Chapter 5—The Ball
After three weeks, the unconsummated marriage between Prince Henry and Princess Gabriella was the talk of Hautefort and the countryside and was upsetting both monarchs. In time it would become embarrassing. The Spanish Queen knew that Gabriella was in love was a Spaniard, but King Charles V was convinced that, in time, she would forget him. Both Kings were certain that if Henry was forced to sleep in Gabriella's quarters that, a month, at the most, nature would take its course.
However, both Henry and Gabriella could see an out to their situation and made a pact. Gabriella was unhappy to be forced into the marriage and Henry regrets how he treated Danielle at the masque. In any event, Henry does not wish to force himself on Gabriella when there are pretty French girls that are more than willing for some private time with him. The monarchs can force them to marry and to even sleep in the same bed, but beyond that, other than threats and remonstrations, they are powerless.
The situation with the prince and princess was causing the Spanish King and Queen to delay their return to Spain. Instead at the suggestion of King Charles V, King Francis announced a ball to be held in five days in honor of the marriage of Prince Henry and Princess Gabriella. There would be food, music and dancing, and plenty of wine. And the Prince and Princess would be expected to come early and stay late. It was hoped that by mingling with the courtiers and receiving toasts and congratulations, the couple would, after plenty of drink, feel the social pressure, and finish the night consummating their marriage.
After they received the invitation to the ball, Marguerite could not find a gown she thought acceptable for the ball. She complained that Father de l'Orme had given Danielle her best gowns. Danielle was growing weary of hearing Marguerite's almost constant whining. "You can have your choice of my gowns in exchange for your blue silk gown," Danielle suggested.
"No! That's my best gown," Marguerite screeched.
"Well you can wear any gown of mine you wish for the ball. Will that satisfy you?" Danielle asked. Anything for just a little peace and quite, Danielle thought. At least that quietened Marguerite down for a bit but, after looking, Marguerite did not think that any of Danielle's gowns were satisfactory either.
Eventually, Danielle realized, Marguerite would have to make a choice. Meanwhile, Danielle visited Signore de Vinci. Leonardo designed and made a couple of sketches, front and back, for a gown for Danielle. After bringing home the sketches and showing them to Paulette and Louise, Danielle selected a red gown with yards and yards of fabric.
Danielle, Paulette, and Louise would use the fabric from the red gown to make the new gown. They carefully unstitched and gently washed all the fabric. They then pressed out all the wrinkles and seams. There would be considerable excess fabric, so they selected the best of the fabric for the new gown. While the other courtiers attempted to outdo each other with excessive folds and gatherings, plus very busy, elaborate, and intricate designs, Danielle's gown would stand out with simple elegance.
With its form-fitting, body-hugging, close fit, the fabric would softly dance with every move of her body. The gown would be ankle-length, full skirt, slightly gathered bodice with center back ruched detail. The neckline would drape over right shoulder with a narrower rhinestone strap over left shoulder. As a final touch, the rhinestone strap would extend to the back with a spaghetti strap set diagonally across the back joining both shoulder straps.
Jacqueline and Marguerite did not see the gown until the evening of the ball. "It is lovely, Danielle," Jacqueline commented.
"For a commoner, I suppose it will have to do," an envious Marguerite said rather spitefully.
At Marguerite's insistence, they arrived at the ball fashionably late. As Danielle entered the ballroom, looking so beautiful, in her simple, elegant, red gown, with her hair tied up and wearing a thin necklace and matching bracelet, the contrast with the other courtiers was striking and resulted in her being the center of attention. "Who is she?" Princess Gabriella asked her aid.
"Mademoiselle, Danielle de Barbarac, Your Highness," the aid replied after conferring with another.
"I wish to meet her," the princess stated.
After an aid led Danielle to Princess Gabriella, Danielle curtsied and said, "Your Highness."
As the princess spoke, an interpreter sometimes would help translate. After almost four week of tutoring plus the lessons she had in Spain as a child, the princess had learned to speak conversational French, but she still had difficulty with certain words and meanings. "That is an exquisite gown, Danielle. It is simple yet exceptionally stylish. I have never seen one like it. Where did you find it?"
"Your Highness, I made it with the help of my servants with ideas from Signore da Vinci. As Signore da Vinci explained, the purpose with the design of the gown was to achieve understated elegance. You will notice the gown attracts attention with an unusual cut and the single rhinestone strap. And I am only wearing a small amount of jewelry. These little extras grab your attention without distracting you from seeing the person. Sometimes more is less. It is like the expression, 'You can't see the forest for the trees.' A lady can wear so much jewelry and gowns that are so integrated and busy with complicated designs and so many colors that you can't see the lady for all she is wearing."
Princess Gabriella looks around at all the ladies with their overly busy and ostentatious gowns and jewelry, and then back at Danielle, and thinks to herself, I believe that's right. "What a novel idea. I will have to mention it to my designers. What do you think of the gown I am wearing?" she replies.
"Your Highness, there is more than one way to skin a cat. Your gown, like the gowns of many of the Spanish ladies, has bright colors and evenly spaced flowers, and rows of ruffles. However, everything blends well giving a very pleasing overall effect. The individual parts do not clash which would divert a person to individual parts rather than the overall appearance. I believe the secret is that a gown should accent a lady's natural beauty. This is best accomplished by being distinctive without appearing gaudy or common."
"Danielle was winning over the princess with her bearing, warmth, and intelligence; without the pretentiousness of most courtiers. So, when Prince Henry arrived and asked, "Gabriella, may I have a dance with this lovely lady?" she nods, and said, "Danielle, you and I will have lunch and visit tomorrow."
"As you wish, Your Highness," Danielle replies before acquiescing to Henry leading her to the dance floor.
"You are looking lovely tonight Danielle. I must say your gown is stunning. Are you enjoying the ball?"
"Thank you, Your Highness. I must say that we were delighted to receive the invitation from His Majesty, King France, to celebrate your marriage to your lovely wife, Princess Gabriella. And, certainly, I am very excited to be here."
"Yes, well, there may be several … new developments," he said vaguely. "I must say, Danielle, your Petition for the Manoir de Barbarac has stirred quite a bit of interest and debate. How is it progressing?"
"The trial is in two weeks and I expect to prevail when I present the merits of my case," Danielle replied.
"Perhaps there are some ways I can help," Henry said as he held Danielle even closer. "Why don't we go to my quarters and discuss it?"
Danielle paused to choose her words wisely. The passion she felt between them was almost unbearable and she was greatly tempted; even more than she is willing to admit to herself. "Your Highness, I welcome any help you can give me, but I need a little time to gather my thoughts and I fear the little time we could absence ourselves from the ball would not be adequate. Can it not wait, until tomorrow when I meet with your wife?"
"Well, the evening is still young giving you time to compose your thoughts. Then later, as people begin to leave, our absence will not be missed," Henry suggested.
"Perhaps, but it has been a long day and, I fear, that later tonight I may be too tired. We can wait and see; however, there is always tomorrow," Danielle replies.
Marguerite had not failed to notice Danielle, first with Princess Gabriella and now dancing with Prince Henry. She walks up to Rodmilla and Celeste and says, "That hussy is dancing with the prince and look at her gown … it's indecent. What are we going to do?" she asks, looking expectantly for help in obtaining Henry's attention.
Rodmilla and Celeste were not in favor of the prince consorting with commoners but there was nothing they could do at the moment. "Patience, Marguerite," Rodmilla cautioned. Danielle's scandalous gown may gain some initial attention but that will change to disapproval. The evening is still young."
After Danielle finished dancing with Henry, Celeste decided to talk to her. While pretending to be a friend only intending to be helpful, she wanted to pick Danielle's brain for any useful information to use against her. However, Danielle, while being very polite and respectful, was cautious. "What did you talk about with the Prince and Princess?" Celeste asked.
"Nothing much," Danielle replied. "The princess complimented me on my gown and we spoke about Spanish gowns. Prince Henry mentioned that I look nice and I told him it was an honor to meet him and his wife and congratulated him on their marriage."
"Well, you spoke for quite some time, surely more than that was said," Celeste stated questioningly.
"No, we just made small talk. There is nothing else, I can recall," Danielle replied
"Where did you get that gown you are wearing?"
"It is just something I made using the material from an older gown. I am unable to afford a beautiful gown like your own, but I hope this one is suitable for someone of my station," Danielle replied.
"Well, yes, your gown does appear common, but I suppose one must make do with what one can afford," Celeste replied. Still she couldn't help being pleased that Danielle recognized how beautiful her own gown was and her superior station in life.
"Madam, perhaps you would be willing to advise me how I might make a more suitable gown, for the next ball, with the limited amount I can afford," Danielle suggested tactfully.
"Yes, we must get together and discuss that some time. By the way, what are your plans regarding your Petition?" Celeste asked.
"The court has set the trial date. I must admit, I haven't made any plans beyond that. I suppose the court will make its decision," Danielle politely replied without giving Celeste any valuable information.
"Yes, I'm sure the court will do the right thing," Danielle is just an ignorant girl and, after Rodmilla speaks, the court will quickly dismiss the Petition, Celeste thinks to herself. I must say, however, that I disapprove of your wasting the court's time with your Petition."
Nicolas, the son of Comte Jacques de la Ramée, tapped Danielle on the shoulder and asked, "Mademoiselle, may I have this dance?"
"I would be honored, Monsieur," Danielle replied, happy to get away from Celeste.
For the rest of the evening, Danielle was seldom off the dance floor. Her father had taught Danielle to dance, and she was moderately capable of following a man's lead. Still, at first, she was making a few mistakes. However, it was not her dancing skills the men were interested in; so, when she made little missteps, they were more than happy to show her the dance steps. By the end of the evening, Danielle was much improved.
Marguerite, thanks to her good looks, was also dancing a lot. However, she noticed and was envious of the fact that Danielle seemed to be receiving far more attention.
When the kings, with their wives, finally arrived, they were not pleased to learn that Henry and Gabriella had hardly spoken. Instead, contrary to the plans of the kings, they had spent most of their time conversing and dancing with the courtiers and they were acting more like unattached singles than a married couple.
In truth, after almost four weeks of being forced together, Princess Gabriella was becoming fond of the handsome prince and, regardless of their pact, Gabriella would not have been completely unreceptive to Henry should he make any overtures. Therefore, when she heard that Henry had left the ball late with a pretty seventeen year old redheaded girl, and didn't return until early morning, she was not pleased.
Even more displeased were the two kings who had minor words. "You should not allow your son to go gallivanting around," the Spanish king alleged.
"Well, if your daughter would just be more affectionate. Maybe she would get and hold his interest," King Francis replied.
The next day when Danielle arrived at Hautefort to have lunch and visit with Princess Gabriella, she was taken to the royal gardens. Partly upon the insistence of King Francis that Henry spend more time with Gabriella and, even more so, because he wanted to see Danielle, Prince Henry was there also. By the end of lunch the Princess and Danielle were strengthening the friendship that started at the ball. The princess was reserved and not as forceful as might be expected from someone of her position; however, she did appear warm and compassionate. When she too admitted that she did not converse with many peasants, Danielle gently admonished her and said, "They are the foundation upon which the monarchy is built and you should make an effort to meet some of them." So after, a little more discussion, the princess accepted Danielle's proposal to visit the Manoir de Barbarac and the marketplace to better understand France from a peasant's point of view.
The prince and princess, her interpreter, Captain Laurent, and several other members of the royal guard departed for the Manoir de Barbarac. Before entering the house, Danielle pointed out several interesting areas of the manoir that she loved so much.
Think clearly, Marguerite commanded herself. She took a deep breath. Outside was the royal guard, along with Danielle … and the Prince himself and Princess Gabriella were walking down the lane. She smoothed her blonde hair and straightened her dress.
"Your Highness … Princess, what a lovely surprise," Marguerite said, rising from her curtsy and bestowing her most charming smile on the prince. "I wasn't expecting such distinguished company. To what do we owe this honor?"
Prince Henry smiled. "Princess Gabriella wanted to get out of the castle and see some of the countryside."
While Marguerite fawned over Prince Henry, dominating his attention, Danielle introduced Princess Gabriella to Jacqueline and the servants. After initial pleasantries, Danielle asked, "Louise, have you completed the dress?"
"Yes mistress, I'll go get it."
When Louise returned with a dress for a little girl, Danielle said to the princess, "Your Highness, Louise made this from the material left over from the gown I wore last night. Let's go, there is someone I want you to meet. Jacqueline, you can come too." Danielle was aware of the interest between Jacqueline and Captain Laurent and both were pleased that Jacqueline was invited as it would give them more time together.
"What about me?" a sorely distressed Marguerite asked.
"There isn't room, but maybe next time," Danielle replied as they left a disappointed and highly upset Marguerite.
With everyone else in the little group following, Danielle led Gabriella through the market place. "See that young woman and little girl at that small stand of fruits and vegetables. She is a young widow trying to make enough to feed herself and her little girl by selling what she was able to glean from harvested fields. Her name is Elena, and her little girl is Alicia."
As they approach the stand, Elena bows to the prince and princess and Danielle says, "Alicia, come here honey," Danielle picked up the almost three year old little girl. "Your Highness, if you look past her tattered dress, and the dirt and grime, isn't she precious?"
"Alicia, this is your princess. Her name is Gabriella. Can you say Gabriella?"
"Ga-ri-la."
Danielle puts Alicia down and said, "She has a gift for you." Handing Alicia the dress, Danielle continues, "This is from your princess … Gabriella. What do you say to her?"
"Thanks, Gab-ri-la," the delighted little girl said before she runs back to her mother holding her new dress.
"Thank you so very much, Your Highness," Elena said. "It's beautiful."
"It may be a little thing, but doesn't that make you feel good, Your Highness?" Danielle asked.
Stepping back a few steps so that Elena can't hear, Danielle said, "Your Highness, if you look around and observe carefully, you will notice that most commoners, while not well off, have enough to survive and be comfortable. Scattered amongst them are a few ruffians, thieves, and even robbers. Also, a few beggars and many of them are feigning disabilities. With the life they been exposed to, most are probably already beyond redemption and it may be that they are undeserving. But a few, such as Elena and her little girl could be saved. She doesn't ask for or need charity. What she needs a job that pays enough so she can feed herself and her little girl. She and Alicia are living in a room, with a dirt floor, that is barely suitable for farm animals. Do you know what likely will happen to her and Alicia? With winter approaching, she will be forced to sell her body to feed Alicia. She will be old at thirty and dead a few years later. Also, the prospects for Alicia are as bad or worse.
"I would give her work at the Manoir de Barbarac and, even though I could pay little more than room and board, it would be far better than what she has. However, I fear that to give her hope and have it dashed would be horrible. That would happen if I don't prevail in my Petition. The cruelties she would suffer from Rodmilla de Ghent before being dismissed…" Then with a few tears running down her face, Danielle continues, "I'm sorry, Your Highness, it just beaks my heart."
"Danielle, you shame us," Gabriella replies.
"Your Highness, I'm sorry, if I have said or done anything to offend you…"
"No, it's all right. You have demonstrated more passion this afternoon than I have witnessed in all the time I have been in France." After conferring with her interpreter in Spanish, she writes a note. Then calling out, "Elena, please come here."
Fearfully, Elena approaches and bows, "Your Highness."
"Elena, take this note. You and Alicia go to Hautefort and hand the note to the guards. They will take you to someone that will give you employment and a room for you and Alicia.
"Thank you, Your Highness. And God bless you," Elena replies gratefully.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Danielle replies almost tearfully. That was a very good thing you did. What you did—the dress for Alicia and a position for Elena. The word will spread and the people will love you for it. I know, you cannot solve all the world's problems and you can't save everyone. Many people are incorrigible and beyond help, and may not deserve saving. But sometimes a person just needs and deserves a helping hand. Elena for example, She is really a good person. I promise, she is honest, a hard worker, and she will not disappoint you. You have saved Elena and Alicia from a horrendous existence and I cannot fully express my gratitude."
"No thanks are necessary, Danielle. I should be thinking you for giving me credit for the dress you furnished and giving me a better understanding of France. Helping Elena and Alicia is something I felt I had to do. Since I have arrived in France with little to keep me occupied and away from my home and most of my friends, I have been bored and miserable. Maybe you have helped my find my purpose in life."
"Danielle, you seem to do that. Help people find their purpose in life," Prince Henry observed.
"Your Highnesses, you give me too much credit. Sometimes I just happen to be in the right place at the right time with a few word of support. However, any ideas were already a part of you. At best, all I did was to encourage you to think about implementing them just a little sooner."