Chapter 9—Letter of Ennoblement
King Francis was pleased with the change in the attitude of the Spanish Ambassador and General de Ortega. Prior to the Embassy ball, the Spanish were hard negotiators, and the discussions were almost hostile. After the ball, deliberations with the Spanish were much more amiable.
The Spanish Ambassador had not received any firm directive from the King of Spain regarding his suggestion and letter to King Francis that Prince Henry should marry Duchess Violante Fernández instead of Princess Gabriella; therefore, when it was suggested that a marriage contract was not necessary for a trade agreement, all parties agreed to postpone any discussion of a marriage contract.
A tentative trade agreement was soon completed. The final agreement would still take two or three months due to lengthy travel times to obtain approval for every change by both the King of Spain and the King of France. However, the Spanish Ambassador did not anticipate major problems.
King Francis realized that Danielle was partially responsible for the improved relations with the Spanish; so on St. Catherine of Alexandria's(1) day (Saturday, November 25), four days after the embassy ball, he accepted the Queen's suggestion and issued a letter of ennoblement(2) to declare noble lady Danielle de Barbarac as well as her children born of lawful marriage. Although she was ennobled, Danielle, like most nobles, was not granted a title(3).
Queen Marie had taken Renée's suggestions regarding Danielle. The crash courses involved tutoring of eight to ten hours daily; so Monday, two days after her ennoblement, when Queen Marie invited her to afternoon tea with Celeste and Isabelle, Danielle, in addition to showing the ladies great respect, pleased them by saying, "With all the things expected of nobility, it is far easier to be a servant."
Knowing how it would irritate Rodmilla and Marguerite, Celeste said, "Marguerite, we just had tea with the Queen and Danielle, I wouldn't be surprised if Henry chooses her for his bride."
"What a boorish thing to say," Rodmilla replied. "The girl is far too common for even an addled-brained prince."
"I found her quite captivating. She seemed to be an agreeable young lady," Isabelle said.
"Cinderella agreeable! To whom, the pigs that she smells like and sleeps with? Really, Isabella, the idea is preposterous," Marguerite replied.
Danielle wanted very much to please Queen Marie, so she worked very hard to learn from her tutors. For years, Danielle had closely observed what Rodmilla taught Marguerite and Jacqueline so, with her previous tutoring prior to the Embassy Ball, in less than two weeks of intensive tutoring she would learn to be nearly flawless in the decorum expected of nobility. However, she would still need additional tutoring to learn the Latin that was taught to most high ranking nobles.
The next day, Danielle met Prince Henry and Captain Laurent in a castle hallway. However, in addition to displaying haughtiness, she cut the conversation short by asking, "Your Highness, may I be excused? I am late for a meeting with one of my tutors."
Laurent's attempt to suppress a grin at her obvious snub didn't help Henry's disposition as he muttered, "That stuck-up witch. I hope she gets hives. Next time I won't give her the time of day." However, Henry's newfound resolve would not last long.
Danielle told herself that Henry deserved it. Still, she found herself wishing their brief interlude had lasted longer.
Two days later, Henry did see Danielle again. However, all she did was curtsy and say, "Your Highness," in passing.
Henry could not help but be vexed at Danielle. Most eligible young maidens in the providence would practically throw themselves at him, but Danielle acted like she could not care less. So the next day in a chance meeting with Rodmilla and Marguerite, he offered to show Marguerite the royal gardens. He knew Danielle and a couple of ladies were having tea with Queen Marie, and of course Marguerite, upon seeing Danielle with the Queen, grabbed Henry's arm and tossed her head as if to say, "He's mine and you can't have him."
Danielle's momentary expression told Queen Marie that Danielle did very much care, in spite of her nonchalance and display of indifference. Queen Marie had grown very fond of Danielle and, although she didn't wish to force them together, it did seem to her that both Henry and Danielle were being pigheaded about expressing their true feelings toward one another.
At dinner that evening, Queen Marie discussed with Francis returning the Manoir de Barbarac to Danielle and bringing charges of lying against Rodmilla and Marguerite. Any lingering doubts she had as to Henry's feelings toward Marguerite was removed when Henry offered no defense for Marguerite.
In the meantime, Marguerite let everyone know that she was practically engaged to the Prince. So Monday, three days later, both Rodmilla and Marguerite were ecstatic when Captain Laurent, standing on the landing to the Manoir de Barbarac, bowed and said, "His Supreme Majesty, King Francis, requests an audience with the Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent and her daughters immediately."
Arriving in style, Rodmilla practically oozed with pride as she, Marguerite, and Jacqueline were escorted to the throne room. Every eye in the royal court was on them as they walked regally down the center aisle to the royal dais. However, Rodmilla got a rude jolt when King Francis addressed her angrily. "Baroness, did you or did you not lie to Her Royal Majesty, the Queen of France?"
Nothing she could say or do would get Rodmilla out of her predicament. And, of course, with the certification of both Rodmilla's and Marguerite's statements by the notary, Jean Beaupère, it was an open-and-shut case.
After Queen Marie rose to her feet and said, "Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent, the Manoir de Barbarac is hereby returned to its rightful owner, the lady Danielle de Barbarac, and you are stripped of your title, and you and your horrible daughter are to be shipped to the Americas on the next available boat unless, by some miracle, someone here will speak for you."
A deadly silence fell over the royal court.
Rodmilla cast around hopefully for a friendly face. A decent face. A face that looked just the least bit helpful. But all she got were stony, unsympathetic glances. She turned back to the King. "There seem to be quite a few people out of town," she said, swallowing hard.
"I will speak for her," said a small voice. "She is, after all, my stepmother," Danielle added courteously.
Continuing, Danielle said, "Your Majesties, I know that Rodmilla and Marguerite lied to the Queen, but their lies were more directed toward me than the Queen. I know Rodmilla, especially, is deserving of severe punishment; however, in memory and in honor of her position as my father's widow, I request mercy.
"Her actions were not noble, and they bring discredit to the very essence of nobility. Therefore, I agree she should forfeit her title. I agree that she should forfeit all rights to the Manoir de Barbarac, except the right to live there for her remaining years, without special privileges, because it would have been my father's wish that the manoir pass to me. She should be allowed to keep her personal property subject to her debts. I believe no action should be taken against Marguerite because Rodmilla instigated her actions. I know Marguerite is a spoiled brat but, hopefully, this condition is only transitory and can be attributed to youthful indiscretions. However, she has been greatly favored over Jacqueline by Rodmilla de Ghent and since all children should share equally, I believe that Jacqueline should have an equitable share of Marguerite's possessions.
"I request that I, acting with the advice and consent of the Church, be given three days to inventory the Manoir de Barbarac, including all personal possessions and any debts of Madame de Ghent, and report back to Your Majesties for a proper accounting and disposition. During the inventory and accounting, and to prevent their interference, I request that Rodmilla and Marguerite be provided quarters and confined to a nearby inn at their expense."
Danielle's Report, three days later in the royal court: "Your Majesties, I have the report by the priest, Father Pasquerel, and approved by Bishop de Portal. If I may, I will read from the report."
The Manoir de Barbarac includes all real property, livestock, horses and carriage, and all furniture, books and paintings that were at the manoir prior to the marriage of Auguste de Barbarac and Rodmilla de Ghent. An inventory of the Manoir de Barbarac is attached.
Rodmilla de Ghent's personal possessions were inventoried and appraised by the merchant Raoul de Gaucourt. A list and the appraisal of Rodmilla de Ghent's possessions are attached. It is well known throughout the providence that Merchant Raoul de Gaucourt's reputation and credentials are impeccable. Madam de Ghent's possessions, including jewelry and gowns are valued at the merchant buying price of 365 gold francs subject to the following indebtedness.
190 gold francs for years of underpayment to the servants of the Manoir de Barbarac to be divided as follows: 70 gold francs to the servant Maurice, 60 gold francs to the servant Louise, and 60 gold francs to the servant Paulette. Instead of fully paying the wages of the servants of the Manoir de Barbarac, Madam de Ghent used such monies to provide for her extravagant lifestyle.
Ten gold francs for Merchant de Gaucourt's appraisal fee.
Fifteen gold francs to compensate the church for their time and counsel in this matter.
Twenty gold francs to his Royal Highness, Prince Henry. It was Prince Henry who provided the twenty gold francs used to free Maurice, a servant unlawfully sold by Madame de Ghent.
The debts of Madame de Ghent total 235 gold francs. The balance of Madame de Ghent's personal property after deducting for her debts is 130 gold francs.
Merchant de Gaucourt has taken possession of part of Madame de Ghent's property valued at 235 gold francs, the total of Madam de Ghent's debts, and has provided 235 gold francs in exchange. Such monies have been turned over to Bishop de Portal for disbursement subject to Your Majesty's approval and directions. Merchant de Gaucourt agrees that for ten days Madame de Ghent may reclaim any of her property in his possession in exchange for monies or other property of equal value.
According to Father Pasquerel and Bishop de Portal, the personal property of Marguerite, Jacqueline, and Danielle should be equally divided in value three ways, excluding the recent gifts to Danielle from the Queen, the Duchess of Lorraine, and the Spanish Embassy. According to merchant de Gaucourt the said personal property is valued at 150 gold francs, and the initial value possessed by Marguerite was 105 gold francs. It is Danielle's wish that her one-third share be given to Jacqueline to help compensate her for the years in which Marguerite received preferential treatment. As indicated above, there was extreme disparity in the value of the personal property of Marguerite over Jacqueline and Danielle. Furthermore, most of Marguerite's gowns were not suitable in size for Jacqueline. Therefore, it was the opinion of Father Pasquerel that Merchant de Gaucourt should make an equitable division by transferring first Marguerite's jewelry and then the balance in gowns. This division of personal property has been made."
First Rodmilla and then Marguerite listened with increasing fury as Danielle read the report. As soon as Danielle had finished, Rodmilla spoke. "Your Majesty, I must object. There is no justification to take so much of my property."
King Francis was not amused by Rodmilla's unwarranted intrusion. "Silence! The report is approved," he added, without reading it for himself.
Incensed by her treatment, Rodmilla stepped back. I will not lose face over this! I still have my pride, she thought. Rodmilla had told Danielle, "We must never feel sorry for ourselves. No matter how bad it gets, it can always get worse." It was about to get worse.
Monsieur le Pieu, who had been listening, stepped forward to speak. Not only was he unsuccessful in his efforts to receive favors from the King in exchange for Danielle, it appeared that Marguerite would never be queen, so he wished to redeem his property.
"Your Majesty, I have a letter of indebtedness signed by Madam de Ghent for property located at the Manoir de Barbarac valued at 250 gold francs. Apparently, Madame de Ghent sold me property she does not own. I then returned the property in exchange for a girl Madame de Ghent claimed to be her servant. As it turns out, the girl, Danielle de Barbarac, was not hers to sell. As the letter states, she agreed to return the property by the Feast of Epiphany (Saturday, January 6). I demand return of the property or payment of the debt."
"Bring me the letter," the King demanded.
"Madam de Ghent, the items do appear to be household goods and match many of the items in the inventory of the Manoir de Barbarac attached to the report approved by Bishop de Portal. Do you claim to have the right to sell or dispose any of the items?" King Francis asked.
Rodmilla had already been in enough trouble by lying to the Queen. She knew better than to compound it by lying to the King, especially with Danielle listening so she said, "Your Majesty I believe I owned many of those items prior to arriving at the Manoir de Barbarac."
"Your Majesty," Danielle replied, "All the personal property of Madam de Ghent, including the household items she owned when she arrived Manoir de Barbarac, is included in the list of her personal property attached to the report. To determine whether an item belonged to her or to the manoir, Father Pasquerel questioned the servants, Jacqueline, and me. There was little discrepancy and, when he was finished, Father Pasquerel seemed certain that the list was accurate."
Before King Francis could give her an unfavorable ruling, Rodmilla said, "Your Majesty, Monsieur le Pieu originally only paid me $145 gold francs, so that should be the amount I should owe, and not $250 as he states."
"Your Majesty," le Pieu replied, "I am a businessman. I have expenses, and I must make a profit. The merchandise is worth at least $250 gold francs. However, if Madam de Ghent wishes to get an appraisal by the Merchant de Gaucourt, I will accept his appraisal based on the merchant selling prices, be it higher or lower."
"Madam de Ghent, how do you propose to pay this debt?" King Francis asked.
"I have property I can sell, and my family in Belgium will advance me the money," Rodmilla replied.
"The letter of indebtedness does not come due until the Feast of Epiphany. I believe that is four weeks and two days. Therefore, it is decreed that on or before the Feast of Epiphany, Madam de Ghent shall satisfy the debt of $250 gold francs or by the amount of an appraisal by the Merchant de Gaucourt. Madam de Ghent, should you be unable to pay the debt, Monsieur le Pieu may seize any of your remaining property and you shall be an indentured servant until such time as the debt is paid," King Francis announced.
"These proceedings are now concluded," the King added after a brief pause.
Notes to Chapter 9
1. St. Catherine of Alexandria was said to be divinely appointed as Joan of Arc's adviser.
A virgin and martyr whose feast is celebrated on 25 November, and who for almost six centuries was the object of a very popular devotion, especially in France. Ranked with St. Margaret (also said to be one of Joan of Arc's advisers) as one of the fourteen most helpful saints in heaven, she was unceasingly praised by preachers and sung of by poets.
Of noble birth and learned in the sciences, when only eighteen years old, Catherine presented herself to the Emperor Maximinus who was violently persecuting the Christians, upbraided him for his cruelty, and endeavored to prove how iniquitous was the worship of false gods. Astounded at the young girl's audacity, but incompetent to vie with her, the tyrant detained her in his palace and summoned numerous scholars whom he commanded to use all their skill in specious reasoning that thereby Catherine might be led to apostatize. But she emerged from the debate victorious. Several of her adversaries, conquered by her eloquence, declared themselves Christians and were at once put to death. Furious at being baffled, Maximinus had Catherine scourged and then imprisoned. Meanwhile, the empress, eager to see so extraordinary a young woman, went with Porphyry, the head of the troops, to visit her in her dungeon, when she, Porphyry, and some the troops in turn yielded to Catherine's exhortations, believed, were baptized, and immediately won the martyr's crown. Soon afterwards the saint, who, far from forsaking her Faith, effected so many conversions, was condemned to die on the wheel. At her touch, this instrument of torture was miraculously destroyed. The emperor, enraged beyond control, then had her beheaded, and angels carried her body to Mount Sinai where later a church and monastery were built in her honor.
Catherine became the patroness of young maidens. Looked upon as the holiest and most illustrious of the virgins of Christ, it was but natural that she, of all others, should be worthy to watch over the virgins of the cloister and the young women of the world.
Due to the lack of evidence regarding Catherine, the Roman church suppressed her feast in 1969.
Note: The crown of Life, (Rev. 2:10) which is given those who have endured testing and are faithful unto death. Though it is also known as the "martyr's crown" it is probably not limited to that area. James also refers to one who has endured testing as receiving the crown of Life. Here the standard is that their love for Christ is greater then their love of life.
2. For an example see LETTRES D'ANOBLISSEMENT for Joan of Arc, December 1429. Just do an Internet search for:
LETTRES D'ANOBLISSEMENT 1429
The ennoblement letter is in French. However, a Google search for freetranslation or free translation will provide sites that will translate.
3. The ennoblement of Danielle, which was akin to the ennoblement of Joan of Arc, did not convey a title. At the time, with so much intermarriage, there was little difference between an untitled noble and the more prosperous peasants. However, there were a few key differences.
Nobles were usually exempted from taxes.
The status of nobility was a personal quality, inherited or acquired. One had to be noble to be titled, but one could be noble without being titled. This explains why so many noble families were untitled. Titles of nobility were ranks attached to certain pieces of land. The two (nobility and titles) are therefore separate, although nobility was a pre-condition for bearing a title of nobility.
One could lose nobility, by failing at one's feudal duties ("déchéance") or practicing forbidden occupations ("dérogeance"): for instance, commerce and manual crafts were cause to lose nobility. Medicine, maritime commerce, and wholesale commerce were exempted. Tilling one's land was acceptable, but farming someone else's (except the King's) was not. A nobleman marrying a commoner did not lose his nobility, but a noblewoman who married a commoner lost it, as long as she was married to the commoner.
The King, by letter (royal grant), could ennoble anyone he wished. The earliest examples date from the last third of the 13th century. In times of financial distress, the King sold such letters of nobility, sending them blank to his provincial administrators