The need for money was like some horrible, multi-limbed monster. Every time the duchess put coins in the hand of one creditor, it seemed that two more hands would replace it. She’s sold her home. She even parted with the jewels that the King had given her, but still it was not enough. Finally, she appealed directly to the new Queen, who took pity on her and appointed her to be one of the ladies of the Royal Bedchamber. Although most considered la duchesse du Linge a rusty relic of l‘ancien régime, she was a keen expert on court etiquette. She did not hesitate to correct the younger ladies of the bedchamber when they erred.
