ABSTRACT
The Fronde has been treated so far as a Parisian affair. The sullen, precarious equilibrium that followed the Declaration of Saint-Germain was vulnerable to a major upheaval in a province, a challenge by any set of magnates or a royal counter-attack. Each was to occur. Meanwhile taxpayers everywhere tucked away their sous and appreciated a shortlived tax holiday: this ill wind blew some good. Officers came home on winter leave. Their commanders had to cope with disgruntled troops, confusing loyalties, conflicting advice. Most dazzling star in the military firmament, Condé now looked for recognition and reward beyond anything he had yet received. Orléans craved popularity, resented Mazarin and talked unhelpfully about harmony between crown and Parlement. Anne could not be sure what he meant by it; she distrusted him anyway. While Longueville was still serving the crown in his own heavy fashion his wife enjoyed the chance to play political and amorous games. Her brother, Armand de Conti, 1 needed little persuading to find a role more prominent than he had yet enjoyed as the unregarded younger brother of the famous general. His name, wealth and position as governor of Champagne, on France’s vulnerable eastern flank ensured him a prominence his personality and abilities did little to deserve. Marcillac would be better known as the duc de la Rochefoucauld the older, 2 perhaps wiser author of the Maxims. In hot youth he now embraced the cause and person of Mme de Longueville. Longueville’s Normandy, Conti’s Champagne, Marcillac’s estates and connections in the southwest: here were formidable bases and resources for the rebel cause.
