Chapter I: Introduction: 1

FIRST PART

[1715–1744]

CHAPTER

I. THE INFANTA MARIE ANNE VICTOIRE, BETROTHED OF LOUIS XV 13

II. THE MARRIAGE OF MARIE LECZINSKA 23

III. THE DISGRACE OF THE MARQUISE DE PRIE 31

IV. THE KING FAITHFUL TO THE QUEEN 39

V. THE FAVOR OF THE COUNTESS DE MAILLY 46

VI. THE COUNTESS DE VINTIMILLE 53

VII. THE DISGRACE OF THE COUNTESS DE MAILLY 59

VIII. THE REIGN OF THE DUCHESS DE CHÂTEAUROUX 68

IX. THE JOURNEY TO METZ 75

X. THE DEATH OF THE DUCHESS DE CHÂTEAUROUX 84

SECOND PART

[1745–1768]