GABRIELLE A Historical Fiction Novel of Six Consecutive Granddaughters: 1556 - 1956

By Gabrielle de Courten Myers

"GABRIELLE" means "God is strong"; it is what six related Gabrielles relied on during their life journeys. Their fictional stories are told from cradle to grave spanning four centuries using personal and historical facts. All belonged to the French aristocracy; related privilege afforded them education and wealth but did not prevent them from co

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gabrielle de Courten Myes
• Release date: Aug 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798988569817

Gabrielle de Courten Myers

Gabrielle de Courten Myers, M.D. is from an old Swiss-French stock and has spent much of her adult life in the United States. Before retirement, she had served as Professor of Neuropathology at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio as researcher, teacher and diagnostician. Being knowledgeable about her ancestors reaching far back, she since focused on finding facts about six of her namesake-foremothers. She then took these "skeletons" and wove them into an often-heartbreaking novel. She also provides a glimpse into how a long chain of successive generations influence the next with their life experience and pass on what they, as mothers and grandmothers, deem essential.

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G1

Gabrielle des Essarts 1556-1627

Wood carving from the Renaissance Period

Daughter of CLAUDE Baron des ESSARTS, Seigneur de Thieux, Sormery,Sautour... (1506-1556) and of CHARLOTTE Dame de TAIX (1535-1594)

Married (1571) to LANCELOT, Marquis de SALLO, Seigneur de la Cornetière (1535-1571)

Marie CHARLOTTE Louise, 1572

Married (1576) to CHARLES de TUSSAU, Seigneur de Millanchère and

Maisontiers (1537-1608)

LOUISE, 1578

CHARLES II, 1580

CHARLOTTE-GUYONNE, 1585

BIRTH OF GABRIELLE DES ESSARTS (G1) 1556

Coat of arms of G1’s parents: des Essarts (left) and de Taix (right)

CE QU’ELLE EST BELLE (How beautiful she is)," whispered the young mother who was as white as the fine linen of her bed after an exhausting and extremely painful labor. It was nothing short of a miracle that she and her baby were alive. Charlotte Dame de Taix Baronesse des Essarts had endured more than two days and nights of excruciating contractions and she had bled so much after delivery that she fainted. Yet now, she looked up into the radiant eyes of her husband, who had just been called to see his wife and child. The people in attendance had vacated the room after quickly removing all of the blood- and sweat-trenched sheets and bloody basins. Even so, the luxurious room was still in much disarray and overheated. The new father, Claude Baron des Essarts, Seigneur (Lord) of Thieux, Sormery, Neuvy-Sautour, Taix, Vaulx, Neufville-le-Roi, and other places in France, however, only had eyes for the precious lacy bundle from which emerged a delicate, red face and tiny hands.

Quite perfect, indeed, added the much-relieved father, smiling proudly at his valiant wife and newborn daughter. The baron added gravely, It is truly a miracle that we have this child. You endured such a difficult pregnancy. And now this horrific labor. The doctors hinted more than once that neither you nor the child may survive. The baron turned away so the tears running down his cheeks would not be noticed. He was glad that all the attending ladies had left the room; after all, he was a nobleman, an important landowner, a high military officer, and he had celebrated his fiftieth birthday not long ago. Indeed, there were not many circumstances that brought this man, who was in perfect control of himself, to weep; but the prospect of losing his dear, second wife, a mere twenty-one-year-old, was one of them.

In a low but surprisingly determined voice, Charlotte de Taix said to her husband, "Please, let us call her Gabrielle. This was my late father’s wish before he left for his last battle defending Hesdin against the Holy Roman emperor three years ago. You remember how much he had been humiliated and bruised at the royal court after the death of his king, François I. What a blessing that he had eventually recovered his fighting spirit just before he died in battle for our country. He had asked me to call our first child Gabriel(le) which means God is strong. He explained that he had learned from his traumatic experience not to trust men, but God. He, this committed soldier, had even admitted that love was stronger than might. He had pleaded that especially if we had a girl, to call her Gabrielle because her personal weakness revealed God’s strength even more than in a boy. With visible effort Charlotte continued, I will never forget that during his last adieu (goodbye, literally to God) he asked me not to get hung up on the religious differences that divide Catholics and Protestants but to remember what binds us together, namely being Christians and French. I cannot tell you how much his words have impressed me. After a moment she added, And of course to honor your dear first wife, Gabrielle de Gouffier."

After a moment the baron solemnly said, "This child being alive is indeed God’s work, and it’s because of His strength. Yes, let us call her Gabrielle. In fond memory of your valiant father, of my first wife, and because it means God is strong. We have just witnessed His power. Let us give deep thanks to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. It is a great honor to fulfill the wish of your father, Jehan de Taix, in this way. You know how much I admired him." Charlotte’s eyes were wet and full of gratitude. However, now she was exhausted and sank back into her pillows and soon fell asleep. Her husband left the room quietly waving to a lady to take his place at her bedside.

The baron joined the many ladies, two doctors, and a midwife, who had been present in his noble lady’s bedchamber during labor and delivery. They had been waiting to congratulate the master of the chateau and large estate of Neuvy-Sautour in Yonne, France. His son, François des Essarts, who was only two years younger than his stepmother, was among the waiting group. As the baron approached, everyone bowed.

Claude des Essarts had regained full composure and addressed the group solemnly. "Praise God. My wife and child are alive. We shall call her Gabrielle because it means God is strong. My valiant wife asked for this name in honor of her father, the late Jehan de Taix. It was his last wish to his daughter before he left for battle from where he was not to return. After a brief pause, he added, Of course, Gabrielle is also my dear late wife’s name, Gabrielle de Gouffier. It is also in her honor that we call this little one Gabrielle. It is my fond wish that our daughter be the first, but not the last, to carry this name. Rather, may Gabrielle be passed down for many generations."

Remembering his subject, the baron des Essarts continued, I wish to honor Jehan de Taix and ask of my house to do the same. He was of high birth, born in his ancestral castle of Taix in Sorigny (Touraine, Indre-et-Loire, France) in 1495. Jehan’s father was Almory de Taix who had served in the cabinet of our late kings Louis XI and Charles VIII, and his mother was Françoise de la Ferté, a noble lady. Now looking squarely at his son, he said, "Do you realize that Jehan served our great king François I for thirty years as an officer, military adviser, and constant companion? The two men rode side by side into many battles as the king led most military campaigns himself. In 1530, when the king selected six officers to protect the arrival of his queen, Eleanor d’Autriche, Jehan was among them. A few years later, the king delegated Jehan, with the duke of Mirande, to fight the Holy Roman emperor, Charles Quint. The emperor had devastated the South of our kingdom. Returning after ‘mission accomplished’—he had contributed a cavalry company and much valor in fighting our enemy— the king put Jehan in charge of the entire standing army of noblemen as a colonel. Then the king sent Jehan to Rome as the ambassador to Pope Paul V. When the king heard that everyone wanted Jehan to stay in Rome permanently, praising him as the most accomplished knight in Europe, he recalled Jehan immediately. Again, Jehan played a decisive role in 1544 as commander of our infantry in Provence and then fought the English siege of Boulogne near Calais; that was when the king made Jehan grand maître de l’artillerie (Grand Master of Artillery)."

François was secretly impressed but was unhappy that his stepmother’s father received so much attention. Defiantly, he shot back, What about the scandal that removed Jehan de Taix from court and stripped him of all military honor?

Well, it is about time for a child like you to learn about the abominable injustices of this world, the baron replied somberly. Indeed, Jehan de Taix lost his position as military commander of all French troops. This came about in 1547 after the death of our king, François I, a great loss for Jehan and the entire country. The new king, Henri II, had a mistress who was twenty years older than the young king. Diane de Poitiers’ feelings were hurt when it was rumored that Jehan had joked about her age. Whether this was true or not—you need to know, my son, that envious courtiers coveted Jehan’s position—she achieved Jehan’s dismissal from the royal court and he lost his position as the highest military commander. Bitter about such betrayal and lack of recognition of his lifelong loyal service, he returned to his ancestral estate of Taix in Touraine. Yes, my son, the world can be an ugly place.

JEHAN de TAIX (1495-1553) Grand Maître de l’Artillerie de France (Wikipedia Commons 1546.jpg)

Well, that is Jehan de Taix’ version of the story. But is this what really happened? interposed François.

You judge him wrongly, countered his father. "You forget that I was at the royal court too. I was appointed as the maître d’hôtel du dauphin (in charge of the household of the crown prince, the dauphin) in 1536 when the king’s younger son, Henri, became the dauphin after the death of his older brother, François. Thus, I know this sad story first hand. The baron went on to explain in greater detail, Three years earlier, Prince Henri who was not the dauphin yet, was married to Catherine de Médici. Both were just fourteen years old. The dauphin and dauphine became king and queen only in 1547. Since the prince’s childhood, Diane de Poitiers was his intimate friend, much to the distress of the dauphine, I might add. No wonder that poor Catherine remained childless during the first ten years of her marriage. It must be said, though, that Diane had loved Prince Henri already as a young child. When he entered puberty, she became his mistress and remained in a loving but domineering position of power, especially after Henri became King in 1547. King Henri II fired Jehan de Taix based on a rumor about her age he had supposedly started. Though she was sensitive on this point, the deeper reason was that she systematically eliminated all the trusted men of King François I and replaced them with her own choices. That put me on her chopping block too."

The baron sighed and then added an unexpected turn in Jehan de Taix’ life, Even though Jehan de Taix was approaching sixty years in 1552, he left his estate and followed his military calling once more. He was engaged as officer by the Protestant duke Antoine de Bourbon (the future king of Navarre whose son became the French King Henri IV). With this new warlord, Jehan again fought against the Holy Roman emperor, Charles Quint. Sadly, a year later, Jehan died. It had been his wish to die as a soldier in battle and it happened while he, with his men, defended the embattled town of Hesdin (at the French/Netherlands border). The baron made the sign of the cross and everyone did the same.

Once more, Claude des Essarts spoke. Before Jehan followed the duke into battle, he approached me to offer me his daughter in marriage. Jehan and I had been friends and officers in His Majesty’s service for a long time. When Jehan was treated so shabbily at court, I resigned in protest, though Diane would have fired me anyway. Jehan knew that you, François, had lost your dear mother and I my beloved wife, Gabrielle de Gouffier, several years earlier. Jehan was concerned that his only daughter, the seventeen-year-old Charlotte, would be on her own, should he not return. He must have had a premonition. Charlotte’s mother, Charlotte de Mailly, had died two years earlier at the age of fifty years, leaving two children, fifteen-year-old Charlotte and their son, Guillaume de Taix, a priest. Jehan knew that his son would be unable to look after his sister because he had entered a cloistered convent. Thus, just before his departure, Jehan de Taix blessed our marriage.

Looking his son squarely in his eyes, he asked him, Now, you, my son, you are nearly a grown man. Whatever happens, I count on you to always protect my wife and this little child of ours. Can you promise me that?

Yes, Father, came the prompt, sincere, and forceful answer. Then, he asked, "Please tell us what was your role as maître d’hôtel du dauphin."

The baron obliged him. "In this position at the royal court, either at the royal palace of Fontainebleau or the Louvre in Paris, I was in charge of running the entire complicated household of the dauphin and the dauphine. I made all of the purchases for the kitchen, and I purchased clothing and furnishings for the dauphin and his wife. I planned everyday activities in concert with the king’s schedule, and I hired and fired the staff assigned to this household. I also assured a close cooperation with the much bigger royal household. Thus, I was directly responsible to the maître d’hôtel du roi and to the king himself. It was stressful as I was blamed for everything that went wrong. And, complicating matters, Diane was always in the picture. It was she who really held the rein; therefore, I had to please her too. Yet, I loved my work because I could serve my beloved king, François I, whom I admired boundlessly. You, François, have been named after my adored king. Now, please get ready for the baptism of baby Gabrielle." François des Essarts had learned an important lesson. From then on, he was more courteous and respectful toward his young stepmother and he became very fond of his little sister.

Gabrielle des Essarts (G1) was baptized the same evening of her birth. G1’s world at the château de Neuvy-Sautour was quite perfect. Yet, it would not last...

G1 LEARNS ABOUT HER FAMILY

1560

Four-year-old G1 wanted to know, "Maman (mummy, mom), why don’t I have a papa (daddy)?"

"Gabrielle, you had a marvelous papa, and your brother François is like a daddy to you. Sadly, when you were still a little baby, your dear papa died. He fell from his horse—it got spooked—and he could no longer move his legs afterward. Only a few weeks later, he died and is now with God. He was only fifty years old."

But is fifty not very, very old? interposed G1.

He was no longer a young man, but he was not old. He was strong, good, and just, and I loved him very, very much, sighed her mother, Charlotte de Taix, whose eyes had become wet.

More than you love me? came a little anxious voice.

"No, no. You see, my heart has a lot of room. For you, your papa, your brother François, my parents who are your grandparents, my brother Guillaume de Taix, and still others. Your grandparents have died and are with God, just like your papa. Your uncle Guillaume is alive, though; he is a priest and lives in the convent of Basse-Fontaine in Champagne-Ardenne, far away. You also have an aunt, Françoise des Essarts, who lives in Paris and is married to Antoine Damencourt and they have a daughter, Jeanne; she is your only cousin. You will meet them some day. First of all, you have your big brother François. He will be home again in a few weeks. That will be so nice." Little G1 clapped her hands joyously. She was very fond of her brother. But, G1 was not yet satisfied; she wanted to know who her grandparents were.

Her maman suggested, "Come, we go to the grand salon (ballroom) where the portraits are and I will show you. There, Charlotte pointed out a knight in a dark armor. This was your papa."

Little G1 backed away and said shyly, Why does he have that metal clothing on?

He wore it only for battle and when he was painted for the portrait. Look at his eyes. They are so gentle and good. Moving to another portrait, Charlotte explained, "This was your grandfather, your papa’s father, Antoine III des Essarts, Seigneur of Thieux. Can you read the numbers under his name?"

One, four, eight, zero and one five, five, four. What do they mean?

They are the year when he was born and when he died. You see, he died two years before you were born. What year are we now?

I am four, stammered G1, sensing that this was not the right answer.

"We are now in the year 1560, and this was your grandmother, your papa’s maman, Pérrine de Menou (1485-1557).

She is beautiful. Was she a princess?

"She was a noble lady and when she was painted, she was twenty years old—just after she was married to grandfather Antoine on January 2, 1505. Our family des Essarts comes from a place far from here called Brittany; its land sticks out far into the ocean. Your papa was born a year later and he had only one sister. And here is the picture of François’ mother, Gabrielle de Gouffier, who gave the estate of Sautour to your father where you were born and where we still live. Over here is my father, Jehan de Taix (1495-1553)."

I like him, exclaimed little G1.

Charlotte de Taix continued, And this was my mother, your grandmother, Charlotte de Mailly, who lived from 1500-1550.

G1 had lost interest and asked to play outside. Charlotte nodded her agreement and then turned away to wipe away tears. She missed her husband and parents but did not want G1 to see her pain. She tried hard to be a joyful mother to G1 in spite of her great losses. She, together with François, succeeded in providing a happy, protected childhood and a thorough education for G1.

THE CIVIL WAR COMES CLOSE

1569

G1, now a thirteen-year-old girl, queried her big brother, François, in an accusatory tone. Why do you go to war against the Huguenots? François explained somewhat impatiently that it was not his choice but his king’s and that he did not have the luxury to question it. Yet, G1 was not ready to drop the subject. What is it that makes the Huguenots so heretic that the king has them killed by the thousands?

François was clearly uncomfortable but he answered his little beloved sister more patiently recognizing that she had a right to an honest answer. Overall, our Roman Catholic church has implemented Jesus Christ’s teachings well. Nonetheless, there has been abuse especially by the church’s highest leadership. Because the pope offers indulgences that can be purchased with much money, the rich can readily receive forgiveness for their sins. Martin Luther, a monk, was especially offended by this obvious injustice, and he eventually broke with the Roman Catholic church and founded the Protestant movement. Other reformers followed, including Jean Calvin in Geneva whose preaching is followed by the French Huguenots. We Catholics have seven sacraments, but the Huguenots recognize only two of them, baptism and communion. They reject the sale of indulgences, confession, pilgrimages, prayers to Saints, and the Mass. Personally, I disagree with purchased indulgences but I want to keep the other sacraments. What about you?

G1 agreed but gravely added, Why can’t we just let people choose the religion they like? Why do we have to kill them?

Easy for you to say, little Lady. I deplore the bloodshed too, but we men have to obey our king, no matter what.

Shortly after this exchange, François and G1’s new stepfather, René Comte (Count or Earl) de Sansal, left Sautour to join with their troops in the king’s army. G1’s mother had remarried a year earlier—much to G1’s distress. Upon the death of G1’s father, Claude des Essarts had left his estates to his two children, François and Gabrielle (G1). The ancestral estate of Thieux and other places went to François and G1 inherited the estate of Sautour. G1’s mother had been given use-and-possession rights to Sautour, where they lived, but it was François who administered the chateau and estate of Sautour for his sister. Sautour—originally spelled saule tour (willow-tower)—was defended by a Medieval fortress built by earlier owners. It was located near the walled town of Neuvy at the junction of the French regions of Île de France, Burgundy, and Champagne about one hundred fifty kilometers east of Paris.

A few weeks later, G1 ventured into the fields where the workers harvested wheat to bring them a lunch of bread, cheese, water, and wine. She had packed everything into baskets that were loaded onto a donkey. After a hot walk at midday, she reached the work crew who greeted her with grateful warmth. As she distributed the welcome food and drink, she heard the faint ringing of a bell. Was it already vesper, time for the evening prayer? No, the sun stood high in a bright sky. Then she heard a faint thundering sound and the little bell seemed to ring even more urgently. She saw in the far distance that the main tower of their chateau had hissed the flag of their family and the one of the kings of France.

G1 realized this was the signal of imminent danger and that she and the workers needed to reach the fortified chateau immediately. The thundering sound grew louder still, so she shouted to the foreman for everyone to run inside the fortress. G1 grabbed two small children who had been playing under the shade of a tree, placed them into the empty baskets on the donkey, and hurried toward home. Everyone joined her, and the group soon reached another field where they spread the message to flee to the fortress. At that moment, over a rolling hill, a large group of soldiers appeared with long spears followed by carts with canons and cavalry flanking them. They carried a flag that G1 did not recognize. Panicked, the growing group of workers with G1 began to run even faster toward the castle, though it was still far away. Fortunately, the military troops paid no attention to the fleeing group of field workers.

When they reached the chateau, they had become a sizable group; many others had joined them from all directions. They shouted and screamed when they saw that the draw bridge was already pulled up. Where could they get in? The large moat posed a formidable obstacle. One of the archers high up on the main tower shouted and pointed toward the back where a narrow pedestrian bridge still enabled entry. Helping each other, they all quickly went over it and gained safety behind the thick walls of the fortress.

As they entered, the women and children were directed to go inside the main tower. The men were handed weapons and directed to defensive places. They reached via the inside staircases the top of the fortification walls, or the catwalk under the roof of one of the four corner-towers and of the main round tower. They took up their respective positions behind blinds. Those standing at the highest points reported the positions of the invading troops and the directions of their movement.

G1 rushed up the stairs to her mother’s room; Charlotte de Taix had been resting because she had been quite ill. G1 gave her a quick hug and told her about the approaching troops. I know, sighed her mother. Then she instructed G1 in an urgent and sober tone, "Gabrielle, you have to handle this. You know your stepfather and brother are away and I am ill. You need to meet with the leader of the approaching troops and find out where he goes and what he needs. Try to accommodate them the best you can. Otherwise, they will burn, loot, and destroy the entire countryside leaving all of us to starve. May God be with you. Remember, Gabrielle means God is strong. It does not matter that you are weak." Exhausted, Charlotte de Taix sank back into her pillows and closed her eyes with hands folded in prayer.

First, G1 thought her mother must be joking, but that was clearly not the case. Though doubtful she would be up to this mission, she was also honored that her beloved maman entrusted her with such an important task. She sank to her knees, prayed briefly, and then took off her work apron. G1 pushed resolutely back her long dark hair and went downstairs to the inside court. The old chief butler had a horse ready for her. While she was mounting the horse, people were saying, May God be with you, our young Lady. Two heavily armed senior servants followed her on horseback over the main bridge that had been lowered just moments earlier.

The commander of the invading troops was atop a black stallion a short distance from the far end of the bridge. His soldiers stood in formation behind him; his army was massive; they stretched as far as she could see.

Greetings. I am Gabrielle des Essarts. What can we do for you? was G1’s greeting in a loud voice.

The commander was neither prepared for such a kind greeting—he was used to hostility in this Catholic land—nor to be met by a young girl. He was expecting to encounter strong opposition because his troops were to join the forces of the French Protestants. Where is your father? We are fighting for the Protestant cause, replied the commander in broken French.

We are Catholics who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior. Do Protestants believe the same? When the commander nodded, G1 continued, Then you are our brothers in Christ because faith in Jesus unites us. Now tell me, who are you and what do you need? We will do our best to provide it.

I am Wolfgang von Bayern (of Bavaria) and we pass through this land of Burgundy to join in the fight with the admiral de Coligny for the Protestant cause. Right now, however, we need food and drink and a place to spend the night. I am here with five hundred men. Why is it that a young maiden speaks for this castle?

I can give you food for five hundred men tonight and tomorrow morning. Our village is without occupants currently because everyone from our estate is here in our fortress. Your men can sleep in their huts, or you can raise tents in the fields, which have been harvested. The huts might be better as we may get a heavy thunderstorm. Gabrielle pointed to the west where threatening, dark clouds towered. She continued, "I am representing the castle because my stepfather, René Comte de Sansal, and my brother, François Baron des Essarts, are away to fight for the Catholic cause. You might meet them in battle... My mother is ill and, therefore, there was only I to greet you. She added more softly, Ich bitte Euch, vorlieb zu nehmen mit dem was wir geben koennen und unser Land und unsere Leute zu schonen (I beg you to be content with what we can give you and to spare our land and people)."

Surprised, the German asked, "Ihr sprecht Deutsch? Wie kommt das? Sicher, ich gebe Euch mein Ehrenwort, dass meine Leute sich ehrenhaft verhalten werden (You speak German!? How come? Surely, I give you my word of honor that my men will behave responsibly)."

"Ich hatte eine deutsche Erzieherin. Sie war Protestantin und war mir sehr lieb (I had a German governess who was a Protestant and I loved her very much), explained G1, and then continuing in French added, I thank you with all my heart. My people will bring out bread, cheese, meat, milk, water, and wine immediately. We will bake during the night so that you will have bread for every soldier tomorrow. And then go on in God’s name." With these words, G1 turned her horse around and went back to the fortress, followed by her astonished servants.

What was it that the two had discussed in German? Was it possible that their little lady had resolved this dangerous situation so quickly? Before G1 slid down from her horse, she told her people briefly what she had learned and what she had promised. Then she ordered them to bring as much food and drink as they could to the gate. She asked them to eat very little themselves so as to have enough for the troops and to prepare more food during the night. Her armed men should bring the goods to the other side of the bridge and never leave the gate unprotected.

Yet, when G1 wanted to go to her mother, the servants blocked her way, wanting to know more about what had transpired. So, G1 told them that the foreign troops were from Bavaria for the Protestant cause and that the commander had given her his word of honor that his men would abstain from looting and be respectful of their land. But we too have to do our part of the bargain, G1 finished sternly. Everyone cheered. She went to her mother to tell her all about her first official mission.

Well done, my dear daughter. I am proud of you, was her mother’s praise.

Soon, food baskets, buckets of water and milk, and barrels of beer and wine were brought across the bridge where the commander and his officers distributed them to their men. Before sun down was the onset of a heavy thunderstorm. The troops had retired in the village, and everything was calm. Early the next morning, food and drink were brought across the bridge. The soldiers all behaved respectfully, and soon the troops continued their westward journey. Now, the villagers who had been within the castle’s walls, started to return to their homes. The solders had indeed been reverential; no major damage had been done to their homes or the fields. After attending a Mass to give thanks to God for this terrible threat to have passed without devastating them, they resumed their work and calm was restored to the chateau.

When G1’s stepfather returned, he was outraged that G1 had addressed a Protestant as brother in Christ. These are heretics and traitors of our religion! shouted the count. You bring shame on this house! Fortunately, G1’s brother was home too, which was unusual for he was not fond of the count de Sansal and avoided being home when he was present.

François intervened angrily, In the house of my stepmother, it is I who judge the actions of my sister. And I approve of what she did. She saved our estate from ruination with her courageous actions. And you are a fanatic! Extremists like you are responsible for a lot of bloodshed and behave shamefully as Christians.

Enough, interposed G1’s mother. Please, no warfare here. I beg you for peace.

What do you understand of war? sneered the count and left the room. It was not going to be the last disagreement on the subject of religion in this and many other houses.

G1, confused, asked her brother to tell her how such deep religious divisions had come about. We live in turbulent times since reformers, such as Martin Luther and Jean Calvin, have parted ways with our Roman Catholic church. Unfortunately, bitter religious civil wars here and all over Europe have ensued. Under the leadership of our regent, Catherine de Médici, the widow of King Henri II, governing for and with her son François II, and since his death, with Charles IX, a peaceful coexistence has fallen apart. The Catholic church and its faction among the rulers— especially the dukes de Guise of Loraine working closely together with the Spanish king, Philippe II, who is the son of the emperor Charles Quint— are bitterly fighting the Protestant Huguenots. François sighed and continued, The number of Huguenots have increased rapidly. A sizable fraction of our French population is Protestant by now, causing staunch Catholics to feel threatened and, sadly, unspeakable atrocities are being committed, which is pouring oil on the fire. I do not know where this will end, concluded François darkly.

A VERY YOUNG BRIDE

1571

A year later, in 1570, G1 was taken by her brother to the capital, Paris, where she was introduced to the high noble society. G1 was invited to stay at an elegant hôtel (large, private house in a city or town) in the center of Paris, belonging to Aunt Sophie, a distant cousin of her late father. Aunt Sophie was a rich widow in her thirties. Though G1 had been outfitted with new clothing at home, her aunt thought them to be too provincial, so she took G1 to a tailor who made her gorgeous dresses in the latest Parisian fashion. Then, she introduced G1 to many of her acquaintances. Sophie was pleased to take G1 under her wing because G1’s young and fresh face and lovely appearance caused many gentlemen to look her way, and by extension, also at Sophie. Sophie welcomed such attention for she wished to remarry. Thus, Sophie invited G1 to elegant teas and took her to many theater, opera, and concert performances during her visit.

At first, G1’s new life appeared to be a marvelous dream. Everything was so different and exciting. The education that her maman had provided her paid off. G1 was reserved but not shy, and she was confident and knew how to behave and talk in high society settings. The culmination was when her brother, François Baron des Essarts, introduced her to the queen and other high-ranking ladies at the royal court in Fontainebleau. This was a great honor granted only to high-ranking nobility. Her brother, at the age of 33, had become a senior officer in the royal cavalry, in charge of guarding the king and was a frequent visitor at the royal court. The king of France, Charles IX, trusted François and called on him often for advice regarding the religious wars that flared up in his kingdom frequently, fueled by religious intolerance and hatred and resulting from many atrocities committed on both sides. Extremist Catholics regarded the Huguenots as heretics, therefore believing it was their duty to eradicate Protestants, while Protestants fought for their religious freedom and for the right to merely exist. However, when François introduced G1 at the court, the dark clouds of civil war were far away, and François was proud to show off his beautiful little sister. She was in awe of the fine palace all the exquisitely dressed people and the wonderful entertainment. G1 was noticed by many, and François soon received requests for her hand in marriage. However, after her memorable day at the royal court, homesickness caught up with G1, and she longed for her maman and the down-to-earth life at Sautour. After a month in Paris, G1 was tired of having to be constantly on her best behavior. She was glad to return to the simpler and more meaningful rural life, and her maman awaited her with open arms.

Among the suitors was Lancelot Marquis de Sallo, who was particularly eager to marry G1. His family possessed an estate on the île de Ré (island of Re) called la Cornetière (or Grainetière) near La Rochelle, a Protestant stronghold. His parents were Jacques Marquis de Sallo and Marie de Maynard, Dame de la Bouchardière in Burgundy, not far from Sautour. The couple felt lonely on their isolated estate surrounded on all sides by the sea, and their only child was rarely at home. Lancelot was always in Paris serving at the royal court as adviser to the king. For this reason, they urged Lancelot to marry and give them a daughter-in-law and grandchildren. At the age of thirty-five, Lancelot agreed that it was time for him to have a family, and he found G1 charming. Thus, he made several visits to Sautour. G1 was flattered by the gallant attention Lancelot paid her and the glittering gifts of jewelry he gave her. Also, since her maman had remarried, G1 felt she was in her stepfather’s way, and he was motivating her to go away.

However, her mother had grave misgivings about this suitor, and she tried to caution G1. When François arrived with Lancelot again in Sautour, Charlotte de Taix voiced her concerns with her stepson in private. Lancelot has no warmth for Gabrielle and shows little respect for her, she complained. He treats her like a doll, and he does not seem to be really interested in her— he makes no effort to know her. I am also worried because his attention seems always in the direction of men and boys. G1 will not be happy with him. I knew Lancelot’s mother and I did not like her a bit, nor her family. Though, I must admit, she may have changed; I have not seen them in years.

"Do you realize that Lancelot is one of the chevaliers du roi (the king’s knights), a title given by the king to his most trusted advisers? François argued and added that the de Sallos were one of the most prominent and highest-ranking families in France and very rich. Gabrielle could not make a better marriage," concluded François. His mind was made up, and he made it clear to his stepmother that there was no room for reconsideration. G1’s marriage to Lancelot was to be arranged.

Charlotte thought it wise not to bring the subject up again, and she no longer shared her apprehension with G1 because she did not dare interfere with François’ decision. François, being G1’s closest male relative, was responsible for G1 and had the final say. Charlotte had to accept his decision even if it broke her heart. Charlotte knew François wanted only the best for G1, but she realized that he was also conflicted because his career benefited from such a well-connected brother-in-law. This was the reason François ignored Lancelot’s bad reputation as being a homosexual, short tempered, and at times, abusive even though he had witnessed some of it himself.

François and Lancelot pursued their goal and G1 was engaged to be married in 1571. G1 was not overly happy, but it reassured her that some of her friends were jealous because she was to become a marquise, and very rich. The preparations for her marriage and her dowry kept G1 and her maman very busy. Yet, as the day of the marriage approached, more and more doubts crept into G1’s mind. G1 and her mother studied a map of France and when G1 saw how far from Sautour the île de Ré was, she began to cry and all of her misgivings surfaced. Charlotte de Taix had a hard time consoling her daughter and reassured her that in spite of the great distance, they would be able to visit and exchange letters and that God would be with her always.

Map of France with marks of G1’s (current and future) family estates and a royal residence. Relative to Paris they are:

North: THIEUX – des Essarts

South: FONTAINEBLEAU– royal palace

South East : NEUVY SAUTOUR – des Essarts

South West : TAIX – de Taix

Farther Southwest : MAISONTIERS – de Tussau

West Coast : ÎLE DE RÉ, La CORNETIERE – de Sallo

G1 wanted to back out from her engagement, but François would have none of it and insisted she trust him. G1’s mother continued to keep her doubts to herself in deference to François’ wishes. As her closest male relative, he—not she—was in charge. The day of the wedding ceremony approached swiftly. The evening before this life-changing day, Charlotte could not prevent herself from weeping with her only child. Charlotte felt badly for making G1’s departure so hard. Her mother’s tears were in fact reassuring to G1 because they showed her how much her maman loved her. Her mother’s assurance that G1 would always be welcome at home no matter what happened gave her the strength to proceed with her marriage vows.

A DISASTROUS MARRIAGE

1571

The new union’s coat of arms: de Sallo (left) and des Essarts (right)

At fifteen, G1 was married in Sautour in a quiet ceremony attended only by close relatives. Her barely audible "Volo (I do)" did not take away her doubts but at least the uncertainty. Yet, soon G1 thought she had made a monumental mistake because Lancelot’s previously courteous attention had turned into cold rejection. Actually, no one seemed happy including François, who had pushed for this union with so much energy. But now, there was no turning back. Lancelot insisted they depart the following morning fearing the new marquise de Sallo would annul their marriage. Thus, G1 found herself on the long journey to the île de Ré with Lancelot and his parents. The goodbye had been very hard for G1 when she hugged her beloved maman and adored brother for the last time. Other than G1, who could not suppress her tears, everyone else was stoic; those who remained wished the young couple and G1’s new parents-inlaw a bon voyage and adieu and waved until the carriage disappeared from view.

Directly following the wedding ceremony, Lancelot’s behavior toward G1 still lacked warmth and deteriorated more and more. He became exigent, ill-tempered, snappy, and he ignored G1 for long periods of time. G1 was taken aback, but knowing that her husband was a high officer, she thought he was occupied with important business and did not want to disturb him. She tried to focus on the ever-changing scenery she saw through the small dirty window of the carriage, and the views filled G1 with wonder and excitement. Yet, the long silence that filled the carriage was hard for G1 to bear; Lancelot’s parents did not say much. She who had been on friendly terms with everyone who worked at their estate, was told never to talk to any servant unless she required something. More and more often, G1 wiped away a tear that ran down her cheek.

After three long weeks of travel, they arrived at the port town of La Rochelle, and all the luggage was transferred onto various boats. After a short boat ride, they were met by yet another carriage and several farm wagons that took them to the de Sallo estate. After less than an hour’s ride, G1 saw her new home for the first time. She had imagined it to be a beautiful palace overlooking the sea, but what she saw was a grim, forbidding, gray fortress. Was this going to be her home? Her heart sank. The inside will be nice and friendly, G1 consoled herself. But, though luxurious, the residence was dark and cold, and the servants had no smiles—no signs that they were glad their masters had returned. There was no welcome for the young marquise. Instead, G1 was beckoned by a silent maid to follow her up a spiral staircase.

When they arrived on the second floor, the maid opened a door with a large key and stepped aside for G1 to enter. A small window offered a gorgeous view of the sea. The room was large but spartanly outfitted with a large bed, a table with a wooden chair, and a big armoire. But the room was devoid of curtains around the bed or on the window, and the wooden floor was not covered by carpet. Well, this will change, G1 reassured herself, thinking of the wealth of beautiful materials her mother had so carefully chosen for her dowry. She was told to freshen up for dinner—the first words spoken to her. A pot with water, soap, a basin, and some towels lay on a bedside table with a chamber pot underneath, and some of her luggage was brought in. G1 took off her travel dress and washed herself while the maid left. Soon, G1 heard a gong and the maid poked her head through the door to tell G1 to go downstairs to the dining hall. Can you help me with my dress, please? G1 managed to say before the maid disappeared.

Dinner was served in a large hall, dimly lit by a chandelier and a few candles on the walls. The cavernous room had a long wooden table, and many of the portraits that hung on the walls appeared ghostly in the flickering candle light. The table was set for four. Father and son each pulled a chair and their ladies sat down. The young and old couple ate a quick supper in silence. What would happen now? G1, who had expected a celebration, saw no guests, musicians, or preparations for any type of evening entertainment.

Indeed, when the dinner was finished, Lancelot indicated he would go and sleep in his own room and he dryly wished her a good night. G1’s heart sank even more. Would her life now be without music, friends, and entertainment? And when would Lancelot consummate their marriage? Lancelot had told her still in Sautour that he wanted to wait until they were home. His parents took their leave soon after Lancelot, and G1 returned to her room guided by the same maid, who left a burning candle on her table and disappeared without a word. Yet, a quick smile had briefly lit up her young face. G1 was a bit encouraged but mainly bewildered. First, she opened the window and listened to the rhythmic sound of the sea and smelled the damp, salty air. Everything was so different from her old home and she felt abandoned. Tears came… After a while, she took her candle and went exploring. Yet, because everything was so dark and silent, she soon returned to her room, undressed and went to bed. After a short prayer and more tears, she went to sleep tired and sad.

The next morning the sun woke her early; she dressed and went outside. There were beautiful, fragrant pine woods and the deserted sandy shore was animated by gentle waves coming in and going out endlessly. G1 found this fascinating. Bye and bye, G1 got used to her new environment. She tried hard to find anything positive in her new home but found it incredibly difficult. Only the beautiful nature around her enchanted her, and she found new strength whenever she could go on a long walk. However, homesickness overcame her more and more.

Every evening, expecting Lancelot would join her, G1 put on the embroidered white nightgown her mother had made for what her mother had described as a most blissful experience. It took several days and a stern reminder by Lancelot’s mother until finally Lancelot visited G1 at night to consummate their marriage. But there was no bliss, only pain and humiliation. Lancelot was impatient and performed intercourse without any tenderness. G1 was hurt; she felt violated, dirty, and she cried for days. Night after night, Lancelot visited G1 to continue to treat her crudely and hurtfully. When G1 complained to him he sneered, Did I ever claim to love you? I must do this so that you can give me an heir. After I return to Paris, no one will bother you.

In her distress, G1 tried to get help from Marie de Maynard, her mother-in-law. However, in her eyes, her son could do no wrong and was absolutely perfect. She declared G1 homesick and asked her to get over it. No help could be expected from her father-in-law either, for he was very distant, nor from the servants who were not allowed to interact with her. Next, G1 tried to receive help from the priest who came for daily Mass. During confession, she complained about her husband’s treatment of her. The result was being hit on the side of her head and the stern command that she had to obey him in all things. Then she tried to talk to her maid in the privacy of her room when she brought her breakfast, made her bed, and cleaned the chamber pot and the floor. G1 sensed her to be well meaning, and she seemed to be suffering herself. Yet, whenever G1 talked to her, the maid only put her finger over her mouth indicating that they were not to speak. Tacitly, however, the two young women had compassion for the other’s pain and suffering.

Even still, G1 sank deeper and deeper into depression and things got worse. G1 loved the outdoors and was used to daily walks she also took on the île de Ré. These daily early morning outings were the only respite she found in her new home. However, when her husband and his mother became aware of her long absences, they found such behavior unbecoming and forbid her to leave the chateau alone. Because these walks were so important to her, G1 began to sneak outside whenever she thought no one was paying attention, often very early in the morning. When she was caught, G1’s in-laws literally imprisoned her, threatening severe punishment if she should attempt to sneak out again, and the staff was warned that anyone who would help her would suffer the punishment of flagellation.

G1 protested. How can you treat me like a criminal? I am a noble lady and I demand respect!

Only if you behave as a lady. I have complete power over you. I can kill you if I so choose, was Lancelot’s heartless response. G1’s days and nights were now filled with tears. The only improvement was when Lancelot left for Paris and her nightly humiliation and torture ceased; but her imprisonment continued under the watchful eye of her mother-in-law.

Facing such terrible conditions, G1 wrote urgently to her mother and brother for help. She had also been much concerned that she had not received any mail after initial letters. The reason was all of the letters for her and by her were apprehended by her husband and, after his departure, by her mother-in-law. G1, deeply depressed, barely ate, lost weight, and her rosy cheeks gone. She spent her days locked in her room staring out the window, writing in a journal, needle stitching, and reading the books she had brought—there were no other books available to her at la Cornetière. She was allowed to come out of her room only twice a day—first for morning Mass in the chateau’s chapel and second, to join her parents-in-law for dinner— always guarded by her maid. None of the staff was allowed to talk to her, and the old couple dined alone in silence. No friends, no invitations, no music, no celebrations, no joy.

After nearly three months had gone by in what resembled solitary confinement, G1 awoke from the stupor her depression and isolation had put her in. It came about thanks to a nun who came to visit the de Sallos. This nun had been sent by the priest who had seen G1 fall into deep despair, and he regretted his earlier lack of compassion for her. Of course, G1 was not present as she was locked in her room. When the nun asked specifically to see her to pray with her, the parents offered excuses. But the nun insisted and finally G1 was summoned. Having no possibility to speak to G1 in private, the nun gave her hope, nonetheless, by praying for divine strength and assurance that God extended help to all his children, provided they were brave and tried to help themselves.

After this encounter, G1 realized that no outside help would ever come and that it was up to her to find a way out of this terrible situation. She began to study all aspects of her prison, in particular the details of the outside wall under her window. This route was foreboding because it was a bare stone wall more than six meters high. Was it possible to climb down? Her room was locked at all times. Thus, escaping via the spiral staircase required overpowering the maid who was much stronger than G1 and she would call for help right away. Could she obtain her support? G1 rejected the idea immediately because she did not want to risk the life of the one person who was kind to her. The wall seemed to be the only way.

Now, G1 developed a plan. First, she started training by climbing the similarly bare, rough stone walls inside of her room and she resumed eating. Having been athletic before her marriage, she regained strength quickly and soon she was able to go up and down her walls using the least outcrop to hold on with her hands and bare feet. Yet, she had to be most secretive so as not to rouse any suspicion. Whenever she heard steps approaching, she dashed immediately to the chair near the window and by the time the big key was turning, she was quietly reading, writing, or needle stitching. No one became suspicious. She also realized that she needed to feign submission in order to achieve greater freedom. Thus, instead of not saying a word during dinner, she started to politely ask her parents-in-law about their day and what was going on in the world. Soon enough, Marie de Maynard became convinced G1 had surrendered, and she allowed her to go outside occasionally, but only in the company of servants she fully trusted. On these outings she became familiar with the island and learned where the port was that linked with the mainland.

In the meantime, G1’s maman became more and more concerned. She received several letters from G1. However, she had grave doubts that they were written by her daughter because G1 never wrote such meaningless notes and her handwriting was not quite right either. Alarmed, Charlotte de Taix wrote to her stepson and to her husband. Yet, both did not take her alarm seriously and attributed her worries to those of an overly protective mother. Deep down, Charlotte knew something was seriously wrong. Thus, she hastily made arrangements to visit her daughter without announcing her plan to anyone, even the de Sallos. An invitation to a wedding at a chateau on the way to G1 served as an excuse for her travel; she chose to travel light with only an accompanying lady and a coachman. The long journey was difficult and excruciatingly slow for the anxious mother. Her coachman tried his best to go as fast and as far as his tired horses were able day after day. In a record ten days, Charlotte de Taix reached the seaside port of La Rochelle from which the île de Ré could be reached by a short boat ride.

By coincidence, intuition, or an answer to her urgent prayers, G1 decided to attempt her escape the same night her mother arrived in La Rochelle. It was a cold but brightly moonlit night when G1—clothed in an old riding outfit that made her look like a boy—climbed nimbly down the sheer wall below her window. When she reached the ground, she sat for a moment to catch her breath before making her way to a draw bridge over the moat. She had timed it perfectly when the bridge was lowered for deliveries that arrived before dawn. G1 made sure the guard had returned to his cottage. Light and quiet like a cat, G1 crossed the bridge and disappeared behind nearby bushes. Just in time, because in the distance she heard a cart approaching with deliveries for the chateau. As soon as the cart entered the courtyard, G1—shivering in the cold air—walked briskly in the direction of the port. She had no precise idea how she would get across to the mainland, but she trusted that God would guide her.

G1 hoped she had a few hours before her absence would be noticed. It was imperative that she leave the island before the de Sallos alerted the people on the island of her escape. She hoped they would initially assume she was hiding somewhere within the chateau; no one would suspect she could climb down the exterior wall. She walked, and then ran, as fast as she could, and two hours later, she arrived at the port. The sun was up by then, and fishermen were pulling their boats and cargo from the water. Looking around, she saw an old man sitting near a small, sturdy boat. She approached him and asked if he could give her a ride across to the mainland. Then she added, "My father sends me; he needs medication for my mother who is suffering." She imitated the local dialect she heard from the servants.

Surprised, the man looked at her suspiciously and told her to repeat herself—he was hard of hearing. When she shouted her request into his ear, he understood and thought to recognize her as a local lad. He nodded and said he would charge his father for it later. She helped the man push the little boat deeper into the water and jumped in herself once the man sat at the oars. Fortunately, the man, being hard of hearing, precluded any talk. The tide was coming in, which made the crossing quite short. G1 was let off at a small pier in the big port of La Rochelle. She thanked the man and quickly disappeared into a crowd at the fish market.

First, G1 went into the nearest church to thank God for her success at getting out of the chateau alive and reaching the mainland. But what would she do now? As her anxiety grew, she noted two women praying in another pew in the otherwise deserted church. Looking at them more closely, she started to weep because one of the ladies resembled her mother. Believing that such a strong resemblance could only mean that God had put this lady onto her path to help her, G1 silently slid out of her pew and sat close to the foreign ladies. They noticed her and looked at her in puzzlement.

Gabrielle? murmured one of the ladies.

"Maman!" G1 cried. Indescribable was the joy that mother and daughter experienced at this unexpected encounter. G1 told her mother and her mother’s companion in a low voice why she was in La Rochelle dressed like a boy and about the hardship she had endured.

Then, the burning question of what to do next took center stage. How could they get G1 out of the clutches of the de Sallos? Other people had entered the church, so they could no longer speak freely. They knelt and prayed silently but most intently to thank God for this miraculous meeting and to grant them a way out. Charlotte motioned to G1 to leave the church. Outside she told her they would go to her inn and resume talking there. G1 followed Charlotte de Taix and her companion several steps behind to the waiting equipage. At the inn, Charlotte got her room key from the concierge and told him she had an errand for the young lad. The three ladies went to Charlotte’s room and disappeared inside.

Both mother and daughter wanted nothing more than to return home to Sautour immediately. But they knew this would be no lasting solution for the terrible problem they faced. G1’s husband and mother-in-law would force her to return, and her imprisonment would be even worse. Even though G1 was a noble lady with substantial wealth of her own and was supported by a powerful brother, there was no doubt that her husband would prevail. They resumed praying. Suddenly, her maman asked if G1 had had a menstrual period lately. Puzzled, G1 answered she had only had one period early on since