Welcome to the House of Cleves

Just a test message to see if I can post without problems - as you all know, I'm constantly amazed by all the things we didn't have in Cleves! Like Twitter, online forums, cocktails, trashy novels - and corgis!!

Ahaha, now where could we be without our beloved Corgis?
Kateryn Regina.

No cocktails? What dost thou do all day in Cleves?

I am pleased indeed that father didst rescue you from such a place!

In Cleves, there was much...embroidering. Lots of...being well-behaved, lots of domesticity, and lots of wearing very dense veils so that one might bump into sharp corners if one were not paying attention.

We must get you accustomed to our english fashions!
But no gable hoods, they are very unattractive.

Yes, the French ones look much more flattering, I think.

Yes everything French is more attractive *bats eyelashes*. And sewing is most fun, perhaps thou could teacheth me to sew in the German fashion?

I should like that very much - sewing was the one thing I was really encouraged to do well. I suspect you may find our style somewhat...prudish, but we will get creative and adapt!

Oh goodie. Could you please make your corgie stop biting me?

Oops. Sorry about that. Perhaps I need to employ someone to train him.

Come to Mummy, Ringo! Bad dog!

I know the most fantastic dog trainer! He's an Italian named Ridolfi! A little rough, but very fine trainer. Perhaps my dogs could come and play?

Yes! I am in great need of a dog trainer. I'm not sure it's entirely...safe...for Ridolfi to come meet us here in England, though...?

Oh, it will be fine. I need him to carry a few letters anyway, just between us Catholics.

My poor Anne, while I am happy it was not I who ended up married to His Majesty (for I after all have only one neck), I must say poor Francois did not live long either after becoming Duke of Lorraine. Regenting is quite nice though.