Chapter 7: The Agreement and Ruling of the Court
After the court temporarily ordered Rodmilla out to the Manoir de Barbarac, Rodmilla sold an expensive necklace and moved into a local inn. Rodmilla did not like how she was portrayed during the trial, nor was she convinced that she would prevail, so she met with Celeste and Isabelle for some behind the scenes manipulation.
Rodmilla hired Louis de Secondat to write and submit a Friend of the Court brief that the court could use as his own opinion to rule in favor of Rodmilla. Although, Charles Louis de Secondat was not flamboyant enough to be an accomplished trial lawyer, he was recognized as having one of the great legal minds. Three days after the trial, Celeste extended to the judge an invitation for dinner and entertainment. To prevent the appearance of impropriety and of influencing the court, Rodmilla would keep a low profile. However, both Celeste and Isabelle would use their feminine charm and wiles to influence the judge.
Isabelle pointed out what a splendid brief Louis de Secondat had written. "It clearly establishes all the legal reasons the Manoir de Barbarac should be awarded to Baroness de Ghent."
Then Celeste pointed out to the judge, "In a couple of years another position for Archbishop will open and you are a top contenders. And it would certainly be unfortunate if you did not get the position because you ruled for a commoner over a noble."
"Also," Isabelle said, "Baroness de Ghent has ten years experience managing the Manoir de Barbarac while Danielle has no experience. Therefore, she would mismanage the manoir and eventually lose it anyway because she would be unable to keep order and control over the servants."
"Furthermore," Celeste said, "when the position for Archbishop comes open, it would look very bad if you awarded the Manoir de Barbarac to Danielle and she ended up losing it due to poor supervision and her inability to discipline the servants."
Both Rodmilla and Celeste were smart enough to remain silent about the ex parte (one side only) meeting with the judge. However, a few days later Isabelle, while having tea with Queen Marie, let it slip that they had met with the judge and that he would be ruling in favor of Rodmilla. Queen Marie was aware of Danielle's frequent visits to Princess Gabriella and as a result she had maintained an interest in the trial. Also as, Leonardo told Danielle, weeks earlier, Queen Marie has a strong sense of justice and so she did not approve of the improper ex parte meeting that excluded Danielle. She wrote a note to the Archbishop, expressing her concern, and asked him to look into it and report back to her.
The Archbishop, after speaking to the judge, visited Queen Marie while she was having tea with Princess Gabriella. "The judge told me he never met and discussed the case with Baroness de Ghent. He told me he did receive a Friend of the Court brief from Louis de Secondat. However, that is now part of the court records and is available to the Petitioner. The judge told me he has not made a final decision because the arguments for both sides are very close. However, the judge is persuaded that nothing good would come from a ruling awarding the Manoir de Barbarac to Danielle de Barbarac, a young lady without experience. The judge pointed out that the Baroness with ten years experience found it difficult to manage the manoir. Therefore, he is very concerned that great harm would occur if he awarded the manoir to Danielle and she ended up losing it due to her youth and inexperience. I believe I must agree with that conclusion," the Archbishop stated.
"Your Excellency, I find Danielle to be highly intelligent and that she has good judgment. Regardless of her age and experience, I don't believe you should judge her capabilities without even meeting and speaking to her," Princess Gabriella said.
"Well, of course, I would be happy to meet with her, Your Highness," the Archbishop replied not wishing to appear unreasonable. Therefore, it was agreed that a meeting with Queen Marie, Princess Gabriella, the Archbishop, and Danielle would be scheduled the following afternoon.
"Danielle," Princess Gabriella said prior to the meeting. "Your prospects for the Manoir de Barbarac do not look good. The judge believes you do not have the experience to manage the manoir. King Francis and Queen Marie do not wish to interfere in a church matter and I am not in a position to be of much help. The Archbishop did agree to meet with you and this may be your only chance to make a good impression and convince him that the manoir will do well under your stewardship."
"Mademoiselle," the Archbishop said. "You are very young and lack experience. How would you be able to manage the Manoir de Barbarac?"
"Your Excellency, how much experience did the maid, a peasant that could neither read or write, have at age sixteen when she successfully defended herself against a breach of marriage complaint? And, at age seventeen, how much experience did she have when in five days she raised the siege of Orleans? Something Charles VII had not done in months. Also, how much experience did she have when a couple of months later she crowned him king? Danielle replied.
"That may well be. However, I understand the Manoir de Barbarac has deteriorated during the last few years. If Baroness de Ghent, with ten years experience is having difficulty managing the manoir, why should I believe a young lady without experience could do better?" The Archbishop asked.
"Your Excellency, Rodmilla de Ghent does not have ten years experience. At best she has three months experience repeated forty times. She refuses to learn from her mistakes. When my father died the manoir was very prosperous. If Rodmilla had just stayed out of the way, Maurice, our chief steward, would have profitably managed the manoir and Rodmilla de Ghent could have had a nice income. Instead, almost everything she did was wrong. First, she replaced Maurice as head steward with an incompetent flatterer. Second she replaced the overseer of the vineyard because she thought he was a more impressive looking carriage driver. Then she stopped paying the farmers a percentage of the crops. That meant the farmers received inadequate wages in addition to removing their incentive to produce. Finally, instead of paying for needed repairs, she spent the money on her lavish lifestyle."
"Also, Your Excellency," Danielle said as she continued, "unlike Rodmilla de Ghent, my first love is the Manoir de Barbarac. I will see to the needs of the manoir before I spend money on expensive gowns and the trappings of an extravagant lifestyle. Furthermore, I am willing to work and I'm used to getting my hands dirty."
"Perhaps the church could appoint an overseer to manage the manoir," the Archbishop said.
"And would the church pay for this overseer? The manoir scarcely has sufficient funds to manage until crops can be planted and harvested. Further, I have Maurice, my father's chief steward, to assist in overseeing the manoir. No one knows and loves the manoir more than we do and any church appointed overseer would blame me for his mistakes. While I welcome any advice, the final decisions must be mine. If necessary give me the manoir with a one-year probation. If the manoir has not improved after three months, six months, and one year, I will withdraw my Petition. With winter, the first three months will be the most difficult. Nevertheless, I am confident that I can turn the manoir around," Danielle replied.
"If we do this, what is to become of Baroness de Ghent and her daughters, Marguerite and Jacqueline?" the Archbishop asked.
"I will furnish and maintain our nicest cabin for Rodmilla de Ghent so she can comfortably live out her remaining days. In addition to providing staples so she can prepare her meals, I will furnish her fresh eggs and milk daily. Marguerite and Jacqueline can remain until they marry. All that I will require of them is to clean their own rooms and help prepare their meals," Danielle replied.
Queen Marie, who had just been listening, spoke up. "Your Excellency, I don't wish to interfere with any decision of the church, but what Danielle suggests sounds reasonable. Perhaps I should talk to Baroness de Ghent and get her feeling on the matter."
"Baroness," Queen Marie said after Rodmilla objected to Danielle's proposal, "I suggest you accept this fair offer, unless you would prefer to appear before the King and me, and answers questions regarding the statements you made to me about Comtesse Nicole de Lancret."
Rodmilla knew the penalties for lying to the queen. So in response to Queen Marie she said, "Of course I would agree Your Majesty, I just wanted to point out that the court orders regarding the selling the manoir's property should remain in effect and that since my daughters and I are of noble blood we should not be required to prepare our own meals." Rodmilla believed she would give up very little because, with those stipulations, Danielle could not possibly improve the manoir and, even if Danielle could, Rodmilla would make sure it didn't happen. She was convinced that Danielle would fail during her probationary period.
Danielle had no intention of selling her father's prized possessions and the manoir's property so she agreed to the stipulations plus an additional stipulation that the Baroness and her daughters would be provided the carriage and driver twice weekly for trips to Hautefort and other local locations of their choice. The final agreement was made part of the court order as follows:
The court being fully advised finds and orders that:
1. Mademoiselle Danielle de Barbarac is freeborn and any claim to her by Monsieur le Pieu, whither as a wife or servant, in null and void.
2. That the letter and will of Auguste de Barbarac unconditionally, grants the servants Maurice, Paulette, and Louise the right to claim freeborn status.
3. The letter and will of Auguste de Barbarac leaving the Manoir de Barbarac to his wife and unborn child, Danielle de Barbarac, takes priority over the rights of the widow Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent to inherit the Manoir de Barbarac.
4. That great harm might occur to unconditionally award the Manoir de Barbarac to Danielle de Barbarac over the Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent because Danielle de Barbarac is young and inexperienced and may not be able to manage and maintain the Manoir de Barbarac.
5. The Manoir de Barbarac shall be awarded to Danielle de Barbarac with a one-year probation. During the probation, Danielle de Barbarac shall show to the court that the Manoir de Barbarac has improved with an increase in assets, after three months, after six, months, and after one year. Otherwise, the Manoir de Barbarac will revert to Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent.
6. Danielle, during the next thirty days, will repair, and furnish the cabin previously occupied by the chief steward Maurice and his wife. After thirty days, the cabin shall be maintained and made available to Rodmilla de Ghent, rent free, for as long as she shall live.
7. The daughters of Rodmilla de Ghent, Marguerite and Jacqueline, shall be provided rent free quarters within the primary residence of the Manoir de Barbarac until they marry.
8. Rodmilla de Ghent and her daughters, Marguerite and Jacqueline, shall be provided prepared meals daily within the primary residence or in the cabin of Rodmilla de Ghent.
9. Rodmilla de Ghent and her daughters, Marguerite and Jacqueline, twice weekly, shall be provided a driver and carriage for trips to Hautefort and other local areas of their choice.
10. The court orders issued 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 shall be extended to include Danielle de Barbarac.
Almost immediately, upon hearing about the ruling of the court, le Pieu spoke to Rodmilla about how she was going to repay him for what he paid for Danielle. Rodmilla assured le Pieu that Danielle could not possibly pass even the first three months of her probation period and, at that point, the manoir and possessions would revert to her.
"Okay Madam, I can wait another three months. However, at that time I will expect the return of my goods or payment," le Pieu stated firmly.
After the ruling of the court, Danielle's first order of business was to start re-staffing and making improvements to the Manoir de Barbarac. It would be difficult because although she still had forty-eight gold francs she would need to buy food, seed, and supplies until crops could be planted, harvested and sold. Maurice, Paulette, and Louise agreed that the six francs each Danielle had given them would be adequate pay and that they would forgo wages until early summer when the first crops were sold.
Because of winter, the first three months would be the most difficult time to show the court improvement to manoir. However, it could be done if Danielle could repair existing cabins, repair fences, prune the apple orchid, and start clearing the land.
During the next ten days, Danielle interviewed hundreds of people. She proved to be an excellent judge of talent and even a better judge of character. Danielle explained to everyone that she could provide room and board, but wages would be deferred until early summer when crops could be harvested and sold. Danielle was sympathetic to orphans and others in need. However, most had been on the street too long to be well adjusted and did not have good character, and the needs of the manoir had to be her primary consideration. So, before making a selection, whither a child or adult, Danielle made the effort to be certain he/she was the type of person she needed.
The first person Danielle hired was a big muscular young man, twenty years old named Lionel. He was the son of a blacksmith from a small ville. There was not enough work for two blacksmiths in the ville so he had left to seek employment elsewhere. He was a gentle and easy going young man. Still, if necessary, Lionel would also serve as Danielle's bodyguard and protector. To assist and be trained by Lionel, Danielle selected Pierre, a young boy age ten.
Although it hadn't been used in years and needed repairs, the manoir had a blacksmith shop. Lionel primary job would be to restore the blacksmith shop, repair and make new farm tools, and shoe horses. He would have extra time to contract outside work and, after first taking care of the needs of the manoir, Danielle would allow Lionel and Pierre to keep fifty percent of his earnings for outside work. Not much, but it would be a start to making the manoir productive.
Danielle hired Seymour, a mason and carpenter, to direct the work for repair of the buildings and cottages, and later to build new cottages. Seymour was in his forties and due to a hard life and arthritis was unable to do much work. He was able to survive by finding employment doing small jobs. Although, no longer able to do hard work, Seymour had great skills, would prove to be an excellent teacher, and could direct the work of the other servants.
Danielle hired Carissa a widowed seamstress with a seven year daughter named Dori. Carissa, in addition to making the clothes for the servants, was skilled enough to take outside work and could make elaborate gowns. Danielle would allow her to keep forty percent of what she earned.
Danielle hired Varden and his young bride Dominique to manage the vineyard and make wine. Varden was raised on a vineyard. He was the youngest and perhaps the most talented of five brothers. Although, he could have stayed and worked for an older brother, rather than just following orders, he far preferred to make the decisions to manage his own vineyard. He would consider it his vineyard since Danielle allowed him complete decision making authority. Further, Danielle would allow him to keep half of what he sold. The vineyard was in poor shape since it hadn't been cared for in years, but Varden and Dominique would soon have it productive and even enlarge it.
Danielle hired two farmers; a very young single man and the other with a wife and two children. Danielle also selected six children ages nine to fourteen to help and be trained by the farmers. Although the children would receive less, Danielle would let the farmers and children keep half of the crops.
One mistake Rodmilla made was to never put the great stallion out for stud. When her father died, the stallion was extremely fast and had great blood lines. Although, getting up into years, he could still be great so Danielle put him out for stud. After so many years, his fee would only be ten gold francs and few takers. Danielle had learned from her father that a slow mare with great bloodlines produced better than a fast mare from slow bloodlines. Therefore, if the mare had great bloodlines and was not of high value because of injury or a fault where her stallion was strong, Danielle would wave the stud fee in exchange for an option to purchase the colt within the first sixteen month for two-hundred gold francs. Since most of the mares had been sold early for a low price, and most of the owners just wanted another horse, most would take Danielle's offer. In a couple of years, this would prove to be a astute move by Danielle for one of the colts would end up being a very fast stallion worth thousands of gold francs.
After her initial staff was selected, Danielle's first priority was to clean and make repairs to the cabins so her staff would have adequate housing. Later, as she added staff, new cabins would be built. After finishing the cabins, repairs were made on the barn, and blacksmith shop. Then after fences were repaired and replaced, the farmers would start clearing the land in preparation for planting crops. Danielle let the staff know that they were to show respect to Rodmilla and her daughters. However, they were only to take orders from Maurice and herself.
Danielle suspected that when Rodmilla returned she would use every opportunity to take and sell property belonging to the manoir. Since Dori was a very bright girl and inquisitive girl, after Rodmilla returned and moved into her cabin, Danielle asked Dori to watch Rodmilla, whenever she was inside the primary residence and to also keep an eye on Marguerite. To Dori, that was great fun. Under the pretense of visiting her daughters, on the very first time inside the primary residence, Rodmilla, with Dori watching, took an expensive book and hid it in her handbag. Dori immediately told Danielle.
In the presence of Carissa, Dori, Paulette, and Louise, as Rodmilla was leaving, Danielle asked, "Madam, have you taken any property belonging to the manoir?"
"Of course not, I resent the question," Rodmilla replied angrily.
"She put it in her handbag," Dori exclaimed.
"Madam, please hand me your handbag," Danielle ordered.
"I'll do no such thing. You dare take the word of a child over mine?" She barked.
"Madam, you will hand me your handbag, or we will take it by force. Paulette you take Rodmilla's handbag while Louise and I hold her."
"Don't you dare touch me. I am of noble blood," Rodmilla shrieked while Danielle and Louise grabbed her.
"Madam, the book you stole is worth fifteen gold francs. As a penalty, I am taking an equal amount from your handbag. In the future, should any item belonging to the manoir turn up missing, I will take the value of the item from you either in cash or personal property. Furthermore, you must obtain my permission before you are allowed back into the house," Danielle stated firmly.
"You can't do that. I'll take it up with the king," Rodmilla threatened. She was aghast at the idea that she would need Danielle's permission to enter the primary residence, and after Danielle took the fifteen gold francs Rodmilla had very little remaining from the necklace she had sold.
"You may do that. With this many witnesses, I believe the king may find that an even greater punishment would be appropriate," Danielle replied.
After Rodmilla departed, Danielle thrilled and rewarded Dori by giving her one of the fifteen gold francs she had taken from Rodmilla's handbag. Dori was so thrilled that for the next few days she followed Marguerite everywhere. Her constant shadow got on Marguerite's nerves to such an extent that she snapped, "Dori, don't you have something else to do?"
On the third day after she returned, Rodmilla demanded that servants haul and heat water for her baths and carry firewood to heat her cabin. However, it wasn't in the agreement and court decision so Danielle said, "You have two hands. Haul your own water and carry your own firewood."
For three hours each morning, Danielle would teach the children sixteen and under reading, writing, and arithmetic. With lots time on her hands, Jacqueline would often volunteer to assist. Jacqueline discovered that she was both a good teacher and enjoyed teaching so, after a couple of weeks, she took over teaching the children leaving Danielle free for other duties. After school, the children would help the adults.
Most of the time, except when occupied elsewhere, Danielle worked along side of the other servants. This impressed the staff and developed a camaraderie that motivated them to even greater efforts.
Once or twice a week, Danielle would still visit Princess Gabriella. The courage and resourcefulness demonstrated by Danielle was rubbing off on Princess Gabriella. Out from under the domination of her father King Charles V, she became more self-assured and started developing a backbone. In early January she visited home and, after renewing her relationship with the love of her life, refused to return to France. Gabriella told her father that she had not consummated her marriage with Henry and never would. She let King Charles V know that if she was forced to return to France that she would return to Spain and have an affair with the man she loves.
Gabriella wrote and sent a letter by courier to Henry, telling him what she told her father. Henry, in turn, told King Francis that he would respect Princess Gabriella's wishes and if she produced an heir to the throne, it would not be by him.
The actions and words of the Prince and Princess started letters and diplomatic meetings. Discussions included a possible annulment. Nevertheless, it would take months before both Kings would even agree to modify the treaty to eliminate the marriage clause.
Gabriella had told Danielle she was visiting her home but gave no indication that she would not return. So on a nice sunny day in mid February, Danielle visited Hautefort to see if Gabrielle had returned and ran into Henry.
"Your Highness!" Danielle exclaimed.
"Danielle, I need to speak with you. It's about Princess Gabriella," Henry stated.
"Did anything happen? Is she okay?" A concerned Danielle asked.
Henry gently took Danielle's arm and, as he led toward the royal gardens, said, "Come let me explain." When they arrived at the royal gardens, Henry motioned to an aid and said, "This will take a while to explain. Would you like something to eat, wine … hot tea?"
"Maybe some hot tea. What is this about?" Danielle replied with growing apprehension.
"Gabriella is still in Spain."
"When will she be returning?" Danielle asked.
"That's what I need to explain. And, this is very confidential. You are to speak to no one about this," Henry replied.
"Your Highness, please … you are scaring me. Has something happened to Princess Gabriella?"
"As far as I know, Gabriella is fine, but I don't believe she will be returning to France."
"I don't understand, Your Highness", a confused Danielle replied. "She's a princess of France and your wife. How can that be?"
"She never was happy to be forced into this marriage and so our marriage never has been consummated. While in Spain, Gabriella became reacquainted with the man she really loves and refuses to return to France and I support her decision," Henry replied.
"So, what's going to happen?" Danielle asked.
"I believe both kings are very upset. I know my father is. However, other than returning Gabriella by force and keeping her under guard, what can they do? I know there are negotiations taking place but, in the end, I believe they will agree on the marriage being annulled," Henry replied.
After three months, during the first inspection, with the obvious improvements to the manoir and crops being planted, the court had to agree that Danielle had successfully passed her first probation test. Danielle only had twelve gold francs remaining. The others she had spent on food, supplies, seed, and other items necessary for the manoir. There would be little remaining expenses before the crops could start being harvested and sold. The manoir was earning some income from one stud fee, the blacksmith and seamstress, and Danielle could raise extra cash by selling some of her gowns and jewelry she received from Marguerite during the equitable division of personal property directed by Father de l'Orme