Anne de Poussard de Fors

**Anne de Poussard de Fors**, Duchesse de Richelieu *otherwise known as Anne de Richelieu* Is a Vasttairian noblewoman, peeress and Dame d'Atours à Madame. The wife of **Armand-Jean de Vignerot du Plessis, Duc de Richelieu** nephew of the famed *Cardinal de Richelieu*

## Anne, Duchesse de Richelieu

Sa grâce, Madame la Duchesse de Richelieu

## Title

### Predecessor

Marie-Françoise de Guémadeuc, Marquise Douairière de Pontcourlay

## Biography

### House

Poussard de Fors (Birth)
de Vignerot du Plessis (Marriage)

### Spouse

François-Alexandre d'Albret (m, 1644 -1648) †
Armand Jean de Vignerot du Plessis, Duc de Richelieu (m. 1649)

### Issue

Louis-François-Armand de Vignerot du Plessis, Marquis de Pontcourlay (b. 1651)
Marie-Catherine-Armande, Mademoiselle de Richelieu (b. 1653)

Élisabeth-Marguerite-Armande, Mademoiselle de Fronsac (b. 1655)

Marie-Gabrielle-Armande, Mademoiselle de Mortagne (b. 1656)

### Father

François de Poussard de Vigean, Marquis de Fors

### Siblings

François de Poussard de Vigean, Marquis de Fors
Marthe Françoise Poussard de Vigean

## **Early Years**

Anne, was born at Chateau d'Og, on May, 22nd, 1622, in the Fors area of France, to her Parents François de Poussard de Fors and her mother Anne de Neubourg. Her birth wasn't regarded as anything of special occurrence or any distress during her birth. Due to her fathers position as a Councilor of his majesty, there was no time for him to dilly, he and his wife would find themselves rushing back to court. Leaving the little newborn, Anne to her wet-nurses.

### **Childhood**

Following regular protocol for education for young girls of her status, she would begin her education under the care of the family governess. At the age of 9 she would be sent to the Abbaye de Saint-Ferme to continue her education until her adolescence. During her time in the Abbaye de Saint-Ferme, she would be taught in various subjects such as; the playing of instruments, dancing, singing, embroidery, arithmetic, etiquette, and theology.

### **Adolescence**

Upon reaching her teenage years, her wit and charm would make her a perfect bride. Her father, would place his daughter on the market to hopefully obtain a marriage that would be diplomatic for the family. Eventually a betrothal with François Alexandre d'Albret would follow through.

## **Court if Charles XIX**edit | edit source

### **Marriage**

In 1644, she would married François Alexandre d'Albret, Comte de Marennes. The two would have a relatively mediocre marriage, though such would be cut short. When tragedy struck in 1648, Monsieur le Comte de Marennes would pass. Leaving Anne, Comtesse Douairière de Marennes. Her father was quick to arrange for a new match for her - and a very advantageous one at that. In 1649, Anne was married to the Duc de Richelieu.

The marriage was considered to be somewhat of a mystery. Anne was particularly young nor did she have a fortune. Her father's title was not very grand and Anne herself was not considered to be beautiful. The match was described by the court "the astonishment of the whole court."

Her husband would indulge in extramarital affairs, to the dismay of the Duchesse. Primarily with Françoise de Dreux. Thus, Anne would consider Madame de Dreux one of her greatest enemies. Aside from the affairs of her husband, she maintained a healthy and friendly relationship with the Duc and would provide the Duc with a handful of children.

### **Courtly Life**

The early years of her court presence were years of surprise and shock to the courtiers around her. Being of the Noblesse de Robe and marrying the nephew of the Great Cardinal de Richelieu, took many by surprise. Considering her status the court was amazed by her seemingly perfect knowledge of court etiquette, structure, and duties. Her wisdom in such matters would secure her a place in court, not as a mockery, but a well respected matriarch. During her time at court she became known as a wise, fair, and kind woman. A meditator between quarrelers' and petty arguments', and a pacifist. She was often found to diffuse the quarrels of courtiers, and bring a sense of neutrality to those she associated with.

#### **Arrival of the Madame**

In 1663 she would be placed within the household of the Polish Princess, whom was now married to the Kings brother the *Monsieur*. Madame de Richelieu would offer the foreign Princess guidance within the court. Alongside the Duchesse de Vivonne who served as the *Surintendante de la Maison de Madame.* She would remain a loyal lady during the tenure of the Madame and dutifully serve. Madame de Richelieu knew where her loyalties laid, and such was with the Crown. Madame de Richelieu was a strong believer that the nobilities purpose was to serve the Sovereign and his family. She would heavily inflict her beliefs into her work and would be a determined *Dame d'Atours* to the Madame.

## **Character Synopsis**

### **Appearance**

While not regarded to be notably good looking, she was often described as *average* in looks. In her youth she was described to have dark hazel eyes. A slender nose and a round face. Her cheeks pudgy, and her lower lip being fuller then her upper lip giving her a constant pout. Dark curly brown hair. As she aged, her pregnancies would take a toll on her shape, causing her to become rather round in the torso and lower body. Her once dark brown locks, would begin to grey, which would strike terror in Richelieu's eyes, there forth she'd begin to dye her hair a dark blonde to mask her graying.

## **Issue**

With her husband, she would produce four children, which included one son and three daughters. Her duty of securing a dynasty was fulfilled upon the birth of her fourth child.

**Louis-François-Armand de Vignerot du Plessis, *Marquis de Pontcourlay*** (b. 1651)

**Marie-Catherine-Armande, *Mademoiselle de Richelieu*** (b. 1653)

**Élisabeth-Marguerite-Armande, *Mademoiselle de Fronsac*** (b. 1655)

**Marie-Gabrielle-Armande, *Mademoiselle de Mortagne*** (b. 1656)