Madame de maintenon biography books

The story of Francoise D'Aubigne, Madame de Maintenon and mistress and later (possibly) secret morganatic queen to the Sun King. Francoise was an admirable woman, witty and good-hearted. After an impoverished childhood (her father was gently born but flaky, perhaps even a con man), she went to Paris and befriended the crippled but clever writer Scarron.

He died after only ~five years of marriage, leaving her a pretty, probably virginal widow of 24.

Madame De Maintenon Books - Goodreads

She spent the next few years taking care of friends' children, and eventually her reputation came to the notice of Athenais de Montespan. Athenais was the King's mistress, but her husband refused to pretend to be the father of her illegitimate children. To maintain her reputation, Athenais had her infants (of which there were five) each spirited away as soon as they were born, to live with the sensible and virtuous Francoise.

Eventually the King started visiting his little Madame De Maintenon Hardcover – March 1, 2005 - JIW