Regretful note from the marquis (4)
I believe the answer is:
sade
'the marquis' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'regretful note' is the wordplay.
'regretful' becomes 'sad' (similar in meaning).
'note' becomes 'e' (musical note).
'sad'+'e'='SADE'
'from' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sade that I've seen before include "The Marquis de .... was renowned for cruelty" , "Jazz-pop group" , "The Marquis de . . . . was noted for cruelty" , "letter from Israel?" , "Hebrew character" .)