Life was peaceful at the Manor de Barbarac. The farm had been prosperous that year thanks to the dedicated hard work of the Comte Auguste de Barbarac and his full staff of servants.
He had received the manor from his father, the Marquis Jacques de Barbarac, when he had married the Lady Nicole de Lancret. They had two children, the oldest Danielle Nicole and Gustave Armand. It had been Auguste's summer home when he was a child.
Danielle and Gustave always helped out the chores, as Nicole had raised them to do. Even though they were of noble blood, their mother told them, that was no reason to treat people any differently. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. These were the words Nicole still lived by.
She was the daughter of the Marquis Louis de Lancret and his wife, Marie. They had met at court one day when King Francis and Queen Marie had invited Auguste to present him with a gift. It had been a beautiful hand-carved harpsichord. It had belonged to the cousin of Auguste's best friend, Rene. He had no use for it; he had never learned to play. He had loved Danielle so much that he had given it to them after the death of his wife in childbirth. She would cherish that harpsichord from the day she received it from her father. She had never stopped playing it. Auguste had also filled the house with books. When she wasn't playing, she was reading and Auguste and Nicole were always proud of her.
Gustave loved to paint and had always been encouraged by his mother and father to do so.
The peacefulness of life in Hautefort, however, was soon to be interrupted by a woman known as the Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent and her two daughters, Marguerite and Jacqueline. They had just come from Paris where they had been staying following the death and beheading of her husband, Baron Jean de Ghent.
He had left them a small manor not too far from the de Barbarac's farm.
King Francis and Queen Marie's only son, Prince Henry was not too much older than Danielle was. She had just turned 18 and he was going on his 21st year.
The sad part was he was engaged to be married to the Princess of Spain though he did not love her. His father had signed a treaty of marriage with the Spanish King and Queen.
As a young boy, Henry was brought up to appreciate music. He was taught to play the harpsichord until the one in the music room had been hauled off for some reason. Queen Marie had explained that they were going to be getting a brand new one. Henry still missed that old harpsichord. There was something about it that he loved. He had heard that it had been delivered somewhere, but was never told where it had gone.
And then again, maybe he had, he just hadn't paid any attention.
But the only thing on his mind right now was this woman that everyone kept talking about at court. How, even though she was of noble blood, she never looked down on anyone. Even if she had servants, she would help them and do her own chores with them. Henry had never once heard her name, he wasn't around the conversation long enough.
He wanted to meet her so badly. He hadn't realized that he had already.
This is the beginning of their story.
Danielle, Paulette and Louise were out picking apples one beautiful morning in late August when they heard the pounding of horses' hooves behind them. Turning around, they spotted the Royal Guard. Not just one or two, mind you, but the entire army.
"What could be going on?" Paulette asked her sister. She had been the youngest house servant to enter the de Barbarac's household. They had been a part of Nicole's dowry, along with the farm animals. Auguste had always wanted to be farmer.
"Could there be a war on the horizon?"
Louise looked up at her. "The only war you're going to get is the one that the Comtesse will give you when you get back."
Paulette frowned.
"Come, come, ladies," Danielle laughed. "You know my mother better than that. Let's see if we can't find the best apples that we can. My mother wants to bake us a surprise."
Louise smiled and looked at Danielle. "She wouldn't tell you what they were for, would she?"
Danielle smiled. "Between you and me, Louise, I think.."
"Danielle." It was her father.
Louise looked at her. "Better go find out what he wants, child."
Danielle smiled. "I'm sure it is nothing. I will return shortly."
She ran up the stairs, leading to the manor house and into her father's arms.
"Danielle, you act like you haven't seen in months," he said, hugging her tightly, then he released her.
"Your mother needs some help in the house."
Danielle smiled. "I know, Papa. I guess now that Gustave is studying to be famous painter, I'll need to double up on chores."
Her father smiled. "Not necessarily. She would like to talk with you is all. Maurice and I will be out back in the stables, if you need us."
Danielle smiled. "Thank you, Papa."
She ran all the way to the manor house.
Louise and Paulette suddenly heard a strange voice male voice behind them, one that they did not recognize.
Paulette turned to see someone on a horse, jumping one of the bushes that led to the de Barbarac stables. One of several, they were used as a training ground for Auguste's five prized stallions. She couldn't see his face, because he was covered from head to toe in a purple cloak.
Paulette watched the horse and rider. He was having particular trouble in getting the stallion to move. She realized why. This wasn't his horse, she thought, it's one of the Comte's five stallions.
Louise had noticed it, too.
"Thief," Paulette yelled, picking up an apple and throwing at both horse and rider. "This will teach you to steal the Master's horse."
She knocked him of the horse with the first blow.
Louise stared at her. She was trying to stop Paulette from throwing the apples.
She wasn't doing a very good job.
She ran over to help the stranger who had fallen on the ground. Louise had to wait until Paulette ran out of apples or else she would get pelted herself.
Louise didn't have to wait at all. Auguste had arrived and had taken charge of the situation.
Auguste tried to help the stranger to his feet and was almost knocked down in the process.
The stranger began to run, but he hadn't gotten far. He ran straight into the arms of another man.
"It's alright, Monsieur le Comte, we will handle the situation from here."
"Thank you, Captain Laurent, for your timely intervention."
"Yes, we have been trailing the Prince since he ran away this morning."
Auguste watched as Laurent removed the hood of cloak from the Prince's face.
"Henry, you lied," he said.
"Yes, I know."
He turned to Auguste.
"I am sorry, Monsieur le Comte. I was only borrowing the horse as mine has slipped his shoe. It was a mistake that shall never be repeated. How is your wife, especially Gustave and Danielle?"
Auguste smiled. "And a good day to you, Your Highness. They are all fine." He looked over at Laurent. "Care to come inside? My wife is baking some fresh apple turnovers. I would love to share them with you while you explain to me just what you were doing with my horse." Maurice was already leading the stallion back to the stables.
Laurent shook his head.
"I am afraid not, Monsieur. We have to bring Prince Henry back to the castle. There is some unfinished business that has to be attended to." He smiled. "Some other time, perhaps?"
"Yes," Auguste said, looking at the Prince, "some other time, indeed." He looked back to Laurent. "Then I will bid you farewell, for now."
"Thank you for your understanding, Monsieur," Laurent said. "The royal family will repay..."
Auguste smiled and shook his head. "There is no need for that, Laurent. Just see to it that this never happens again."
Maurice had returned with Henry's horse. Auguste watched as Henry jumped on.
Laurent commanded the Royal Guard to advance. He waved to Auguste and disappeared down the road.
Auguste picked Louise up from the ground. She had been visibly shaken. Between Paulette's apples and the "thief" turning out to be His Royal Highness had been too much to take in one day.
Laurent and Henry were riding up front, the Royal Guard trailing behind.
"Henry, this has to stop. This is the third escape in a row. Each night you take a different path."
Henry smiled. "That's the idea, Laurent. I just do not want my parents to find me."
Laurent looked at his friend. "Come, now, there must be a reason."
"I don't want to marry the Princess, Laurent," Henry said. "I want to marry for love, not some stranger that my father brought together under a marriage contract."
"He is still your father, Henry." Laurent said
"I know, Laurent, but that doesn't change the fact that.."
He stopped. Laurent hadn't answered. He had ridden forward, away from Henry, just to get a better look at what he saw in the pasture.
Henry turned to dismiss the guard. "Armand," he said. "Please tell my father we shall return to the castle as soon as I can. I will be here with Laurent."
"As you wish, Your Highness." Armand answered, bowing from his horse. He signaled to the others to get going. As they left, Henry went to join Laurent.
"What is it that you are looking at?"
Laurent gestured toward the two women in the field. One had dark brown hair, almost black, and the other was blond.
The blond got Henry's attention immediately. "Those must be the de Ghent sisters I've heard so much about."
"And the mother who treats only one as a servant."
"Yes, I have heard that tale, at court. Gossip mostly. Do you know which one?"
Laurent smiled. He gestured toward the short, slightly pudgy girl with the black hair. "Her name is Jacqueline. The blond one, Marguerite, is the oldest and is spoiled rotten."
Henry smiled. "You have heard a lot, haven't you?" Laurent wasn't listening. Henry followed his gaze and discovered he was staring at the one with the dark hair. He smiled as he watched the blond. Maybe she was the answer to his prayers.
"Keep away from me, will you?"
Marguerite was trying her best to keep as far away from her sister as possible. She didn't want to be seen anywhere with her. Jacqueline had been such disgrace to the rest of the family, except perhaps her father, who had adored her. He gave her everything, right up until his death.
He had paid more attention to her than he had to Mother, Marguerite thought. At least, that's what she had been told.
Marguerite had been told to go out and bring her back. Jacqueline had been taking far to long in her chores and now Rodmilla needed her back at the house. Besides, she was late for her studies.
Marguerite was so intent on returning to the manor that she hadn't noticed two figures peering at them from the other side of the pasture.
Rodmilla hadn't been in a good mood, lately. She was bored with this sleepy little province. She wanted the busy excitement of Paris. She missed the all the hustle and bustle, the shops and the fabulous bakery that she frequented every morning.
She had a large chateau, tons of servants and load and loads of money while Jean was alive. After his death, the only thing she was left with was his debt. She had very little money, if any at all. She would forever regret this move to this part of France.
She couldn't go back there. Not now, not ever. Too many people were wanted her head.
What she needed more than Paris was someone with money. Lots of money. Someone that would give her everything she ever wanted.
Who could she possibly find out here in this isolated corner of the world?
"Mama," Danielle asked, as she helped her mother and another of the house servants, Estelle, with the baking. "Yes, Danielle?"
"What's it like to be in love?"
Nicole smiled. "The Marquis? Has he told you as much?"
Danielle nodded. "He is the most wonderful boy in the whole wide world. He gives me anything I ask for and more. We have so much in common. All we do when we're together is talk to each other. He's remarkable, Mama. "
Nicole smiled and cupped her daughter's chin in her hands. "I am so glad that the two of you are able to get along. I was so afraid that you wouldn't be happy with our choice for you. Has he told you that he loved you, Danielle?"
Yes, more than once. And I am happy, Mama, very happy."
She ran to embrace her and Nicole put her arms around her. They held each other tightly until they heard the doorbell.
Danielle ran upstairs to open the door. Her beloved was standing there and she couldn't have been any happier.
"Hello, Danielle," he said smiling. "Are you almost ready?"
"Of course, my love. Just come in for a little bit while I get ready."
With that she ran upstairs to put on another gown.
Henry and Laurent had just arrived at the castle courtyard. The courtiers were out and about on this beautiful summer morning. Everyone was talking about the latest news.
"That remarkable woman again," Henry said, "what has she accomplished now?"
"Seems as if she bakes these magnificent pastries, works side by side with the servants, and reads tons of books, mostly science and philosophy. She's amazing, Henry.
He nodded, then shook his head.
They haven't mentioned her name once yet, have they?"
"No, Henry, they haven't and by the way.."
"Henry, there you are." Queen Marie said, as Henry and Laurent jumped off their horses.. "We were beginning to wonder about you." She put his arms around him and they embraced.
"Sorry Mother," Henry said. Next time, he thought, if there is a next time, I will not get caught.
"Your father would like a word with you."
"I know, Mother," he answered. He usually does."
Henry started up the castle courtyard with Laurent by his side.
"You can't keep running away from her, Henry. You'll have to marry her sometime. You can't be thinking about Danielle all your life?"
"Three days," Henry answered.
That woman, who was she? Everyone talked about her but no one knew her name? And Danielle. Beautiful, wonderful Danielle. She could be the only girl he had ever cared about, but she didn't feel the same way. She had been engaged to marry his cousin Francois since the two of them were babies. It was an arranged marriage almost the same as his father had done with the King of Spain, except his was a marriage treaty with Spain.
The problem with Danielle was that she loved Francois. There would never be any room for him in her life. He had grown up loving her, playing together as children, walking and talking together as young adults, the two of them always knowing that it could never be. Maybe that Marguerite de Ghent might make a difference. At least it would get Danielle out of his head.
"Henry, you're very quiet." Laurent said. They reached the top of the stairs. The study was two doors down.
Danielle couldn't make up her mind what gown to wear. She had three gowns on already and was going to go for another when she noticed something. She took it from its place on the dressing table and picked it up to look at it.
It was a rock, a very unusual rock that she and Henry had found by the riverbank. She couldn't remember how long ago now, but she knew that they had been children. He must have been in his fifteenth year and I had just turned fourteen, she thought, smiling. They had taken walks along the riverbank like this before. She remembered that neither one had ever seen a stone that had such a shine to it.
He had picked it up because it had been flat and he had been learning how to skip stones in the water. He was about to do it, when Danielle stopped him.
"It's beautiful, Henry," she said, "May I keep it?"
Henry turned the stone over and over in his hand.
"It is different," he said, looking up at her, "just like you," he whispered and he took her face in his hands. She had let him kiss her, she still didn't understand why.
It was not meant to be, she thought as she put the stone back in its place.
Danielle tried on one more gown. She admired herself in the reflection, swinging her dress back and forth. She smiled. This one will do, she thought. She took one last look in the mirror, turned around and headed out the door to join her love.
Henry was back outside in the courtyard after his father had scolded him for taking the horse from the de Barbarac manor. Just like a little child, he thought. He had so much on his mind lately; one of them had been the Princess of Spain. He had never seen her, never even met her. This is how it is done with royalty, he told him. You have specific obligations to fulfill.
He didn't want that, he had felt trapped by all this. He needed to get away, now, not wait until tomorrow morning to crawl out another window.
He thought about Marguerite and smiled. Maybe he'd call on her this afternoon. He couldn't though. There was some little piece of unfinished business left to attend to, but he wasn't going to stay around. He only had three more days before the Princess arrived. Maybe she'd be the one. He ran to the royal stable to fetch his horse.
Francois and Danielle walked along the riverbank, holding hands. Danielle had never been happier. No one else could ever fill his shoes. They both stopped and sat down on the sand.
Francois hadn't noticed that Danielle had fallen asleep. He hadn't realized how long they had been sitting there.
Danielle had been unusually quiet today, he thought as he watched her. Well, he hadn't been himself, either. He had so much on his mind lately. The thing that frightened him the most, though, was the oncoming wedding between the two of them. It wasn't because he didn't love her, at least he had always thought that he did. It was this arranged marriage thing. The date had been set, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to go through with it. Funny, he thought, he had no doubts before he met her. He just couldn't get her off his mind.
Francois had met the blond at the marketplace one afternoon. She was beautiful, not that Danielle wasn't beautiful, but when he first saw her, he felt something that he had never felt before.
He hadn't been able to get her off his mind ever since.
They had met a few times, mostly at night, Danielle hadn't known about any of it. He didn't want her to find about it, either. He kept promising to himself that he would not let it get serious, but he couldn't bring himself to stop.
He just couldn't stop thinking about her.
Marguerite had finally gotten rid of her awful sister. Her mother had given her some chores to do. Marguerite was supposed to be studying her lessons, but she had other things on her mind. One of them was that handsome man she had met at the marketplace about a week ago. He had been coming by every night since then. The meetings were not that long, but they had been wonderful.
All she could think about was the way he had kissed her and touched her. He had told her that he loved he that he had never met anyone like her. He promised that he would make it right, as soon as he took care of a few things, he was going to come back. They were going to get married, he promised.
She couldn't tell her mother because she wanted her to marry the Prince, but he hadn't even looked her way. She had heard that all he ever had on his mind was some woman all the courtiers talked about. She didn't even have a name and no one had ever seen her. She must have been some kind of fairy, flying around, doing good deeds for everyone.
"Marguerite?"
She heard the voice, but it had sounded so far away.
"Marguerite?" It was clearer now.
"Yes, Mother."
Rodmilla looked at her, grinning from ear to ear.
"You have a visitor, and he's downstairs, right now."
Marguerite smiled. He had come back after all, but to call on her like this? Out in the open?
"Tell him I will be right down Mother," Marguerite said. "I just need to freshen up a bit."
Laurent couldn't find Henry anywhere. He searched the castle and the grounds and had come up with nothing. He had been talking about going to see one the de Ghent ladies, especially Marguerite. Maybe that's where he should go to find him.
Henry and Marguerite had gone down to the riverbank. Francois and Danielle had just left, a few seconds ago.
Henry had been bored out of his mind. They had traveled all way in almost total silence. It seemed as if he had been the only one doing the talking. He had tried to start a conversation with her so many times and the only answer she had given him was "Yes, Your Highness" or "Of course not, Your Highness."
She knew nothing of books or paintings. She had never heard of Plato or Aristotle, she had never even heard the name of Thomas More. He had made a mistake, one big fat one.
All this woman had going for her was her lovely face, blond hair and her low cut gowns.
At this point, he thought, even the Princess of Spain was starting to look better and better.
When she first saw the Prince standing at the foot of the steps waiting for her, she couldn't believe it. The Prince was here and not only that but he was interested in HER.
All the way here Henry would try to discuss some his day, the weather and the books he was reading. She hadn't heard one single word. She kept thinking about the secret lover she had taken on. So much better than the Prince, she thought, at least he told me that he loved me.
She had let Henry keep right on talking. Besides, she actually had no idea who any of those men were. She had heard of the names before, there had been books in her father's library in Paris, but she hadn't read a single one. Now he wasn't saying anything. He was just standing there staring at the river.
"Your Highness?" she asked, a little timidly.
Henry hadn't really heard her. He was thinking of a way to let her down easy. He turned toward her.
"Marguerite," he said, gently, "I think we should go back. We're not really accomplishing anything here and I still have some unattended business to take care of."
Accomplish? Marguerite thought, what was that supposed to mean?
"Your Highness?" she asked again.
Henry smiled. Were those the only words in her vocabulary?
"Come, Marguerite, I must get back. I wanted to thank you for a very pleasant afternoon."
He kissed her on the cheek and took her hand. He helped her on the horse and the two rode off again in silence.
Jacqueline watched as the young man with the sandy hair reined in. He jumped off the horse and walked straight toward her.
She had been outside tending to the garden. The only other servant they had, Estelle, was off in the other direction working in the same garden.
"Excuse me, Mademoiselle de Ghent, but I am looking for.." he stopped. She was so beautiful up close; she had taken his breath away.
Jacqueline blushed. "And you are?" she asked.
Laurent took his beret off. Captain Laurent of the Royal Guard at your service, milady," he answered, putting the beret back on. "I was wondering if Prince Henry had arrived here..."
Rodmilla stepped out just at that moment.
"Jacqueline, dear," she said. "I need you to work inside the house for now. I think I could use a small meal right about now."
"Yes, Mother," Jacqueline said, still looking at Laurent.
"Baroness, would it be too much to ask you if I may accompany your daughter into the house, maybe keep her some company?"
"I'm afraid not, Captain," Rodmilla answered, "she has much to do. No if you would kindly turn your horse around and leave us alone, it would be appreciated."
Laurent shook his head. "I have yet to find out if Prince Henry was here. I must get him back to the castle as soon as I..."
"No need to ask Laurent, here I am." Prince Henry reined in. He jumped off the horse and helped Marguerite down.
"Your Highness?" she asked again looking at him.
Henry shook his head. "Maybe you'll have some words for me next time," he said, trying not to laugh.
Next time, he thought, what next time?
"Come Laurent, we should return. I suppose my father sent you to fetch me?"
Laurent and Jacqueline were staring at each other.
"Come, Jacqueline, you must finish your chores."
Jacqueline looked at Laurent one last time before she turned and walked into the manor.
Rodmilla walked over to Marguerite. She was standing next to Prince Henry.
Henry smiled "I have enjoyed our ride, Baroness " he said, bowing to her, then he jumped on the horse. "but right now I am needed at the castle. Come, Laurent, I know that Father is waiting."
Laurent looked at him. Since when was he so interested in getting back to the castle?
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Your Highness," Rodmilla answered. She made a curtsy all the way down to the ground. "I trust that you will return soon."
Henry watched Laurent as he jumped up on his horse. "If time allows me, Baroness. I am to be married in three days time."
"Yes, I had forgotten that, " Rodmilla said. She looked over at Marguerite who had remained mute during this whole conversation.
"Well, good luck to you."
Henry smiled. "Thank you, Baroness." He turned to Laurent who was still staring after Jacqueline.
I might not return, but I have a funny feeling Laurent might be and very soon at that, he thought, trying to keep a straight face.
Rodmilla watched as the two of them galloped over into the distance. Then she turned to Marguerite.
"Tell me everything you know," she said, watching her daughter waiting for her to say something, "don't leave anything out."
Francois was waiting as Danielle walked toward the manor. He couldn't wait until she had closed the door behind her. He was so excited to see Marguerite he couldn't wait any longer.
It was the first time he had ever felt like this in his life.
He knew it was still too early, but something inside his whole being was crying out to be with this woman.
He couldn't wait any longer; he was about to jump on his horse when he saw that Nicole has come out to meet her. That was the signal for him to come inside but he couldn't, just not now. He would have to come back and explain, but he would do that later. He waved goodbye and galloped off leaving a very surprised Nicole and Danielle.
"Did he have an engagement?" Nicole asked.
"He hadn't said anything, Mama. In fact, he was pretty quiet today. I was lucky he even waved goodbye."
Nicole turned and watched as Francois reached the end of the driveway and turned the gate. She shook her head. I wonder what he's got on his mind? she thought, suddenly.
"Come, Danielle, your father is waiting."
Rodmilla had just given Marguerite a lecture. It was the Prince and only the Prince that would be permitted here as Marguerite's suitor. No one else, was that clear?
"Yes, Mother," she had answered.
She was about to head back into the house when she heard someone calling her name.
"Francois?" she asked.
He poked his face out of the bushes and smiled. He motioned for her to join him.
She smiled and crawled inside the bushes with him.
Francois smiled and touched her face. He brushed her blond hair out the way of her eyes. By God, she was so beautiful.
"Marguerite," he said as he bent down to kiss her.
"Yes, Papa," Danielle said.
"I need you to do an errand for me." He held up some paint mixture. "Gustave forgot these. Could you ride into town and deliver these to him?"
Danielle smiled. "Of course, Papa, I'd be happy to."
She kissed him on the cheek, took the paint mixture and hurried out to the stable.
She would have to hurry up, though; darkness was soon approaching
Henry was discussing the wedding plans with his mother and father. Father Thomas had arrived from St. Etienne's to help out
Francis had been a little concerned. "The King and Queen of Spain haven't arrived yet."
"They should be here any day now." Marie answered him.
"I haven't heard a thing," Francis said, getting up from his chair. He started to pace again.
Marie turned to her son.
"Henry, will you kindly show Father Thomas out? I have some business to attend to." She gestured to Francis, who was still walking back and forth.
Henry smiled. "Of course, Mother," He turned to Father Thomas.
"Now where am I supposed to stand again?" he asked
Francois and Marguerite were riding through the village on their way to St. Etienne's. They had decided at the last minute to throw all caution to the wind and get married. Francois had pushed the horse to the limit; he didn't want to run into anyone if he could help it.
Everything was running smoothly until the horse suddenly stopped, spilling both Francois and Marguerite onto the road.
"Thank you, Danielle." Gustave said as his sister walked in the paint mixture. "I'm surprised Papa let you come. The hour is growing late."
"It was a short trip into the village and Papa had asked me."
"What happened to Francois?" Gustave asked, pouring the mixture into the mortar. He checked to see how much he needed, then poured a little more. Satisfied, he began to grind it.
"What are you working on today?" Danielle asked, as she walked over to admire the painting.
They were distracted by a sudden noise.
Danielle and Gustave looked at each other and walked over to the window. Down below, they could see a horse and two riders; one was a man and the other a blond haired woman. He had reached out his hand to help her up.
It wasn't dark yet, but it was soon approaching. Danielle could almost make out the male rider's face.
Gustave noticed it, also. He turned to Danielle. "That looks like.."
"Francois." Danielle finished. They had both said the name together.
She had bolted from the studio, ran down the stairs and out into the street. Gustave was right behind her.
They had both disappeared.
"Where do you suppose they were going?" Gustave asked as they rode back to the manor together.
Danielle hadn't been saying much on the ride home; she was still in shock. Where had the two of them been going and why hadn't he told her anything?
"Danielle?" he asked, "Are you still there?"
"I am, Gustave. I just can't understand where he'd disappear to and with another woman."
"Wasn't that Marguerite de Ghent?" Gustave asked. "I've seen her around, especially at the market."
Danielle wasn't listening. She was too busy thinking about Francois and Marguerite de Ghent.
Henry had made his way to the top of turret. It was where he usually sat when he was feeling lonely and upset. He should have been happy. His father just received word that the Princess of Spain had run off with a Count Ferdinand Miguel de Vasquez.
The wedding had been cancelled.
That woman was on his mind again. This time, he had heard the courtiers talking about an accident in the village. A horse had stopped short and threw two people out into the street. She had gone down and saved the both of them and they were able to travel onward.
She was remarkable.
Why couldn't he meet someone like that?
Why was sitting here feeling sorry for himself?
He looked up as the clock in the hallway sounded seven.
It was dusk and it was going to get dark soon.
A thought suddenly occurred to him. Danielle was still his friend, wasn't she? He could always talk to her in the past. He didn't know why he hadn't thought of it sooner.
He smiled as he ran down the stairs and into the castle hallway. He would stop and explain to his parents, then go over there to visit. Francois was usually gone by now.
He stopped. Francois, he thought, they were cousins and they had always been close. After seeing Danielle, he had usually come to visit him in his room before going home to his father's chateau.
But not this time. Francois hadn't shown up.
He had been concerned; not just about Francois, but for Danielle, too.
Henry started to run down the stairs again. He didn't bother to stop to tell his parents.
Rodmilla had become concerned now. Marguerite had not come in from her afternoon trip with the Prince. Where could she have gone and who was she with, when she heard a knock at the door. She ran down to answer it.
Pierre le Pieu, the royal armorer was standing at the door.
"Baroness de Ghent?" he asked
She watched him. He was very tall and very slim. All dressed in black, right up until the hat that covered his bald head.
He was very sinister looking; none of the other women wanted to have anything to do with him.
"Come in, Monsieur le Pieu," she said. "How may I help you?"
Pierre smiled as he walked in. "How did you know where I live?"
"I have some information about your daughter," he said, ignoring her question. He was watching her face.
Jacqueline and Laurent were walking down by the riverbank, hand in hand. It had just begun to get dark.
"I want to see you again," Laurent said, looking at Jacqueline.
"And I want to see you too, Captain," she said, but it's difficult with my mother...
Laurent stared at her, mesmerized. "I think I love you, Jacqueline. I think I fell in love with you when I first saw your face, three days ago. I haven't been the same since."
"I'm happy that you listened to me when I asked you to pretend that we've never met before. I've been sneaking around my mother to see you," Jacqueline looked up at him. "You never know when Mother will appear."
"Yes, I know," Laurent whispered, "you told me." He put his arms around her. "I've wanted these little meetings to be a lot longer. I can talk to your mother. Tell her they way I feel."
Jacqueline smiled. She looked up at him. "Maybe we can talk to her together."
"I love you, Jacqueline," he whispered, "and I want to be with you the rest of my life."
"I love you, Laurent," she whispered back. They kissed each other.
Nicole and Danielle were in her bedroom discussing the sudden disappearance of Marquis Francois Henri du Bois.
"He's gone, Mama," Danielle said, "I saw him with Marguerite de Ghent in the village. The horse just stopped suddenly."
"Yes," Nicole said, "but apparently they were able to get back on. In what direction were they headed?"
Danielle thought, then shook her head. "I never saw them leave and the horse could've been turned around. I'm really not sure."
Nicole thought about it. She was about to say something when the doorbell rang. Nicole and Danielle both ran down the stairs to answer the door.
"How do you know so much?" Rodmilla asked le Pieu.
"I was standing outside when it happened, I saw the whole thing. By the time I rushed out to help, they were gone."
Rodmilla watched his face and looked into his eyes.
"Do you know where they were going?"
le Pieu smiled. "They looked as if they were headed to the chapel of St. Etienne's. I think I heard the Marquis say something about marriage vows."
Rodmilla's eyes went wide. She stared at him. "Marriage vows? How does he even know her? When did she meet him?"
le Pieu shook his head. "I cannot answer that for you, Baroness. I am sorry."
Rodmilla was about to explode.
"Now, now Rodmilla," le Pieu said, "calm yourself. You know that I hate you when you are like this."
"And you, Pierre, are such an sly devil. I just can't keep away from you." They kissed each other, then broke apart. She stared at him.
"How much do you want for this information," she whispered in his ear.
"Only you, my love," he said, "only you." They kissed again as he brought her down to the floor.
Francois and Marguerite left the church, laughing and kissing. They had just gotten married and they couldn't be happier. He hadn't even known why he had waited this long, he should have done it when he had first thought about it.
He smiled and looked at her. "Happy?" he asked.
"Oh Francois, I couldn't be any happier."
He laughed and kissed her again. "What about your mother?"
"I can handle that," she said, "but what about you and Danielle?"
All of a sudden the smile left his face.
Yes, he thought, what about Danielle?
Nicole opened the door. It was Prince Henry.
"Your Highness," she said, getting ready to curtsey, but he stopped her.
"Thank you, Comtesse, but there is no need for that. We know each other far too long. You have always called me Henry." He looked around the room. "Is Danielle here? I would like to ask her something about my cousin, Francois. He seems to be missing tonight. May I come in?"
"What's all this about, Nicole?" Henry heard Auguste's voice loudly proclaim.
He opened the door and smiled
"Well, well, come to steal another horse?"
"Auguste," Nicole said, frowning. "Of course you may come in, Henry. Sit anywhere you like."
It was then he saw it, not the whole instrument, mind you, but just enough of get a glimpse of it.
He wasn't able to see it from the entranceway, if he had he would've noticed it a long time ago.
"Excuse me a minute," he said as he walked toward the music room. He smiled as he got closer to it. "That's it," he said, caressing his beloved harpsichord with his fingers.
"It was a gift," a woman's voice said, coming out the darkness of the room, "from your uncle, the Duke Rene du Bois, to my father. He did not play, did not marry and had no children, so he had no use for it. I had always wanted to learn to play, so he gave it to your parents to give to mine for my eighth birthday. It was because he loved me and my family so much."
She walked out of the shadows into the light.
She sat down at the harpsichord and began to play. It was a popular church hymn, one of Henry's favorites.
She remembered, he thought, smiling.
He sat down on the bench next to her and they both began to sing the Latin verses, looking at each other the entire time.
When the piece had ended, they were still staring at each other, lost in each other's eyes.
It was Henry who began first.
"Danielle," he whispered, "How long has it been?"
"Since we were sixteen. When your father signed the marriage treaty, three years ago."
He couldn't get over how beautiful she looked, how grown-up and different.
"I came to ask you about Francois," he said, still staring at her. "Do you think we can take a walk? It is a lovely night."
"Of course you can, Henry." Auguste called from behind him. Henry and Danielle stood up from the bench. As Henry turned toward him, he smiled.
"Thank you, sir." Henry said.
He extended his hand to Danielle. "Shall we?"
Danielle put her hand in his and they walked out, Nicole and Auguste watching.
"I wonder what happened to the Princess?" Nicole asked
"We'll soon find out," Auguste said, then he turned to her. "And what's all this about Francois?"
Nicole smiled and shrugged. "No one seems to know, Auguste, no one."
Francois and Marguerite were riding back together on a borrowed horse. All through the trip home, Marguerite had been as quiet as a mouse.
"Marguerite," he said, "cat got your tongue?"
He had never heard her so quiet before, but then again, he hadn't really talked to her that much. All he had done was kissed her and...
"Francois," she said, hugging him, "I can't believe that we are married."
Actually, Francois thought, neither can I.
"I can't believe that you left her for me. I can't believe that I am married to a Marquis." She giggled.
Francois didn't say anything.
"Well, as Plato would say.."
"Plato? Henry mentioned him earlier. I wasn't exactly sure who he was."
Francois shook his head. "You don't know who Plato is?"
"I have an idea."
Francois laughed. "Do you know what he wrote about?"
"Why don't you remind me, Francois."
Francois was beginning to realize that Marguerite was no Danielle, not by a longshot.
He was beginning to have doubts about the whole relationship.
"So where did you see him?" Henry asked.
"Gustave and I saw him with Marguerite de Ghent in the village. His horse stopped short and threw them."
"They are lucky to be alive." Henry said, "both of them."
"So the villagers said," Danielle replied.
"You have no idea where they've gone?"
Danielle shook her head. "I have no idea, Henry."
"You've been betrothed to him since you two were babies."
"I don't think he wanted it, Henry. I think he wanted Marguerite."
"Well, that' s obvious. Didn't you love him?"
"I thought I did, until I saw him with Marguerite. I never dreamed he could ever do something like this. I thought he loved me, also."
Henry looked at her and frowned. "I know my cousin better than that, Danielle. Marguerite?" he laughed, "I was with her this afternoon. She had nothing to say, not one word."
"They were together, Henry, I saw them."
Henry looked at her, a little puzzled. "Did you see the accident? Were you there? Did you save the two of them?"
Danielle frowned. "Gustave and I heard it. His studio window overlooks the street they were on. I saw Francois help Marguerite up. By the time I ran down the stairs, they were already gone."
Henry thought about it a second. He eyes widened and he began to laugh. He finally had put two and two together. "It's you," he grinned, "it's always been you. All those stories I've heard about everything you've ever done."
"What are you talking about?"
"Those courtiers; always going on about this wonderful woman who does these remarkable things."
"Such as?"
"Helping the gypsies when one of them gave birth to a baby girl."
"Yes, I did that."
Henry grin became wider. "And that you work out in the fields with the servants, or help the stable boys pitch hay."
Danielle smiled at him. "You know that both are true, you helped me pitch hay once."
He touched her cheek. "I've been in love with someone that I've already been in love with."
"What?" Danielle asked.
"I have wanted to be with you for so long now, Danielle, but you were engaged to Francois..."
"And you to the Princess of Spain," Danielle said. "I have loved you too, Henry. I have always thought that there could never be anything between us," she said, walking over to him.
"That's over, " Henry took her hands in his. "She ran away with some Count, a Ferdinand Miguel de Vasquez. The King and Queen are furious." He laughed.
"What about Francois?"
"He's taken," a woman's voice called out from behind them.
Henry and Danielle turned around. Standing there were Francois and Marguerite.
Francois had been frowning, staring at Marguerite. I can't believe she blurted it out, just like that, he thought. He looked over at Danielle.
"This isn't the way I wanted to tell you, Danielle."
"When did you plan on letting me know, Francois? How long has this been going on?"
"Three days," Marguerite piped up. She looked at Francois and smiled, putting her arm through his. "We've been involved for three days and two nights."
Francois turned again to look at Marguerite, then turned to face Danielle.
"Three days?" Danielle asked, looking at him.
"I wanted to tell you. I wanted to bring it up, but I didn't know how. I thought I could stop, would stop. I need you to forgive me, Danielle, please"
Danielle stared. "Bring it up? Casually? Something on the order of 'Danielle, I am seeing someone else while I am engaged to you?'" Francois stared upward. She's right, he thought. "I cannot think of one good reason why I should forgive you."
He hung his head, then picked it up and looked in her eyes.
He broke free from Marguerite's arm and walked over to her, Henry watching him all the while.
"No, not a one," he tried to smile, but he couldn't. "I think I might have made a mistake."
"And what did you expect me to do about that?" she asked, pulling away from him.
Francois just stared at Danielle. All his happiness was slowly disappearing as reality had set in.
He gestured toward Henry, trying to fight back the tears. "How long have the two of you been seeing each other?"
Danielle looked into his eyes. She was about to answer when Henry spoke up.
"Not enough, cousin," he said, walking over to Danielle.
He took her hands into his own.
"I've made a mistake, too, Princess."
Princess, Danielle thought. He hadn't called me that since we were children, when we used to play those silly games of the handsome Prince rescuing the beautiful Princess.
In the beginning, she would always thank him for rescuing him and he would tell her how much he loved her. It would be the same lines over and over again.
"My dear Princess, I pledge to you my soul to keep for all eternity. I have nothing to offer you but my heart," he said, looking at her. He was smiling. Danielle was picturing a little boy in his tenth year.
"We have been kept apart by forces beyond our control, Danielle," he said, "It is now time to bind those separate pieces together to form one."
Everyone watched as he got down on one knee.
Danielle was watching him, also. This was not a game anymore, she thought. "Please accept this proposal of marriage, Princess. Please do not deny me the happiness that I seek. For I can only find such joy in that eventual union." "I will, my charming Prince," she said, as she had repeated so many times before. "With every beat of my heart, with every fiber of my being."
Henry smiled, remembering. It was just a game then, but now it was real. He glanced over at his cousin.
"I'll be right back, Princess," he said, winking at her.
He stood up and walked over to Francois.
Henry punched him squarely in the jaw, knocking him over.
"That's for Danielle," Henry said. He picked his hand up and looked at it. "Ow, that hurt," he said, shaking it.
Danielle stood there, trying not to laugh.
Rodmilla was all over Marguerite with complaints. Not only had she interrupted her affair with le Pieu, but that she had eloped and he wasn't the Prince. Not only that, but Jacqueline had gone missing.
They had stopped off at the de Ghent manor first to tell her mother, but there was no response to her knock, so they had gone to the de Barbarac's so that Francois could explain to Danielle.
Then Francois would have to explain this matter to his father, the Duke Phillippe du Bois. He was the Queen's youngest brother.
They hadn't realized that Rodmilla had gone to the de Barbarac's to inquire about Jacqueline. Another visitor had come to call, Francois' father, Phillippe.
He had been looking for Francois.
The four of them had come running out when Henry punched his cousin in the jaw. He had fallen on the ground and created such a noise that caught everyone's attention.
"What is going on out here?" Auguste asked as Henry and Danielle looked up.
Rodmilla ran over to Marguerite and Phillippe bent down to see if his son was all right.
"I would like to ask permission to marry your daughter, sir."
Auguste looked puzzled. "What about the Princess?"
Henry laughed and shrugged. "Ran off with a Count. They won't be coming to France anytime soon."
Auguste laughed and looked down at Francois, then looked up at Henry, smiling.
"I suppose he deserved that?"
Henry grinned and shook his head. "You don't know how much, sir."
Auguste looked over at Danielle.
"Is it alright with you? Do you love him?"
"Oh, Papa!" Danielle hugged him. "I've always loved Henry. I just thought we could never be together."
He hugged Danielle, released her and looked up at Henry, who had just released Nicole.
"What about your parents?" he asked.
"Don't be silly, Monsieur le Comte. Of course we accept."
Nicole, Auguste, Danielle and Henry all looked up. Henry recognized the voice.
It was his father.
"How did you know where to find me?" Henry asked.
"I had you followed this time," King Francis said. "How many times did you think you could get away with this, my boy?"
Henry turned red. "Father..."
Auguste laughed. He looked at the King. "Francis, I am afraid that the choices we made for our children turned out very wrong."
Francis smiled. "Which only goes to show you, Auguste. There will never be another arranged marriage in this family again. Marie tried to warn me, but I just didn't listen."
The King gestured toward the mass of people surrounding Francois on the ground. Marguerite was huddled over him, whimpering.
"What happened here?" he asked.
Henry and Auguste began to explain.
Marguerite was kneeling on the ground beside her husband.
"Francois?" she asked as he began to come around. Henry had knocked him cold.
"Marguerite, please, you should.."
"Quiet, Mother, I am a married woman now." She bent over him as he came around. Everyone just stood still.
"Marguerite?" Rodmilla asked.
"Francois?" Phillippe asked.
"Father?" Francois asked, sitting up, "What are you doing here?"
Henry and Danielle were both staring at her, dumbfounded. "Marguerite?"
"Baroness?" The voice belonged to Auguste.
"I think someone's here to see you."
Rodmilla turned and looked up. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the sight of her youngest daughter.
"Jacqueline?"
Jacqueline and Laurent were standing there looking very happy.
"Congratulate us, Mother. We just got married."
Rodmilla fainted.
"MOTHER"
Jacqueline and Marguerite both yelled it together. Jacqueline knelt down next to Marguerite.
Nicole ran over to Rodmilla while Danielle ran in to find the smelling salts.
Phillippe shifted his attention to Rodmilla. His son was a little worse for the wear, but he would be all right.
Francois seemed to be fine; it was his jaw that wasn't. He was still holding it as he sat up.
Laurent walked over and extended his hand to Francois, but Henry had gotten there first. He pulled his cousin up.
"I guess I deserve that," Francois said, looking at him.
"Guess?" Henry asked, staring at him. "Do you realize what you've done?"
Francois looked at him. "I'm sorry, Henry. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I just..."
Danielle had arrived with the smelling salts and put it under Rodmilla's nose.
Marguerite and Jacqueline stood up.
Everyone waited and watched.
Rodmilla was coming around. The first person she saw when she opened her eyes was Phillippe. She tried to sit up. He steadied her.
"How are you feeling, Baroness?" he asked, looking into her eyes,
"Much, much better, Monsieur le Duke," she answered, looking into his.
The Duke smiled. "You can call me Phillippe, Baroness."
"And I would be honored if you called me Rodmilla."
Phillippe smiled. He helped her to her feet. "Maybe we should get better acquainted, Rodmilla, since we are going to be in-laws."
"I believe that we already are, Phillippe," she said.
Francois was following Auguste to the study. Auguste had pulled him aside to speak to him. It seemed as if he was very annoyed.
Auguste hadn't said one word to him as he let him in. He closed the oak door and gestured to a chair opposite the study desk.
Auguste sat down behind it.
"What is the meaning behind what you did, Francois? What is all this about? Can you explain your actions to me? You and Danielle have been engaged since you were babies."
Francois shrugged. "I do not know why, sir."
Auguste was losing patience.
"You do not know why? What were you doing with this woman? " He pushed the chair back and stood up. He looked Francois in the eye. "Did you love my daughter at all? She adored you."
"I know that, sir and I loved her..."
Auguste looked at him, angrily. "Love? You call what happened here love? Which woman did you love, Francois? It certainly wasn't my daughter."
"Sir, if you let me explain.."
"EXPLAIN!" Auguste was yelling now. "I have been trying to let you explain yourself for the last few seconds and you said you didn't know. What kind of explanation is that." He walked over to Francois.
"Did you do anything with this girl? Get her in trouble?"
"I thought I was in love with her.." Francois began. Auguste was about to explode, but Francois interrupted him.
"Let me finish, Monsieur le Comte, please?"
Auguste looked at him and smiled. He sat back down in the chair.
"Fair enough, Francois. Go on."
"I am sorry, sir. I didn't even think about it. It just happened. I made a mistake, a huge one. I just don't know what came over me. I thought I loved Marguerite." He shook his head. "I guess I had the two of them mixed up, love and lust. Now I have to live with my decision forever. Marguerite is nothing compared to your daughter. Right now the only thing that she had going for her is that she was great in bed."
"I deserve what Henry gave me, sir. I probably deserve a lot more than that. I know I've hurt a lot of people and I want to apologize, sir." He looked up at him.
"I don't know what else to say, sir."
Auguste looked at him and smiled.
"You aren't the first man who has ever encountered this situation, Francois, and I daresay you will not be the last. But you will have to take accountability of your actions, my boy. You must accept what you have done and go on from here. I am sure Marguerite will make a fine wife," he said, laughing.
He stood up, walked over to him and put his arms around him. Then he held him away.
"Never follow your impulses, Francois. Try to think first from the head, not the heart. The heart will sometimes lead you to do foolish things. I believe one thing, Francois. There is a reason for everything, my boy. You and my daughter were not meant to be, that's all. Come, let's go out and join the others. Oh, and I should have Paulette see to that jaw of yours."
Auguste was smiling as he put his arm around Francois and led him from the study.
It's a hot August night, Francois thought, and suddenly I'm shivering.
Francois wasn't feeling any better when he joined the others. In fact, things had gotten worse, for him anyway.
He watched as Danielle and Henry put their arms around each other and kissed, with the King, Auguste and Nicole looking on. Marguerite walked over to him and put her arm through his.
"This is so wonderful, Francois. Look how happy they look." She smiled and watched as Jacqueline and Laurent walk over to congratulate Henry and Danielle.
Yes, for Danielle, Francois thought, as he watched her and Henry together, they do look happy, don't they? Epilogue
Rodmilla ended up marrying the Duke in a private, spur of the moment ceremony. She eventually forgave Marguerite and Jacqueline for not inviting her to their weddings.
As time went on, Rodmilla began to realize that Phillippe's son, Francois was just as good as the Prince, maybe even better. Francois had tried to please her anyway he could.
Pierre le Pieu finally met his match, married and lived in complete happiness.
Gustave became the court painter and married one the courtiers. They would have one child.
Francois and Marguerite would live out the rest of their lives together as husband and wife, the deception he had played on Danielle would haunt him for the rest of his life.
Because Francois enjoyed reading so much, Marguerite decided to catch up on some reading of her own. She found Francois to be an excellent teacher and a very patient man. Soon they were having debates and discussions with Henry and Danielle. Francois had been proud of the changes he saw in Marguerite and eventually came to love her and accept the decision he had made.
They would eventually have two boys.
Laurent and Jacqueline would stay devoted to each other for the rest of their lives, eventually having six children.
Henry and Danielle were married not long after that. Since the manor was still occupied by Danielle's parents, they were given their own apartments at the castle. The two of them raised five children two boys, three girls.
Both Danielle and Henry eventually forgave Francois for everything. Francois would come to love and trust the two of them, especially after the birth of their twins. Not only had they named him godfather, but Henry trusted him enough to accept him as a friend and trusted advisor.
They would have three more children after the twins. The harpsichord remained in the de Barbarac family. At each visit, Henry and Danielle would play the instrument and eventually taught each of their children. By the time of their death, it was still being played.
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