Some say they were star-crossed lovers.
An independent woman of her time, Lady Marmalade grew up on the streets of New Orleans, in and out of orphanages. She was destitute and alone until a kind-hearted woman named Madame Fleur took her under her wing at La Maison à Côté, a small home for children in need. When leaving the home after several years, she vowed to pay Madame Fleur back for all the kindness she had bestowed upon her.
After venturing out into the world, her life had taken her down a path of ill-repute. And while she resided in what was commonly known as the red light district, Lady Marmalade's acquaintances were often of the high society persuasion. This afforded her opportunities she had only dreamt of as a child, so she remained true to her vow to Madame Fleur.
Lord Louis came from an influential New Orleans family. He grew up wealthy, receiving the finest education and socializing with the prestigious Louisiana elite.
The two met one evening at a Carnival masquerade ball in the French Quarter. Marmalade was there on the arm of another man. Wearing a black satin dress and dangerously high heels, she caught his eye from across the dance floor as she reached for a glass of magnolia wine. While entranced by her overwhelming beauty, he was unaware of Marmalade's circumstances.
Legend has it that it was love at first sight.
The couple began a whirlwind romance that consumed their every moment. After only a brief time together, Louis asked Marmalade's hand in marriage. She hesitated, knowing she had to tell him the true story of her sorted life. Louis disregarded the tragic tale and vowed his undying devotion to her.
However, Louis' family was none so forgiving. They threatened that if he took her as his bride, he would be disowned and stripped of his fortune. Marmalade could not bear to allow him to make this devastating sacrifice for her. Instead, the couple made a pact to hide their love from the world.
Louis gave Marmalade a key to a location where the pair could meet, away from the eyes of those who judged them. For the rest of their days, their forbidden love would forever remain a secret.
To this day, the legend of Lord Louis and Lady Marmalade lives on.
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