Chapter 31

Back in the De Carrouges chambers the night before the duel.

“You have done nothing, my child, save try to live in this crazy world of ours,” he said as he stroked her hair, holding her for comfort. “Jean has chosen this course of action, not you. He has forced you to be here now. But, all is not yet lost.” He stood and kissed her forehead. “I will be back in just a few moments.”

“Please, father,” she cried, “Don’t leave me! I’m terrified! I don’t want to die!”

“I will be right back,” he said, “I promise.”

She grabbed for him, but he quickly crossed the room and exited, leaving the door ajar. A few moments later, the door opened, and she called out, “Father!”

“No, I’m sorry, it isn’t,” Jacques le Gris said as he stood before Marguerite.

She stared in shock at Jacques, unsure whether she truly saw him or was hallucinating, then ran to him, kissed him, and clung to him with everything she had in her.

“Oh, Jacques! I’m so sorry!” she cried. “I am so sorry to have caused this!”

“It’s alright, Marguerite,” he told her, holding her tightly and kissing her cheeks. “It is alright. I understand.”

“I had to lie! He would have killed me!” She cried desperately. “I have doomed us all! Please forgive me!”

“Oh, Marguerite,” he said softly, “I forgave you long ago. I was angry at first, but I know Jean. I know what he is capable of doing. I know he forced you to say the things you did. I just want you to know that I love you and I forgive you.”

He smiled at her, sadly. She could see the finality in his eyes, and she knew immediately.

“You plan to lose tomorrow!” She exclaimed. “You cannot do that!”

He shook his head, “I cannot live, knowing that because I live, you will die. I will not be responsible for your death.”

“There is another way,” Sir Robert said as he re-entered the room. “Come away with me now. I have a boat waiting. We can escape to Italy, and you and Marguerite can be together and live out your lives as man and wife.”

“I cannot do that!” Jacques replied.

Marguerite was just beginning to feel hope, but Jacques response stopped it. “It is the best answer!” she cried, “don’t you see? If you and I flee now, then no one needs to die!”

“How so?” Jacques asked.

Sir Robert answered for her. “If you flee with Marguerite, then you will be both be convicted in absentia, but you will be safely ensconced at my villa in Tuscania. Jean will be declared the winner by default and will live. Everyone lives!”

“I cannot abandon my family and my honor,” Jacques said steadfastly.

“Why is honor so bloody important?” Sir Robert asked.

“It is easy for a man with no honor, who betrayed his King twice, to deride others for having it!” Jacques replied, his words striking Marguerite’s father like a blow.

“I am betraying my King a third time, right now,” he replied. “I would betray him a hundred times if it meant my daughter would live and be happy.”