There is so much excitement this sunny morning. The King’s carriage is arriving at the Paris Palace on the banks of the Seine Tuileries is the center of power in France. King Louis XIV has been king since May 14, 1643, he loves to be referred to as the Sun King. He is returning with news of his new palace, Versailles, which is being constructed at his grandfathers hunting lodge, which was originally built in 1643 as a chapel. It is 12 miles west of Paris.

I am 16 years old, I am innocent, naïve, and one of 10 young women chosen as ladies in waiting for Queen Maria Theresa of Spain. She is stunningly beautiful woman. Our duties are simple to help her with every need, bathing, dressing, and her hair. She must always appear as if she is going to court.

One of the great advantages being part of the court is we get to wear beautiful clothes. We find ourselves very lucky to have this honored duty.

There’s more to this in the current issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Support local journalism by purchasing the issue at a local newsstand or subscribing at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to receive the print edition or view the full article in the e-edition version.