For Love of Rodmilla

For Love of Rodmilla

An Ever After Alternative

Chapter 1

Danielle was at her usual stand in the marketplace.  Louise and Paulette were with her as always on market day.

She couldn’t believe that arrogant Prince of France, talking the way he did in the courtyard two days ago.  She had shown him a thing or two, maybe that’s why he was a bit nicer to her that time, not much, mind you, but just enough to..

“Danielle de Barbarac, you get prettier every week.”

She looked up.  Standing there was the royal armorer, Monsieur Pierre le Pieu.  He was tall, skinny, done up all in black and looking sinister, as usual. Following him were his two bodyguards.  She could think of lots of things to do to him, none of them particularly good. 

“And you, Monsieur le Pieu, are wasting your flattery,” she answered, looking him straight in the eye. 

Louise and Paulette seemed to have drawn closer to her, somehow.

le Pieu smiled.  “Pity your soil’s the best in the province, yet so poorly tended.”

Danielle was still looking at him.  He was talking about her, wasn’t he?

“We have limited resources, “ Paulette piped up.

le Pieu turned his attention to Danielle’s friend and servant.

“I know all about those resources.”  He turned to Danielle and smiled.

It made Danielle sick.  All those black teeth.

“What you ought to consider is acquiring a wealthy benefactor,” le Pieu said. “I may be twice your age, but I believe we would do rather well together.  I need a young lady with spirit.”

Danielle was going to vomit.  “Prunes?”  It was all she said.

“No,” le Pieu said, “I buy nothing this week.” He started to walk away, then he turned around. 

Danielle ignored him. What could he possibly want now? 

“I saw you in the courtyard talking to the Prince two days ago.” He smiled.  “Do you really think that someone like the that would ever have anything to do with you, my sweet commoner.”

If looks could kill, Danielle thought, but they couldn’t.  The three of them went about their business at the stand, not paying any attention to him.

“Good day, ladies,” le Pieu said bowing and walked away, laughing.

Danielle looked up.  What could he have meant by that?  It was true that she had talked to Prince Henry.   She hadn’t thought about anything like that, it wasn’t on her mind. 

Maybe it should be, she thought.

Danielle started to think.  It would be nice to get Rodmilla out of her father’s manor, wouldn’t it?  Turn things around, fix things up.

Where was she was she getting all this money?

He was right, she would need a wealthy benefactor, but it wasn’t going to be le Pieu, unless, of course, Rodmilla wanted him.

Chapter 2

Prince Henry was walking through the marketplace with Marguerite. Bringing up the rear was Rodmilla and Jacqueline.  There was love in the air, and all of it was sitting on Marguerite’s shoulders.  Henry couldn’t care less.  He had his mind on the Lady Danielle de Barbarac.  She was so beautiful and sweet, so intelligent and kind, that he had fallen head over heels in love with her immediately.  From the apple orchard to the courtyard, then down by the river. 

He had never felt this way about any other woman in his entire life.

She had used her mother’s name, of course, the Comtesse Nicole de Lancret, but he had remembered seeing her at court with her father, Auguste de Barbarac.  She was fourteen then and she looked exactly the same now.   Auguste had been his uncle’s best friend until he collapsed and died in the driveway of the manor, leaving his wife, the Baroness Rodmilla alone with her two daughters. 

He had heard about Rodmilla, she had moved into Auguste’s manor and changed everything around, selling off things to le Pieu to pay the taxes and making Danielle her personal servant.  Now she was trying to push her oldest daughter, Marguerite on him. 

Well, he’d play along for a little while.  He wanted to see just how far this whole intrigue would play out.  Meanwhile, he’d keep Danielle’s secret.  He would never let on that he knew who she really was and how much he was in love with her.

Chapter 3

Danielle was at Gustave’s studio discussing her latest plan.

“What do you think?”

Gustave stared at her.  “You really are going to go through with this?” 

Danielle nodded.

“You are just like everyone else.  Only after power and money.  I’m ashamed to say that I know you.”  He turned away from Danielle and faced the window.  It was only to hide the fact that he was smiling.

“It will only be for a little while,” Danielle said.  “I don’t know how long I can pull this off without getting caught.  All I can think of right now is to get that evil woman out of my father’s house.  Then, and only then, will I be able to take back what really belongs to me.  And I’m not after power so much Gustave, I just want to see Marguerite’s face when he proposes to me.”

Gustave turned around to face her again.  He was smiling. “Do you think that he’ll fall for it?”

“I hope so.  Didn’t you have a crush on him? Aren’t you interested in marrying him?  You can, with your title.  I mean, you’ve known him since you were fourteen.”

Danielle laughed at that.  “We have to keep quiet about the title part.  I’m not sure it’s even true.  I found a few documents buried in my hope chest. And I only met Henry once, Gustave, that’s all.  You remember when my father brought me to court.  He doesn’t even remember me, nor would I expect him to.”  She sighed.  “Besides, I don’t really want to marry him, I don’t think I am in love with him, that little arrogant..”

“I’m not so sure about that,” he answered.  “And I’ll bet,” Gustave said, moving closer to Danielle, “that he does remember you!”

“Care to make a wager?”

“You’re on.” Gustave smiled.  “By the way, I love the idea.”

Danielle just smiled.

Chapter 4

Henry, Francois and Jean-Claude Laurent, Captain of the Royal Guard were out riding in the early morning air.  Francois was Henry’s cousin.  The three of them had been close childhood friends.  Francois had lived with his father, Phillippe, in a chateau, not too far from the castle.  Phillippe had died a sudden death and Francois had returned from his business in Paris to claim his inheritance.    

Henry couldn’t stop thinking about Danielle. He had tried but it was impossible.  He had seen her at the marketplace behind that chicken.  He smiled.  She had thrown the bird up in air and had run as fast as she could.  Why didn’t he stop her?

Well, for one thing, there was Marguerite.  The other was Rodmilla.  One way to get rid of a problem is to introduce it to a solution, he decided.  That was the reason he brought along his cousin.

They rode through the de Barbarac’s hayfield on the manor.  They were almost to the driveway when they saw a coach pull up.  Out stepped Rodmilla, Marguerite and Jacqueline, Rodmilla’s youngest daughter. 

The three of them stopped all at the same time. No one moved, not horse nor rider

One of the horses let out a loud whinny.

Jacqueline turned around.  She saw the three of them standing there and nodded her head at them.  She tugged at Marguerite sleeve.  Marguerite looked at her and saw her bobbing her head in their direction.  She turned toward the spot and smiled. 

She turned back to Rodmilla and told Jacqueline to get Danielle and bring her down.

“Come on, Mother, why don’t you go upstairs.  We’ll come up as soon as we can.”

Rodmilla stared at her oldest.  She didn’t say anything, she just walked inside.

Jacqueline had come back from kitchen downstairs.  She had Danielle with her.

Chapter 5

Danielle looked at Jacqueline. 

“You didn’t tell me that he’d have company?”

Jacqueline smiled.

“Laurent told me only what he knew.   Must be a reason.  Come on, we don’t want to keep them waiting.”

Marguerite was already talking to Henry when Danielle and Jacqueline arrived. 

“Good afternoon, Your Highness.  It’ s a lovely morning.”

Henry could have cared less.  He was watching Danielle.   Marguerite turned to see the two of them getting closer.  All conversation between them stopped.

Henry jumped down from his horse as Danielle reached him.  They were staring at each other.

“Hello, again,” he said.

Again, Marguerite thought, when was the first time?  Wait a minute, wasn’t he coming here to see me?  That’s what Jacqueline told her.

“Hello, Your Highness.”

Marguerite looked from Henry to Danielle, then back to Henry.  What was going on?

“I thought maybe you would want to go to the monastery with me?”

He kept his gaze on Danielle, forgetting everyone else around them.

“I would love to, Your Highness.”

Henry smiled.

Marguerite was confused.  “Wait, what about me?  Am I not going with you?”

Henry was helping Danielle on the back of his horse.  He turned around to face her.

“Oh, Marguerite,” he said, “I almost forgot.” He gestured toward the middle rider.

“This is my cousin, Francois, lately arrived to claim his inheritance.  Francois, Marguerite, Marguerite, Francois.”

“Good day, milady,” Francois bowed, then jumped off his horse.  He couldn’t stop staring at her.  She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.  “In need of some assistance?”

Marguerite looked at him.  This was not what she was expecting.   Francois was actually quite handsome; he had an amazing resemblance to Henry. This was not enough for Marguerite, though.  She didn’t want lookalikes; she wanted the real thing.

But right now, she’d have to settle for Francois. 

“Yes, please,” she answered.  

Chapter 6

Once they reached the monastery, they split up into different groups.  Henry and Danielle found the library and Jacqueline and Laurent walked around the grounds.

Marguerite and Francois sitting on a hill, not doing much of anything except admire the view.

They hadn’t said anything to each other since they arrived.

Francois tried to be friendly.  “Lovely day,” he said, “not a cloud in the sky.”

Marguerite didn’t say a thing.

“Everything’s perfect and beautiful, couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Marguerite turned her head to look at him, then turned back and continued to keep quiet.

“In fact,” Francois said smiling, “It’s about as lovely and beautiful as you are.”

Marguerite turned to face him, smiling.

“Thank you for the compliment, Francois,” she said, smiling.

Francois smiled back at her.

“I mean it, Marguerite.  You’re so beautiful.”

 

She laughed and stood up.  She began to walk away from him.

Francois frowned.  He stood up and followed her.

He wasn’t going to lose this one.

“Cat got your tongue?” he asked.

“Just a little confused,” she answered, “that’s all.  I thought he came by to see me, not that witch.”

“Doesn’t look too much like a witch to me,” he said. 

“You don’t know her like I do. She’s been living at our manor for the past five years."

Francois smiled.  He had to remember what Henry told him.  No names were to be used, at all.

“So I heard,” he said, thinking out loud. He looked up at Marguerite to see if she heard.

She hadn’t. 

That was a good thing.

“Do you think it would be so hard getting to know each other? Francois asked.”

Marguerite smiled.  She was beginning to enjoy this. He was a sweet person after all.

“Yes, Francois, I think I would enjoy that.”

Marguerite smiled.  She’d play along for now, but she would never give up the dream of Henry.

Chapter 7

Heny was following Danielle through the library. He was smiling. He remembered his uncle telling him that she had loved to read. Each time her father had traveled, he had brought home another book. He smiled thinking.  

I wonder what else we have in common?  

No one else was around now; it was safe to call her by the made-up title.  

“Pick one, Comtesse,” he said.

Danielle couldn’t believe how many books there were.

“I can no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens,” she said.

She turned around to face him.

“They are all so beautiful. “  Henry grinned.

 “Would you mind if I recommend one?” His uncle hadn’t held anything back. He knew everything she liked, what books she loved to read, her favorite games and colors. He had known everything about her.

 “Please,” she answered.   He smiled. He remembered her uncle telling him she liked philosophy and science.  He pulled out a copy of Plato’s Dialogues.

“I am sure that you will enjoy this one,” he said, handing the book to her.   He waited until she took it and turned it over.   She looked at the title. “Oh, Your Highness, I’ve wanted to read this. My father never brought this home. What I really want is to read about Atlantis. Do you happen to have that as well?”

Henry smiled. “I can lend you that book anytime, Comtesse. Just say the word.”  

Danielle stared. Maybe she had been wrong about him after all. She had thought him arrogant and stubborn, but this Henry was different. He was kind and considerate. Nothing she had expected. It was a nice surprise and she was beginning to feel very guilty.  

Chapter 8  

Jacqueline and Laurent were outside one of the cloisters. They were in an alcove of the monastery, with the lovely fountain in the center.   “Don’t you think Danielle is playing a dangerous game?” Jacqueline asked him.

“No more than what Henry is doing.” Laurent answered.

Jacqueline looked puzzled. “What does that mean?”  

“He knows her, Jacqueline. He remembers her from the day her father brought her into visit his best friend’s sister, Queen Marie.”  

“Really?” Jacqueline couldn’t believe it. Her best friend in the world and she hadn’t told her a thing about this. 

 Laurent nodded his head.   “I wouldn’t lie to you, Jacqueline,” he said. “You mean a lot to me.” He took her hand in his.   “Henry should tell her the truth, he’s been in love with her for five years and has never done anything about it, much less told anyone. He’s only told a handful of people.”  

“Is there a reason why?”

“Well, first of all, he had an arranged marriage with the Princess of Spain, but that has been called off. He has his father’s permission to see Danielle thanks to the Queen's intervention.” 

“Then it’s only a matter of time, isn’t it?” Jacqueline asked.

“I believe Henry has every intention of proposing, Jacqueline. The question is when? He tells me that he will do it within a fortnight. Since he borrowed that horse from your stables and saw Danielle in the courtyard, nothing has been the same.”   “Not only that, he’s convinced that she will make a great Queen. He has turned his father's thinking around. The King is willing to accept the outcome of this, provided that Henry keeps quiet about the whole affair. In other words, Jacqueline, he wants to see for himself. Beside, Henry's become quite a different person and his father is truly amazed. He is no longer the irresponsible stubborn brat he once was, thanks to Danielle's way of thinking. He sees things differently and it has impressed Francis so far.”

I wonder if Danielle will realize that, Jacqueline thought as she looked into Laurent's eyes. She might have to warn her.

Chapter 9

Rodmilla hadn’t really gone upstairs.  She was standing by the doorway, watching Jacqueline, Marguerite and Danielle.   Marguerite had done rather well for herself; she had reached Henry first.  She smiled at the thought of her oldest daughter, married to a prince.  The first part of her plan was complete.  Now there was the matter of getting rid of Danielle once and for all.   Oh, she had almost forgot.  There was company coming.  She went inside to get ready.

She would have to come up with something, she decided, as she climbed the stairs.  Something subtle, not overpowering.  But what?    She had reached her room when she  heard the doorbell ring. 

She ran all the way down the steps again and opened the door.  When she saw who it was, she just smiled.

Rodmilla hadn’t realized that she wasn’t alone.  Louise and Paulette had been working in the kitchen when the guest entered.  Since voices carried from the hallway to the kitchen, the two women heard everything that transpired.

After the monastery, the group split up, Laurent, Jacqueline, Francois and Marguerite headed back toward the manor. 

Henry and Danielle made for the woods. 

They had arrived at the ruins at Amboise.  Henry jumped down, then reached up to help Danielle who slid down into his arms.  They both looked at each other.  Danielle smiled.

“Thank you for the wonderful day, Your Highness” she said, “I was a little surprised. Everyone thought you were coming for Marguerite.  She continued.  “And very pleased.  I’ll admit, you have certainly changed.”

Henry laughed.  “Was I really that bad?” he asked.  

He took her hand and began to walk. 

They were interrupted by a small band of gypsies. 

The leader of the band jumped off his horse.

“Your Highness,” he said, bowing.

“No need, Gregor,” Henry said, smiling, “and how are your two children?”

“The family is doing fine, sire.  And please, allow us to extend our good wishes.  Thank you for pardoning my brother.  He is innocent of any crime.”

Henry smiled and bowed.  “Thank you, kind sir.”

“You and Danielle are invited back to the camp tonight“

Danielle looked at him.  He’s made friends with the gypsies.  Well, so had she.  Gregor and his wife were in need of some assistance two years ago.  She, Louise and Paulette helped to deliver a baby in the stables.

She also realized something else.  Gregor had called her by her real name.

Henry had acted as if he heard nothing.  He smiled.

“Not tonight. Pressing business at hand.”  He gestured to Danielle.

Gregor smiled.  “Some other time perhaps.”

“Well done, sir.”  Gregor said.  He turned his horse and galloped off.  The three other men followed behind.

“You are truly remarkable, Your Highness.  You never cease to amaze me.”

Henry turned to her.  Danielle could tell he was serious.  “You are responsible for the change, Comtesse.  I could never have done it without you.” He stopped when they entered the ruins of what was once a magnificent church.

“You are the most remarkable woman I have ever met.  You are unlike everyone else who wants to marry me for power and money.  I must tell you something now that you might not believe, because I can hardly believe it myself. And please, call me Henry.”

Danielle smiled.  “And I have something to share with you, Henry, only I don’t know how to say it without hurting you.”

“Hurting me? Whatever are you talking about?”

Chapter 10

Danielle wiped the tears away that were forming in her eyes. 

“I have deceived you, Henry,” she said, though them.  “I am just like everyone else.  I wanted to use your money to get rid of Rodmilla and Marguerite and turn the manor farm around. But now I see how wonderful you are…”

It was starting to sink in. 

“What?” he said, quietly at first.

“Maybe I was wrong?” Danielle said.  She had wiped the tears away.  Her eyes were dry.

He pulled away from her, suddenly.  Danielle was a little surprised.

“You haven’t been all that honest with me, sire,” she said.  “You knew who I was all the time, didn’t you.”  She shook her head.  Gustave had been right.

Henry was taken aback.  “How would you know that?”

“Gregor called me by my real name, or had you just forgotten about that?”

Henry stared at her.  “I have loved you for a long, long time.  I remembered you from court five years ago.  I don’t know why.  Other women have come and gone, but your face stayed with me.  You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.  Everyone marvels at all the wonderful things that you can do.  You have charmed everyone, Danielle, including me.  Everyone at court knows the remarkable things that you have done and continue to do so.  I am convinced that we will be a perfect match for one another."

"My father had other plans for me and I was prevented from ever telling you how I really felt.  I have seen you in the marketplace and sometimes, in a crowd of people and it often reminded me how much I care.  You think it was an accident that I borrowed your horse two days ago or bump into you like that in the courtyard.  It was an excuse, Danielle.  My father was skeptical about this relationship, but my mother convinced him because your father and my uncle were friends.  Now I see that it was all for naught.”

He gave a last look to Danielle and turned on his heel.  He was about to walk out when Danielle called to him.  She let him have it.

“If you knew who I was, why didn’t you tell me in the courtyard?  Why did you let me go on making a fool of myself?”

“Maybe I wanted to find out who you really were.  Maybe I just wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into.”

Danielle was furious. 

“I am sorry that I have deceived you, sire, but you are just as guilty. Since my father remarried, the only thing that I have thought about was getting the baroness out of the manor and turning it around. I wanted nothing more than to shame Marguerite and have you propose to me right in front of her.”  She looked down.  These next lines were going to be difficult.

“I was wrong, Your Highness.  Human beings do make mistakes.  I fell in love with you.  I hadn’t realized it, but I had always felt something for you, too. Upon meeting you, I thought you were the most wonderful boy on the face of this earth, but in talking to you in the orchard and seeing you in the courtyard changed my mind.  You were everything they said you were, arrogant and stubborn.   I thought I was wrong, but you really haven’t changed at all, have you?”

The tears started again.  This time, she turned and fled leaving Henry alone.

Chapter 11

Marguerite and Francois had just arrived at the ruins.  They had just missed Henry by only a few minutes.

Francois jumped off the horse and helped Marguerite down.  They were both laughing. 

“I never thought that I could have so much fun,” Francois said, as she slid down the horse into his arms.

“Neither did I. I am honestly considering your idea, Francois, even though Mother would be greatly disappointed.”

Francois kissed her nose, then let her go.  He took her hand and they walked inside.  They sat on what had been a window ledge.

“What is it your mother wanted?”

“That I should marry a prince.”

Would she actually consider a Marquis? That’s what I am, you know. ”

Marguerite smiled.  “She doesn’t even know that you exist.”

Francois frowned.  “I’ve lived here all my life. My father was well known.  The Duke Phillippe du Bois, the Queen’s brother.  It’s true I’ve spent most of my life around royalty, but I can be like everyone else. We are still people, Marguerite, we eat, we sleep, we..

Marguerite was giggling.  Francois wasn’t sure if he was enjoying it.  He laughed along with her just the same.

“So what do you say, do you think we can see each other again?  Or are we doomed to be apart forever?

Marguerite was still laughing.  “I don’t know.  You’re not the Prince.  I think she wants a castle to live in and..”

Francois drew in closer and kissed her lightly on the mouth.

He stepped back.  “I can arrange that,” he smiled.  “I even have my father’s chateau.  I’m sure she wouldn’t disapprove.”

Marguerite looked at him with a funny smile on her face.

“Of course, Francois, I am sure she would consider it.   Would you like to visit with my mother now?”

Francois smiled and looked in her eyes.   They were so big and blue.  He brushed a stray hair away from her face.

“I’d like to meet my future mother in law,” he said, half joking.

Marguerite laughed again.  “Why, Francois,” she said, “we’ve only met this morning.”

“I feel like I’ve known you all my life, Marguerite,” Francois answered.  He picked his hands up to her cheeks and held them in his hand.  “I think I love you already.”

“Time will tell,” she said, but she was interrupted by his kiss.

Chapter 12

Rodmilla was just admiring her reflection in the looking glass.  She couldn’t believe she could still attract men at her age.  

She had been seeing him for awhile.  Was it such a crime?  He was a lot younger than she was and she didn’t know how everyone would react if she had married him after all.  He had proposed to her more than once, but she kept refusing.  She never knew why.  He would give her everything she ever wanted, that’s what he kept telling her.  She smiled and walked over to join him in bed.

Henry had just arrived at the castle.  He went straight to his room, and didn’t want to be bothered by anybody. He didn’t even want to see his mother when she knocked on his door.

Henry opened it anyway.

“Is there something wrong, my son?”

“Just tired, Mother.  I’ll be alright.”

“Have you proposed to Lady Danielle? We are all waiting for an answer. The ball will still have to go on.”

Henry looked at her.

“I might’ve have changed my mind about her.  Father may have been right all along,  Marrying a stranger might be a better choice then someone you know already.”

“That’s not what happened in my case.  Tell me, Henry, what’s wrong?”

And so, Henry began to tell his mother everything that happened.

Danielle hadn’t gone home.  What was there, Rodmilla?  She would only give her a lashing.   She could wait for that.

She had gone to Gustave’s studio, again, but this time he wasn’t there. She was waiting for him to return. 

She had been so deep in thought she hadn’t realized that it had grown dark.

First, she was ashamed of herself for what she pulled.  It might have been a good idea at the time, but that idea hadn’t been all hers anyway. Le Pieu had put it into her head.   She had told Gustave about it and they had agreed, but Gustave had warned her.  She was no better than that rat.  She hated herself.  She needed to put it right, somehow, but she didn’t know how to go about it.

Chapter13

Jacqueline and Laurent were the first ones to arrive at the manor.  Louise and Paulette were outside in the garden.  They thought it best to get out of the house.

They watched as Laurent helped Jacqueline down. Paulette walked over to the both of them.

“Jacqueline,” she said, “You shouldn’t go in there just now.”

Laurent and Jacqueline looked at each other, then back to Paulette. 

“We were just about to take a walk,” Laurent answered.

“Is something wrong?” Jacqueline asked.

Jacqueline noticed something in the distance.  It was Francois and Marguerite riding up. 

“The Baroness has company,” Paulette said, as Francois and Marguerite reined in.

“With whom?”  Marguerite asked, as Francois helped her down.

Louise looked at everyone.  Someone was missing.

“Where’s Danielle?” she asked.

“She’s not here?” Jacqueline was surprised.

“We haven’t seen her since this morning.”  Paulette told her.

Where could she be?  Jacqueline wondered.  She turned to face Paulette.

“Who’s my mother with?” Jacqueline asked again.

It was then the front door opened.  All six of them watched and waited.

Chapter 14

“You’ve got to go back,” Gustave said.  “You can’t stay here, there will be too much talk.

“I don’t care about what people will say.  I’ve embarrassed myself already.”

She stood up and walked over to the window in Gustave’s studio. 

Gustave had an idea.

“The ball’s tomorrow night.  They are supposed to announce Henry’s bride.” 

“I don’t want to hear it, Gustave.”

“You have to face reality some time.”  Gustave said. 

Danielle kept looking out the window.  She turned to face Gustave.

”You are right, Gustave.  I should go back. “

Gustave smiled.  “Then I’ll take you.  Come.”

Henry was standing outside on top of one the castle turrets.  He couldn’t stop thinking about Danielle.  His mother had told him to go after her. It didn’t matter about what she had done, she had confessed and it was over.  Besides, he had been playing along with her charade as well.

She told him that they had both been wrong.  It takes two people to have a disagreement. 

He decided that she was right.   He was going to go after her.

Chapter 15

“Look,” Jacqueline cried. “The door’s opening.”  Everyone crowded around the door in a group while they watched and waited.

It was only Maurice.

Everyone went back to talking again.

Gustave helped Danielle up.  Then he got on and rode off toward the manor.

Henry ran down the castle stairs and out the door, leading to the courtyard.  It was just starting to get dark.  He couldn’t afford to wait any longer.

He didn’t wait for anyone to get his horse; he just went to the royal stables and found him.  He jumped on and made for the manor.

“He’s coming down, they’re finished,” Maurice announced, “Spread out.”

No one moved. Not until the door opened again.

Danielle and Gustave were at the beginning of the hayfield.

“Do we have to go so fast?” Danielle asked. 

“No,” Gustave replied, and slowed the horse to a walk.

Henry was almost to the hayfield when he saw two riders ahead of him.

He made the horse go faster.

Chapter 16

When the door opened, everyone began to scatter, most of the crowd ended up hiding behind the bushes in the front garden.

They could hear Rodmilla saying goodbye to someone.  Paulette picked her head up.

“Well?” Louise asked.

“You won’t believe it,” she said, looking at Louise

“Who?” Jacqueline said.

“It’s the Marquis de Limoges,” Paulette answered, a little too loudly.

Rodmilla and the Marquis turned around.  Paulette retreated behind her bush.

“Hold, you there, on the horse.  I say, hold still.”

Gustave stopped the horse. 

“It’s Henry,” he whispered.

“I know,” she whispered back.

Henry reined in beside them.

“Danielle, I have to talk to you.”

“I don’t think so, Henry.”

Gustave was sitting there on the horse, listening to all this.

“Danielle, I don’t want to lose you.  I love you so much.”

“Gustave,” Danielle ordered, “get this horse going, NOW.”

Gustave watched as Henry put his hands on his horse’s rein.

“Listen to me, Danielle.”

“Alright,” she said.  “I’ll walk.”  She jumped down from the horse and started to walk.

“DANIELLE.” They both called out to her.

Henry jumped down from his horse and started to run. 

Gustave grabbed Henry’s horse as he waited and watched.

Danielle turned around and she began to run.

It didn’t take long for Henry to catch up with her.  He reached out to grab her, but she sidestepped him.  They ran for a while until Danielle tripped over something and fell.  Henry fell right beside her.

“Listen to me, I was wrong,” he said, taking her in his arms.  “Whatever the reasoning was behind what you did is over.  My mother always said, “Don’t cry over spilt milk.”

Danielle was still struggling.  She wasn’t listening to anything Henry had to say, she just wanted out of his arms.

Henry wasn’t letting her go though.  Not again, not ever again.

He wanted to stop her from struggling and he did it the only way he knew how.  He kissed her.

Chapter 17

Rodmilla looked around.  She had heard something.

“Alright, who’s out there?  Where are you, show yourself?”

Paulette almost picked her head up.  “What are you, crazy?” Louise asked her pushing her head back down.

Francois turned to Marguerite.  “That’s your mother?” he asked.

Marguerite nodded her head. “That’s her.”

Francois shook his head.  What could he even be thinking about getting into?

“I know you’re out there.  I hear all that chattering going on.”

“Maybe I should leave,” the Marquis said.

“No, Rene, not yet.”

“I’ve been here all day, Rodmilla.  I’ll come by tomorrow to take you out of this dreary place."

“You mean that you will..”

Rene kissed her, in front of everyone, although she couldn’t see them at all.

He pushed her away.  Rodmilla stared at him, a funny look on her face.

“‘Til tomorrow, my love,” he said. He looked around for his horse, which Maurice had already gotten for him.

He jumped on and galloped away, toward the road.

Rodmilla watched him disappear down the road, then turned and walked inside.

Everyone stood up.  They were finally able to breathe again.  They crowded around in a small circle, each one just talking, no one listening.

Suddenly, the door opened up again.  Everyone stopped and looked in the direction of the door.

Rodmilla smiled.  “I knew you were all out here,” she said.

Chapter 18

Henry and Danielle had finally come up for air.  He rested his forehead against hers. 

“I love you, more than you know.”

“And I love you, Henry.  I am so sorry.  I’ll never deceive you again.”

He smiled and closed his eyes.  “It’s just as much my fault.  I should have been honest with you.”

“We should get married tonight,” Henry whispered. “They could announce that tomorrow at the ball instead of who the bride will be.”

“I still have to go home.” Danielle whispered.

“Why?” Henry asked.  “Just come with me.  I’ll take the blame; I’ll explain everything.  We can stop off after the wedding and…”

Danielle kissed him.  Nothing else was said, not for a while, until Gustave piped up.

“Hey, you two, what do you want me to do?  I can’t sit here all night?”

They broke apart, looked at Gustave and laughed.

Gustave stared at them as if they were both crazy. 

Chapter 19

Henry brought Danielle to the house.  Gustave was bringing up the rear.  They decided to wait.  It was the only fair thing to do, for both sides, even if Danielle hadn’t seen it that way      

Everyone was still outside as Henry and Gustave reined in.  Henry reached up as usual to help Danielle down. 

Jacqueline went over to her.  “Where have you been?  You missed all the excitement.”

“What excitement?”

Mother and the Marquis de Limoges.”

“What about them?”

“They’re seeing each other,” Marguerite chimed in.  Can you believe that?”

“Isn’t he a little young for her?”  Henry asked.

“Age doesn’t mean anything, Henry,” Francois said.

“What?” Danielle asked.  “Is this true?”

“Yes, Danielle, it is.”

 

This time it was Rodmilla.

Chapter 20

“You are seeing the Marquis de Limoges?” Danielle asked.

“Not only that, we will be getting married tomorrow.”

“Well then,” Henry said, “maybe we can have a double wedding.”

Rodmilla looked at the Prince, then at Marguerite.

“Well done, Marguerite,” Rodmilla said.  “I told you that you would..”

“Mother, please,” Marguerite said.  “Enough. I’d like to introduce you to someone. This is Francois, MARQUIS Francois de Bois.  Returned a week ago to claim his father’s inheritance, so I am told.” She looked over at him, adoringly.  He smiled back, a little too playfully. Marguerite smile disappeared for a minute, as she turned back to her mother.  “We wanted to make a proposal to you.  You see, Francois and I,  I mean…”  She looked up at Rodmilla who was standing over her, her arms folded across her chest, frowning.  I think I know how Danielle feels sometimes, Marguerite thought.  She turned back to Francois.  All of a sudden she was having a hard time with words.

“We would like your permission,” Francois began, “well, I would like your permission to see you lovely daughter again, Baroness.”

Rodmilla looked from Francois back to her daughter.  She glanced over at Henry and Danielle who were in each other’s arms, looking very much in love.  So, Rodmilla thought, that’s how it’s going to be. “And since when do you need my permission for anything?” 

“Well,” Francois said, “I just thought..”

“Mother,” Marguerite piped up; “you shouldn’t talk.  Look at what..” she stopped, mid sentence.  Her face turned a bright red.

“Go ahead, Marguerite, dig a big hole for yourself.”

Marguerite was going to say something, but Francois stopped her.

“If it’s good enough for you, then I just don’t see the problem. Marguerite’s a sensible girl.  I’m just as good as any Prince, maybe even better.”

Marguerite stared at Francois.  She was beginning to like him more and more.  She was enjoying this.

Rodmilla wasn’t, not at all.

“Francois,” Henry said, smiling at him. “Calm down.  You must watch that temper of yours.”

Danielle was trying not to smile. For once, her anger was being taken out on Marguerite, not on her.

Francois looked at Henry, smiled, then turned back to Rodmilla.

“Well, what do you say?”

Rodmilla stared at everyone.  They had moved a little closer in, waiting for her next words.

She smiled and threw up her hands.

“Whatever makes you happy, Marguerite,” she said.

She turned her attention to Henry and Danielle.

Chapter 22

“So, it’s the two of you now, is it?”  Rodmilla said, sternly.

Danielle was dreading this line of questioning.

“It always been that way, Baroness,” Henry said, “since she was fourteen and visited my mother and father at court.”

“Is that so?”  Rodmilla asked, looking at Danielle.  “Why was it that I was never told? And what is it any of your business who I’m seeing?”

Danielle looked at her.  “Stepmother, I… “

“Baroness, please,” Henry said.  “It was probably overlooked.”

“Next thing you’ll be telling me is that Danielle has a title.  That is as preposterous as a servant marrying royalty.”

“Actually,” Henry replied, “to answer your question…”

Danielle turned to stare at him.      

Rodmilla did the same thing.  She leaned in a little to hear what he had to say, but he didn’t say a thing.

Henry turned, looked back at Danielle, then turned to Rodmilla.

He was trying not to smile.  Wait until the ball tomorrow night, Baroness, he thought, then you’ll really be enlightened.

Henry and Danielle were alone in the driveway of the manor.  They were staring into each other’s eyes.

“I’m sorry about this afternoon,” he said, looking at her.  He was playing with her hair.

Danielle laughed.  “No need for that, Henry. I jumped off the horse and started to walk.  I don’t even know why.  I never even wanted to go home.”

Henry watched her face.  “Where would you have stayed?”

“Gustave’s studio.”

“Afraid of Rodmilla? I’ve heard about the way she treats you, but we’ll take care of that tomorrow night.”

Danielle looked at him.  “Don’t be too cruel to her, Henry.  She still let me live there.” 

Henry looked at her.  “I’ve heard she whips you, Danielle.  I’ve heard so many stories, how she treats you, how she acts, how she talks to you.”

Danielle smiled and touched his cheek.  “She only whipped me once, Henry.  When she speaks, I have to listen.  No one ever talks back to Rodmilla. Tonight was the first time.  Francois first, then you. I’ve never seen anyone shut up Rodmilla before.”

Henry laughed this time.  “I guess royalty has that effect on people. And one lashing is quite enough.” 

“You’d better get going, Henry.”

He looked at her.  “I don’t want to go,” he said.

“I’ll see you at the ball tomorrow night.”

“Do you think she’ll let you go?” He gestured toward the manor.

“She probably won’t even be here.” Danielle whispered, coming closer toward him.

“You’re so beautiful,” she said, smiling, “I love you.”

“And I you.”  They kissed each other and held on for what seemed to be an eternity.

Chapter 23

Danielle watched Henry leave.  She was not looking forward to walking back into the manor.

“God give me strength,” she said and walked through the front door.

Sure enough, Rodmilla was standing there, waiting.

“You never answered my question, Danielle.”

“It is none of my business, Stepmother, I was only asking.”

“Do you think he’s too young for me? Do you think it is ridiculous that we are seeing each other?  That he wants to marry me?”

“I’ve never said…”

Rodmilla interrupted.  “Well, the second part of my plan is complete.  Tomorrow I will finally be rid of this tiny guesthouse you call a manor, and you. You have been a thorn in my side since Auguste died.   I will move into my new chateau and I will have everything that I ever wanted. This horrible pig sty will be all yours, Danielle, just as you’ve always hoped for.”

“But will you be happy, Stepmother?”

She looked at Danielle, a little surprised. 

“Of course, child,” she said, “It’s funny you should ask me, after the way I’ve treated you.”

Danielle smiled at her.

“Stepmother, I have always been concerned for your welfare.  I do not remember my mother.  You were the closest thing I have ever had to one.”

Rodmilla looked at her. 

“I hadn’t realized that, Danielle.  I’m so sorry that I could’ve hurt you in any way.”

Who is she kidding, Danielle thought.  I think she’s only saying all these things because the Marquis finally proposed. 

“I forgive you, Stepmother, and I wish you all the happiness in the world.”  She hugged her; then stepped back.

“Now if you will excuse me, I am very tired.”

Rodmilla watched her walk up the stairs to her room.  She never realized how Danielle had felt toward her.

She smiled.  I’ll have to try to make amends once I am out of here, she thought.

She knew that she never would.

Danielle walked all the way up to her room in the loft.  She sat down on the bed and removed her shoes.  She undressed, found her nightgown and put it on.  She walked over to the little hole that she used as a window.

Maybe she should have gone with Henry.  She would have been rid of Rodmilla once and for all.  She didn’t know why Rodmilla had been so nice to her tonight.  My Lord, Danielle thought, she hadn’t even said anything about the ball.

She heard a knock on the door.  She opened it to find Jacqueline standing there.

Chapter 24

“Where have you been all day? Jacqueline asked.

Danielle smiled.  “You’d never believe it, Jacqueline. ”

Jacqueline walked in the loft and sat down on the bed.

“You never told me you knew Prince Henry.”

Danielle smiled and shook her head. 

“I never knew him as such, Jacqueline.  I only met him once.”

“Apparently, once was enough.”

Danielle suddenly became serious.

“How is Marguerite taking all of this?”

“Well, despite what happened to you, she is still hoping, as Mother is, that her name will be called tomorrow night at the ball.  She is still considering Francois’ proposal.  Mother is screaming at her right now.  She is so angry that you got to the Prince first. ”

They both laughed.

“It’s true, you know, just because Henry loves me, the King and Queen may have other ideas.”

Jacqueline looked at her.  She smiled.

“I thought I heard you two had a huge fight.”

Danielle smiled.  “That’s all over now, Jacqueline.” 

“Tell me, Danielle.  Tell me everything that happened.  Do not leave anything out.”

And so, Danielle told Jacqueline everything that happened.

Chapter 25

When the three of them woke up that morning, they found Rodmilla had gone. No note, nothing. They looked at each other. 

“What now?” Marguerite asked.

“I don’t know,” Jacqueline answered.

“I can’t imagine a life without Mother,” Marguerite said

That figures, Danielle thought.

Rodmilla was waiting at the church.

He said he’d be here, Rodmilla thought, listening to the church bells chime out eight in the morning.  She’d been standing there since seven.

She was beginning to think he wasn’t coming at all.

She was positive he wasn’t when she heard the bells chime out twelve in the afternoon.

She had found out later that he usually preyed on older women with money.  She didn’t have any, so he had walked out on her.

She had been a fool to believe that someone so young would want someone like her. He had persuaded her to take one of Auguste’s five prize stallions and ride all the way here.  She had never liked riding a horse.  She had always preferred coaches.

She hated to return to the manor this way, with no one.  Everyone would laugh at her, if they weren’t doing that already.

She had let Danielle off too lightly last night.   What had happened to her, turning nice all of a sudden.  And Marguerite, thinking that she could get away without marrying the Prince? 

She was about to walk out of the church when she heard a male voice calling to her.

“Rodmilla, Rodmilla de Ghent?”

She turned to face him.

Chapter 26

It was Jean de Ghent’s old friend, the Duke Jules du Bois, Henry’s uncle and the Queen’s oldest brother.  They had been rivals for her hand, when the world was younger.  She hadn’t seen him since the death of his young wife and son two years ago.  Vivienne had died in childbirth and their son, Alexandre, died soon after. 

“Jules?” she asked.

The Duke nodded.

Rodmilla admired him.  “You’re still as handsome as ever.”

Jules laughed.  “And you seem to never change, Rodmilla, although it’s only been two years.”

He changed the subject.  “What brings you here?”

Rodmilla smiled. “My second husband, Auguste, is buried here in the churchyard.  I have just come from his grave.  Aren’t Vivienne and your son buried here as well?”

Jules smiled 

“How kind of you to remember.  Yes, they are and that is where I’ve just come.  Funny, I don’t remember seeing you there.”

What Rodmilla told him was true, Auguste was buried there, but she hadn’t been to see him since he died five years ago.

“I was there earlier, before you.  I was taking a walk, actually before heading home.” 

“How did you get here?”

“I rode here.  I had a hard time, I hadn’t ridden a horse in so long.”

She was starting to cry.

Jules looked at her and then put his arms around her.

“Are you that happy to see me?” he asked her.

Rodmilla started to laugh.  She pulled herself away from him and dried her eyes.

“Come,” she said, “walk with me.  This is a long story.”

Chapter 27

The ball was about to begin and there was still no sign of Rodmilla.  Marguerite, Danielle, and Jacqueline had arrived by royal coach. 

Laurent was there to escort them inside.  It was the Prince who had sent the coach.

As they entered the ballroom, Danielle looked around.  It was lavishly set; no expense was spared, from the wonderful buffet right down to the beautiful decorations.

She was searching for Prince Henry whom she was surprised hadn’t met her by the coach. 

I guess I can’t expect things be any different until the announcement, she thought.  Now she wasn’t sure how it was going to go.

“Care for this dance?”

She turned to find Francois standing there, reaching out his hand.

Danielle smiled.  “I would love to, Monsieur le Marquis.”

Francois smiled.  “Milady.”

They stepped on to the floor to join the others.

 

Henry was watching the proceedings from the railing, overlooking the ballroom.  He watched as Danielle and Francois as they walked on to the dance floor and wished that it was he, but right now there were other important things to take care of.

“Henry.”

He looked up. It was his mother’s voice.

“There you are,” she said, walking over to him.  “Everything ready?”

Henry smiled, still watching Danielle and Francois.

“Of course, Mother.  Everything is ready for the big announcement.”

“Your father has his speech all prepared.  You are going to have to go down there.”

Henry turned to his mother.  “Why did it have to be so elaborate?  Why can’t we have done this privately?”

She reached out and touched his cheek. “This is the way it’s always been done, Henry.”  

“I think when I become King.., Henry began, but he didn’t finish.  He was staring at the ballroom entrance.  “Oh, no,” was all he said.

“Henry, what’s wrong?” the Queen asked.   When Henry hadn’t said anything, she turned and followed Henry’s gaze.

“My Lord,” she said, “it’s my older brother and he’s with..”

“My future mother-in-law,” Henry finished the sentence and ran down the stairs to the ballroom.

Chapter 28

The new Duchess, Rodmilla du Bois had just entered the ballroom on the arm of her husband, Jules.  The two of them were talking and laughing as if they were old friends, which they were.  They looked extremely happy.

Rodmilla searched the ballroom for Marguerite.  She saw Danielle and Francois talking at the edge of the dance floor.

Maybe Henry’s changed his mind, she thought, maybe there is still hope, after all.

She found Marguerite at last, talking with Jacqueline and Laurent.  She looked up and caught her mother’s gaze.  She smiled and started to walk toward her.

On the way to the ballroom, Henry ran into his father.

“Ah, Henry, ready for the big announcement?”

He put his arm around him and smiled. 

“You haven’t changed your mind now, have you?”

Henry smiled.  “Never, Father, never in a thousand years.”

King Francis smiled.

“I was hoping you’d say that.  Your mother has done a good job of convincing me that I had been wrong about you and the Lady Danielle.  I hope she is worth it.”

Henry’s smile widened.

“I promise you, Father, you won’t be disappointed.”

The King smiled. 

“Then let us surprise the Lady, shall we?”

Henry looked at his father and hugged him. 

“Thank you, Father,” he whispered in his ear, then released him.

I think you will surprise more than the Lady Danielle, Henry thought.  He smiled and followed his father into the ballroom.

Chapter 29

“Friends and honored guests,” King Francis announced, “it gives me great pleasure on this festive occasion to announce the engagement of our son, Prince Henry the I…”

Everyone stood waiting.  Silence filled the air.

Henry, as usual, couldn’t keep a straight face.

Rodmilla and Marguerite stood together, hand in hand, waiting.  Francois stood by his uncle, Jules, discussing the day’s events with him.  They were paying the least bit of attention.

“…to the Lady Danielle de Barbarac.”

Danielle looked up at the mention of her name.

Lady, she thought, Lady?  She couldn’t believe it.

Then it was true; she really did have a title.

Rodmilla stood there, shaking her head in disbelief.

No, she thought, that couldn’t possibly be right.  Auguste always said he had a title, but there was nothing to substantiate it.  No papers, no nothing, unless….

Marguerite turned to her mother.  Rodmilla had just fallen to the floor.

“MOTHER,” Marguerite yelled so loudly that the entire ball came to a stand still.  She knelt down beside her.  “MOTHER, PLEASE WAKE UP!”

Francois stared at her.  He shook his head.  Is this what he was getting into?  He was almost feeling sorry for Henry.

“Marguerite, please, “ Francois said, trying to help her up.

Rodmilla was stirring.  Jules leaned over to try to help.

Marguerite had been trying to keep Francois from helping her up.  Her arms were all over the place.

Rodmilla sat up for just a second.

She fell down again.

“MARGUERITE.”  It was both Jules and Francois this time.

She let them pick her up. 

Jules and Francois were looking at each other, laughing.

Marguerite turned red.

“I didn’t mean to hit her in the face,” she screamed and stormed out of the ball.

Francois was still laughing.

Jules, however, turned to Laurent and Jacqueline standing not to far from him.

“Will someone get the court physician, please?” he asked.

Laurent ran out as fast as could.  All the time he was smiling.

Chapter30

“And now, if the Lady Danielle will step up and join us on the dais.”

Danielle had heard the announcement.  She had been watching Rodmilla fall to the floor.  She was laughing when she heard the King announce her name. Even though she had known in the back of her mind that this was going to happen, she was still in a state of shock, especially now. It was all too good to be true. And those papers she had found in her hope chest.  She began to cry and ran from the ballroom.

She didn’t want everyone to see her like this.

Henry had been watching Rodmilla fall to the floor, also.  He was laughing so hard that he almost didn’t see Danielle run out.  By the time he looked up, she was almost out of the room.

Henry jumped off the dais and ran out after her.

Rodmilla had finally come around.  She was no longer at the ball, but in one of the rooms at the castle. 

She picked herself up, but another pair of hands had helped her.  She turned to see who it was

Jules had been sitting in a chair by the side of the bed.

“Take it easy, Rodmilla.  You have a nasty bump on the head.”

“What happened?”

“You fainted and hit your head. We had no idea what had happened. The court physician moved you here to keep an eye on you.”

Rodmilla looked up at Jules.

“I’ve got to get back to that party.”

“You are not going anywhere, Rodmilla,” Jules said.  “Anyway, what’s so important? We are here together, right now and I love you.  Always have, always will. Everything is fine.” He smiled. “Can’t have you dying on me now, can I? Now that you are here, next to me?  I have waited so long for this moment.” He smiled.

Rodmilla looked back at him.  She didn’t know what to say or do.  She thought she had married this man for his money alone, like she had her first two husbands. This time, she had been wrong.  She was beginning to realize that she truly had feelings for this man.

“And I love you, too, Jules,” she said, meaning every word.

Henry had seen Danielle run out of the room.  He saw her trip and fall, then disappear into the darkness.

“DANIELLE.”

He almost tripped over something.  He hadn’t been looking where he was going.  He bent down to pick it up.  It was Danielle’s glass slipper.  He smiled.

“DANIELLE,” he called again.

“I’m over here, Henry.” 

“Where’s here?”

It was then he had seen her.  She had been sitting on the ground, her eyes wet with tears.  Henry walked over to her.

Chapter 31

“What’s wrong, my lovely Princess.”

He joined her on the ground.  He wiped her tears away with his fingers. 

“I believe you’ve lost this?” he said, holding up her shoe.  He looked down, picked up her foot and placed the slipper on it.  He looked up at her face again.

It only made Danielle cry harder.  She fell into his arms.

“Come now, don’t cry,” he said, and released her, gently.  He suddenly brightened.

“Did you see what happened with Rodmilla and Marguerite?”

Danielle nodded and started to laugh.

“She was about to get up when Marguerite hit her in face.”

They were both laughing now.

Henry became silent.  “You and Francois, out on the floor.  Where did you learn to dance?  The two of you looked very nice together.”

“Why, Henry Francis, are you jealous?”

Henry turned bright red.

“Maybe just a little,” he said.

“Well, you have no reason to be,” she smiled.

Henry smiled. She was right, he thought, there is no reason to be.  She loved him and he adored her. 

She changed the subject.

“To get back to the dancing, when Marguerite and Jacqueline were taking their lessons, I watched them.  Afterwards, Jacqueline would sneak up to my little loft and practice with me.” 

“You and Jacqueline were friends, I take it.”

“And we are still friends to this day.”

“We’ll have to give Jacqueline a title, then.  Lady in Waiting should do quite nicely, I believe.  I’ll speak to Father about it.”

He started to stand and helped Danielle up as well.

“Come, let’s take a walk through the garden.” He took her tiny hand in his. “Then you can tell me what is wrong.”

Chapter 32

Danielle shook her head and smiled.  “Nothing is wrong, Henry. Everything is right. I just can’t believe what has just happened.” 

“I told you that I had my parent’s permission.  This was all agreed upon ahead of time.”

“You never told me that I had a title.”

Henry smiled. 

“We had to keep it a secret until we were sure it was true.  Mother had found some documents that your father had left my uncle for safekeeping.  It was a combination of letters and some other legal documents, all recognizing you as Lady Danielle de Barbarac.  It was sort of an arrangement they had set up, my mother, your father and my uncle.  You were supposed to marry me from the start, Danielle. That’s why your father brought you to court.  So that we could meet each other.”

“My mother knew all along.  Uncle Phillippe had been very close to her.  He always confided in her, nothing was kept secret between them.  Sometimes my father would even be jealous.”

Danielle nodded and smiled.

“There were several papers hidden in my hope chest as well.  Deed to the manor, in care of Phillippe du Bois for Lady de Barbarac.  There was a letter from my father explaining who I really was, and the mention of a marriage contract between the two families. On top of that, he left more money than I care to count. It’s all on paper; I haven’t seen any of it.  I don’t believe Rodmilla ever knew about any of this.”

Henry smiled.  “So no one ever told you?”

“You think Rodmilla would if she had known?”

“No,” Henry said, “From what you told me, I would never trust Rodmilla at all.”

Danielle smiled.  “I didn’t realize that my father and your uncle were so close.”

Henry laughed.  “They met when they were boys, quite by accident.  Auguste had been fishing and had fallen in the lake.   My uncle pulled him out.  Phillippe brought him home and my family fell in love with him. My grandfather loved him so much that he gave him the title of Comte.  That’s where your title comes from, Danielle.  Your father just never acknowledged it.“  He smiled and shook his head.  “All those stories he used to tell.”

“Why did we visit the castle only once, then? What happened?”

Henry looked at her.

“My uncle passed rather suddenly.  He was ill for a long time, but no one took any notice.  It hit my family hard, especially my mother.  Phillippe was her baby brother, and her closest friend.   Your father found out the next day, by special delivery.  My mother had invited the two of you, but your father declined, saying he had some pressing business to attend to.“

Danielle turned away from Henry.  “He died the next day, Henry.  I’ll never forget that.”

“What was the pressing business?”

“The Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent.” Danielle answered.

Henry smiled.  “She ran his life, didn’t she?”

“Yes, and you’d better warn your uncle.  If she’s wrapped him around her little finger like she did my father.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that so much. My mother always took care of her two brothers.”

Henry pulled her. “Come on, Princess,” he said, leading her over to the maze.  Although it was dark, the maze was always well lit. 

“Let’s see who can reach the center first, shall we?”

Danielle smiled.  “Alright, go on.”  And they both ran off in different directions.

No one noticed that a tall, young man was watching them intently.  Why hadn’t he gotten to Danielle first?  She was the best out of all of them, he thought.  She’s got everything you could ever have asked for or wanted.  It was then that he made up his mind.  He would do anything to remain by Danielle’s side, even if he had to marry that idiot, Marguerite.

Chapter 33

King Francis and Queen Marie were also watching the two of them go round the maze.

Queen Marie laughed.  “Danielle’s arrived at the center first.” She clapped her hands and put them up to her face.  I told you she’s remarkable.”

“I’ll have to admit it, Marie, but you are right.  I’ve never seen Henry this happy before, not even when he was a baby.”  

“Do you think that everything will go alright at the wedding tomorrow?”

“What could go wrong, Marie?” Francis asked.

Marie shook her head staring at the two of them, both in the center, kissing.

Hopefully, nothing, she thought, not sharing any of her thoughts with her husband.

“There you are, you adorable creature. I’ve been searching all over for you.”

He was glad she wasn’t facing him. 

She put her hands over his eyes.

“Guess who?” she said.

Francois smiled. He had been standing on the top of one of the turrets watching Danielle and Henry find their way through the maze.

“I don’t think that I could even hazard a guess.”  He reached up to pull her hands down and turned to face her, a goofy smile on his face.

“Have you thought about anything I have said?”

Yes, I have, Francois, but...”

“No,” he said.  “I want an answer, at least by tomorrow.  Do you love me, Marguerite?”

“Of course I do, Francois, but I..”

Francois’ temper was about to go off again.  He had to keep it down.

“I do love you, Marguerite and I want to be there for you, forever. Please let me prove to you how much I care.”

What a liar I have become, all for the love of one woman who’s engaged to marry of all people, his cousin and best friend in the whole wide world, the one who would never even dream of doing something as rotten as this to him.

He pulled her closer to him, placed his hands on either side of her face and covered her lips with his.

Marguerite will marry me tomorrow, he thought, if I have my way.

At that point, all thought stopped for Francois.

Chapter 34

Henry and Danielle had found their way to the center of the maze.  They stood in the middle, staring at one another. 

“I’ve never felt this way before,” Henry said, placing his arms around her.

“Neither have I, Henry, I love you very much.”

Henry smiled.  He kissed her on the mouth, lightly.

“The wedding is tomorrow,” he said, watching her face for a reaction.

“So quick?”

Henry shrugged.  “My parent’s idea.”  He smiled.  “They think I’ll change my mind and never go through with it.  This time I don’t mind at all.”  He grinned. 

“And why do you think I might? I have a confession to make, Henry. This is all I have ever dreamed about.”

Henry looked at her.  “How so?”

“Night after night after my father died, I always dreamed of different ways to get rid of Rodmilla and her horrible daughter, Marguerite.  The daydreams were so vivid that I could smell and taste them.  I never acted upon them until now and I am so sorry I did.”

“I used to dream about leaving the manor sometimes, too, ever since I was introduced to you. It was always the same dream, being married to a Prince and becoming Queen.  It wasn’t for money; it didn’t start out that way.  It was because I loved you. I always thought it impossible, me being a commoner and all.  I never thought any of this was true, Henry, even when I found the papers in my hope chest.”

“I was so frightened to tell you that.  I thought you wouldn’t believe me after what I had done to you.  You changed my mind and heart about everything I thought you were. I love you so much, I don’t know where to begin.”

“Here, let me show you,” Henry said.  He bent down to kiss her lips.

Chapter 35

Jacqueline was watching Henry and Danielle from the balcony.  She was waiting for Laurent who was talking downstairs.

Or so he said.

Something was up with him, she thought, something very strange.  It was as if he wanted to ask her a question. He had called her name all night and when she had turned around, he would turn away, or not answer, or say something completely silly that had nothing to do with the conversation.  He was doing the same thing when her mother fallen to the floor. Then Marguerite had to act up.  That ended any questioning that he had for the night.  He had to run and fetch the physician, then helped Jules carry her to the one rooms. 

It had been a long night. 

“Jacqueline,” a male voice called softly.

She turned to find Laurent standing there.  He looked very nervous.

“Anything wrong, Jean-Claude?” she asked.

“Um,” was all that came out.

Very intelligent answer, Jacqueline thought.  She looked at him.

“Look, Captain,” she said, “if you’ve got something to say, say it!  You’ve been at this all night and.. ”

“Doyouwanttomarryme,Jacqueline?” he asked.  That’s exactly had it sounded.

“What?” Jacqueline asked, furrowing her brows.  She looked a little puzzled.

“I just asked ifyouwantedto..”

 

“Hold it, hold it,” Jacqueline interrupted.  “Can you say that just a little slower?”

Laurent was all tongue tied and upset.  I said it once already, how many times should I say it?

“Marry me?” was all he could get out.

This time she heard him.

“Can you repeat that again a little louder?” Jacqueline said, walking closer to him.

Laurent looked at her and started to smile. 

“I said, will you..

“Yes,” she said, putting his arms around him.  “Oh, yes.”

He never finished the sentence.

Chapter 36

Francois was still staring at the maze.  The two of them had gone in hours ago. 

“Francois?”

He turned around to find Henry smiling at him.

“Hello, cousin,”

Francois thought he was going to cry and he didn’t want to let Henry see him doing it.

Henry stopped smiling.  “Anything wrong?” he asked.

“No, not really,” he answered trying not to show the tears.  He turned to face him. 

He thought he had a million things to confess, but the words wouldn’t come out.

“Just happy for you and Danielle.”

Henry knew his childhood friend better than that.  “Is that all?” he asked, gently.

Francois nodded his head. 

Henry looked at him a moment longer.  Neither one said anything, until Henry broke the silence.

“Well,” he said, “I just say good night, then.”

He turned and walked off, leaving Francois to himself.  He looked down on the floor, ashamed of himself for not saying anything.

“HENRY, WAIT,” Francois called and began to run after him.

Chapter 37

Jules watched and waited.  He had been anxiously looking forward to this night all day long.  They hadn’t stopped talking about since Rodmilla’s recovery. They reached the guest apartments that had been reserved for the Queen’s older brother.  They were laughing, kissing and whispering like children. Jules happily opened the door only to find Marguerite sitting there, crying.

He was in the bedroom now, waiting for her, listening to them yell at each other.

“What do you mean you have to make up your mind now?” he had heard Rodmilla ask.  “You leave it all up to me.  Danielle will never the marry the Prince, she is not of noble blood.”

“I don’t know, Mother, that’s not what I keep hearing.”

‘What do you keep hearing, Marguerite.”

Marguerite looked up.  Jules was standing there, arms folded across his chest.

“It’s true, then?”

Rodmilla turned around.  “What’s true, Jules?”

“It’s an arranged marriage, Mother.  It’s been that way since they were children.  Our stepfather had a title all along.”

Rodmilla looked at her, then back to Jules. 

“It’s true, Rodmilla,” Jules said, smiling down at her.

“I was right, though, she’s not of noble blood.”

“MOTHER.”

“Marguerite, listen,” the Duke said, “we can discuss this later if you like. Right now, I’d just like to be alone with your mother.”

Rodmilla looked up at him and smiled.

“MOTHER.”

“I think you should be a good girl and leave us, Marguerite.  Jules is right, we can discuss this in the morning.”

Rodmilla stood up and walked over to join Jules.

“BUT TOMORROW IS THE WEDDING.”

Jules walked over and helped her out of her chair.

“Keep your hands to yourself.  You can’t do this to me.  MOTHER.”

“Good night, Marguerite,” Jules said, leading her over to the door.  He opened it and pushed her out.

“MOTHER.”

Jules closed the door in her face, then turned to Rodmilla.  He started to laugh.

She had been laughing as well.

“HENRY.”

Henry turned around to find Francois standing there.

“Francois?”

The two of them stood there staring at one another for what seemed like forever.  Finally, Francois came up to his cousin and put his arms around him.  Henry hugged him back.

There were no words spoken, not at that moment, anyway.

No words were needed.

Chapter 38

Marguerite had just been thrown out of her new stepfather’s apartments.  She was walking down the castle hallway toward the rooms she was sharing Danielle and Jacqueline when she heard voices.

She recognized both of them, Francois and Henry.  She smiled to herself. She was almost going to stop and listen, but thought better of it and kept walking

Until she heard her name.

“Do you love her or don’t you?”  It was Henry.

Marguerite crept in a little closer.

“I don’t know how I feel about her, but now that I think about it, I think I might have been just jealous.  She is so different from that spoiled little brat, Marguerite. She is so wonderful, Henry, that she overwhelmed me.  I don’t know what came over me.  After that incident in the ballroom, with Marguerite kicking and screaming, I was beginning to wonder what I ever saw in her, but now everything is…  OW”

Francois fell to the floor. 

Marguerite had pushed him. She looked at Henry and rubbed her two hands against each other.

“How do you feel about people on floors now?” she asked him. Then, without looking at anyone, stepped over Francois and continued to walk away from them.  

Henry looked down at Francois sprawled in the middle of the hallway floor.

He had picked his head up. 

Francois smiled.  He was beginning to change his mind.

He stood up and turned toward Henry.

“Excuse me,” he said.

“Pressing business?” Henry said, trying to keep a straight face.

Francois grinned.  “You could say that.”  He ran down the hall of the castle, screaming out her name.     

He finally caught up to her.

“Marguerite, listen.”

“To whom,” she said, still walking.  “I’ve had enough all night.  I don’t want to hear from you.”

“You’re beautiful when you’re angry,” Francois said, “did anyone ever tell you that?”

He put his hand out and touched the back of her shoulder. She stopped and let him spin her around.

They stared at each other, face to face. 

“How long were standing there?” he asked her.

“Long enough,” she answered.

Francois smiled and walked closer.  He put his arms around her.

“I love you,” he whispered, “I really do.”

“What about you know who?” she asked.

“I don’t know anyone by that name,” Francois smiled and brought his lips to hers.

Chapter 39

Church bells rang out all over France.  The royal wedding day had finally arrived.  It was held at St. Etienne’s Cathedral in the nearby province of the same name. Father Thomas, the priest assigned to the cathedral, was to perform the High Mass. A deacon sent from Paris assisted him, along with a subdeacon.

Beautiful garlands of fresh flowers were hung all around the cathedral. Choirboys sang hymns and psalms in the loft. 

Danielle and Jacqueline were in the bride’s room, putting the finishing touches on her mother’s beautiful silver gown with the matching slippers.  She had found it in the hope chest when she pulled her father’s papers and letters.

“So,” Danielle smiled.  “Tell me again about how Laurent proposed.”

Jacqueline smiled.  “He said it so fast, I didn’t understand him the first time.  It sounded like one big long sentence.”

They both laughed.

“Did you set the date?”

“Next week, I believe.  Oh, Danielle, I never dreamed all of this would be happening to the both of us.”

“Don’t forget about Marguerite,” Danielle said, although, she thought, sometimes I’d like to.

Before Jacqueline could answer, there was a knock on the door.  Jacqueline looked at Danielle.  Both of them looked toward the door.

“Male or female?”  Danielle asked.

“Female,” the voice called and she opened it.

It was Marguerite.

She was wearing a pastel blue velvet gown.  It went well with her big blue eyes.  Her blond hair was done up in a bun with golden ringlets on either side.

She looked stunning, Danielle thought.

“Hello Marguerite, nice to see you.”

“You look so beautiful, Danielle.” Marguerite was all over her with compliments.

“So do you, Marguerite,” she answered.

“What put you in such a good mood?” Jacqueline asked, smoothing out another wrinkle.

“I am engaged to be married.”  Marguerite said, smiling.

Danielle and Jacqueline looked at each other.

“To whom?” they both asked together.

“The Marquis Francois Henri du Bois,” she said, happily.

“And I am engaged to Captain Jean-Claude Laurent.”

And I’m getting a headache, Danielle thought, listening to the two of them.

“He’s just a Captain,” Marguerite boasted.  “I’ve got a Marquis.”

“Now just wait a minute, Marguerite,” Jacqueline said, standing up. “My Captain is just as good as your Marquis.”

Danielle was going to say something, but someone beat her to it.

“And my Duke is much higher than your Marquis and your Captain,” Rodmilla said.

And my Prince, Danielle thought, but she decided to drop the entire subject.

“Now shoo ladies, shoo, I want Danielle all to myself.”

Chapter 40

Henry was admiring himself in the looking glass.  He was wearing a silver tunic that was the same color as Danielle’s dress.  It went well with his white breeches. 

“How do I look?” he asked.

Francois smirked. “Like a Prince?” he answered.

Henry frowned.

“What?” Francois said, “that’s not what you wanted to hear I take it?”

Henry shook his head.

“Thing’s must have gone well with Marguerite, I take it.”

Francois smiled and nodded his head.

“I don’t know what you see in her,” Henry said.  “Danielle, maybe, but Marguerite?”

Francois shrugged his shoulders.  “I really didn’t know until she shoved me to the floor. One thing you’ll have to admit, she is really beautiful.”

Henry turned back to the mirror.  “A tiny brain in that big head of hers.  I could never start a conversation with her about anything.”

“Well,” Francois said, “Danielle’s got it all over her there, but she’s got some thing’s going for her, Henry, besides her low cut gowns and her...”

A knock came on the door.  “Come,” Henry said.

The door opened.  It was King Francis.

“It’s time, Henry,” he told him. 

“Mother,” Marguerite said, not shrieking this time, “I wanted to speak with Danielle, also.”  She smiled

Rodmilla stared at her daughter.  She couldn’t believe the change.

Danielle was doing the same.  She covered her mouth with her hand to hide the smile. 

That’s when the knock came on the door.

Jacqueline walked over to open it. It was the Queen.

“Out everyone, the wedding is going to begin.  Ladies,” she said, “OUT.”

Jacqueline kissed Danielle on the cheek, so did Marguerite, which really surprised Danielle.

Rodmilla stood there, looking first at the Queen, then at Danielle.

“Your Majesty, I am her stepmother.”

The Queen smiled.  “Do we have to be so formal, Rodmilla? You are married to my brother, are you not? And since when did being Danielle’s stepmother become so important to you?”

Rodmilla tried to smile.  “Well, I…” she started, but Marie interrupted.

“Come with me, Rodmilla.  I have a special place for you to sit.”  She put her arm around her and led her from the room.  She turned around to give a last look and Danielle and smiled.

Henry was right about her, she thought.

Chapter 41

Henry stood waiting at the altar.  He wasn’t as nervous as he thought he’d be.  He kept staring toward the front of the church anxiously awaiting the arrival of his new bride.

Marguerite was in the front pew, sitting on the bride’s side with Jacqueline.  Laurent and Francois were up in the front, not too far from Henry’s side.  They were waiting as well.

Rodmilla and Jules were sitting in back of Queen Marie and King Francis on the dais.  Queen Marie, like Henry, kept turning around every five minute, waiting for Danielle to come out. 

The choirboys in the loft began to sing.

Henry turned around, looked up and smiled.  There she was and she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen in his life.

Francois thought the same thing as he stared at her walking down the aisle.  She was so beautiful, he thought as he watched her pass.  Henry was a lucky man to have someone like Danielle.

But I have Marguerite; he thought and smiled to himself.  She was definitely someone to be reckoned with. It was a challenge that he would happily undertake.  He had never fallen for anyone so fast in his life.

He had arranged a private ceremony right after this one, the one that Marguerite had told him she wanted.  No big wedding for her. He had been surprised and pleased.  He’d have her all to himself, surrounded by family and friends.  What more could he possibly want.  He looked up to find her face in the crowd.  

Marguerite caught him looking and smiled.  She couldn’t believe she had forgotten about Henry so quickly.  She seemed to only want Francois.   She was surprised at the changes within herself, all within a very short time.   She had realized that her mother had been wrong. She wanted to be friends with Danielle, not enemies. 

Jacqueline looked at Danielle thinking about her own wedding.  She looked at Laurent across the room and found that he was looking at her.  He was smiling.

Rodmilla watched as Danielle neared the altar.  Danielle was getting closer and closer.  Jules and Marie were keeping an eye on her just in case something had happened.  Fortunately, nothing did.

Danielle approached the altar.  Henry was waiting for her, his arm extended.  She placed her hand in his and they turned to Father Thomas.  He recited the opening prayer in Latin and made the Sign of the Cross. Henry and Danielle knelt down at the altar.  The wedding had begun.

Chapter 42

Henry couldn’t believe how beautiful she was.  And intelligent, and wise, and kind…

He wasn’t paying any attention when Father Thomas asked him if he would take Danielle as his bride, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live, til death us do part.

Henry stood there, staring at Danielle.

“Your Highness?” Father Thomas begged for the third time.

Danielle, smiling, poked Henry in the stomach.

“Henry,” she whispered, “we’re waiting.”

Rodmilla saw an opportunity to say something.

“It is a lovely ceremony, isn’t it Rodmilla?” Marie said and turned back to watch her son and his lovely bride.

Henry was still dreaming.

“HENRY.”  It was a quiet yell, meant only for him.  She started to giggle, quietly.

Francois was close enough to lean over.  He was about to do so when Henry came around.

“Is it over?” he asked.

No one laughed.

“Father Thomas asked you a question, Henry,” she said.

He turned to the priest.  “Yes, Father?” he asked.

Father Thomas looked at him.

“Do I have to repeat it a fourth time?”  he asked.

Henry frowned at him, then turned to Danielle.  She was trying to hide the smile that kept forming on her lips.

He looked at her face and into her large brown eyes.  He took her hands in his. 

“I do, Father, forever and ever, as long as I live and breathe.”

“And do you, Danielle du Barbarac, do you take this man to be your wedded husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live, til death us do part?”

Danielle smiled at Henry.  “I do, Father,” she smiled, “forever and ever, as long as I live and breathe.”

Henry grinned. She was amazing, he thought, she really was.

“And now, I pronounce you man and wife. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”

Henry and Danielle stared at each other.  Her veil still covered her head.

“You may kiss the bride,” Father Thomas said.

Henry lifted the veil that covered her face. He looked into her eyes as he brought his face closer to hers.  They kissed lightly and parted, still looking at each other, smiling.

It was finally over. 

Chapter 43

A reception was held later in the afternoon, in the newlywed’s honor.

Both weddings had run smoothly, without interruption, thanks to the patience and wisdom of Jules and Marie.

Francois and Marguerite were married in the small chapel.  Father Thomas again officiated.

It hadn’t been another Mass, thank Goodness, Rodmilla thought, as she watched Marguerite and Francois. Henry and Danielle’s had lasted an hour and a half.  All Rodmilla could remember was the constant rising, kneeling and rising again. 

She shuddered to think about it, two weddings in one morning.  That was all she was able to handle. 

She couldn’t get over how happy the two of them were.

Maybe Francois would be the best thing for her, Rodmilla decided.  She looked at Jules and he looked back at her.  Could she be having a change of heart herself?  He had certainly made a difference in her life.  After all, one of the reasons she had gone to Danielle’s room was to apologize and ask her forgiveness.  It was he who had convinced her to do so.   She couldn’t even imagine why everyone had wanted her to keep quiet, especially Jules.  It had been his idea.

She couldn’t remember the other reason anymore.

Jacqueline and Laurent were talking with Henry and Danielle. 

They were laughing about what happened in church that morning and the surprise wedding afterward.

“That was pretty nasty of Francois, wasn’t it?”  Henry smiled, “but that’s the way he’s always been, as long as I’ve known him.”

“Do you mean ‘nasty’ milord?” Danielle teased him.

Henry turned around.  He took her by the hand, then he turned to Jacqueline and Laurent.

“I’m afraid you will have to excuse us,” Henry said. “We’ve got a short trip planned.”

“We do?” Danielle asked.

“Henry,” Laurent said, “this is still your party.”

“And Francois and Marguerite’s,” Henry answered, searching the room for an exit that wasn’t so obvious.  “Were you able to speak to Father Thomas?”

Laurent smiled.  “Francois and Marguerite’s wasn’t the only surprise wedding.” 

They held up their hands.  Danielle smiled and tapped Henry on the shoulder.  He turned around, saw the wedding rings and smiled.

Henry let go of Danielle’s hand and reached for Laurent.  He hugged him and released him.

Danielle did the same thing with Jacqueline.

“When did this happen?” Henry asked.

“When we went to see Father Thomas,” Laurent smiled, “between weddings.”

Danielle looked at Jacqueline, but Laurent answered.  “It was my idea.”

“It was our idea. A spur of the moment.”  Jacqueline told them.  “Your wedding was so lovely that we decided to do it earlier than we had planned.  Now all we have to do is tell Mother.”

“Don’t bother,” Henry said, “let her guess.  I’d love to see her face when she finds out.”

“It might happen quicker than you think, Henry,” Laurent said, as he saw Jules and Rodmilla walking toward them.  In the back of them were Francois and Marguerite."
Chapter 44

“Well, well,” Rodmilla said, as she approached the four of them, “all of you in one place.  You look absolutely wonderful.”

Henry looked at Danielle. She smiled. 

We should have left by now, Henry thought.

“Of course, Stepmother,” Henry answered.  He looked up at Jules.  “Or should I call you ‘Auntie?’

Danielle put her hand up to her mouth to hide the laugh.

Laurent and Jacqueline were giggling also.

Francois and Marguerite were not even paying any attention.

“Come now, Henry,” Jules said, “be nice.”

Henry was still laughing as he took Danielle’s hand in his.

“Now if you’ll excuse us.”  Henry said, as he headed for back entrance.  He had just remembered another way out.  He and Francois had used it as boys to sneak up on unsuspecting royals.

“I think Laurent and Jacqueline have some important news to tell you,” Henry said and they both disappeared into the crowd. 

Rodmilla watched as they vanished then turned to Laurent and Jacqueline.  Even Francois and Marguerite were listening.

“Where did they go?” Francois asked.

Laurent shrugged.

“Never mind them,” Rodmilla said.  “Do you have something you want to tell me.”

Jacqueline looked up at Laurent.  He was already looking back hat her.  Another long night, she thought.

Chapter 45

“Do you mind telling me where we are going, milord,” Danielle asked as Henry helped her up on the horse.

Henry smiled.  “Something I have always wanted to do, Princess.”

They didn’t have too far to go.  As they got closer, Danielle could see it in the distance.

They were headed toward the ruined church at Amboise.

Henry stopped the horse and jumped down. Danielle watched in puzzlement as he pulled down a blanket that had been in his lap.  He reached up, grabbed her and brought her down gently.

“Well, Princess, here we are.”

“Again,” she said.

She looked around the ruined church.  “I am always amazed every time I come here.  It must have been beautiful,” she said, looking around.

Henry didn’t even care about the church; his eyes rested only on her. 

“Nothing could ever be as beautiful as you, Danielle,” he answered.  “I love you very much.”

Then he kissed her.

They broke apart and he grabbed her hand.  He pulled her into the next room, so they couldn’t be seen from the outside.

Henry threw the blanket down on the ground and spread it out.

They were both quiet as they undressed.  When they ran out of clothes, they stood there staring at each other.

Henry grabbed her and pulled her into his arms.  Danielle could feel every muscle of Henry’s body stiffen.  He brought her down gently to the blanket.

They kissed,  talked and made love all night long, never once letting each other go.  They fell asleep in each other’s arms.

 

Chapter 46

Francois and Marguerite were upstairs in one of the guest chambers of the castle.  They were lying in bed, after making love for the first time.

“You really are beautiful, you know that?” Francois smiled and touched her nose.

“You keep saying that?” Marguerite smiled at him.  “Who are you trying to convince me or you?”

Francois laughed.  “Just telling you the truth, Marguerite.  You have everything going for you.” 

“We only know each other two days, Francois.”

“We young Frenchman move pretty quickly, wouldn’t you agree?”

He pulled her closer toward him.  She didn’t resist, not at all.

“What are you thinking, Marguerite?”

“Don’t know.  I am still a bit surprised that anyone could fall in love with me.”

“Why?”

“My temper for one thing, my shrieking for another.  I whine and complain. I don’t have any of Danielle’s qualities.”  ”

Francois held a finger up to her lips

“You have everything she has and more, Marguerite.” Francois said.”

Marguerite smiled. “You mean that, don’t you?”

“Of course I do, milady.  Would I lie?”

“You and Danielle, remember, that conversation I heard?”

Francois smiled.  “Overheard, you mean.”

Marguerite pushed up against him.

“You are not going to answer my question, are you?”

Francois looked at her.  He still thought about Danielle, whenever he looked at her and Henry. 

It could never be, Francois thought, not Danielle and I.  Besides, they are so good for each other, just like me and..

“Francois,” Marguerite called.  She sounded way off in the distance somewhere.

Francois turned to her.  He had that goofy smile on his face again.

He started to tickle her and they fell from the bed to the floor.

Marguerite was giggling so hard, she didn’t realize that Francois wasn’t tickling her anymore.

“You are so beautiful,” he whispered, looking down at her.  I love you, Marguerite, there could never be anyone else.”

He bent down to kiss her.

Chapter 47

Rodmilla couldn’t believe it. First her oldest daughter surprised her, now it was Jacqueline.

“Rodmilla,” Jules called from the bedroom, “come to bed.”

Rodmilla was angry.  She wanted Marguerite to be Princess, not that brat, Danielle.  Her daughter was made for better things than that.  And to be hushed up all day and night, like some barking dog.  Is that what the Queen thought of her?

“Rodmilla.” 

She turned.  The voice was getting closer.

She backed away from the window. She didn’t want Jules to know she had been standing at the window.

“Get away from that window,” his voice called again.  “I can see you.”

She turned again and looked toward the bedroom door.

He wasn’t even standing there.

She frowned and walked over to the bedroom door.

Jules was standing there, waiting for he, arms folded against his chest.  He was smiling.

“Well?”

“Don’t you ‘well’ me,” Rodmilla answered. “You were a part of it, you had that whole thing planned, didn’t you.  Just shut me up like an old howling dog.  Well, you are not going to get away with this you…”

Jules didn’t let her finish.  He kissed her, hard.

When he finally released her, she just stared up at him, mesmerized.

“Were you always this difficult?” he asked, “I don’t remember.”

Rodmilla smiled and nodded her head.  “Yes,” she answered, “but you were always able to put me in my place.  I’m sorry, Jules.  I guess if Marguerite’s happy, I am.”

“Do not forget Danielle and Jacqueline.” Jules smiled.  He touched her hair and looked into her eyes.

She nodded, still looking up at him. “Why didn’t I marry you first? Why did it have to be Jean?”

“Does it really matter, now?” Jules asked her. He didn’t wait for an answer, he brought his lips down to meet hers.

Chapter 48

In yet another room, Laurent and Jacqueline were still laughing about Rodmilla’s reaction to yet another surprise wedding. 

They had been in the room, sitting on the bed for almost an hour now, Jacqueline thought.  Laurent had not even made an attempt to do anything.  After all, this was their wedding night.

Jacqueline crept closer to him. She reached up and untied his belt around his uniform and removed it.

Jean-Claude stared at her.

“Something you want?” he asked her, picking his arms up.  He let her remove his coat.  She removed his shirt, then he undid the hooks in the back of her dress

She took off her dress and he took off his breeches.

 

Jacqueline and Laurent were staring at each other.  They were both naked.

Neither one of them spoke or moved a muscle.

Jacqueline walked over to him and took his hand.  He watched as she pulled him closer to her.  She took him in her arms and kissed him  

Chapter 49

King Francis and Queen Marie were finally alone.

They had retired to their apartments earlier and were getting ready for bed.

“Well,” Francis said. “It’s done.”

Marie smiled.  “Yes, it is, Francis. Auguste and Phillippe would have been proud.”

“I’m sure they would have been. You were right all along, my dear.  They make a lovely couple. I haven’t seen Henry this happy in years.”

“Don’t they, though?  He’s has been in love with her for so long, Francis.  It’s about time they were together as was arranged.  Don’t worry about Spain so much.  Everything will work itself out.”

Francis smiled and put his arm around her.  “I should listen to you more often, Marie.  I am sorry for all the times I have not.  It’s not that I don’t love you because over the years, my love for you has grown, especially after Henry was born.  I will miss him terribly, the little imp.”

“He is that still, isn’t he?”

Francis nodded   “Do you remember when he in his seventh year, when Francois and him...".

Marie smiled.  She was only half-listening as King Francis reminisced about Henry’s childhood.   She couldn’t stop wondering when Henry had dragged poor Danielle off to on their wedding night.

Chapter 50

A peaceful dawn was breaking on the horizon. It was such a contrast to the busy excitement of the previous day.

Henry and Danielle lay in each other’s arms.  They had fallen asleep at the ruins.

Henry woke first.  He sat up, not realizing where he was at first, until he looked around and smiled.  It had been his notion to come here.  His had often heard his parent’s discussing the fact that you could see the sunrise and sunset from here, atop the hill. 

That’s why he had come here in the first place.

Henry knew his parents would be looking for them and he figured this was the last place they would ever come to look for them.

He had no idea what time it was, but at least it was still dark.  He turned back and looked at Danielle lying next to him.  As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he was able to make out her features.  He reached out tentatively and touched her.  His fingers traced the outline of her lips. They touched the tip of her nose, then around her eyes, all the way up to her forehead.

She stirred a little and he took his hand away.

Too soon, perhaps.

Henry stood up, pulled up his breeches and walked to the front room.  He peered out the ruined window.  Sure enough, the darkness was fading.

Danielle, he thought, as he ran back in the other room.

“Princess,” he called, “wake up.”  When she didn’t move, he shook her, gently.

Danielle stirred.  She rolled over and saw Henry looking down at her.

“Come on,” Henry said, “we have very little time.  We’re going to miss it.”

Danielle was still half-asleep but she allowed herself to be pulled up.

“What are you talking about?” she asked as she got to her feet.  Henry pulled the blanket up and wrapped it around her.  He grabbed her hand and they both ran.  They walked up the old ruined steps to the top of the hill.  Henry smiled.  His parents had been right.  They could see everything from up here.

The sun was starting to come up.

“This is my first wedding gift to you, Princess,” he said, putting his arms around her.  He took the blanket and wrapped it over both of them as they watched the sun come up.

“Do you like it?”

Danielle smiled.  “It is such a beautiful present,” she whispered in his ear. “There is nothing that I could ever want more than this.  Thank you so much for giving me this special moment to share with you.”

Henry smiled. “There is no one else I’d rather share it with than you, Danielle.”

They kissed again and made love one more time before returning to the castle.

It was not only the beginning of a perfect day, but also the beginning of a new exciting life for Prince Henry and Princess Danielle.

Epilogue

Gustave would eventually become court painter on Henry and Danielle’s recommendation. 

Jules talked Rodmilla into accepting Francois as Marguerite’s husband.  She was still a little angry about not attending Jacqueline’s and Laurent’s wedding, but she changed her mind when the two of them were married in church at the end of the week.

Rodmilla was never the same person after that.  Jules was the only one who had known her completely and was the first husband who did not let her have her own way.  They fought, on and off, but it was always good natured.

Rodmilla was amazed at Jules' persistance and at first listened to him to keep him quiet, but she found that she enjoyed the change. She enjoyed other people's reaction to her change, espeically Marguerite and Jacqueline.  Danielle and Henry finally accepted her and eventually learned to trust her.

With the two of them it was different, Jules was, after all, Henry's uncle.

Francois would never stop caring for Danielle, but as time grew on the feelings of love were replaced by a very strong close bond of friendship between the two of them.  Henry would come to depend on his cousin and close friend for so many things.  He would be become Henry’s personal advisor.  At Henry’s insistence, the King gave Francois the title of Duke as a  eward for a job well done. 

Francois and Marguerite moved into the chateau that he inherited from his father. Francois had his work cut out for him when it came to Marguerite, but he undertook the challenge and came out successful.  By the end of the first six months of marriage, Marguerite had changed so completely that no one, not even Rodmilla, would recognize her.

They had two sons, Jean-Luc, named for her father and Francois Henri.

Jacqueline and Jean-Claude Laurent had a church wedding exactly like Henry and Danielle’s.  Rodmilla continued to complain right up until the wedding day about how she had missed her second daughter’s wedding.

Jacqueline had always thought that odd.  Since when had Rodmilla ever cared about her?

Jacqueline and Laurent moved into the Manor de Barbarac with Henry and Danielle until their new manor was finished. From the beginning, both Henry and Danielle insisted that they stay there.  They would go on to have six children.

King Francis and Queen Marie would remain on the throne until Francis fell ill in 1528. He was able to continue in his duties, but was advised to step down.  Marie would retire and devote one year of her life to her husband.  Henry and Danielle would assume the throne in 1529.  Francis would pass away later that year, but he would live to see his son and daughter-in-law crowned King and Queen of France as well as his granddaughter and grandson’s weddings.

Henry and Danielle would live at the Manor de Barbarac until their coronation as King and Queen of France.  They would continue to visit the church at Amboise almost every night to watch the sunrise. With the birth of their twins, Henri Francois and Nicole Paulette, the visits would be reduced to once a year on their anniversary.  They would have three more children and would live for many years to come happily ever after.     

Henry and Danielle would always remember the deception they had played on one another. It didn’t matter why they had done it, but they knew that it had all been done for love of Rodmilla.  That was the way Henry had sarcastically referred to it, anyway.