Jacques de Bryas

Jacques de Bryas, Vicomte d'Arras (1755-), was the only son of Clement and Sophie de Bryas. Jacques became the Vicomte d'Arras after his uncle, the previous Vicomte d'Arras, died along with his heir. He was friends with Charles X, Comte d'Artois and cousin of Pierre du Bois.

Early Life
Jacques de Bryas was born in Royon as a provincial noble and had a simple childhood. Jacques's father, Clement de Bryas, worked as a feudal lawyer. His mother, Sophie de Bryas, often spent large sums of money on luxuries which caused his family to sink into debt for a long time.

Smallpox killed his father, his uncle the Vicomte d'Arras and his son, along with a few other family members over the years. Being the next heir he became the Vicomte d'Arras and moved into his late uncle's estate, the Chateau de Brias. Which was situated near Arras.

Relationship with the Comte d'Artois
Jacques met the Comte d'Artois when they were both being presented to the King the same day. Jacques introduced himself to the Comte himself, despite the fact that the Comte d'Artois was of very high nobility while he was of lower nobility himself. They became friends due to having similar political views and interests.

Over the years they became close friends with the Comte d'Artois, who helped him become the Grand Bailiff in the Artesian Council. The Comte d'Artois also gave him the title of Baron de Bethune. He even helped talk the Comte into seeking annulment from his first wife, Catherine de Rohan. Though he did not tell him to marry his second wife, at the time his mistress, Jeanne Becu.

At Versailles
Jacques served as the proxy for the Comte d'Artois in Versailles, mostly in order to makes sure nothing happens to his apartments, while he is gone in the spring/summer months. Jacques usually kept to himself and didn't attend court events.

Relationship with Pierre Du Bois
After Jacques inherited his title, his rake of a cousin, Pierre Du Bois came to him for money. Jacques did not approve of him but due to his perceived obligation to help his family members, he decided to give him 3,000 livres a month as long as he stayed away from him and help the Comte d'Artois with his need of a libellist.

Titles and Styles
1755-1759 The Vicomte d'Arras et Seigneur d'Hesquelles

1759-Present The Vicomte d'Arras, Baron de Bethune, et Seigneur d'Hesquelles