Marie-Therese Blonel d'Haraucourt,
Duchesse de Falaris, (1697-1782)
Born 1697
Died 1782
Affaire with Philippe II, Duke of Orleans,
Regent of France 1715-1723, (1674-1723)
Born 2 August 1674 St.Cloud
Died 2 December 1723 Versailles
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Abandoned by her disreputable husband, who had left her to fend for
herself when he escaped to Spain for non-payment of debts; she spent some
time in a convent before being rescued by her relative, the Duchess d'Olonne,
and was introduced into society. According to Marais, she 'indulged in
three or four lovers at a time, does not lack beauty, nor a certain seductive
allure'.
Madame de Sabran, aware of the infidelities of her rival, Madame de
Parabere, in 1723 introduced Marie-Therese to the Duke of Orleans, Regent
of France, and she became his mistress. Orleans found her diverting but
was not in love with her; they became close friends.
On 2 December 1723 the Duke, while talking to her, suddenly slumped
over in his chair. To her horror, she saw that his eyes were fixed, his
mouth open. The Duke was placed on the floor and bled, but it was too late;
Philippe d'Orleans never regained consciousness.
Madame de Falaris lived a long life and was gracing Paris society where
she was known as Madame Jezebel until her death in 1782 at the age
of eighty-five.
Source: Leo van de Pas |
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