Chapter 21

Word spread quickly that Jean de Carrouges had returned. Jean left Campomesnils after only one day, taking his squire Robert with him. They two men made good time on the road and arrived at Argentan, unannounced, but unexpected.

He presented himself to the Count, making it clear to everyone that he was now a knight and was to be addressed as Sir. There was much satisfaction, for Jean to hear both the Count and his former rival, Jacque le Gris call him Sir Jean. Over dinner, Jacques asked how Marguerite had faired in his absence.

“My wife’s condition is no concern of yours, Le Gris,” Jean replied curtly.

“I was only being polite,” Jacques replied with a smirk. “I won’t ask how your mother is doing, for fear of offending you further.”

“Sir Jean,” the Count said, stressing the word sir, “there is a small matter of the loan you secured to fund your Scottish travel. When can we expect you to repay the debt?”

Jean stood proudly before the Count and replied confidently, “Many good men died while others stayed here, safe in their beds and courts. I lost more than just men. I lost good friends and loyal servants. Their families need to be compensated for their loss. I will leave on the morrow for Paris to secure payment from the King for my efforts in serving his endeavor in Scotland, as well as compensation for the families of the men who died in his service. Once I have settled the estates of those who gave their lives, I will return to repay the loan.”

“So, you are not prepared to repay the loans which are past due by three months?” Count Pierre asked.

“The expedition was delayed in returning,” Jean explained, “and so payment could not be made.”

“You are home now, and payment can certainly be made,” the Count countered. “You still have your hands.”

As Jean was about to speak, Jacques interceded with the Count. “Perhaps, in light of Jean’s great service to the king, the payments can be delayed until he returns from Paris, my Lord Count. If any interest needs to be paid against the loan during that time, I would be honored to pay it on his behalf.”

“I don’t need your money Le Gris!” Jean snapped. “I can settle my debts without your aid.”

Jacques raised his hands to placate Jean. “I did not mean to imply that you cannot.”

The Count stared at his advisor and friend, wondering what sport he was up to and thought to humor him.

“Very well, Le Gris,” he said, “I will consider your words. Payment is not required until after you return from Paris, but you must come directly here and make a substantial payment, or I will consider the loans in default.”

“Thank you, my Lord Count,” Jean said with a bow, then turned and strode from the hall. Count Pierre looked to Le Gris with a sly grin on his face.

“I take it you want De Carrouges away for a couple more weeks,” the Count stated. “Still having no success with his wife?”

“She had to cancel our last rendezvous, due to Jean’s miraculous return home,” Jacques explained. “Give me a few more days, and Marguerite will be mine.”

“Care to wager on it?” Pierre asked.

Jacques shook his head. “I never wager where matters of the heart are concerned.”

“Matters of the heart?” the Count asked, laughing. “More like matters of the cunt!”