Excerpt: A Little Book of Prayers

It was a very small and dimly lit chapel, probably the smallest one she had ever seen. Jeanne stood in the doorway to give her eyes some time to adjust and then moved down the short aisle towards a statue of the Blessed Virgin in the corner. She picked up a taper and lit a candle. She then took a deep breath and tried to concentrate on the image before her. “Oh, Blessed Mother,” she began to pray when she was suddenly aware that someone else had entered the chapel. She continued to hold her gaze and concentration on the statue and pray but the slow sound of footsteps was a great distraction. The footsteps were coming closer and closer to her. She knew it would be rude to turn around and see who had come in but it seemed like whoever had just entered the chapel was coming directly towards her. Jeanne continued to wonder what to do when suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder and she jumped with a start. She turned around and could just barely make out the facial features of the king.
“Your highness,” she said as she immediately got to her feet and curtsied. “Please forgive me for using the chapel at such a late hour. It was empty and I…”
“It is I who should apologize to you. Please forgive me for disturbing your prayers again.” He began to chuckle a bit, “I know that this is not the first time that I have interrupted your prayers. I recall that we had an enlightening discussion about our great grandfather the night my brother died.”
“I remember,” whispered Jeanne.
“I will never forget your wise advice, Jeanne. So tell me,” Charles said as he abruptly tried to change the subject, “what makes a pretty young girl come to pray in a chapel so late at night, hmm? I would think you should still be dancing or having a stroll in the garden with a certain handsome young knight.”
Jeanne was glad it was fairly dark in the chapel because she could feel her face blushing, but not just from embarrassment, but from a rising anger.
“Forgive me, your highness, but who I dance with or stroll in the garden with is my business, not yours.”
“Really? I do not agree. As king I am also your liege lord. And as one of my subjects, albeit noble subjects,” he added somewhat testily, “I will decide who you will be associated with.”
“Yes, sire,” Jeanne said as she dropped her head.
“Now Jeanne, come, come, do not be so glum. Do not despair. I have your best interests in mind. Besides, I promised Aunt Agnes that I would take a personal interest in you. Pierre Dermant is a fine knight but he does not come from an esteemed family like you do.” Charles reached out and lifted her chin, looked into her eyes and said, “You are still so very young, cousin. I have come to find out that Pierre is indeed interested in you, but he is perhaps more interested in your dowry, especially since the arrangements for a betrothal to another lady just fell through. His father is eager for him to marry a wealthy young girl and you fit the bill quite nicely.”
How do you know this?” asked Jeanne sternly.
“I make it my business to know many things. If I care about something—or someone—I take extra pains to protect my interests. So please be more cautious, you must be careful with these handsome knights. Remember, I only have your best interests in mind.”
Jeanne nodded silently her mind swimming with confusion. Her heart was broken by this news. She had been so certain about Pierre. She believed that he was an extremely chivalrous man. Oh, why was she so gullible and trusting? If only Aunt Agnes was here; she would know how to advise her.
Charles pressed on, “Please forgive my bluntness, Jeanne, but I did not expect to encounter you here and…well, you have always been an honest girl and I welcome your honesty. And although I am king, I also believe that I am an honorable gentleman, so I thought I would share what I discovered about Pierre.”
“Honorable!” She quickly caught herself from blurting this out in front of Charles. Why the very idea made Jeanne want to explode with anger. He must have noticed her expression because as she started to speak, she quickly closed her mouth. He may be her cousin, but he was first and foremost the king, and he had to be shown respect.
Charles noticed her hesitation and said, “Do you have something to say to me, Jeanne? Please speak freely.”
She began to stammer a bit and said, “It’s just…I mean…I…”
“Yes, Jeanne, speak up,” Charles said a bit impatiently.
Jeanne took a deep breath and quickly said, “I saw your wife’s torn and bloodied chemise. Do you consider that sort of behavior honorable?”
“You know nothing about what happened,” said Charles angrily, “it is none of your business.”
“I was asked by you to attend to Marie, your wife, I think taking care of her welfare makes it my business.”