altesse Sérénissime, Marie-Zéphyrine de Bourbon, Mademoiselle d'Enghien,* Princesse du Sang de France.