Chapter 26

Court of Count Pierre

Argentan, France

“This is an outrage!” Jacque le Gris shouted, having just heard Lady Marguerite recite her story. “I have never been to Campomesnils! I have never laid with this woman! I was here, at Argentan for the entire month of January!”

“Silence!” Count Pierre demanded. “You will have your chance to address the charges! One more outburst and I will have you taken to the dungeon in chains! Is that clear?”

Jacques le Gris’ face was red with fury, but he held his tongue and nodded his head to his liege lord. “I understand.”

“Sir Jean,” the Count began, trying to calm the atmosphere. “What evidence do you have to support your claim?”

“Evidence?” Jean asked, “What do you mean evidence? You have my word as a knight and that of my wife, the Lady Marguerite.”

“Your word is not in question, Sir,” the Count said, “but this is a serious matter and not to be taken lightly. Rape is a capital offense.”

“I know full well that it is,” Sir Jean replied, “I will kill him myself if you don’t!”

“Sir!” Count Pierre countered, “you will respect the orders of this court, or you will also be thrown in the dungeon! Now, are there any witnesses that can confirm Lady Marguerite’s claim?”

“His man Louvel was there, but God knows he will lie to save his own neck. He is just as guilty as Le Gris.”

“What of your household servants? Your mother?”

“They were not at the estate at the time,” Jean replied.

“So, there are no witnesses?” the Count asked rhetorically. “Have you anything more to offer as proof?”

“Only my honor,” Sir Jean answered.

“Yes, well, that won’t prove anything. Very well,” the Count said, turning to Jacques le Gris, “What say you, Le Gris? Did you force yourself upon Jean’s wife, Lady Marguerite on the 18th of January or any other time?”

“Of course not!” he replied angrily. “I have never forced myself on any woman. This is just an angry attack by my former friend who blames me for all of his hardships.”

“Where were you on the morning of the 18th of January?

“I was here, as you well know, attending to you in Court!” Le Gris replied. “There is no way I could have gone to Campomesnils, raped his wife, and returned back here before attending you for dinner.”

“It is not impossible!” Jean challenged, “It is but a two-hour ride from Argentan to Campomesnil!”

“In summer!” Jacques countered, “not in the middle of January when the roads are either ice or mud! You know, this is not the first time he’s accused me of this! He tried to get his first wife Jeanne to accuse me of rape, but she refused! He beat her for defying him! Can’t you see? He is jealous of me and has coerced his wife into giving false testimony against me! He has likely threatened her or beat her to get her to lie against me!”

“Lady Marguerite,” the Count called out, and Marguerite stepped forward, shaking in fear. “Has your husband threatened you or coerced your testimony in any way?”