Author's Notes:
I don't know much about Ecclesiastical Courts in the later Middle Ages and I am only willing to do a limited amount of research. Therefore, I am exercising some creative license regarding Ecclesiastical Courts. Since court rules are slow to change, I will presume court rules are very much like they are in modern day courts.
Modern day courts frown upon any attempts to influence the public. However, that may be because they don't trust juries. They arrogantly think themselves immune. The reason juries are sometimes locked up is to keep them from being influenced by news. However, you never see the judge locked for the same reason. Since human nature would not change much in only a few centuries, I presume judges of the late Middle Ages, like the hypocritically modern day judges, would think likewise. If they believed themselves to be immune to public opinion, they might not have made efforts to prevent it. In any event, that is my explanation that Danielle and her friends would not be prevented from influencing the public prior to the trial.
Chapter 6—The Trial
Upon returning to the Manoir de Barbarac, Princess Gabriella said, "Danielle, is there someplace you and I can speak alone."
"Yes, Your Highness. Our apple orchard is quiet and has a nice view. I am certain Marguerite and Jacqueline will be happy to keep His Highness and Captain Laurent entertained inside.
With members of the royal guard maintaining a respectful distance, Danielle, the Princess, and her trusted translator enter the orchard. "What is it, between you and Henry? He can't keep his eyes off you and you keep avoiding him."
"Was I that obvious, Your Highness?" Danielle responds questioningly.
"Danielle, don't misunderstand. You have done nothing wrong, but I'm not blind. I can see that, in spite of your efforts not to show it, you have feelings for Henry. Although, I must say that you are almost acting like you are afraid of him"
"I'm not afraid of Prince Henry, Your Highness. Perhaps I fear myself. You see Prince Henry is the first and only man I have fallen in love with and, even after a month, I haven't gotten over him. And, I'm trying, Your Highness. I really am." Danielle responds with sincerity.
Princess Gabriella thinks of her own Spanish love and replied, "I understand, Danielle. Believe me I do understand."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"The prince and I have not consummated our marriage," Gabriella confesses.
"I have heard rumors to that effect, Your Highness," Danielle replied.
"Neither the prince nor I wanted this marriage. It was forced upon us. I love another man and I can see now that Henry, also, may love someone else."
"At first, Henry and I disliked each other far too much to consummate the marriage and then … "Danielle, can you keep a secret?" Gabriella asked.
"Danielle nods and said, "Yes, I can, Your Highness."
"Henry and I wish to keep our options open so we have made a pact. We have decided, at least for now, not to consummate the marriage. That way in time, perhaps, both kings may agree to an annulment. However, I may leave it up to Henry. I will not do anything to encourage him, but neither will I continue to resist. After all, Henry is handsome and he can be very charming."
"I know, Your Highness; except, when he is insufferable," Danielle replies to which Gabriella laughs.
"Danielle, in ways, this has been my best day since arriving in France. "You asked me earlier if it made me feel good—you know, giving the dress to Alicia. Alicia's smile and the way her whole face lit up; that, and then Elena's gratitude. It did make me feel good. I just wondered. Why did you choose Elena and Alicia instead of someone else?" Gabriella asked.
"Your Highness, I have learned much from my father, when he was alive, and the books he gave me to read. Even the church has limited resources so choices must be made. However, there are a couple of criteria. First, the children are out future so they must be given primary consideration. Second, many people are needy but some will make it without help, some are beyond help, but some just need a little help to make all the difference in the world and so they may be the most deserving.
"Elena was in that final group. She is a good mother. Often, she would go hungry so Alicia would have enough to eat. By helping Elena, you help Alicia and the future of France. Finally, by helping Elena and Alicia, France will receive back more than her costs. Some people would take advantage of your generosity and steal from you. Others either cannot or will not work. However, Elena is honest, has skills, talents, and is a hard worker. As a result, she will contribute more than her wages, room, and board. That is the best kind of charity for not only do you receive back more than you give but, in addition to making a real difference in their life, the person benefits far more by earning respect and self-esteem from their hard work than they would from just charity alone."
Gabriella cannot help but be impressed by Danielle. Her beauty and the way she stood out at the ball last night, the passion she demonstrated in the market, and now her honesty and intelligence. I can see what Henry sees in Danielle, she thinks to herself. She is wise beyond her years. Danielle would make a great queen. "Danielle, I need a friend and someone I can confide in. I hope you will consider being my friend and confidant," Princess Gabriella asked.
"I would be honored, Your Highness," Danielle replies.
"And when it is just you and I alone or with family, it's simply Gabriella."
"Gabriella … I like the sound of it," Danielle replied.
"Whenever you are at Hautefort and have a few minutes come see me for a chat or tea. You won't need an appointment. I will leave instructions with the guards that you are to be admitted," Gabriella stated.
After the Prince and Princess had departed, Marguerite fluffed her hair and exclaimed, "The prince and I had an entirely agreeable visit. I shouldn't be surprised if drops by often," she stated.
Jacqueline just rolled her eyes and said, "I thought he was just being polite."
"What would you know? You were spending all your time gawking at Captain Laurent. "Why if it wasn't for me, the prince might have been bored to tears," Marguerite replied haughtily.
Three days later, Danielle visited Gabriella and asked about Elena and Alicia. Gabriella asked Danielle to come with her. "This is the nursery for babies and younger children," Gabriella pointed out to Danielle. Danielle noticed that Alicia, was clean, her hair trimmed and brushed, and was wearing an almost new dress.
Danielle hugged Alicia and said, "Alicia, you're so pretty. Is that you doll?" Alicia was so proud of her new rag doll and insisted on showing it to Danielle and Gabriella.
Next Gabriella took Danielle to the kitchen. "Elita, may we speak with Elena for a few minutes?" Gabriella asked the kitchen supervisor.
"Of course, Your Highness," she replied as she sent someone to find her.
"How is Elena doing?" Gabriella asked.
"Splendid, Your Highness. Even when I give her the hardest and dirtiest tasks, I only need to tell her once. She does them well and never complains. I could use another half dozen just like her."
When Elena arrived, after she bowed to Gabriella, Danielle gave her a hug and asked, "How are you and Alicia doing? Do you need anything?
"We are doing wonderful, Danielle. We don't need anything more. During the day, Alicia gets to play with the other children and we have a nice room for our time together in the evenings," Elena replied. Although not yet noticeable, Elena was beginning to regain some of the weight she had lost from months of severe malnourishment and, although, she was working hard, Elena did not appear bone weary like she had in the market three days earlier.
It was four days later that Danielle bumped into Henry in the hallway near Princess Gabriella's quarters. "Danielle, it is good to see you. What are you doing here?" Henry asked.
"I was planning on visiting Princess Gabriella, Your Highness; however, she is not in her quarters," Danielle replied.
"I believe she is with her parents. The king and queen of Spain have decided they need to return to Spain and they need some time with Gabriella before returning. Perhaps, I can help," he stated.
"No, it's not really important. I can come back in a couple of days," Danielle replied.
"Danielle, you are always avoiding me. Can't we spend some time together as friends and talk, "Henry asked softly.
"Your Highness, you are a married man. We shouldn't be alone together. People will talk and get the wrong opinion," Danielle replied without a lot of conviction in her voice.
The prince had a roguish grin on his face. "Danielle, the royal library has an astonishing number of books. It is quite, and it has a librarian so we will not be alone. And, since you are so fond of reading, perhaps you might join me there," Henry said encouragingly.
Danielle's pulse quickened. Of course she'd heard of the royal library and she was excited at the thought of actually going there. "It is not fair, sire. You are exploiting my weakness. However, I suppose it would be all right for a few minutes." Danielle knew she was flirting with fire but a just a few minutes couldn't hurt. She could control the situation and, besides, she really did enjoy being with the prince.
The prince's dark eyes lit up as a small smile spread across his face. He offered his hand to Danielle. "Today I am simply … Henry," he said gently.
"Henry," Danielle said quietly. Then remembering the masque, she said, "No, Your Highness, I can't. I might forget again."
"I offered you the world and at the first test of honor I betrayed your trust. But, please, Danielle … can't you forgive me," Henry beseeched.
"Danielle just couldn't stay mad at the handsome young prince. "Well … all right," she replied gentle. "But don't you dare let it happen again," she added mischievously.
For almost two hours Henry and Danielle talked. At one point Danielle reminded Henry of his suggestion that he might be able to help with her Petition and asked if he might speak to King Francis on her behalf. However, Henry demurred. Of course, King Francis could make a ruling for Danielle. After all, he is the king and his word is law. The problem is that Danielle had already involved the Ecclesiastical Courts and King Francis, especially on matters that he was not greatly concerned with, would be reluctant to interfere into the domain of the church since that might offend the Pope.
Danielle thought to herself. If I am going to win my case for the Manoir de Barbarac, I cannot expect help from the royal family. "I have lost track of the hour," Danielle stated. "I must be going."
"Danielle, will you meet me tomorrow at the ruins of Amboise," Henry asked expectantly.
"I really must be going," Danielle replied as she hurried off. As Danielle quickly departed, Henry realized Danielle was offended by his failure to lend support to her Petition.
Monsieur le Pieu had not taken any action. At first, le Pieu was advised that he could file an action against Rodmilla. However, his attorney advised him that he should wait until after the resolution of Danielle's Petition. At that time he could still file an action against Rodmilla de Ghent and there might even be a chance he could reclaim Danielle.
Celeste was able to use her influence to have the case transferred to Bishop de Richelieu. Celeste's family was instrumental in getting him promoted to Bishop. Also, Rodmilla had submitted a motion that the case be dismissed giving her ownership of the Manoir de Barbara. So on the morning of the trial, in a crowded courtroom and after Rodmilla pointed out that widows are granted their husband's lands and authority, the court granted her motion and dismissed the case.
Leonardo da Vinci immediately made a motion that the court stay all outstanding orders to give him time to file an appeal. Bishop de Richelieu, not wishing to appear unreasonable to a courtroom full of observers, granted the stay for two weeks. Rodmilla left the court looking like the cat that swallowed the canary. She looked at Danielle and just gloated.
Leonardo reminded Danielle that public opinion would sway the court. Even before most people heard the results of the court hearing, Leonardo, with Danielle at his side, went to the public square. Then, after getting the attention of a large number of people, Leonardo announced the results of the hearing and asked, "How can such a ruling be justified by the court without even listening to the merits of the case. You should all ask your parish priest to explain it for I cannot." Of course, whenever someone of Leonardo's statue speaks, people listen.
"For the next week, Danielle, Gustave, Maurice, Paulette, and Louise would speak to people at the market and public places and ask the same question and suggest that they get the answer from their priest. During the week, over sixty people asked their priest that question. The priests would ask the Bishops and the Bishops would ask the Archbishop. Even Princess Gabriella asked the Archbishop. The Archbishop knew that if sixty people asked about the outcome of the trial, twenty times that number would be interested in knowing the answer.
To a great extent, the church was political and the Archbishop was concerned about the perception of justice. So the Archbishop granted a new trial and the trial was scheduled to be held three weeks after the original trial. Also, he reassigned the original judge to the case, and let it be known that he was taking a personal interest in the case. It was well known that, unlike Bishop de Richelieu, the Archbishop had earned his position on merit, not politics. His interest in the case meant that he would not tolerate any hanky panky.
As Leonardo explained, Danielle knew that the outcome of the trial would hinge on her Father's letter to Nicole leaving her and her unborn child his estate; and, to a lesser extent, on the credibility of Rodmilla in justifying her treatment to Danielle. So while Rodmilla was acting behind the scenes to manipulate the court, Leonardo and Danielle concentrated on the legal aspects of the trial, and the questions and answers.
Maurice, Paulette, and Louise knew and would be willing to testify that Auguste had demonstrated by his words and actions that he intended for Danielle and not Rodmilla to inherit the Manoir de Barbarac.
Leonardo and Danielle had planned what they would do and say in court. Rodmilla, on the other hand, never prepared well. However, she had rights as a widow and that was a very strong position.
When the trial started, the courtroom was packed and many additional people were outside. At the beginning of the trial, Leonardo wanted to demonize and discredit Rodmilla by portraying her as a person lacking ethics and as a malicious liar. Legally, demonizing someone, except where the truth of their statement is in question, should not have much force on the case. However, in fact, people and the courts cannot help but be influenced when someone is shown to be a dishonest or despicable person.
The first witness Leonardo called was Jacqueline. Something Rodmilla had not anticipated. Danielle knew that Jacqueline was basically honest and, she also knew, that Jacqueline would tell the truth after being sworn in.
Leonardo showed Jacqueline the candlesticks and upstairs painting and asked, "Are you familiar with these items?"
"They are our candlesticks and the upstairs painting," Jacqueline answered.
"Do you recall any conversations regarding the items turning up missing?
"Mother asked Paulette where the candlesticks were and Marguerite said the upstairs painting was missing too."
"Did Rodmilla de Ghent say what she was going to do about the missing items?"
"She said she was going to withhold Paulette, and Louise wages until the pilfered items are returned."
"When did you next see the items?" Leonardo asked.
"The day following the masque when Monsieur le Pieu returned them," Jacqueline replied.
"How did Monsieur le Pieu come into possession of them?
"I'm not sure, I believe they were among the items that mother had sold to him."
On cross-examination, Rodmilla's attorney asked, "Did you see who took the items?"
"No, I didn't," Jacqueline answered.
"Then you really can't say who took them, can you?"
"No, I cannot," she replied.
Next Leonardo called Monsieur le Pieu. "Monsieur le Pieu, is there a time these items were in your possession?" Leonardo asked.
"Baroness de Ghent sold them to me," le Pieu replied, causing murmurs in the crowd.
"In fact, is it not true that on the day after the Masque Ball, you delivered several cart loads of items to Rodmilla de Ghent in exchange for Danielle de Barbarac?"
"Yes," le Pieu simply replied.
"How is it you were in possession of all those items?" Leonardo asked.
"Rodmilla de Ghent sold them to me."
Leonardo then called Paulette and asked, "In addition to the candlesticks and the painting in the upstairs hall do you know of any other item, returned by le Pieu that Rodmilla de Ghent claimed was pilfered and for which she withheld wages from you and the other servants."
"The gilded mirror," Paulette answered.
"So, in fact, isn't it true that Rodmilla de Ghent would take items belonging to the Manoir de Barbarac, sell the items to Monsieur le Pieu, and then blame you and the other servants for pilfering the items, and then withhold the value of the items from your wages?"
"Objection, leading the witness," Rodmilla's attorney said.
"Overruled, I will allow the question. The witness will answer," the court replied.
"Yes, the Baroness would take and sell the items. Then she would blame the theft on us and withhold our wages," Paulette replied to more murmurs from the courtroom.
Leonardo recalled Jacqueline. "Do you know Mademoiselle Danielle de Barbarac?"
"Yes, she is sitting at that table," Jacqueline answered.
"What is your relationship with Mademoiselle Danielle de Barbarac?" Leonardo asked.
"She is my stepsister."
"By that, do you mean she is the daughter of your mother's late husband, Auguste de Barbarac and the stepdaughter of your mother, Rodmilla de Ghent?" Leonardo asked.
"Yes," Jacqueline simply replied.
"Do you recall on the night of the Masque Ball, Rodmilla de Ghent telling Prince Henry words to the effect, "Her name is Danielle de Barbarac and she has been a servant in my home for the past ten years? Leonardo asked.
"Yes."
"Is a servant an accurate description of how she has been treated by the Baroness de Ghent for the past ten years?"
"Yes."
"Would you describe her as an unruly and disobedient child?"
"No, usually she would do whatever my mother asked."
"How would you describe her duties and the manner in which she was treated by Rodmilla de Ghent?"
"She was treated just like any other servant. She would feed the animal, carry water, clean the manoir, help cook and serve my mother, Marguerite and myself."
"Is that, also, how your sister and Danielle's stepsister, Marguerite was treated?"
"No, Marguerite didn't do any of those things."
"Did Rodmilla de Ghent often buy Marguerite expensive gowns and jewelry, and take her to Hautefort?
"Yes, many time."
"Did Rodmilla de Ghent ever buy Danielle expensive gowns and jewelry, or take her to Hautefort?
"No, she only gave her the clothes for a servant. She never took Danielle to Hautefort."
"How much did Rodmilla de Ghent pay Danielle for working as a servant the past ten years?"
"She did not pay her anything."
On cross-examination, Rodmilla's attorney asked, "Do you recall a time that Danielle hit Marguerite giving her a black eye and threatening to pull her hair out?"
"Yes, it occurred two or three days before the Masque ball," Jacqueline replied.
"Is that the action of an obedient child? In fact, isn't that the action of an unruly child?"
"Yes, I suppose so."
"So in fact, isn't it true that Danielle was a disobedient and unruly child?" Before Jacqueline could answer, Rodmilla's attorney continued, "I have no further questions of this witness."
On re-examination, Leonardo asked, "Do you recall the circumstances leading up to Danielle striking Marguerite?"
"Danielle had a dowry for her wedding from her mother consisting of a gown, beaded slippers, and other items. Mother was going to give the gown and slippers to Marguerite to wear at the masque and Danielle said, These are my mother's. Then Marguerite replied, Yes, and she's dead. That is when Danielle struck Marguerite," Jacqueline replied.
"So, it was only after Rodmilla and Marguerite were going to steal the only clothing of value that Danielle owned, clothing that she held dear, from her deceased mother, and, in addition, only after cruel and insensitive remarks by Marguerite about Danielle's mother that Danielle struck Marguerite. Is that how it happened?" Leonardo asked.
"Objection, Your Honor. A mischaracterization of Marguerite's statement," Rodmilla attorney said.
"I'll allow the question. The witness will answer."
"Yes, that is how it happened, Your Honor," Jacqueline replied.
"As a result, was Danielle punished?" Leonardo asked.
"Yes, she was severely lashed."
"Up until that time and before the Masque Ball, do you recall any other instances of Danielle striking Marguerite or any other member of the household?"
"No," Jacqueline simply replied.
"So, until that incident, for ten years Danielle obeyed the orders of Rodmilla de Ghent and was not an unruly child. Would that be a true characterization of how Danielle acted?" Leonardo asked.
"Yes, she did as she was told and did not cause any problems. Although, I recall earlier that morning, When Marguerite asked, What about our breakfast? Danielle replied, You have two hands. Fix it yourself."
"But, until then, there were never any examples of her disobeying Rodmilla de Ghent. Is that correct?"
"Well, during the first two or three years, there were a few little things that didn't please my mother." Jacqueline replied softly.
"So, before Danielle reached the age of reason, you are saying she acted like a child rather than an adult. Is that a correct characterization?" Leonardo asked.
"Yes."
Next I call the Lady Danielle de Barbarac, Leonardo announced. "Please state your station in life up until the death of your father."
"I was freeborn and the only child of lawful marriage between Auguste de Barbarac, the owner of the Manoir de Barbarac, and the Lady Nicole de Lancret. My father was very prosperous and I lived a life of privilege. My father always told me, that no matter what, that he was first and all a father and that I would inherit the Manoir de Barbaric. That is confirmed by what he wrote in a letter and will to my mother, shortly before my birth leaving the Manoir de Barbarac to us in the event of his death.
"What caused the death of your father?" Leonardo asked.
"Objection, calls for an opinion, unless Signore da Vince is suggesting that Petitioner quote an official finding," Rodmilla's attorney said.
"Sustained," the court ruled, "Please confine your questions to the facts."
"Describe the events leading up to your father's death," Leonardo asked.
"My father was robust, energetic, and in all aspect he appeared healthy up until the arrival of Rodmilla de Ghent. He died two weeks after Rodmilla de Ghent arrived at the Manoir de Barbarac."
"Objection, Your Honor. Pure conjecture; the witness is suggestion that Rodmilla de Ghent caused her husband's death," Rodmilla attorney bellowed.
"Overruled; you may explore that during cross-examination.
"Describe any changes that occurred after the death of you father, Auguste de Barbarac," Leonardo asked.
"At the time of the death of my father, Auguste de Barbarac, the Manoir de Barbarac was very prosperous with fifteen servants, considerable livestock, and land under cultivation. Also, there was a strongbox containing gold and silver. Rodmilla de Ghent spent the gold and silver, and sold most of the servants and livestock. Further, she allowed most of the land under cultivation to deteriorate."
Danielle continued, "During this time, she was spending the wealth of the Manoir de Barbarac for her lavish lifestyle and for the extravagant support of her daughters, especially Marguerite. However, I, the rightful owner, did not share in any of the wealth of the Manoir de Barbarac. Furthermore, I was wrongfully forced to be an unpaid servant of Rodmilla de Ghent and her daughters Jacqueline and Marguerite."
"Do you recall if there was any immediate change in how you were treated following the death of your father?"
Within days after my father died I was moved out of my room and Marguerite was given my room and most of my possessions."
"Was there anything more?" Leonardo asked.
"On the day of Saint Jude, Rodmilla de Ghent committed a crime by selling me to Monsieur le Pieu of the Château Beynac. Since I am freeborn and without debts, Rodmilla de Ghent wrongfully and with malice of forethought sold me to le Pieu. I have filed with the Sheriff a criminal complaint for that criminal action by Rodmilla de Ghent. Rodmilla de Ghent told me she sold me so that she wouldn't look like paupers when the King arrived and so I wouldn't distract the prince. In other words, she expected Prince Henry to marry Marguerite and when the royal family arrived she wanted to appear prosperous, and she did not want me around because she knew Prince Henry would show interest in me instead of Marguerite."
"Objection, Your Honor. The witness is stating opinions," Rodmilla's attorney said.
"Overruled," the court replied.
On cross-examination, Rodmilla's attorney asked, "It is true, is it not, that no official finding was ever made that Auguste de Barbarac's death was the result of any criminal act."
"There was no serious attempt to investigate the cause of my father's death. No one suspected until later that Rodmilla de Ghent would do such a dastardly deed."
"Just answer the question. Was Auguste de Barbarac's death ruled to be caused by anything other than natural causes?" Rodmilla's attorney demanded.
"No," Danielle simply answered.
"Has the Sheriff acted upon your criminal complaint filed against Respondent?"
"No, but every month, robbers and murderers are being hung by the hundreds. No doubt those are more dangerous crimes and take priority in spite of the seriousness of Rodmilla de Ghent's crime.
"But, it is not true, that is just conjecture on you part?"
"I believe murder is a more serious crime and I believe most people would agree. Are you suggesting that murder is a less serious crime?" Danielle asked causing some laughter in the courtroom.
"I am the one asking the questions, you just answer the questions" Rodmilla's attorney admonished.
"Please forgive me for being astonished that you would ask such a ludicrous question," Danielle replied.
"Your Honor," the attorney whined. Please instruct the witness to just answer the questions.
"The witness will just answer the questions, and please refrain from commenting on the questions," the court admonished softly.
"Yes, Your Honor," Danielle replied.
"Isn't it true that whatever intentions your father may have had prior to his marriage to Baroness de Ghent that, after his marriage, he never told you or gave you a will leaving you the Manoir de Barbarac?" Rodmilla's attorney asked.
"No, that is not true. Even after I said to my father, you are a husband now, he replied, A husband true, but a father first and forever. My father made it clear that he only married Rodmilla de Ghent so I could have a woman's influence. He made it clear that it was I and not her that was first in his life and that I and not her would inherit his estate," Danielle replied.
I call Maurice, the head steward, of the Manoir de Barbarac," Leonardo stated. "Please describe your position at the time of the death of Auguste de Barbarac."
"I was Auguste de Barbarac's head steward for the Manoir de Barbarac. I had been with him for years, even before he was married to the Nicole de Lancret. I would manage the manoir during his frequent business trips and he trusted me to look after his affairs."
"Describe to the court how Danielle was treated up until her father's death."
"It was obvious to everyone that her father loved her very much. He treated her like a princess. We all did. She was such a delightful child. There was never any doubt, in anyone's mind, that she would be the future owner of the Manoir de Barbarac," Maurice replied.
"Describe to the court how Danielle was treated after her father's death."
"It was disgraceful the way the Baroness took her room and possessions, and moved her into the attic. Danielle did everything to please the Baroness and all she got in return was more work and criticism. The Baroness would not even allow her own stepdaughter to eat at the same table with her. Instead, in addition to all the other work she was assigned, the Baroness required her to stand and wait, hand and foot, on herself and her two daughters, Jacqueline and Marguerite."
After calling Louise and recalling Paulette to reconfirm some of the previous testimony Leonardo stated the Petitioner rests.
Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent, through her attorney, asked for a short delay so the Bishop said, "The court will be in recess until 1:00 p.m."
Rodmilla did not like how she was characterized in court and wanted to refute and justify her treatment of Danielle. After all, Danielle is a commoner and not of noble blood. Her attorney realized, however, that sometimes the more something is stirred the worse it stinks. He felt the less said about the treatment of Danielle the better. Nothing good could come from further opening that can of worms.
After an hour of discussion, Rodmilla finally agreed with her attorney to keep it simple. It was decided that they would rely on her right as a widow since Widowhood gave women their husband's lands and authority.
Legally, according to Rodmilla's attorney, this should be an open and shut case. Rodmilla is Auguste's widow and, legally, the treatment of children is not a factor. However, Danielle has won public support by portraying Rodmilla as an evil stepmother and the Archbishop is very concerned about the perception of justice. In his mind, laws are made to be interpreted in a manner to obtain justice.
Rodmilla's attorney decided that Jacqueline should be his first and best witness. She was used, effectively, by Leonardo to demonize Rodmilla. However, that can be to their advantage because now she has credibility with the court.
"Jacqueline, during the ten years Danielle was under the care of her stepmother, did she receive food, clothing and shelter?" Rodmilla's attorney asked.
"Yes."
"Was she malnourished?"
"No," Jacqueline replied.
Next Rodmilla's attorney called Marguerite. "Marguerite would you say your mother treated Danielle as fair as she treated you and Jacqueline?"
"Yes, she treated her very fairly."
"Would you say that any difference in the treatment Danielle received was solely the result of your mother's desire to use reward and punishment in the training of Danielle and her daughters?
"Yes, she was trying to train us to act like ladies and Danielle was always so difficult."
Leonardo knew he could have objected to the leading questions, but decided not to.
"Your witness," Rodmilla's attorney said to Leonardo.
"Your Honor, may we approach?" Leonardo asked.
In a side-bar, Leonardo said, "Your Honor, I need to question this witness motivation and candor."
"He's suggestion the witness might lie, Your Honor," Rodmilla's attorney stated.
"Your Honor, Marguerite has a great deal at stake in the ruling of this court. I only need to make certain that her answers are not biased in an attempt to influence the outcome," Leonardo stated.
"I'll allow it, but keep it limited," the court ruled.
"Marguerite, is Rodmilla de Ghent or Danielle de Barbarac more capable of managing the Manoir de Barbarac?" Leonardo asked.
"My mother," Marguerite replied.
"Why is that?"
"My mother is of noble blood while Danielle is just a commoner. Mother understands that people are separated by their stations. Danielle doesn't understand that. She insisted that we work in the kitchen and that the servants eat at the same table with those of us of noble blood. Under her direction, the servants would be running the manoir."
"Then would you recommend to the court that the Manoir de Barbarac be awarded to Rodmilla de Ghent and that Danielle's Petition be denied?"
"Yes, of course."
"And no doubt, you would claim you are telling the truth because you have nothing to gain by your testimony. No further questions of this witness," Leonardo replied knowing Rodmilla's attorney would fall for his carefully laid trap.
"Marguerite," Rodmilla's attorney asked during re-examination. "Would you be willing to lie to the court to get the ruling in favor of your mother?"
"No, I always tell the truth."
On re-cross, Leonardo asked. Do you recall several months ago when you and Rodmilla de Ghent visited with the queen?"
"Yes."
"That was quite and honor, was it not?"
"Yes, a very great honor," Marguerite replied
Rodmilla knowing where this was leading asked her attorney to object. "Objection, Your Honor," Her attorney said to the court.
"Your Honor, may we approach?" Leonardo asked. In a side-bar, Leonardo said, "Your Honor, if you will just bear with me for a couple of more questions—this has a direct bearing on the credibility of the witness."
"I'll allow it, but don't overdo it," the court replied.
"Marguerite, I am sure you are aware of the penalties for lying under oath. During your visit with the queen, do you remember any mention of Comtesse Nicole de Lancret?" Leonardo asked.
"I believe she was mentioned," Marguerite replied.
"Is there such a person?" Leonardo asked.
"Not exactly," Marguerite replied uneasily.
"Explain to the court what you mean by not exactly," Leonardo asked.
Marguerite, visibly on edge squirmed in her chair and looking at Rodmilla for help, replied, "It was a name Danielle used."
"And, who told the queen Comtesse Nicole de Lancret was engaged?" Leonardo asked.
"My mother," Marguerite answered quietly.
"Speak up so everyone can hear," Leonardo demanded.
"My mother said she was engaged."
"Was that the truth?"
"Well, not completely," Marguerite replied nervously.
"You lied to the queen?" Leonardo asked forcefully and threateningly.
"No, it was my mother," a very frightened Marguerite replied.
"But didn't you knowingly allow the queen to be misled?"
"I didn't think it was my place to speak up," Marguerite replied hesitantly.
"No further question of this witness," Leonardo replied.
"Your Honor, may we have a short recess to confer with my client?" Rodmilla's attorney asked.
"Court will resume in thirty minutes," the Bishop replied.
"Baroness, you know, of course, that Signore da Vinci is going to question you about your visit with the queen," her attorney asked.
"Well, we both know, the queen is not going to be called to testify and frankly I don't recall any discussion about the Comtesse Nicole de Lancret. Furthermore, Marguerite has a vivid imagination and before we go back in, I will remind her that she can't be certain about what was said during our visit to the queen. I am certain the she will remember how she is often confused and that she may have just dreamed it."
"I believe we should stick to the issue of your right as a widow to inherit a husband's property and try to discredit the legality of Auguste's letter to Nicole. Those are the two important issues. I don't want Signore de Vinci questioning you about the disparity of treatment between Danielle and your other two daughters, and I don't want him questioning you about withholding the servants' wages for missing items. Therefore, to prevent questioning in these matters, I believe we should stipulate that Danielle did not receive equal treatment and that wages may have been withheld. And, that wages are a separate issue and if wages were withheld the servants should petition the court for unpaid wages. Stipulating these issues will minimize their impact and will not influence the court and public opinion as much as emotional testimony in court."
After court resumed, in a side-bar, Rodmilla's attorney stipulated that Danielle did not receive equal treatment and wages may have been withheld, and reminded the court that the servants have the right to petition for back wages. Leonardo was unsuccessful in arguing that wages were withheld, not that may have been withheld. Therefore, Leonardo would not be allowed to bring up the issues during cross-examination, if not examined in the initial testimony.
"I call Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent," her attorney said. "Baroness, are you the widow of and were you married to Auguste de Barbarac."
"Yes."
"Was the marriage consummated?"
"Yes."
"Did you have anything to do with the death of Auguste de Barbarac or did you in anyway contribute to his death?" Rodmilla's attorney asked.
"Absolutely not. In fact, I was greatly distressed and mourned his death for years"
On cross examination, Leonardo asked, "Baroness, do you recall Marguerite's testimony regarding Comtesse Nicole de Lancret?
"Yes."
"Was Marguerite telling the truth? Did you, in fact, lie to Her Majesty, the Queen of France?"
"Marguerite has a vivid imagination and she is often confused about where and what she thinks she heard," Rodmilla replied.
Leonardo could see where this was leading and would not fall into their carefully laid trap. He re-called Marguerite. "Marguerite, during the court recess a few minutes ago, did you speak to your mother the Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent?"
"Yes."
"After speaking to you mother, do you wish to change your story about the Comtesse Nicole de Lancret?"
"Yes, I…"
"No further questions," Leonardo quickly said cutting her off. "I am certain there are people here, besides Danielle that heard Prince Henry tell Danielle, My mother said you were getting married."
"Objection, hearsay, was there a question there, Your Honor?"
"I withdraw the statement," Leonardo replied before giving the court time to rule. Leonardo knew the court heard the statement, the truth of which would be easily verified.
"The Respondent rests," Rodmilla's attorney said.
For his closing statement Signore da Vince said:
Your Honor, the facts of this case are clear. In both law and equity Petitioner should be awarded the Manoir de Barbarac.
First in law:
Concerning allodial land: If the father and mother be not living, let brother and sister succeed. And From the Magna Carta: C.1. Let sisters succeed equally with brothers to the inheritance of the parents. And C.2. The children are first in the succession of an inheritance. In the inheritance of him who dies intestate the children are first.
No doubt Respondent will point out the rights of a widow. But the court cannot ignore the law giving inheritance to the children. In this case to Danielle de Barbarac.
In law, even greater preference must be given to a man's will. Ten years ago, in a letter and will, Auguste de Barbarac, bequeathed, in the event of his death, his estate to the Nicole de Lancret and her unborn child, Danielle de Barbarac. Although, not written at a typical will, in law, the court must take substance over form. The document was written in his own handwriting. Therefore, it does not require a witness. That document alone established in law Petitioner's right to the Manoir de Barbarac.
The court should not take the self-serving statements of Rodmilla de Ghent over the statement of Maurice, the chief steward of the Manoir de Barbarac. Unlike the Respondent, who would greatly profit, he has nothing to gain by lying. Furthermore, Respondent by her harsh and greatly unequal treatment of Danielle de Barbarac, her lies to justify wrongfully withholding of servants wages, her misrepresentation of Petitioner at the Masque Ball, and her lies to the queen demonstrates her disreputable character.
Second in equity:
Irrespective of the law, equity demands that Petitioner prevail. It is well established in law that justice should prevail. Christ in his example of the talents in Matthew 25, 28 & 29 said, "So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away." Respondent is even worse than the one talent man because he, at least, kept the one talent. However, Respondent has taken the Manoir de Barbarac and wasted its assets on her lavish and wicked lifestyle until it is only a fraction of its former value.
Also, equity demands that the right a widow of only a few days must not be given preference over the rights of a man's own child. It cannot even be argued that the marriage damaged Respondent. Unlike a virgin bride, that could be considered soiled goods, Respondent was a woman in her thirties with children. In no way can it be justified that she should be so greatly rewarded at the expense of Petitioner and the only child of Auguste de Barbarac. Any possible consideration for the rights of Respondent has been many times repaid during the last ten years in which she not only used up much of the wealth of the Manoir de Barbarac but, in addition, received ten years unpaid service and the labor from the Petitioner.
Furthermore, to deny Danielle de Barbarac's Petition would reward evil over justice. In addition to all the evil deeds heretofore described, Respondent committed a crime of unimaginable evil by unlawfully and with malice of forethought selling Petitioner to Monsieur le Pieu who then kept Petitioner in chains.
The law, equity, and justice demands that this honorable court grant Petitioners request and unconditionally declare her to be the sole and rightful owner to the Manoir de Barbarac.
For his closing statement Rodmilla's attorney said:
Your Honor, the facts of this case are clear. Respondent should be awarded the Manoir de Barbarac. The law is very clear: Widowhood gives women their husband's lands and authority. Yes, it is true, "If the father and mother be not living, let brother and sister succeed." However, in this case a parent, the Respondent was living. A stepparent, in the eyes of the law, is still a parent. Everything Signore da Vinci said in his closing statement is just smoke and mirrors to distract from that one irrefutable fact.
Signore da Vinci quotes the bible comparing the Manoir de Barbarac to talents. However, land is not coinage that you can invest with a banker. With land you have weather and storms to contend with. The Bible Genesis 41, 29 & 30, speaks of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Clearly during years of famine land cannot be expected to prosper. The Baroness de Ghent was placed in the difficult position of caring for the Manoir de Barbarac, and her children and servants. She did the best she could.
Also, Signore da Vinci makes the ridiculous claim that Maurice, the chief steward of the Manoir de Barbarac, is unbiased. Respondent, to pay her taxes, was by necessity forced to sell Maurice. However, Petitioner had the good fortune to be able to buy him back. Further, Petitioner is bribing Maurice by temporarily treating him, not as a servant, but as a member of the household. Therefore, Maurice feels indebted to Petitioner and is not an unbiased witness. Clearly, his testimony about the intentions of Auguste de Barbarac should not be given serious consideration.
Furthermore, Signore da Vinci would paint Respondent as a merciless woman that treated Petitioner in a dreadful manner. However, the proof is in the pudding. If Signore da Vinci's description is to be believed, Respondent would be a dirty, malnourished, and uneducated lady. However, that is not the case. Respondent provided Petitioner with food, clothing, shelter, and training to become a lady. Look at Petitioner. Not only is she well dressed and articulate, she even attracted the attention of a Prince. Clearly, that is proof, that however harsh her method may have appeared to be, that Respondent knew what she was doing and thereby did well for Petitioner.
The law is clear. This honorable court must deny the Petition and affirm the right of Respondent to inherit the Manoir de Barbarac.
After both closing statement, the Bishop said, "The court will issue a ruling in two weeks, the court is adjourned."