Rosa de Francia

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Luisa Isabel de Orleans, the "Rose of France," betrothed to Luis, the prince of Asturias, arrives at the palace of the Spanish royal family. Luisa, a charming and fun-loving girl, shocks King Felipe, Queen Isabel de Farnesio, and her husband-to-be with her irreverence and indecorous behavior. The two wed in great solemnity nonetheless, and Luisa gaily arranges her wedding suite. Farnesio and her husband decide, however, that the marriage cannot be consummated as the French princess has not proven herself trustworthy. Luis leaves Luisa alone on their wedding night, and Farnesio continues to prevent a real marital union between the young couple, though Felipe urges otherwise. When Felipe receives the news that his nephew, King Louis XV of France, is deathly ill, Farnesio tells him to abdicate so that he can take his place as the rightful heir of the French crown, which would thus leave the Spanish throne to Luisa and Luis. Realizing that he would then be the de facto ruler of Spain, in addition to being king of France, Philip agrees. Tesse, a nobleman and royal attendant, realizes that the royal couple must consummate their union so that Spain will have a strong monarchy. He calls on the marquis of Magny to flirt with Luisa to incite the jealousy of Luis. Luisa refuses to attend a Sunday church service with the royal family and instead has a picnic with her friends, including Magny. When Magny's flirtations become too serious, Luisa reacts with embarrassment. As the Royal family arrives, however, Magny carries Luisa from a tree where she has been concealing herself in a game of hide-and-seek. Shocked at her conduct, Luis orders her to leave the country estate for Madrid where she will be granted her liberty, but he is sorry to see her go. Hearing that Luis is fond of dressing up like a commoner for midnight adventures through the city, Luisa dresses like a common woman, veils herself and seeks out her husband. In a city park, Luis sees the disguised Luisa and falls in love, confessing that the "queen," Luisa, does not care for him. Felipe then arrives at the garden to find his son disturbing the peace. He scolds Luis for fraternizing with an unescorted lady and then orders her arrest. Luisa laughs at this, and Luis immediately recognizes her charming giggle. He takes her back to his home, and when Felipe and Farnesio arrive to tell him of Luisa's absence from the palace, the now happily married couple hide behind the curtains of his bed.