Rose Bertin's real name was Mary Jane Bertin. "Rose" was her nickname, supposedly connected to Marie Antoinette being called the "Rococo Rose."
She was born in 1741 into a lower-class family in Picardy. Before entering Paris, she trained in Abbeville. Her talent was soon recognized by the noblewomen of the court. In 1770, she met the Duchess of Chartres, wife of the Duke of Orleans, and the Princess of Condé. Through their introductions, she met Marie Antoinette.
Because of the Duke of Orleans, it was hardly surprising that the British had sought her out and introduced her to Georgiana.
When the people stormed the Tuileries Palace, there were not only Swiss mercenaries, but also nobles loyal to the king.
Georgiana could not tell whether "Rose" was still loyal to Marie Antoinette or had returned to serving a new court out of necessity. In any case, she was useful now: with the "magic" of a fairy godmother, she could turn a grim, frightening fortress standing by the sea into a palace in a single night.
This castle, chosen as the new venue, had been built during the Hundred Years' War. Located between Calais and Fort Philippe, it faced the sea and had a small town at its back. It was easy to see what military purpose it had once served.
But it had now been abandoned. Georgiana used a little "magic" to Scourgify it, saving Bertin, the "fairy godmother," a great deal of trouble.
After all, aside from the furniture and curtains, every other part of the castle was built of stone. It was extremely sturdy and fire-resistant, since it had been designed to withstand catapults and fire attacks. Beyond the castle lay a vast, open beach, making it convenient for everyone if they needed to take action.
They had already