To Love, Honor and Obey

To Love, Honor and Obey

An Ever After “What If”

Prologue

August, 1511

With the chores done for the day, Henry sat back and relaxed.  He was enjoying the peace and quiet.  He never expected to feel this way. 

All seemed right with the world.  The woman he had fallen in love with was pregnant with his first child.  Danielle had been wonderful, understanding, and patient.  He couldn’t fault her for anything.

That was one of the reasons he had married her in the first place, apart from his  love for her.

It was funny.  His parents, the King and Queen, had never come anywhere near the manor, not even to see him.  Well, why should they? He thought.  He had married a commoner after all and his parents would never accept commoners, even though Nicole was the daughter of a wealthy landowner. 

France could not have been in better hands with Henri II on the throne.  His wife, Catherine, had been his support.  She had been at his side from the very beginning, after Henry had refused the throne, announcing to one and all that he had loved Danielle and was intending to marry her.

That was a year ago.  Henry hadn’t thought about it at all until now.  Maybe he just couldn’t bring himself to do it before. 

Chapter 1

August, 1510

King Francis had just announced the engagement of his son, Prince Henry of France to Princess Gabriella of Spain.

He had done it last night, at the ball in front of the whole world, Henry thought, as he retreated to his hiding place, the ruined church at Amboise.  He often went there to be alone and away from everything.

 

He had been there all morning, sitting in a ruined window, reading one of his favorite authors, Plato.  He was fascinated with his description of the city of Atlantis. 

He had brought the book to forget, but somehow the engagement kept running through his mind and he couldn’t concentrate on it at all. He looked up from the page he was reading and stared out the window. That’s when he spotted her, picking wild flowers outside the ruined church.

 

He watched her as she walked from flower to flower, flitting like a bumble bee,  poised and graceful as any courtier he had ever met. 

She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. 

He was so distracted by her that he had forgotten all about his book.  It fell to the ground with a noisy thud.

“Oh, no,” Henry said, a little louder than he had intended and took his eyes off her.  He bent down to pick up the book.  When he picked his head up to look out the window again, she had gone.

He wondered who she was, where she had come from and why he had never seen her before today. Most importantly, he wondered if he’d ever see her again.

Chapter 2

Danielle was wandering around the ruins again, as she so often did after her chores. She should be getting back; her mother would have more jobs for her to do.

She thought she’d brighten the manor up a bit with some beautiful flowers.

The manor had always been prosperous even after the death of her father, Auguste, when she was twelve. Nicole had become a dressmaker to earn her living and with that money, along with whatever they could get from the farm, kept costs to a minimum.   Auguste’s family had been glassblowers, supplying the entire area including and surrounding the province of Hautefort.

Auguste had been the son of wealthy landowner, Monsieur Jacques de Barbarac and his wife Madame Marie de Barbarac.  

Her cousin, Gustave, had taken over the business, and, along with his paintings, had become successful in his own rite.  All the profits were split right down the middle.  Nicole had raised him with Danielle after both his parents passed from a lengthy illness.

It was right after his death that the farm began to deteriorate.  Nicole and Danielle had taken on the brunt of the chores.  Their servant staff had been reduced to three from the original twenty-four.  They had been their most trusted servants, Maurice, Louise and Paulette. 

Nicole, who had been the brains behind the family business, managed to keep it going. Through hard work and perseverance, the staff had begun to grow, as did the farm.  Things at the manor were running smoothly.  Danielle thought it was absolutely wonderful.

The neighbors didn’t see it that way.

Danielle continued to pick the wild daisies when she heard a noise coming from inside the ruins.  It sounded like a thud, something falling on the floor. She looked up and looked around, but she hadn’t seen anyone at all, until she heard a male voice from inside. “Oh, no,” the voice exclaimed. 

She held on to her handful of flowers and ran.  Maybe whoever it was hadn’t seen her.

Chapter 3

Henry tried to concentrate, but by now it was truly impossible.  He closed it, then hopped off the window ledge, and began to walk away, still turning around to look behind him.  He had almost bumped into his bodyguard and life long friend, Laurent de Richaud, Captain of the Royal Guard.

“There you are, Henry,” he said, “your parents are looking all over for you.”

Henry smiled.  “I am coming, Laurent,” he said, still looking the other way.

“Are you looking for someone, Henry?”  Laurent asked.

Henry turned around.  He was smiling. 

“An angel and a fairy both,” he said, clapping him on the back.  “She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

Henry smiled and stared at him.  “By the way, how did you know where to find me?”

“I followed you here, Henry.  It was the King’s command.   By the way, the King and Queen of Spain will be arriving any day now.”

“Yes,” Henry said, “I know.”

They walked out of the ruins together, Henry still looking over his shoulder for any sign of her.  He sighed and jumped on his horse.

Captain Laurent jumped on his horse and followed the Prince, eventually catching up to him.

A head with brown hair and eyes suddenly peaked out from the back of the ruined church.  She had heard the horse’s hooves and watched as the two of them galloped away. Once they were out of sight, she stepped out into the light. The Prince, she thought and sighed.  He was so beautiful with his dark black hair and hazel green eyes.  It’s too bad he’s marrying a stranger, she thought.  She had always wished it were she.

But that could never happen, now could it?  She wasn’t royalty; she wasn’t even a noblewoman.  She was just a commoner and those two never mixed. 

She picked the rest of her flowers and headed home.

Chapter 4

Nicole was waiting for her.  She was in the sewing room with Paulette working on the gowns for the wedding and the ball.  Marie loved her other gowns so much that she had requested two more gowns, one for her and one for her Lady in Waiting. 

“You went to the ruins again, didn’t you, young lady,” Nicole scolded her as she put the flowers into some water.

“Sorry, Mama,” Danielle answered, “it’s just so beautiful and quiet, except for this morning when I saw..”

“I know,” Nicole said, “the Prince ran away again.  The Royal Guard rode right past the manor. I’ll be happy when this wedding is over and everything is settled down.”

Danielle smiled.

“I need your help, Danielle,” Nicole said.  “I need to have these gowns finished within two weeks time.”

“Of course, Mama.” Danielle said.

She was about to pin up one of the gowns when the doorbell rang.

Danielle ran to answer the door.

It was one of the Royal Guards.

“Her Royal Highness, Queen Marie requests an audience with Madame Nicole de Barbarac and her daughter, Danielle, immediately.” 

Nicole looked at him.  “Is there anything wrong with the dress?”

“No, milady, the Queen requests an addition to the beautiful gown that you have made.  She would like to show you what she has in mind.” 

“Very well, sir.  Give us a few minutes,” Nicole said, “I just need to fetch some materials and sewing implements.”

The Guard smiled and bowed.  “As you wish, milady.”

Chapter 5

Henry was still thinking about the fairy he had seen by the ruins this morning.  He was out in courtyard speaking to walking with his mother, Queen Marie, when the coach pulled up.

“Ah,” Queen Marie said, “the dressmaker and her daughter are here.  I was looking forward to this all week.”

Henry smiled.  “Are the gowns done?” he asked smiling.  The two of them walked over the coach. While the Guard was helping Nicole down, Henry reached out for Danielle’s hand.

Their eyes met.

Henry recognized her instantly as the woman he had seen picking the flowers.

“Hello, Mademoiselle,” he said, “I understand that my mother has been keeping you quite busy these days.  You are to be complimented.  Mother is very pleased with your work.”

Danielle smiled. She watched as the Nicole and Queen Marie walked away together, the two of them engrossed in conversation.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” she said, smiling back and making a deep curtsey to his bow.  “Yes, she has been keeping us busy. I believe that Her Majesty has requested a matching shawl for the gown.  Some adjustments have to be made to the others.  They should all be done within the requested time period.”

“Splendid,” Henry smiled, taking her hand and leading her away from the carriage. He turned to her and smiled. “Where do you find the time to do all this?”  

  

Danielle just smiled.  “We woman have our ways, Your Highness,” she answered, “Now if you will excuse me, my mother is in need of my services.”  She made another curtsey, turned and ran over to join her mother and the Queen.

Henry smiled as he watched her run.  She is beautiful and she has spirit, he thought.

He wondered what other wonderful qualities she had.  He was determined to find out.

Chapter 6

Henry watched her as Danielle took measurements and gave them to her mother who wrote them on a small piece of parchment.  I shouldn’t be here, he thought, I should be with my father going over the arrangements.

He couldn’t bring himself to leave the room.  No matter how hard he tried, he could not take his eyes off her beautiful face.

This wedding was the last thing Henry wanted.  He had never met the Princess nor was he interested in marrying her.  It was what his parents had often referred to as his “royal obligation and duty.”  There was a whole list of those obligations, too long to mention, too long to even…

“Henry.” 

He turned to find his younger brother standing in back of him.

“Francois?” Henry asked, “What are you doing here? I thought you were helping Father with the arrangements.”

Francois smiled.  “That, my dear brother, is your job.” 

Henry seemed distracted; he hadn’t heard a word that he said.  Francois looked into his eyes and followed Henry’s gaze. 

“Beautiful, isn’t she?” 

Henry smiled. “She so much more than that, Francois, she’s bright and funny and..”

He turned to find Francois smiling.

“Don’t get too attached,” he said, “you have to marry the Princess of Spain.”

“Don’t keep reminding me,” Henry said. He turned and walked out of the room.

Francois smiled as he looked at Danielle.  Maybe he could become the next King of France after all.

Chapter 7

Danielle watched as Henry left the room. She had caught the Prince watching her several times and when she turned to face him, he didn’t turn away.  Her first impulse had been to go after him and she might have if she hadn’t been helping her mother. She was here to do a job; she was not here to flirt with the Prince.

It took another half-hour before all the preparations had been taken care of. The patterns had all been drawn up with the Queen’s approval.  A time period had been established and the de Barbarac ladies had been given until then.  For convenience sake, Marie suggested to Francis that, as long as they were working on the gowns, it would be a good idea to give Nicole and Danielle their own quarters.  Francis agreed, reluctantly at first.

“You know, Marie,” Francis said, “the courtiers are starting to talk.  Now you are giving commoners their own quarters at the castle?”

Marie smiled.  “Remember, Francis, Auguste was your best friend.”

Francis nodded. “Yes. My father loved him as if he were his own son. He gave him everything, even knighted him in a private ceremony.  Everything was fine until he met Nicole.”  He shook his head.  “She turned his head around with all her prattling about how everyone is equal.  She gave him that book to read, Utopia, by Thomas More.  After that, he didn’t want any part of royalty and severed all ties with the family, including me. My father never forgave him.”

“I remember, Francis,” Marie said, comforting him.  “That huge argument you had with your father.”

Francis nodded. “But that is over with, Marie, and we must speak of this no longer.  They are commoners to everyone else and must be treated in that manner.  No favoritism is to be shown.”

“Francis, your anger toward Nicole must be quieted.  It is not right, no matter what Auguste has done to you or your family.  She is his widow after all.”

Francis released himself from her grip.  “No, Marie.  I must not forget who she is.”  He walked towards the door and left the room with the Queen looking on.  She shook her head as she watched him leave.

Chapter 8

Danielle decided to take a short walk through the castle garden.  Nicole had given her permission to do so.  She had promised to be gone only a short time to help put the sewing things away, only to be taken out again the next day.  She heard the chapel bell strike seven and she hurried back to the entrance. 

“Good evening, Mademoiselle,” a voice called from behind her.  She turned around to find the Prince Henry standing there, smiling.  “Would you care to accompany me on a tour of the garden?”

“Good evening, Your Highness,” she said, making a slight dip, but the Prince waved it away.  “Yes, I would be pleased.”

He extended his hand and she took it.  He led her through the beautiful lush garden.

He was amazed that she had taken the time and trouble to the names of each and every flower. He hadn’t the slightest idea.

Nor had he heard Danielle speaking to him.

“Your Highness?”

He had been looking at her all that time.

“I’m sorry, Mademoiselle, your question again?”

She smiled.   “No question. I must be returning to our quarters.  I have to help my mother.”

She turned to go, but Henry wouldn’t let go of her hand.

“I want to ask you something,” he said, coming closer.  “Was that you this morning at the ruins picking those flowers?”

Danielle looked at him, not sure what to answer.  “Yes, sire, it was me.”

“It’s Danielle, isn’t it?” Henry asked.

She nodded.  “Your Highness, I have to..”

“Henry.” They both turned to find Francois Henri standing there.

“Father has been looking for you. It’s about..”

“I know what it is about, Francois,” Henry answered his brother.  “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”  

He turned to Danielle.  “I would like to see you again, Danielle.”

“I should go,” she said simply.

She broke from his grasp and ran to the castle entrance, Henry watching her in silence.  

Chapter 9

“Have you been walking around the gardens all this time?” Nicole asked Danielle as she entered the room.

“I met Prince Henry,” she answered.  “He was showing me around the garden.  He was surprised that I knew about the flowers growing there.”

Nicole smiled.  “He doesn’t know how much gardening you do, Danielle, or how many books you devour on certain subjects.  Even I don’t read so much.”

“He said he wants to see me again, Mama.”

Nicole stopped smiling. “See you again?  When was the first time?”

“He saw me picking flowers this morning at the ruins.”  Danielle walked closer to her mother.

“Mama, he cannot be seriously thinking about seeing me again.  It will jeopardize his future as the next King of France.  We are not titled, Mother, we are commoners and..”

Nicole silenced her daughter.  She stood next to her.

“I have something to tell you about your past, Danielle.”  

“What are you talking about, Mama?”

Chapter 10

Nicole sighed.  “I knew that one day I would have to explain this to you.  You see, your father and King Francis were best friends.   So much so that the King gave your father a title and allowed him to marry any courtier he wished.”

“Was there someone else in his life, Mama, someone other than you?”

Nicole nodded.  “Her name was Rodmilla.  She was the King’s niece. He had just begun to court her when he bumped into me at the marketplace.”

“Marketplace?”  Danielle asked.

“That was where I’d buy my material. I still do. I’ve been sewing all my life, Danielle,” she said.  “I would sew gowns, shawls and the like and people would ask for more.”

“What happened after he bumped into you?” Danielle asked, leaning in a little closer.

“We struck up a conversation while he waited for Rodmilla.  When she finally did arrive, we were lost in our conversation and didn’t even see her until she joined Auguste at his side.  He courted me for two months, despite objections from both sides of the family.  That’s why we ran off together, we knew both sides of the family would never accept us.”  

“Why were there objections?  The two of you were from wealthy families.”

“Yes my daughter, it’s true, but my parents never accepted your father as a fitting husband for me.  I had broken up an arranged marriage. As far as your father’s side goes, they wanted Auguste to take advantage of the title that King Louis had given him.  He was marrying below his station by marrying me. It seemed that the royals were the ones who would not be so accepting.  After all, it was the King’s niece he was going to marry.”

Nicole smiled.  “My father had a title, Danielle.“ He was Lord Louis de Lancret and your grandmother was Lady Danielle, whom you were named after. I lost all that after I ran off with your father.”

“Do you ever regret the decision you made?”

“No, my child,” she said, taking Danielle’s hands into her own.  A battered copy of the book Utopia by Thomas More dropped to the floor.

Nicole watched as it fell from under Danielle’s arm, then she bent down to retrieve it.

She handed it back to Danielle.

“How many times have you read this book now?” Nicole asked, with a smile.

Danielle smiled. “I haven’t counted, Mama.  I just can’t seem to get enough of it.”

Nicole laughed.  “Like mother, like daughter.  I couldn’t either.  I was your age when I first picked it up.  My father had it in his study.  It left a big impression on me.  So much so that I left my house, shunned my title and my arranged marriage when I was in my nineteenth year. That’s the year that I married your father.”

“Did Papa know all that?”

“Of course he did, Danielle.  He had also read Utopia and we had discussed it at length.  He gave up everything for me, including his title.  This angered the King’s family and they never forgave him, although the Queen was a little more forgiving.”

She smiled again, placing her hands into Danielle’s.  Now you know the truth.”

“What happened to Rodmilla?”

“She eventually married the Baron Jean de Ghent and had two daughters, Marguerite and Jacqueline.”

Danielle didn’t know what to say.  Suddenly, she began to cry.

Nicole pulled Danielle into her arms.  “My love,” she said, hugging her.

    

That’s when the two of them heard a noise coming from outside the door.  Nicole had rushed toward the door and opened it, but found no one standing there.  She shut the door again.

Had she walked out, she might have seen someone hiding in one of the empty rooms right opposite their quarters.

Chapter 11

The next day was even busier than the previous one.  The gowns needed to be fitted, taken in and hemmed up.  Hooks needed to be sewn into the back and the sleeves needed to fit just right. 

Danielle was far too busy to notice someone staring at her.  He was waiting in the shadows, watching her move from gown to gown.  He could almost understand why Henry had a crush on her.  Not only was she beautiful, but graceful, adept and quick.  He was going to wait until she..

“Francois, what are you doing here?  We have been all over the castle looking for you.  You are supposed to be helping your brother with his plans for the new university.”

Francois turned around to find his father standing there. 

“I am sorry, Father.  I was watching Madame and Mademoiselle de Barbarac work.  They move so quickly and..”

“Yes, it is true,” Francis said, shaking his head, watching the two of them.  Your mother adores their work as she does their little glass figures.”

Francis couldn’t take his eyes off Nicole.  She was beautiful, always was.  He could easily understand how Auguste could get sidetracked.  Rodmilla had been handsome, not beautiful, but she was also mean spirited, vain and selfish.  According to Auguste, Nicole was different.

Francis remembered when Auguste had first mentioned her name.  He couldn’t stop talking about her.  He had been so impressed with her beauty, knowledge and wit.  Francis tried to talk his friend out of prolonging the relationship, but the more he tried, the more Auguste wanted to get to know her..

“Father,” Francois called. 

“Let’s go, son,” Francis said, trying not to look. “We have our royal responsibilities to attend to.”  He put his arm around his son and led him away.

Chapter 12

Someone else was watching from behind the shadows, only it was Nicole he was watching. 

It was Laurent’s father, Captain Armand de Richaud. He was still in the Royal Guard, but not as active as he used to be. He had recently become a widower, his wife dying of illness last year. 

The three had been best friends and inseparable, Armand, Francis and Auguste, until the day Auguste ran off with Nicole.   He had been jealous of Auguste because he had fallen for her also.  It had always upset him that he had not made the first move.  After all, he had known Nicole since childhood.

What could he have given her that would have been different?  Well, she wouldn’t be sewing up gowns for the Queen’s ball, but was that really true?  Nicole was always headstrong and spirited.  She would’ve done exactly what she had wanted to, his approval or not.

He still hadn’t the courage to approach her, not even to say hello.

He was about to turn and leave when someone from the sewing room ran into him, knocking him to the floor.

“I am so sorry,” the female voice said, “let me help you up.”  She extended her hand and reached down to take his.  As she pulled him up, she recognized him.

“Armand?” Nicole asked, looking at him, smiling. “Captain Armand?” 

“Yes, Nicole, it is I.”  He got to his feet.  “Very nice to bump into you again.”

They both started to laugh.  

Chapter 13

“How are you, my dear Captain?”  Nicole asked.  “I am so sorry about Isabella.  It must have been a terrible blow.  I trust that your boys are well?  I hear one of them just recently became engaged.”

“Yes, Nicole, The children are fine.  Laurent is engaged to the Baroness’ younger daughter, Jacqueline and my youngest boy, Rene, has just entered the monastery.  My oldest, Jules and his wife, Marguerite just had a baby boy, Armand Henri.”

Nicole smiled.  “So now you and the de Ghents have two things in common.”

 

Armand laughed and shook his head.  “You always could make me smile, Nicole.” 

He put his arms around her shoulders. The smile disappeared.  “I missed you very much.”

“You always knew where I was, Armand.  You could have come to the manor to call.”

“I wanted to, several times, but I…”

“Mama, I believe we are all out of pins.”

“Yes, Danielle, I know.”  She said, still looking at Armand.  She removed her hands from around his shoulders.

“I very busy now, Armand.  The wedding is now less than two weeks away.  All the gowns must be done.”  She hurried back into the sewing room.

Armand watched her disappear.  He couldn’t believe he still loved her after all these years.
Chapter 14

Henry was walking in the hallway on his way up to the sewing room.  He was still thinking about Danielle.  In fact, that’s all he thought of these days.

 

Henry was not concentrating on his project. He was irritable and grumpy and was taking out his frustrations on everyone.   As soon as his father returned with Francois, he pulled Henry over to talk.

“Henry, is there anything I can help you with?  You can talk to me.  I do understand what you are going through.”

“Do you, Father?”  Henry spat out the words. 

“Your mother and I did not marry for love.  You know that our marriage was arranged.”

“Was there anyone you were ever in love with, Father?  Did you ever have feelings for another woman or were you content to marry Mother. At least you knew each other before you were married.”

“We had met, yes, as friends, but when we were children.  I never knew her as an adult.  Our marriage was planned from the time we were born, Henry.  It is our duty and obligation.”

“Really?” Henry answered sarcastically, “or is it all political as my marriage will be.  I do not know this Princess, Father. She is a complete stranger to me.”  He hesitated, trying to get his thoughts together, then continued 

“This marriage is a disgrace.  If it is peace you want with the Spanish, find some other way to work it out.  Do not marry me off.“

“Henry,” he asked quietly this time, “is there someone you love, someone you care about?”

Henry looked at his father.  He had never been so angry in his life.

“Does it make any difference now?”  Henry asked.  “And what if I am, will it change anything? Do I really have a choice?”  He walked out of the room in disgust and anger leaving his father alone with his thoughts.

Chapter 15

Danielle was checking the color of the shawl with the Queen’s gown.

“Mademoiselle?”

She looked up.

“Yes, Your Highness?” she asked.

“Is there something I might help you with?”

“I would like to speak with you when you have a moment.”

Danielle smiled.  “As you can see, sire, I am very busy.”

Nicole had taken down a gown and had begun her sewing.

“I can spare you for a few minutes,” Nicole said, smiling.

Danielle didn’t know if she wanted a few minutes.  Not with him, anyway.

They stepped out of the sewing room into the hallway. Francois had pulled her over to the side so they wouldn’t be seen or heard.

“Is there something wrong, sire?”

“No, there is nothing wrong, we have just heard a lot of wonderful things about you and your mother’s work.  I was very impressed watching you at work earlier. I have never seen anyone move around so fast in my life.”

Danielle smiled. “I cannot remember a time when I didn’t help Mama out.  Even when Papa was alive, I was always helping her out with something, gardening or just working around the manor.”

Francois smiled.  “I heard that you read also, Mademoiselle. May I inquire about what you have read?”

Danielle looked at him. “I’ve always been reading, sire.  My parent taught me.  As soon as I was old enough, I began devouring books.”

She furrowed her brow.  “I don’t remember reading here, at the castle, I mean.  How did you know?”

Francois didn’t know how to answer her, but he wouldn’t have to.  The conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming down the hallway.

Chapter 16

Danielle stepped out into the middle of the hallway.  She wanted to see who it was. 

“Mademoiselle, what are you doing out here?  I need to speak with you and your mother.”

“Hello, Henry,” Francois said, stepping out after her.

Henry stood stock still, not moving a muscle.

“Oh, I did not mean to disturb your conversation, Mademoiselle.”

“What is going on…” Nicole began to ask, until she saw both Henry and Francois both with Danielle.  “Your Highness? “ She didn’t know which one to address.

“Madame,” Henry said, still looking at Francois, “When it is possible, I would like to speak with you in private.”  He bowed.

He bowed, looked at Nicole than at Danielle and walked back down the hallway, everyone staring after him. 

“Sire,” Danielle called, “You have dropped something.”  She picked up a piece of cloth from the floor and ran after him. 

“This isn’t mine,” Henry whispered, taking it when she offered it to him.

“Do you still wish to see me?”  Danielle asked.

Henry looked at her.  “When?”

“Tonight, as soon as I am finished here.”

Henry nodded, trying not to smile.  “Where?”

“The garden,” she whispered.  She turned around to find her mother standing in back of her.

Francois stood out in the hallway, watching all of this with a peculiar smile on his face.     

Chapter 17

Danielle did not have to convince her mother to come with her.  She wanted to know exactly what the Prince’s intentions were.

Danielle would go down first, then Nicole would meet her.

She crept down the castle stairs, trying to be as quiet as she possibly could.  She ran in the direction of the garden hoping that she would find the Prince.

Henry was standing there, waiting for her.

“Danielle,” he whispered, as she ran over to him.  “How long can you stay?”

“That depends on what you have in mind,” she answered. 

Henry lips formed a sly smile.

“I just thought we’d take a walk in the moonlight, maybe I’d get to know you a little better.

“And I you, Your Highness.”

He turned.  “You can call me Henry, if you like.”

Danielle smiled. 

“Can I speak to you on a personal matter?”

“You can ask me anything, Danielle,” he said.

“Are you not betrothed to the Princess of Spain?”

Henry smiled.  “Yes, unfortunately, I am.  My father signed a marriage treaty.  He is determined to keep peace in France.”

“Then you haven’t any business seeing me.  I could jeopardize your future as the King of France.”

“You are right about that.”  Henry said, looking at her.  “The problem is I do not want to be King of France.  I have no desire to do so.  I have discussed this very subject with my father at length.  I want to marry for love, Danielle, not for peace.”

“And you think that you love me?”

Henry laughed.  He took her hands in his.  “I have been watching you pick flowers at the ruins almost every morning for the last week.  I never had the chance to speak with you before. You have always disappeared before I ever had an opportunity.”

“And what does this all mean?  Do you want some illicit love affair which in no doubt will come to naught?”

Henry looked at her.  She gets right to the point, doesn’t she?

“I never meant it to be that way, Mademoiselle.”  Henry said, a little angrily.

“Then what did you mean, sire,” she said, removing her hands from his.  She turned and headed towards the castle.

She hadn’t seen her mother waiting for her.

“Danielle, wait,” Henry called, but it was too late.

Chapter 18

“It was awful, Mama.”

“I know, I heard.  It sounded like you didn’t need me at all.”

“Perhaps not.”

“I believe this is a very foolish mistake, especially on my part.” Nicole said.  “You are perfectly right, Danielle. This will amount to nothing.”

The knock on the door attracted their attention.

Nicole opened it to find Armand standing there.

“Madame,” Armand said bowing, “I was wondering if you might be interested in accompanying me on a moonlight stroll in the garden. It is a lovely night.”

Nicole smiled. “If I may have a minute, Captain,” she said.

“Go on,” Danielle said, when Nicole asked her.  “I am a big girl now.”

Nicole laughed.  She hugged her.  “That you are, child,” she said, releasing her.  “That you are.”

She grabbed her shawl, walked towards the door and opened it.  Armand was standing there, smiling.  “You are so beautiful, Nicole.”

“And you, sir, are as handsome as ever.”

She took his arm and they walked together down the hallway.

Someone was watching them from the shadows again.

Chapter 19

Danielle was just about to open Utopia again, when she heard a knock at the door. 

This time it was Prince Henry.

They both stared at each other a while, no one uttered a sound.

“I came to see if you were alright,” Henry said finally, “I was concerned.”

“Were you?” Danielle asked.

“I did not mean to upset you.  I am sorry.”

“So am I.” Danielle said, “but I just wanted to know..”

“And you have every right to ask.  My answer is still the same, Danielle.  Right now, I want to get to know you a little better.” 

“And my question to you is…”

“Let’s not start this again.”  Henry said.  He extended his hand. “Come, let’s take a walk.  I want to show you something.”

“My mother is…”

  

“Yes, I know.  I saw Captain Armand with your mother.  They look wonderful together.”

Danielle smiled.  She put her hand into his. 

Chapter 20

“It is so beautiful from up here, Henry.”

Henry smiled. 

“I’ve been coming up here for since I was a child to play and to be alone.”

“I thought that’s why you went to the ruins.”

“I can’t always go to the ruins,” he said, laughing.

He turned and gestured toward the turret.  “You can see the whole world from up here.  Well, maybe just Hautefort and the outskirts.”

They both started to laugh.  Henry stopped laughing and turned his full attention toward her.  He took her hands in his.

“I wanted to ask you if you’d meet me in the morning over by the ruins before you start on the gowns.”

Danielle looked into his eyes.  “I want to, Henry, but I really need to know what your intentions are.”

“I told you.  I just want to get to know you.  Is that so difficult for you?”

“Is that all?  Nothing more?”

“I promise, Danielle, nothing more.  I would never forgive myself if I ever hurt you.”

She smiled.  “Then my answer is yes, Henry.”

Henry smiled back.  He was so excited he could feel his heart beating.  “Well then, let me show you around,” he said, gesturing to the towns and villages. “In that corner over there, you see?  The church spire is the tallest building.  That’s St. Etienne’s and over here…”

Chapter 21

Francois was still watching them from the top of the stairs. They had their backs toward him, but he could still hear them.   He wished that she would turn around again so he could stare into those beautiful big brown eyes. 

He had waited for Captain Armand to leave before he stepped out of the shadows.  He was about to knock on the door when he heard footsteps and had to run for cover.

He hadn’t stopped thinking about her since this morning when he was watching her work in the sewing room.  He couldn’t keep his mind on anything his father was saying.  Is this the effect she had on all the men that she met? 

His parents had an arranged marriage planned for him, also.  He wanted it as much as Henry wanted his.  He had been assured that Catherine of Italy was beautiful.  He didn’t know, he hadn’t seen her. 

But he knew about Danielle.  He could see her with his own eyes.  She was intelligent, smart, funny and beautiful.  He had never felt this way before.  Not about any other woman he’d ever met. He couldn’t believe he wanted to know everything about her.

And I won’t rest until I know everything, Francois thought.  He watched them for a moment longer, then turned and walked back down the castle stairs.

Chapter 22

Nicole and Armand had climbed the stairs to another turret.

“Come,” Armand said, gesturing for Nicole to enter first.  “You must see this before the darkness arrives.”

He gestured to all that lay before them. Nicole followed his fingers until she saw what was in the turret opposite them.  There was Danielle and the Prince doing exactly what they were doing. 

“That’s Danielle he’s with, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Nicole said, “but what could he want with my daughter?”

“He is in love with your daughter, Nicole. He has been for months now.  The entire court knows.”

Nicole turned.  “What? How could he be?”

“He’s seen her at the ruins more than once or twice.  She does go to pick flowers there.  He had never mentioned her to anyone until three days ago.  The day he ran away.”

“What about the Princess?”

Armand shook his head.  “She’s not in love with Henry either.  She had been seeing a Duke on the sneak.” Armand laughed.  “Francis does no want this treaty broken, at least, not on France’s end.”

Nicole smiled.  “If I recall, Francis could never keep anything straight.”

Armand looked at Nicole now, the smile disappearing from his face.  “He loved you, Nicole, you know that.  We all did.”

“Love in what way, Armand, Francis never said anything to me.”

“Did you expect he would?  His marriage was arranged.”

“Marie was my best friend, Armand, as Auguste was to Francis.  Have you forgotten that?”

“You upset them, Nicole. “

“My own parents were angry with me, Armand.  Wouldn’t see me, wouldn’t hear me.  It was as if they I had died.”

“ Well, you had some new and different ideas that no one was ready for.  Francis had never been so angry in his life as when the two of you dropped everything and ran off to be married.  He’s always blamed you for giving Auguste that book to read, what was it? ”

“Utopia,” Nicole said, “but Francis was wrong.  Auguste read that book long before he met me.  We always discussed it.”

“I know that, Nicole, but you know Francis.  He is a very stubborn man.”

“I am sorry I broke up a long standing relationship with the King’s best friend.”

Armand walked closer and took her hands and put them in his own.  “I think it was more than that, Nicole.  I think that King Francis was in love with you.  I think he was jealous of Auguste.”

Chapter 23

Nicole stared at him.  “What makes you say that?”

“I believe he mentioned it once.  That very night when he found out that you had married Auguste.”

“He was already married by then, Armand, it wouldn’t have worked.”

“Francis wanted you, Nicole, not Marie.  He had to settle for her and I am surprised he has done the same with Henry.”

“As you said, Armand, the King is a stubborn man.”

“And so are you, milady, but I adore you for it. ”

He brought his lips down to meet hers.

Nicole had forgotten all about Henry and Danielle on the opposite side, but now the attention was focused on Captain Armand and Nicole de Barbarac.

“I don’t believe it,” Henry said.  “You mother and the Captain?”

“They’ve been friends since they were children.”

“That’s a little bit more than being friendly,” Henry said, watching the two of them.

 

Danielle turned.  “They are old enough, Your Highness.  I believe that they know what they are doing.”

Henry smiled at her.  “Do you really?  What about us?” He touched her hair and stared into her lovely brown eyes.  “Do you think we know what we are doing? And the name is Henry.”

“Well, I know what I am doing,” she began, “but I am not so sure about…”

She never finished the sentence.

Chapter 24

Francis was standing at the other end watching Armand and Nicole.  If he could only start his life over, he would’ve asked for her hand in marriage instead of being the stubborn old fool that he was. 

He had seen Henry call on Danielle, but that was all.  He had thought he was too harsh on the boy, after all, he had known Nicole’s background and he still wouldn’t allow his first-born to see her.  Pride, maybe.

He had lied to Henry when he first said that they weren’t friends growing up.  They were, but they had moved in different circles.  Even Nicole, who had been close to Marie, had begun to drift away once Auguste entered her life.

He had been jealous, not only of Auguste, but of Nicole as well. They had the courage to stand up for what they believed in, wrong or right.  It had been so hard to admit that to anyone and so he kept it within himself all these years. He had let it slip once to Armand at his wedding to Marie.  That was the same night that Auguste and Nicole had run away and it had hit him hard. 

He had tried to convince himself that this situation with Spain was growing intolerable and he had desperately wanted peace.  With this marriage treaty, surely everything would be better.    

On the other hand, maybe he could manage to work things out without the treaty and let Henry marry Danielle.  She really wasn’t a commoner…

No, he thought, I will not give in.  Henry has to learn responsibility and this is the only way I must go, even if Marie does not agree.  Henry is already a spoiled little brat.

He turned and left the two of them alone.

Chapter 25

The next few days were just as hectic as the last two, but Danielle found that it was easy enough to meet Henry in the morning.  Henry told her it was better that they meet than ride out together.  It would cause too much suspicion.

Henry had kept his word and Danielle had been surprised and pleased.  She grew to trust Henry, and, in spite of herself, was beginning to fall in love with him.  She found him handsome, intelligent, caring and extremely charming.

They discussed everything, from books to paintings to philosophers.  As the wedding day approached, and as they got to know each other, he explained the situation.  

“There is nothing I can do, Danielle,” Henry said, pacing the front section of the ruins.  “Except to run away with you.”  He stopped, looked up at her and waited for an answer.  They had gone this route before.

“That’s not the answer, Henry.  You have your royal duty to perform.”

“I am trying to change my father’s mind, but he will not budge.”  He looked at her.

“My brother tells me that you have a title.”

Brother? Danielle thought, how could his brother know?

Henry waited for her to say something, but Danielle couldn’t think of a thing to say.

He walked over to her and took her hands. 

“You don’t have to answer me now, Danielle.  It’s just that if you are, it might change things a bit, although I tend to think it will not help.”

Danielle took one hand from his grasp and touched his cheek.  “Your father knows, Henry.  According to my mother, your father always knew.  And how does your brother know that I have a title?  I actually just found out myself four days ago.”

Henry stared at her.  “He said you told him, that day I saw you together in the hallway.  I am puzzled, Danielle, you said my father knows? How could he? He never told me anything.  You have always been commoners, according to him.”

Danielle shrugged.  “I do not know, Henry.  Maybe you should speak to your father.”

She heard the chapel bells as they chimed out eight.  “We should be getting back.  There is only six days left to the wedding and there is still a lot of work to be done.”

She took Henry’s extended hand as she jumped down off the ruined window.  She fell into Henry’s arms.

“I don’t care what my father has to say, Danielle.  I love you and I want to marry you and that’s all there is to that.  I will tell him tonight after he explains to me why he thinks that the two of you are commoners.”

“Don’t push him, Henry.  He’ll tell you of his own accord.  Meanwhile, you have a wedding to think about.”

Henry stared at her.

“Is that all you can think to tell me.  Do you not love me at all?”

Danielle smiled.  “I love you more than you know, Henry, but there is still the Princess to think about.”

Henry smiled and looked into her eyes.  He touched her hair and then her cheek.  “You are the only Princess I want to think about.”  He took her face in his hands.  “I love you to, Danielle.  I wanted you to say those words to me for almost two weeks.”

“If you marry me, Henry, you will not be the King.”

“Right now, I don’t want to be Prince.  And if I have to live the rest of my life without you, I don’t ever want to be King.”

He brought his lips closer to hers. Danielle let him kiss her; in fact, she wanted him to kiss her.  She thought of nothing else.

Chapter 26

Nicole was finishing sewing up the gowns when Danielle returned. 

“I have been missing you these last few mornings. It’s become very hectic around without you. You know the wedding is in six days.”

“And the Princess of Spain has not even arrived,” Danielle answered.  She picked up the Queen’s matching shawl and began to sew the hooks to the front.  “What about you and the Captain Armand?”

Nicole smiled.  “I could never have dreamed it would happen again, Danielle, but I have fallen in love again.”

Danielle put the shawl down on her lap.  She ran to her mother and embraced her.  “Oh, Mama, I have never been so happy for you.” 

They released each other.  “You approve?”

“Of course, Mama.  I think you and the Captain look wonderful together. When did he propose?”

Nicole smiled.  “Last night, after you ran off again.”

“Mama,”

“I know where you are going, Danielle.  Armand followed you.  You have been sneaking off to see the Prince at the ruins, haven’t you?”

“I can explain, Mama.”

“No, Danielle, you and the Prince have to stop seeing each other.  It is not right. You will only be hurt in the end.”

“He doesn’t love her, Mama.  He loves me,” Danielle said, “and I love him.”

“Danielle,” Nicole said.  “Listen to me.  Nothing good can come of this.  The wedding day will come, Henry will get married and you will be hurt and scandalized.  Do not make the same mistake I did.”

“I have no intentions of ever letting that happen, Mama. Henry will speak to his father.  You will see.  He gave me his word.”

Nicole looked at her, then grabbed her and pulled her close.  “Oh, Danielle,” she whispered in her ear.  “I hope that you are right.  I never want to see anything happen to you.  You know that I love you.”

“Do not worry about me, Mama. I know what I am doing.  I know Henry will not hurt me.  He has always kept his word.”

Nicole wouldn’t let her go.  She hoped that Danielle was right.

Chapter 27

  

Francis was pacing back and forth. He had just received word that the Princess of Spain was missing.  This was the third time that she had disappeared. King Ferdinand was furious.  If she were not found soon, the wedding would have to be called off. 

“Father, I have an urgent matter to discuss with you.”

King Francis looked up to find Henry standing in front of him. 

“Henry, I do not have time for you right now.”

“It’s about Danielle.”

“I’ve just received this.”  He held up the paper.  “This is about the wedding.  It might have to be called off.  It seems that the Princess has disappeared.”

Henry was not interested.

“Father, I don’t want to marry the Princess.  I am in love with Danielle.  I want to marry her.”

The King stared at his son.  Perhaps he had a mistake.  “It seems the Princess does not want to marry you, either.” He tried to hold his temper and smiled.  “Henry, I know you love her, everyone knows.”

Henry stared back at him.  He did not hold his temper.

“Did you know that she had a title, Father?  Did you know her mother had a title as well?  Have you always known?”

Francis looked at his first born. “Who told you that?”

“Is it true or isn’t it, Father.”

Francis sighed.  “Yes my son, I knew.  I have always known.”

Henry was getting angrier by the second.

“Then why, Father, especially if you knew that I loved her.”   

Francis looked down.  “I have no excuse, Henry.  I should have told you earlier.“

“Told me?” Henry asked.  “Told me what?”

Chapter 28

Nicole was putting the finishing touches on Marie’s gown.  Everything was perfect and ready.  There was only one thing missing and that was the Princess.  The wedding would have to be postponed. 

She heard a knock at the open door.

“Nicole?  May I come in?”

Nicole looked up and smiled.  ”My dear Captain, of course you may.”

Armand walked over to her.  “Were you able to tell her?”

“Yes, I have.  The only thing we discussed was that I had fallen in love again.”

Armand looked at her.  “What?  With whom?”

“Who do you think?”   Nicole smiled, putting her arms around him.

Armand smiled.  He had no words for her; all he could say was her name.

He bent to kiss her, then straightened up again.

“Where has Danielle gotten to?”

“She went for a ride to the ruins. She goes there sometimes to think and to be alone.  Armand, we are leaving tomorrow.  The gowns and preparations for the wedding are all done. Danielle and I worked very hard…”

“And we appreciate it.” Armand smiled.  “Even if we do not show it. What about Prince Henry?”

“She is trying to decide what to do.  She’s fallen in love with him, Armand.”

Armand smiled.  “I’ve have something to tell you, Nicole, although it is only a rumor at this point.  The wedding has been cancelled.  The Princess has gone missing.”

“Missing? Where could she have gone?”

“No one knows, milady.  She went out for a walk, it seems, and did not return.  That was two days ago.”

. 

Nicole removed her arms from around Armand’s neck and brought them slowly down to her sides.  She turned from him and walked to the sewing room window.  She had been too busy to even notice that there had been a window.

“Something wrong?” Armand asked.  He had followed her.

“I was hoping to see the garden. How beautiful it should look this time of year, everything in bloom.”

“What you are looking for is on the other side, my love,” Armand whispered.

Nicole smiled. She turned from the window.  “I hope everything is all right, Armand. I do not want to see Danielle hurt.”

“There’s always the possibility that the King will change his mind.  He may see things differently, in light of this new development.”

Nicole shook her head.  “No, Armand, I do not think so.  I don’t think that the King will look favorably upon our marriage, either.”

Armand looked at her.  “We will have to wait and see, Nicole,” was all he said.

 

Chapter 29

“Henry, wait.”

Henry whirled around to face him.  “No Father, I believe that I have waited long enough.”

He turned again and headed for the door, not listening to his father’s cries.   He had had enough.  He had never been this angry or upset in his life.   His father had lied to him.  He had known all along about Danielle and had kept it from him.  Not only that, but he knew about Nicole as well.  They were only commoners because he had deemed them to be. Now the Princess of Spain had run off with some Spanish nobleman and the wedding had to be cancelled.

He found the door to the sewing room open and walked in.  He was surprised to find the room empty, not like yesterday when everyone was buzzing around like bees to a hive.  He was just about to leave when he heard a woman’s voice calling him.

“Your Highness,” Nicole said.  She had suddenly appeared from the corner of the room and was headed toward him.  Following her was Captain Armand. 

She attempted a curtsey, but Henry didn’t want it.  “Where is she?”

“She went to the ruins to pick some flowers and to clear her head.  She is very confused, sire.”

Henry smiled.  “Well, milady, things have just been sorted out and placed into a better perspective.  Things are much clearer than what they have been.  And the name is Henry, Madame.”

He began to walk out when Nicole stopped him.  “What are your intentions then, Henry.”

“Why, I intend to marry her, of course.  Did you think otherwise?”  He smiled and kissed a very surprised Nicole on the cheek.  “Wish me luck and tell my father when or if you see him.”  He looked at the two of them.  Oh, and congratulations on your marriage.”

“Henry,” Nicole ran after him.  “Your future as the King of France.  Your father will never accept this marriage, unless, by some miracle….” 

Henry smiled.  “Do not worry, Madame.  I am prepared for whatever happens.  Good day to you.”

He smiled as he headed out of the sewing room door and downstairs.

Nicole stood there and watched him leave.  Armand came up behind.

“Nicole,” he asked.  “Are you all right?”

Chapter 30

Henry made for the ruins as quickly as he could.  He was too excited to worry about anything.  He found the horse she borrowed tied to a tree and put his in the same place.  He ran into the ruined church expecting to see her sitting in the window, but she wasn’t there. 

“Danielle?”

There was no answer at first.

“Danielle?” he called again.

“Up here, Henry.”

He stepped outside the church, walked over to the hill and looked up.  There she was at the top of the hill, with a bunch of flowers next to her.  She had been reading.

“Danielle,” he called, as he made his way to the top. 

Danielle stood up, dropping Utopia to the ground again.  Henry took her into his arms and kissed her.  It seemed like hours before he let her go. 

“Marry me,” he said simply, “I cannot bear to live a day without you.”

Danielle frowned.  “We will still be here, Henry, we are moving back to the manor tomorrow.  And what about the Princess.”

“The wedding is cancelled, my love.  My father has invited the entire court tonight to an informal ball.  He wants me to choose a bride from that pick of the litter.”  He shook his head.  “I am not interested and he knows it.”

Danielle looked at him.  “How did you know I was here, Henry and, how come Laurent is not with you?”

Henry smiled.  “I asked your mother where you were, and I told Laurent the truth.”

“The truth?”

“That I intended to marry you, right now, tonight, if you will have me.”

Danielle continued to stare into his gray-green eyes.  “What about France? What about your destiny as the future King?”

Henry looked into her dark brown eyes and smiled.  “All I want is you, my lovely Danielle.  You are all I think about, all I care for.  I told you, I could not live another day without you. Let my brother be King, he wants it more than I do. Please say yes, Danielle, please.”

Danielle smiled at him.  “Yes, I will, Henry.  You mean everything to me and I…”

But Henry hadn’t heard.  He had stopped listening after she answered “Yes.”

Chapter 31

Francis was pacing again.  That boy.  He had just walked out in the middle of a conversation.  He wanted to make it as easy as possible.  He wanted Henry to be King, not Francois.  He never thought Francois could handle it. He was much too young and inexperienced.  The boy had no formal training.  Well, he had taken the same lessons Henry had, but somehow, well, he wasn’t Henry.

He was still pacing back and forth when a visitor was announced.  He turned around to find Nicole standing in front of him.

“Nicole,” he whispered, staring at her.

“Hello, Francis,” she said, informally.   

He walked closer and touched her cheek.  He stared into her dark brown eyes, the color that Danielle inherited from her.

“What are you doing here?” 

“I wanted to speak to you about several things,” she answered.  “One of them was my marriage to Captain Armand.”

“Yes, I had heard, “ the King answered, “I hope the two of you will be very happy together.  You deserve that.”

“Then you approve?  A commoner marrying a nobleman?”

“Nicole, you know that you…”

“No, Francis, I don’t know.  You have gone out of your way to humiliate my family and I.  Auguste may not have been born a nobleman, but he was your friend and your grandfather gave him a title that he was very proud of.

He stared at her.  “Is this what you came to tell me?”

“Partly,” she answered.  “Your son is going to marry my daughter, even as we speak.  He does love her, Francis.  He just came to me not more than a half hour ago.   I do not think it is right that you will not accept her as anything but a commoner.  Danielle has a title and should be respected and treated as the Lady she is.”

“My son would not go against me like that, Madame.  He trusts me and respects me and will do as I ask him to.”

Nicole shook her head.  “Still as stubborn as ever, I see. Well, there is little use in talking to you since you seem to have all the answers.” She turned to walk out, but realized she had something to add and turned around again.  “I was hoping that you would accept the two of them.  I have.  They will get the manor to live and work in and I pray that they will be happy.  And I pray that Francois will do a better job then Henry as King of France.”  She turned to leave, but Francis called her back.

“Is it true, Nicole? He will really marry her?”

“Yes Father, I already have.”

Chapter 32

Francis whirled around.  Henry and Danielle entered the throne room.  Francois, Marie and Armand walked in behind them.  Nicole ran over to Danielle and Henry and embraced them both.

   

Francis stood alone watching the rest of the family as they huddled around Henry and Danielle.  Francois walked over to join his father.

“Father, perhaps you should reconsider your actions.” 

Francis stared at his younger son; then he looked up.  The huddle had broken apart.  Henry and Danielle were standing in the middle looking at him. 

Marie walked over and joined her son and her husband.

“Please, Francis accept them.  Henry is still your child.”

Francis looked at the two of them.  They were talking to Nicole and Armand.  Maybe they are right, he thought, maybe I am being too stubborn.  Maybe I should just forgive them and…

No, he couldn’t and he wouldn’t.  He was not going to give in.

He turned and walked out the opposite end, leaving the rest of his family behind.

Chapter 33

August, 1511

The chapel bells startled Henry.  He couldn’t believe that it was five. Danielle should be helping Paulette and Louise with those delicious game pies.  He had been looking forward to this meal since yesterday’s hunting trip with Armand.  

Oh, he had almost forgotten.  Nicole and Armand were joining them along with Gustave and his new lady.  They should be here any minute.

He stretched and stood up.  He was amazed.  How long had he been sitting there, remembering?  He hadn’t thought about any of that until today.  Oh, Father, Henry thought, shaking his head, you will have to forgive and forget sometime.  You cannot be stubborn all your life. 

Marie had kept him up to date, though, mostly by courier, which turned out to be Francois.  They would often meet in the woods where they wouldn’t be seen and exchange information.

Henry wanted to understand why Francis would never accept Danielle and Nicole as anything but commoners.   He had tried over and over, but his father had not heard anything Henry had to say. 

His father refused to cancel the ball even after Henry had announced his decision in front of the entire court.  It was Marie who had gathered the court together and it was Marie who finally cancelled the ball, against the King’s wishes, of course.   

His father had disappeared.  No one knew where he had gone, Henry thought, until Mother found him atop one of the castle turrets.

“Francis, do you know what you have just done?”

“Yes, Marie, I have.  Francois will become the next King of France.  He is ready, willing and able.”

Marie looked at him.  “You held onto this grudge for too long, Francis.  There is no reason for it.  Auguste is dead and Nicole has remarried.  Give up this foolish notion and forgive Henry, for my sake.”

But he hadn’t.  The marriage of Francois Henri and Catherine of Italy came much too quickly after Henry announced that he would not become the next King of France.   He smiled, thinking about Francois’ reaction.

   

“I know you are worried,” Francois said, “but there is nothing to worry about.  France could not be in better hands.  Besides, I know where to find you if I need any advice.”

Henry smiled.  “I am sure you do.”

Francois looked at him, smiling.  “I am so proud of you, Henry, standing up to Father like that.  You have more courage than I’ll ever have.  He deserves it.  I cannot believe he lied to you.  ”  Francois released him.

“You know you have the most beautiful and intelligent woman in all the province. I have never been so jealous.”

“And why should you be jealous, my dear brother?”  Henry asked.  When Francois hadn’t answered, Henry smiled. 

“You love her, don’t you?”  Henry asked him.

“Yes, Henry,” Francois answered,  “I loved her the minute I met her.  I understand how you feel.   I just want you to know that you will have my support and I will be there for you always.  I love you, Henry, very much”

“And I you,” Henry answered.  They embraced.  When they separated, Francois had begun to cry.  

Chapter 34

Francois had been such a liar, Henry said, shaking his head, smiling. Oh, it was true; Francois and Mother have supported me. Both had gone to Father to try to reason with him, but he would not listen.

Francois wanted to be King and now he had his chance.  Francois had become Henri II, Crown Prince of France, and had an active role as ruler right beside Father.  He involved himself right from the beginning in court matters and, with his new bride by his side, he was learning very quickly.  He would come by the manor every Thursday to visit, but Henry had always thought it was to see Danielle.

Nicole and Armand were living at Armand’s small manor farm, not too far from the de Barbarac manor.  Nicole and Armand would ride over in the afternoons to visit and to help out.  The servant staff had grown by two, Edward, the butler and Annette, the midwife and cook.  They had come from Armand’s staff.

Gustave’s schedule was still the same; would still come back to the manor from time to time to visit family, but he still lived in his small flat next to the studio.  He told Danielle that he had been introduced to a woman named Isabel.  He was mulling over the possibility of marriage.  

Henry’s father was anything but supportive.  He was aloof and uncaring.  He would mope around the castle for days on end, according to Marie, as if someone had hurt him greatly. He didn’t seem to care about anything and shirked his duties as ruler of France.  Francois saw his opportunity and used it to his advantage.

Henry was enjoying the life of a farmer, despite what he had been bred for.  The farm had prospered and Danielle and Nicole were still sewing.  He was also helping Gustave with the glass blowing business, along with Armand

All in all it had been a peaceful life.  The bells in the chapel chimed six as Henry got closer to the de Barbarac manor house.  Danielle should have the evening meal on the table. She was going to have that baby anytime now.  He wanted to be prepared for it.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of horse’s hooves coming up the driveway.  He turned to find the two riders, Nicole and Armand.  He smiled and waved as they galloped up the driveway.

“Hello, Henry,” Armand called out as he jumped from his horse.  He picked his arms up to help Nicole down. 

  

“Hello, Armand, Mama.  It is nice to see the two of you again.  Glad that you could come at such short notice.”

“No problem, Henry,” Armand clapped him on the back.  “I’ve been dying to try Louise’s game pies ever since you recommended them.” 

Henry grinned.  “And you won’t be disappointed, either.”

Henry held the door open to let Nicole and Armand walk inside. The three of them were all talking and laughing.

Chapter 35

Danielle was helping Paulette with last minute preparations for small meal served every evening.  It was to be a very special night what with Nicole and Armand visiting as well as Gustave.  Danielle had been looking forward to meeting Gustave’s new lady friend, Isabel.

Tonight Paulette and Louise had prepared game pies, which consisted of rabbit, squirrel and venison. Vegetables were added which were grown in the manor’s garden. Henry and Armand had a particularly good hunting trip this time around, the meat stored in the icehouse for this occasion.  Everyone loved Louise’s cooking and the game pies were her specialty.

“Your guests should be arriving any minute,” Louise looked up.   She had been talking to Danielle.

Henry suddenly burst through the door, grinning from ear to ear.  “Your guests, milady, have arrived.”

Danielle smiled as Nicole and Armand entered the kitchen in back of Henry.  “Mama, Armand,” she cried in happiness, running over to embrace them both,   “It has been a while, hasn’t it?”

Nicole laughed and returned her hug.  “Since yesterday, daughter.”  She pushed her away and stared at her bulging belly.  “How goes it with you?”

“Anytime now.” Danielle answered.  She turned to look at Henry.  He was lost in conversation with Armand while climbing the steps.

“Has Annette arrived?” Nicole asked.   “We had heard she was the best midwife in the whole province.  Armand sent her the minute he found out.  I scolded her a little.  You should not keep those things secret.”

Danielle laughed.  “Of course, Mama.  She has become a great addition to our little family. She’s helping Paulette put on the final touches.  Come, let’s go upstairs and we’ll visit.”

Chapter 36

After visiting briefly with Annette, everyone sat and talked until Gustave had arrived.  Isabel was beautiful, Danielle thought as Edward let her in. 

Everyone gathered in the drawing room while the final preparations were made.  They discussed everything from Danielle’s pregnancy to Gustave’s new ladyfriend when Maurice called everyone to the dining room.  They were just about finishing up when the doorbell rang.  Henry stood up to answer it when Edward interrupted.  “Henry,” he said, “it is your brother.”  Henry had dispensed with formalities ever since they moved into the manor.

 

Henry frowned.  “You mean he’s here?  At the door?”

“Where else?” Edward asked.

Henry smiled and shook his head.  “Tell him I will be right there.” 

Edward nodded and turned to leave. 

Henry watched him go and turned to Danielle. 

“What is he doing here?”

“Maybe you should speak to him, Henry,” Danielle said, “find out exactly what he wants.”

Henry nodded and walked out of the room.

Francois was waiting for him at the manor door.

“Hello, Henry.”

“What are you doing here, Francois?  It’s only Tuesday.”

“It’s Father, Henry.  He hasn’t been well and he’s been asking for you.”

“Me?” Henry asked.  “Why should he be asking for me?” Henry looked at his brother.  “What is wrong?  Has he seen the court physician?”

“Yes, Henry, I am afraid he has.  The physician does not know.”

Henry looked worried.

“Maybe we should talk outside,” Francois said.

They were about to walk out the door when Nicole came running over to the door.

“Henry, I believe it’s Danielle’s time.”

Chapter 37

The castle was buzzing with the latest rumors about the King. Seems as though he was on his deathbed and the Prince was soon to take over and he wasn’t even the rightful heir to the throne.

The courtiers couldn’t stop talking. First the rumors were centered on Henry’s abdication of the throne. The next one concerned the King’s stubbornness and his refusal to accept Henry and his new bride. 

Now the King was ill and no one knew what to expect not even the court physician.  Prince Henry’s wife, Danielle, was pregnant and was due to give birth anytime now.

“You did what?”  Francis asked.  He was lying in bed resting, after the physician had told him to calm down and take it easy.  He was pushing things to hard, worrying over the fact that his second son and not his first would be taking over the crown.

The physician had told him to pass the crown onto someone else’s shoulders, but that’s exactly what had been upset about all along.  Francois didn’t know how to run his own life, much less an entire country.  If only Henry had listened to him, he wouldn’t be in this situation.

“I sent Francois to the de Barbarac manor to tell Henry.  You told me you wanted to see him or have you forgotten that.” Marie said.  “Francis, please, listen to physician.  Lie back and rest.”

“I cannot,” Francis said, starting to stand up. Marie kept pushing him back down.  “This is all your first son’s fault.”

“Henry? Is that why you want to see him, so you can tell him that this is his fault?  You cannot blame him for this. This is your fault, milord.  Your rage and stubbornness have caused this.  You have to forgive and forget sometime, Francis, and your constant complaints must cease. You must rethink your actions, because on their current course, will lead you to your downfall.”

Francis stared at his wife.  Marie was right and he knew it, which had only made him more upset.  He could feel his heart pounding in his chest.  He had to lie down again.     

Chapter 38

Henry was now the proud father of twins, one boy Henri Francois, and one girl, Nicole Paulette.  They were delivered by Annette and were assisted by Nicole and Paulette. Louise was trying to keep everyone calm and quiet in the drawing room.

Francois looked in on them in the nursery.  They were so small and precious.  He was sure that if he could get his father to see them…

“They are beautiful, are they not?”  Francois barely heard the voice.  He looked up to find Armand standing next to him.

“They are indeed, Captain,” Francois answered.  “I was just thinking about Father’s current condition.”

Armand raised his eyebrows. “The King’s current condition?  Is something wrong?”

Francois sighed.  “He needs rest, Captain.  Right now he has a lot of things on his mind, including my running of the country.  Doesn’t think I am capable of it.  Told me right to my face.”  Francois smiled and turned back to look at the babies.  “He thinks Henry is better suited for it, but he will never forgive him for marrying Danielle.  Although,” he looked up at Armand, “he did ask for him.”

Armand was surprised.  “Francis asked for Henry?”

Francois nodded and shrugged his shoulders.  “I do not know why.  He might be willing to forgive him.”

 “I wonder.  Somehow I get the feeling that even if he wants to, he won’t.  I think now it is more pride than stubbornness, Your Highness.  I am sure you and the Queen will be able to convince him otherwise.  I did not know the King was ill.  Maybe there is something I can do as well.”

Francois looked up at Armand.  “Mother wanted me to bring Henry back to the castle, but I think now he will have to come here, especially to see my cousins. ”

“And his grandchildren.”  Armand laughed.

Francois smiled and laughed with him.

“I will return with you, Francois,” Armand said, forgetting formality. Francois hadn’t noticed.  This had been the first time that the Captain had referred to him as ‘Your Highness.’  “Maybe my influence still counts for something.”

Francois turned to look at him.  “You are his best friend, are you not?”

“I was, a long time ago.”

Francois shook his head and smiled.  “Maybe you and Lady Nicole will be able to journey to the castle.  You can return with me if you like.”

Armand grinned.  “I will speak to my wife right now and let you know.”

Armand started to leave, but Francois called him back.  They embraced each other briefly before separating again.

Chapter 39

Armand had run all the way up the manor stairs to tell Nicole.  She was sitting with Danielle and Henry in the master bedroom. 

He entered the room, panting. He saw Danielle sleeping in the center, surrounded by Nicole and Henry.

“Nicole, please, I would like to you to accompany me on a trip to the castle.”

Nicole stared at him.  “I would love to, Armand, but I am would like to keep an eye on my daughter right now.  What could be so important?”

“It is the King, Nicole,” Armand answered, catching his breath.  “He is very sick and would like to see us.  Actually, he asked for you, Henry.”

Henry looked up at him.  “I know, Armand, it’s just that I can not go right now.  My wife and my children mean so much to me.  Maybe I can visit him tomorrow.

Nicole stood up. “I feel the same way, Armand, you must go without me.”

Henry stood up and silenced her.  He turned to Armand.  “Keep an eye on her for me, Armand?” he asked, “I shall return shortly.”

He led Nicole from the room.

“Henry,” Nicole said, as he closed the bedroom door behind them, “I have given up conversing with that stubborn old goat.  I have tried and he will not listen to me.”

Henry shook his head.  “No, Mama, this time you must go.  I have a feeling he will listen to you this time.  He is set in his ways, yes, but I believe that he will come around once they know that they are the grandparents.”

Nicole looked at him. “He knew Danielle was pregnant.  Why did he not take the time to consider that?”

“He is all wrapped up in his foolish pride and his arrogance,” Henry whispered. “I would have been just like him had I not found Danielle.” He smiled and grabbed her shoulders.  “She and the twins mean so much to me, Mama.  I cannot imagine ever living my life without her. Try to convince him one last time.  I will watch out for Danielle.”

Nicole smiled.  “I would do anything for you, Henry.  You have been wise and kind and generous.  You would have made a great King.”

Henry laughed.  “Thank you, milady, but I have never wanted the crown.  I am perfectly happy with my new life.  Go now with Armand and we will be here waiting.”

They embraced, then let each other go.  They both walked back in the bedroom.   Danielle had awakened and was talking to Armand. They both looked up when she entered.  Armand stood.

“Come,” Nicole said to Armand.  “We have no time to lose.”

Armand smiled.  “We shall return, Henry, hopefully, with your father.”

“I would hope to see you return anyway,” Henry answered, “with or without my father.”

Armand smiled and left with Nicole. Henry sat down next to his wife.

“What was that all about?” Danielle asked.

Henry began to explain.

Chapter 40

Armand, Nicole and Francois arrived at the castle without Henry. Catherine, Francois’ wife, had been waiting for them.   After brief introductions, Catherine had led them to the King’s chambers.  Marie was not sitting now; she was standing at his desk in the study.  She looked up as the four of them entered the room.

She frowned when she hadn’t seen Henry. 

Nicole came over and put her arms around Marie. 

“How is he feeling?” 

Marie smiled and held her hand.  “He is coming around, Nicole.  He hasn’t been the same since Henry married Danielle.  Did he not accompany you here?”

Nicole shook her head.  “Danielle has just given birth to twins, Marie. Henry sends you his regards and asks me to tell you that he will be by tomorrow.”

“Let me talk to Francis,” Marie said.  “He just might change his mind.”     

“We are all here to do that,” Armand said.  He had walked over to join them.  “He is asleep now, isn’t he?

“No, Armand, I am awake.”  Francis walked toward them. He turned to Nicole.  “Did I hear you tell Marie that I have grandchildren now?”

Nicole turned to look at him.  “Yes, Francis, they are twins, one boy and one girl, Henri Francois and Nicole Paulette.”

The King’s face lit up with wonder and excitement at the prospect of tiny babies in the family, especially his own grandchildren. 

“Well,” he said, laughing, maybe we will just have to…”

The face changed again and the smile disappeared.  It was replaced by a frown and Francis looked up, slowly realizing that he had made a mistake.  He shook his head, turned and began to walk away.

Marie and Nicole looked at each other in bewilderment.  Armand and Francois, who had been standing in the corner talking, suddenly realized what had happened.

Francois started to go after the King, but Nicole stopped him as she watched Marie run out of the room after him.

Chapter 41

“What is this,” Francis yelled, “some kind of trick?”

He had turned on Marie like a mad dog. 

“Francis, please, if you would only…”

“No,” he thundered, “this will not do. I will not be tricked into…”

“Father, believe me, it is no trick.”  Marie turned to find Francois in back of her.  “I was there.  I heard Danielle’s cries as she gave birth. I saw the twins lying in their cribs in the nursery.  My God, Father, what does it take to make you see how you are behaving.”

This only made the King angrier.  “Who are you to tell me how I should behave?  You have no idea what you are doing when you have to assume the throne, do you?" He looked straight at Catherine. "You and that wife of yours.  And you,” he said, facing Marie. “What kind of fool do you take me for?” 

Before anyone could say anything, Catherine looked at her father-in-law.  Tears began to well up in her eyes and she ran from the room. 

Marie looked at her husband, strangely.  “Sir,” she said, shaking her head, “I know you not at all anymore.”

She began to walk away, still shaking her head.  Francois gave one last puzzled look at his father, put his arm around his mother, consoling her.   He ran from the room in an attempt to find Catherine. Marie walked out after him.  Armand and Nicole stood there watching Francis, wondering what he would do or say next.

The King watched all of this in silence, then turned to leave.

“Your Majesty,” Nicole said, staring at him. 

Francis turned at the formal name and looked back at her.

“Nicole, you do not have to…”

“I must, Your Majesty,” she answered.  She was angry, but she kept her voice calm, “if this is the only way I can get your attention. Remember, I am a commoner in your eyes.”

Francis looked down.  She was right again, as she always was.

“You must not let what happened between the two of us cloud over your senses.  You must see reason, sire.  You cannot hold a grudge all you life.  This must stop.  Do you not want to see your own grandchildren?  See their little faces, hear their laughter?  Do you not want them to run into your arms, their eyes full of joy at the sight of their grandfather?  Or do you just want to miserable all your life, moping around the castle because you are too stubborn to give in.”  Nicole hadn’t realized she was talking so loudly.  Armand went to her and took her by the shoulders.  He tried to lead her away and calm her down, but right now it was not working.  She shook him off.

“Nicole, please,” Armand said. “Leave it alone.”

“I cannot, Armand.”  Nicole said, again shaking him off.  She turned her attention back to the King.

‘You know not what you do, Your Majesty, because if you did, you would realize that you are wrong, very, very wrong.  I am in complete agreement with Marie.  I do not recognize you any longer. You are not the man I remember and I do not believe that I once loved you.  I am convinced that that man is lost and will never return.”

She turned and walked away from him, not looking back.  Armand looked up at his old friend, shook his head, turned and ran after Nicole, leaving Francis standing there on his own.

Chapter 42

Hmmm, Henry thought, the horses were finally returning.  They had not stayed long at all. The hour was late; he had heard the clock on the mantel strike ten.   He had come out to meet them along with Maurice and Edward.

“Any developments?” he asked Armand as Maurice led the horses away.  He shook his head.  “Everything remains the same, my son,” Nicole answered.  “The King remains as stubborn as ever and will not listen to or see reason.”

“We have tried, Henry,” Armand said, “even your mother and brother, but he still refuses to listen.”

Henry looked down, trying to hide the tears that were forming in his eyes.  “What about my mother, Mama,” he asked, looking up. “Will she be coming?”

Nicole nodded her head.  “Marie, Francois and Catherine will come to the manor tomorrow.  Marie told me so herself, Henry.  She would like to see the twins.”

She looked at Henry and saw the tears running down his cheeks.  He smiled and wiped them away with his fingers.  “I do not understand why I am crying like a little baby, all of a sudden.”

Nicole took him into her arms and held him tight to her chest.  “Go on, Henry,” she whispered, “you can cry as long as want.  We are here for you now and will always be whenever you need us.”

They stood there, in one another’s arms for a long time.  No one had the heart to break them apart.

Chapter 43

The manor was buzzing with excitement.  For the first time in a year, the Queen was coming for a visit.  Prince Henri II and Princess Catherine would accompany her.  

Louise and Paulette were baking their marvelous pastries and Annette was attending to her house duties as well as the twins.  Maurice, Armand and Henry were in the garden, gathering vegetables. Nicole was upstairs keeping an eye on Danielle.

It wasn’t long before the royal coach drove up.   Captain Laurent climbed down from the top of the coach to open the door. The Queen stepped out, followed by the Princess and then the Prince.  Maurice helped Laurent with the horses.  Henry embraced his mother, then Francois and Catherine.   Armand had gone upstairs to fetch Nicole and Danielle and bring them down.

Nicole embraced Marie and the two walked inside the manor house together.  It was as if they hadn’t seen each other in years. Danielle and Catherine walked in after them, then Henry with Francois and Armand.    

Henry and Danielle brought the crowd to the nursery where they looked in on the twins.  Marie held little Nicole while Francois marveled at Henri’s tiny fingers.  When Annette threw everyone out, they went upstairs for Louise and Paulette’s wonderful pastries served with tea in the dining room.

Everyone was surprised when the doorbell rang.  Edward had gone to answer it, but had not come back. Henry stood up and walked towards the front door when Edward had suddenly burst in.   No one could believe whom he had returned with.

“Father?” Henry asked.  “What are you doing here?”

Chapter 44

“Hello, Henry, Danielle.”  The King said, acknowledging him. 

Francis stood in the middle of the hallway, looking at his older son.

“Why, I came to see my grandchildren, of course.”

Henry walked toward his father while Francis walked toward him.  They met somewhere in the middle and embraced each other, both had tears in their eyes.

“I am sorry, Henry,” Francis whispered in Henry’s ear. “I have been foolish and arrogant, unable to see past my own nose.  Please forgive this stubborn old goat.”

“You are still my father and I will always love you.  There is no need for forgiveness.”  Henry released him.

“Come, let me take you to the nursery.  I would like you to see your grandchildren.”

“I would like that very much, my son,” Francis said, smiling, the tears still streaming down his cheeks.

Danielle watched the two of them as they walked off together.  She hadn’t realized that everyone else was watching also.

Epilogue

After that day, Francis accepted Henry and Danielle’s marriage.  He even offered Henry the crown, but Henry refused it.

This time, without Marie’s insistence, Henry and Danielle were given the title of Duke and Duchess.  Henry accepted, but told his father that he enjoyed his quiet life and wanted nothing to do with royalty.   

Francois and his brother remained close, even after the crown passed to him. Francois stayed devoted to his older brother and depended on Henry for his expertise and guidance.  Henry, never forgetting that Francois had been supportive of him, remained his close friend and advisor.   As far as Danielle had been concerned, the reign of Henri II was in name only.  It belonged to Henry I, even though he hadn’t worn the crown.

Henri II and Catherine had seven children, which included Henri III.  One of them, Francis II, had married Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots.

Marie continued to support both her sons. She set out to persuade Henry to accept an advisory position, if he did not want the crown.  Henry did not need convincing.  He already has his mind made up.

Francis accepted Francois’ leadership role only after Henry had agreed to assist him in all court matters and functions.  He remained close to both his sons and their children, his grandchildren.

Gustave and Isabel did marry and they had three children.  Gustave held on to the glass business and passed it down to his two sons.

Nicole and Armand spent the rest of their lives together at Armand’s small manor farm.  Nicole continued to sew for the royal family as well as her five grandchildren.

Danielle and Henry had three more children and the farm prospered and grew.  The manor remained in the hands of the royal family, even after their death. 

Authors Note: Since there was no Henri I anywhere in French royal lineage, I decided it would be interesting to speculate why.  This story is based on that speculation.

It is partly based on truth. The real Henri II married Catherine de Medici and had seven children.   Henri and Catherine had four sons, three daughters. One daughter married Phillip II of Spain.  Three of his sons became Kings of France.  Their names and reigns are as follows: Francis II married Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. Francis held the throne from 1559-1560 when Charles IX took over until 1574. Charles married Elizabeth of Hapsburg.   Henri III succeeded Charles and was on the throne until 1589. He married Louise de Mercoeur.   Marguerite, the youngest daughter, married Henry IV.  He held the throne until 1610.