Chapter 25

Marguerite’s Story

That morning I was ill. I could not hold down any food. I suspect I was with child from our lovemaking the night before your departure for Paris. When Lady Nicole made ready to leave, I had to bed of her to let me remain behind. She was reluctant but could see by how sick I was that I could not make a long trip. She agreed that I could remain at home, but she insisted that Penny stays by my side to care for me in my illness.

Shortly after Lady Nicole left, Penny left to try to find dittany, to ease my stomach. Alone, I bolted the door behind her. Within a few minutes, there was a rapping at the door. I assumed Penny had returned and I opened the door to find Le Gris’ man Adam Louvel standing there.

“Monsieur Louvel,” I said in surprise, “what do you want? Why are you here?” I looked around behind him for Penny, but she was nowhere in sight.

“Lady De Carrouges,” he began, nervously, “I would like to speak with your husband regarding a loan that I owe him. Is he at home?”

I closed the door partially, uncomfortable with the man standing on our doorstep. I recognized him from the party at Jean Crispen’s home, and I have met him since at the shop of his wife, the seamstress at Campomesnils.

“I am sorry, Monsieur,” I told him. “My husband is away on business and is due back in a few days. I will give him word of your visit, and he will seek you out once he has returned.”

“Is the Lady Nicole present?” he asked, ignoring my entreaty to leave. “I could discuss it with her.”

“No, good sir, she is not here either,” I explained. Suddenly, he pushed his way through the door.

“Monsieur Louvel!” I shouted, “You are not welcome! You must leave at once!”

“I am sorry, my Lady,” he said, trying to quiet me. “I am here under false pretenses. My master, Jacques le Gris, has sent me to find out if you are alone.”

“What?” I asked in shock. “Why would Squire Le Gris concern himself with such a thing? Please, leave at once.”

“My master is outside,” Louvel explained, “he wishes to see you.”

Just then Jacque le Gris stepped through the doorway and closed our door behind him. I was confused and more than a little frightened.

“Squire le Gris!” I shouted, protesting his presence in our home. “What is the meaning of this?”

He walked across the room and grabbed my hand, pulling it to his breast. “My Lady,” Le Gris said, as he kissed my hand, “I am sorry to intrude, but I desperately needed to see you. I cannot get you out of my mind and fear you have stolen my heart.”

I reeled and tried to pull away. “What are you talking about?” I asked. “You hardly know me. We spoke only briefly at Jean Crespin’s home. How could you possibly have any thoughts about me?”

“You are beautiful and beguiling, Marguerite,” he explained. “I am smitten and want no woman but you. You have taken my heart, and I am here to give myself to you.”

He pulled me into his arms and tried to kiss me, but I pushed him away. “Know your manners, sir!” I shouted, “I am a married woman, as you well know. My husband will be furious that you dare to touch me!”

“I am not worried about your husband,” he told me. “He is away in Paris and will not be back for many days. Do not deny me, Marguerite. Kiss me and ease the pain in my heart.”

“I will not kiss you!” I declared. Then, I asked him to leave. He became angry.

“I love you, Marguerite,” he said. “My wife has died, and I would have you as my future bride!”

“I am already married!” I argued.

“That can be undone,” he said. “I can get the Bishop to annul your wedding. You have yet to conceive a child, they can easily nullify your union. I would have you as mine. Tell me, you don’t love me!”

“I do not love you!” I shouted angrily. “I do not even know you! I love my husband.”

He stared at me with a look on his face that made me feel he didn’t understand what I was telling him. It was like he was a madman, believing I loved him. I grew defiant.

“You must leave, both of you, at once,” I insisted.

“Do not send me away,” he said, as he pulled me to the chair by the hearth. “I need to feel you in my arms, to take you, and to love you.” He tried to force me onto his lap. I struggled to free myself, but he pulled me into a kiss, forcing his way with me.