Marie Antoinette: The Journey

Shortly before the birth of Dauphin Louis Joseph on October 19, 1781, American forces with French military support defeated the English at Yorktown. Soon after, French troops, including the Marquise de La Fayette, began to return from America.

On November 21, 1781, the king’s elderly advisor died. Marie Antoinette was unable to influence the choice of new advisor, leading the Austrian ambassador and Emperor Joseph to complain that she was not doing enough to further Austrian interests in France. She was also unable to secure French military support for Austria’s bid for territorial expansion in Europe. Moreover, while the queen generally excelled at caring for her children, she made frequent political missteps in court, such as when she appointed the Duchesse de Polignac to the role of Royal Governess over higher-ranking nobles, causing tension.

In June 1783, Count Fersen returned from America. Soon after, Marie Antoinette had a miscarriage. Fraser argues that it is likely around this time she and Fersen became physically intimate. The relationship was a guarded secret, especially as libellistes often accused the queen of having affairs, particularly lesbian affairs, with members of the court.

Marie continued to spend money lavishly on her pretend hamlet, on parties, and on beautiful objects, even as she worried about the health of her son.