Author's Notes:
Serf: Peasant laborer who can be generally characterized as hereditarily attached to the manor in a state of semibondage, performing the servile duties of the lord.
Note: I am not sure if, in this chapter, my portrayal of the servants and the Petition are historically correct and I am only willing to do a limited amount of research. I am using my best guess; nevertheless, I am far from certain so I am exercising some creative license.
Chapter 3—Petition for the Manoir de Barbarac
As planned Danielle had stayed the night in Leonardo's quarters to ensure her safety from le Pieu. The following morning, Leonardo questioned Danielle to obtain additional information in order to develop strategies for her petition to be declared owner of the Manoir de Barbarac.
Danielle told Leonardo that Rodmilla and her daughters had only been at the Manoir de Barbarac for a couple of weeks before her father died.
"Since, as you say, the servants are owed back wages that were withheld for the candle sticks, the painting in the upstairs hall, the gilded mirror and other items that turned up missing and in fact were sold by Rodmilla, I am going to file a motion and seek an order that they are free to work elsewhere until the back wages are paid. Fortunately, the courts are very demanding that employers pay wages due. Also, your father's letter should support the motion. Since, good servants are hard to find without paying a high price. Many servants will work for a few days, then steal and run off. Therefore, Rodmilla, or her daughters, may be forced spend much of her time cooking, hauling water, and chopping firewood. That will leave less time and energy to plan a defense against the Petition," Leonardo explained.
"I know you are concerned about the livestock. However, this time of year, if turned out, the cows, horses, and pigs can manage. And the chickens will do fine. Also, if Rodmilla is not used to them, and probably she is not, the roosters will flog her from behind with their spurs. The more discomfort we can cause Rodmilla, the less time and energy she will have defending her position for the Manoir de Barbarac. Maurice, Paulette, and Louise can use the money you gave them to stay in a local inn. Also, if need be, I can find them temporary employment with easier work at equal or better pay," Leonardo said.
"Should I move back to the Manoir de Barbarac?" Danielle asked.
"We will play that by ear, depending on what orders we can get from the court and if the servants are permitted to leave. I don't want you there alone where they can gang up on you. Now face to face, you don't need to fear Rodmilla. Should she attack you, you have a right to defend yourself and you can slap her silly. Her only advantage would be intimidation. Physically you are far quicker and stronger.
"I do believe I have all the information I need to start writing the Petition. It is about noon so why don't we have lunch, and then you can inform the servants of our plans so they can start planning ahead," Leonardo said.
By mid morning Princess Gabriella had moved into her new quarters. Both she and Prince Henry had tried to be more congenial toward one another but for each of them it was a strain to maintain pleasantries. Fortunately, separate quarters will reduce the pressure of too-much togetherness and thereby making the little time they see each other more pleasant and less stressful.
After Gabriella moved into her quarters, Henry, in recalling the conversation with his mother, spent some time thinking about Danielle. Knowing that Leonardo was going to assist Danielle with her petition, Henry decided to visit Leonardo and invite him to lunch. At least that is what he told himself. However, it could be that, secretly, he was hoping that he might also see Danielle.
Henry knocks and Leonardo responds with, "Enter." As Henry enters, Leonardo said, "Your Highness, what brings you here?"
Henry sees Danielle and his heart flutters. And, although Danielle didn't want to admit it, seeing that handsome face stirred up feelings inside her she had forgotten she was capable of feeling.
"I was in the area and I though I would invite you to lunch," Henry replied to Leonardo's question. "And how are you Danielle? Of course, you are invited too."
"I am fine, Your Highness. Leonardo has just invited me to have lunch with him and as for myself, I am just hungry so whatever Leonardo says is okay with me."
"Danielle and I were just going to eat at a quiet place but I would not wish to turn down an offer from you, Your Highness. What did you have in mind? Leonardo asks. (Author's note: A request from royalty is usually considered an order. It would be equivalent to a modern day invitation for dinner from the President of the United States.)
"It is such a pretty day, I thought we might eat in the royal gardens," Henry replied.
"That sounds very satisfactory. Danielle, does that meet with your approval?" Leonardo asks.
"Yes, of course. That would be wonderful," Danielle replied.
Henry had already made arrangements for lunch with an awaiting aid and just held up three fingers in passing. While seating themselves, Danielle deliberately sits next to Leonardo and away from the Prince. Then while the food was being served, Henry asked, "Danielle, why did you deceive me as to your identify?"
"Your Highness, yesterday I wrote a full explanation in a letter to your mother the queen. Perhaps she will allow you to read it. Suffice to say that I dressed above my station to save a man's life and I didn't wish to remain at Hautefort any longer than necessary. A little deceit seemed innocent since I never expected to see you again. Then afterwards, I was afraid to reveal the truth. I was facing a dilemma because I happened to fall in love with a young man and foolishly allowed myself to forget that the young man was an unattainable prince.
"Regretfully, Your Highness, I was unable to attend your wedding. However, I wish to congratulate you and Princess Gabriella and I wish you both only the best. Perhaps someday I will get to meet her. That would be such an honor," Danielle replied.
"Mother told me you are going to petition for ownership of the Manoir de Barbarac," Henry stated.
"Yes and I am so grateful that Signore de Vinci is helping me. I have allowed Rodmilla de Ghent to be a trespasser and mismanage the manoir for far too long. After I am declared the sole and rightful owner, I am going to restore the Manoir de Barbarac to the affluence and splendor that existed when my father was alive." Danielle deliberately spoke with the confidence that her statements were a forgone conclusion.
"You will have to excuse me Your Highness. I have pressing duties elsewhere," Danielle states. She wanted to inform Gustave and the servants of the plans.
Henry jumps up to follow and says, "I will walk with you for a bit. There is something I wish to tell you."
"Okay, Your Highness, but I must hurry," Danielle replies.
"Danielle, I need to speak with you in private, where we are not so rushed. Will you meet me at the ruins of Amboise tomorrow?" Henry asks softly.
"Danielle hesitated before answering. She had never fully stopped loving Henry and the attraction between them was immeasurable but it could never be. "Henry, this is so wrong. I cannot deny that I want to see you but you are a married man with specific obligations and I dare not allow myself to be tempted into doing something I will regret. Also, I can not allow myself to be distracted from my goals of obtaining and restoring to greatness, the Manoir de Barbarac. In that regard, I have responsibilities to myself and others. If we see each other, it needs to be in public or with your wife and/or others members of you families."
"Danielle, our marriage has not been consummated and Princess Gabriella already has her own quarters. And we don't sleep together," Henry stated.
"Your Highness, it is commendable that you are able to show patience and not rush a young virgin. You have lots of time and often a little separation helps the heart grow fonder," Danielle sympathetically replied.
"The name is Henry, if you don't mind," Henry beseeched.
Danielle could hardly forget Henry's parting words at the masque and was not ready to let Henry off so easily. "I'm sorry Your Highness but I do mind. I might forget again and speak your name in public and we both know how offensive that was. It looks like we are attracting too much attention by being together so I must run. You take care and may you and Princess Gabriella have a long and wonderful life." Danielle replied.
Henry would not give up that easily on Danielle. Not only could he feel the mutual attraction between them which Danielle acknowledged but she had practically admitted that she was in love with him. Henry was not sure what their relationship could be but he was not willing to let her go.
After leaving Hautefort, Danielle first visited Gustave and the two of them found Maurice. Then all three went to a secluded place so they could talk in private. Danielle told Maurice about the temporary injunctions the court issued against le Pieu. Danielle also said, "Tomorrow Leonardo will file the Petition and seek a court order allowing you Paulette and Louise to leave. If all goes well, Rodmilla will be served the day after tomorrow." Maurice, of course, would relay the information to Paulette and Louise.
After leaving Maurice, Danielle walked with Gustave back to his home and then she returned to the quarters of Signore da Vinci. Danielle would stay in Leonardo's until the Petition was filed.
By the next morning Leonardo had finished the petition as follows:
PETITION
Comes now Danielle de Barbarac, Petitioner, and moves the honorable court for a declaration that the Petitioner is the sole lawful heir of the Manoir de Barbarac. Further, Petitioner prays that this honorable court declare null and void any claim of ownership to the Manoir de Barbarac by Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent and any claim of ownership by her daughters Jacqueline and Marguerite.
The facts in support of Petitioner are:
1. The Petitioner, the Lady Danielle de Barbarac, is freeborn, eighteen years old, and the only child of lawful marriage between Auguste de Barbarac and the Lady Nicole de Lancret. Both deceased. See Exhibit 1: Certificate of Marriage.
2. The prior owners of the Manoir de Barbarac are the Lady Nicole de Lancret who died giving birth to Petitioner eighteen years ago, and Auguste de Barbarac, father to petitioner who died ten years ago.
3. In a letter and will, Auguste de Barbarac granted, upon his death, his complete estate, including the Manoir de Barbarac, to the Lady Nicole de Lancret and her unborn child, the Petitioner. Further, in the same letter, said Auguste granted any and all servants, if married or upon the age of twenty-five, the right to leave and join the rank of freeborn. See Exhibit 2: Letter and Will and Exhibits 3, 4, 5 and 6: Affidavits from Petitioner and servants Maurice, Paulette, and Louise.
4. Two weeks prior to the death of Auguste de Barbarac, Rodmilla de Ghent and her daughters Jacqueline and Marguerite arrived at the Manoir de Barbarac, a few days after her marriage to Auguste de Barbarac. Upon the death of Auguste de Barbarac, Rodmilla de Ghent, did wrongfully claim and assumed ownership of the Manoir de Barbarac. At the time, Petitioner was only eight years old and, due to her age, was unable to speak for and protect her rights.
5. At the time of the death of Auguste de Barbarac, the Manoir de Barbarac was very prosperous with fifteen servants, considerable livestock, and large amount of land under cultivation, gold and silver. Rodmilla de Ghent, for her lavish lifestyle, has spent, allowed to deteriorate, and used up all of the gold and silver, and most of the servants, livestock, and land under cultivation. During this time, Petitioner, and rightful heir, did not share in any of the wealth of the Manoir de Barbarac. Further, Petitioner was wrongfully forced to be an unpaid servant of Rodmilla de Ghent and her daughters Jacqueline and Marguerite. Even without the will of Auguste de Barbarac, equity demands that a wife of a few days would not have superior rights over a man's children. And, equity would certainly demand that Petitioner share in the estate. However, most of the estate has already be spent and used up for the benefit of Rodmilla de Ghent in supporting her lavish lifestyle. And, since Petitioner was forced to be an unpaid servant, Rodmilla de Ghent owes Petitioner unpaid wages for the past ten years. Furthermore, even without the will of Auguste de Barbarac, equity demands that, with the debts she owes to Petitioner and the fact that Rodmilla de Ghent has already spent most of the wealth of the Manoir de Barbarac, she has used up any and all rights she might have had to the Manoir de Barbarac. Therefore, equity would demand that the Manoir de Barbarac, with its small remaining value, be the sole and undisputable property of the Lady Danielle de Barbarac.
6. On the day of Saint Jude, Rodmilla de Ghent committed a criminal action against Petitioner by selling Petitioner to Monsieur le Pieu of the Château Beynac. Since Petitioner is freeborn and without debts, Rodmilla de Ghent wrongfully and with malice of forethought sold Petitioner to said le Pieu. This is a clear and undisputable crime against Petitioner. Petitioner has filed with the Sheriff a criminal complaint for that criminal action by Rodmilla de Ghent. Furthermore, in a clearly undisputable wrongful action against Petitioner, Rodmilla de Ghent, on the night of the Masque ball, in front of the Royal Family and many courtiers did falsely state that Petitioner was her servant instead of a stepdaughter.
7. In addition to item 6, additional proof of the extent of the lies and deceit by Rodmilla de Ghent is demonstrated by Rodmilla de Ghent first selling to Monsieur le Pieu, candlesticks, the painting in the upstairs hall, and a gilded mirror, and then wrongfully claiming the items were pilfered and withholding from servants Maurice, Paulette, and Louise wages for the value of the items.
8. Even assuming that Rodmilla de Ghent was lawfully in possession of the Manoir de Barbarac, equity demands that Danielle de Barbarac, Rodmilla de Ghent's stepdaughter, should share equally with Rodmilla de Ghent's daughters, Jacqueline and Marguerite. Further, even ignoring past inequities, at the very least, Danielle de Barbarac should have an equal share of current personal possessions, including clothes and jewelry, with said daughters Jacqueline and Marguerite and that the court should assign a priest or other representative of the court to oversee an equitable division of said possessions.
Wherefore, premises considered, Petitioner prays that this Honorable Court will declare Danielle de Barbarac the sole and lawful owner of the Manoir de Barbaric.
Whereas, Petitioner prays that this Honorable Court issue separate orders to Rodmilla de Ghent and Monsieur le Pieu of the Château Beynac forbidding the sale or removal of any property of the Manoir de Barbarac, except for perishable foods, until a final disposition of this case or until after first obtaining a hearing and permission of this honorable court for any property to be sold or disposed of.
Whereas Petitioner prays that that this Honorable Court issue an order to extend and make permanent the injunction against Monsieur le Pieu of the Château Beynac preventing him from molesting Petitioner or holding Petitioner against her will.
Whereas, until a final resolution of this case, Petitioner prays that this Honorable Court issue an order permitting the servants Maurice, Paulette, and Louise, individually or collectively, to leave the Manoir de Barbarac per the will of Auguste de Barbarac as described in Exhibit 2. And, Petitioner prays that Rodmilla de Ghent shall be forbidden from attempting to force the return of said servants until a final resolution of this case.
And Whereas, Petitioner prays that this Honorable Court immediately assign a Priest, to be paid by Petitioner, to oversee and equitable division of personal possessions, including clothes and jewelry, of Petitioner and Rodmilla de Ghent's daughters, Marguerite and Jacqueline.
That afternoon, Leonardo and Danielle went to the court, filed the Petition and, after being granted a hearing and speaking to the court, the court issued the requested court orders. The court assigned Father de l'Orme, to serve the Petition and orders on Rodmilla de Ghent, and to oversee an equitable division of personal possessions, including clothes and jewelry, of Petitioner, Marguerite and Jacqueline. Danielle agreed to pay Father de l'Orme his fee and she paid the fee for a separate and court approved private server to serve the orders on Monsieur le Pieu. Both Monsieur le Pieu and Rodmilla de Ghent would be served the following morning.
While Danielle and Leonardo were in court, Jacqueline saddled up a horse and made a trip to Hautefort. She would catch up on the latest gossip and hopefully see Captain Laurent.
Almost nothing by members of the royal families escapes the notice of the servants. At night, they are just a pull cord away and, of course they change and inspect the linen. Especially they notice first time or out of the ordinary activities. Officially, they don't see or hear anything but they talk amongst themselves and eventually their observations filters up to the courtiers. Therefore, that the marriage between Henry and Gabriella has not been consummated was first the talk of the servants and then the courtiers.
It didn't take long for Jacqueline to hear the talk about the Prince and Princess. Nor, did it take long for her to hear that yesterday afternoon, Prince Henry was seen walking across the courtyard talking to a young lady that either was or looked very much like Danielle. It was late morning that Jacqueline was able to see Laurent. He was able to find some free time to visit with Jacqueline and have lunch. While his loyalty to Henry kept him from confirming anything about Danielle other than that she has visited Signore Leonardo da Vinci, he did let it slip that Henry was not happy with the princess and that, according to Henry, she was homely, had a don't touch me attitude, and a sour disposition.
It was late afternoon that Jacqueline returned to the manoir and exclaimed, "Did you hear, the marriage between Henry and Gabriella has not been consummated? They already have separate quarters. Not only that, but Henry said she is homely and has a sour disposition."
Jacqueline knew that would perk the interest of Rodmilla and Marguerite so when Rodmilla asked, "What else did you hear?" she took a fiendish delight in annoying Marguerite by saying, "I heard Henry was seeing Danielle."
After being overjoyed at the first bit of information, Marguerite could not mask her fury at the second. "Mother," she exclaimed, "do something."
Rodmilla was beyond exasperation. She was livid. According to Rodmilla, Marguerite would now be a princess if Danielle hadn't somehow escaped from the cellar and appeared at the masque. Rodmilla is well aware that an unconsummated marriage can be annulled and then Marguerite can marry Henry. However, Danielle keeps getting in the way. Even after Danielle was sold to Monsieur le Pieu, somehow Danielle is again distracting the prince from Marguerite. This was too much. I should have buried her years ago, she thought to herself.
"Ladies, tomorrow morning we are going to Hautefort and find out what's going on," Rodmilla stated firmly.
Author's note: I did not initially plan on the possibility that marriage between Henry and Gabriella could be annulled. Certainly, in the movie Gabriella did not want to marry Henry and Henry was not enthused about marrying Gabriella. During the late Middle Ages, parents might have been able to force sons and daughters to marry but they couldn't very well have forced them to consummate the marriage.
After talking to her mother Gabriella is willing to do her duty as a wife, but she is not going to initiate anything. And Henry is less than enthused, and has not slept with her since they moved into separate quarters. The prince and princess are going to have to do something or, at some point, the two kings are going to think that perhaps the marriage was a mistake. Nevertheless, Henry and Gabriella are forced together daily in public and family functions so maybe in time, the two kings hope, nature will take its course.