The French Mistress:
A Novel of the Duchess of Portsmouth and King Charles II

Readers' Guide/Questions for Discussion

  1. The title of this book, The French Mistress, can describe not only how the English viewed Louise de Keroualle, but also as the way she described herself as well. Which do you think is more apt?
  2. Charles II was crowned only after a prolonged exile following his father’s beheading and the English Civil War. He was determined to create a Court that was more relaxed and informal than his father’s had been, yet often found his authority challenged during his reign. His cousin Louis XIV also had a difficult childhood for a royal prince, and he, too, was exiled from Paris by the enemies of his family during the Fronde. Yet Louis reacted to his past by insisting on a rigidly ritualized Court that he could completely control and manipulate. Which model do you feel worked better? As a courtier, which would you prefer?
  3. Louise saw no shame in her position as a royal mistress. Do you think this was because of the material wealth she amassed, the power she acquired, her ability to help her native France, or simply because of the love she felt for Charles?
  4. Louise had the opportunity to observe several arranged royal couples first-hand: Madame and Monsieur; Louis and Ann; Charles and Catherine; James and Mary Beatrice; William and Mary. Do you think this influenced her decision to become Charles’s mistress rather than pursue a marriage of her own?
  5. Charles’s mistresses were constantly faulted for their greed, and Louise was regarded as the most avaricious of them all. Do you think she was in fact greedy, or merely making the most of a brief and unpredictable opportunity to provide for herself and her son?
  6. Anti-Catholic prejudice and persecution reached hysterical levels during Charles’s reign. Compare this to examples of religious intolerance in the modern world.
  7. Although Louise was undeniably a beautiful and desirable woman, she chose to emphasize her talents as a hostess and as an exemplar of elegant taste to help her maintain a lasting relationship with Charles. Do you agree with her decision? Do you think she would have held Charles’s interest if she had relied simply on her beauty?
  8. Louise made virtually no friends in England beyond Charles. Do you agree with her opinion that she was surrounded by enemies, and could trust no one but herself, or the opinions of others at the English Court: that she was chilly and aloof, and too self-centered for friendship?
  9. Treatment and understanding of syphilis was rudimentary in the 17th century. Given Charles’s wide-ranging habits and Louise’s monogamy, it’s safe to say that he infected her. Yet she was the who was “punished” by being isolated from him and her son during the time the disease was being treated. Discuss this double standard.
  10. Louise was a favorite target both of Court satire as exemplified by the Earl of Rochester and of the more common ballads and pamphlets that circulated through coffee houses and taverns. How do you think today’s tabloid-style journalism would treat Louise? Do you think she would be followed more for her political role, her sexual relationship with the King, or as a stylish trendsetter?
  11. While Louis treated Louise as an agent of the French, Charles chose to regard her more as a facilitator, a special kind of diplomat that he felt he could trust. How would you regard her role: as a spy, or a savvy diplomat?
  12. Although Charles had many women in his life, he was surprisingly careful with his endearments. His pet names for Louise were “Fubbs”, an abbreviation of fubsy, a 17th century synomym for chubby, and “My Dear Life.” He used both in conversation, and throughout his letters to her. What do you think these nicknames reveal about their relationship?
  13. Late in the book, Louise sees one of the Queen’s Maids of Honor who is facing dismissal on account of her faith: “Poor poppet, I thought sadly, though perhaps it would be far better for her if her career at Court ended now, before she found her way to some lord’s bed.” Do you think Louise truly believed this? Do you think if she had her life to do over that she would have made a different choice than to come to Court?