De Laval Residence
Paris, Kingdom of France
“What now?”
Marcus shook his head as they watched Lord Gaspard led away in irons, no dignity permitted by the King’s Personal Guard, the intention clearly to humiliate. Whatever came of the charges, Gaspard’s reputation would be sullied, perhaps permanently, convincing Marcus even more that this entire exercise was to remove four barriers to war from the King’s Court.
And his only proof was several German coins found in the possession of men who could never tell their stories.
He turned to Simon. “I suggest we dismiss this ridiculous notion of male heirs, and return to our previous theory that someone is trying to end the truce with Flanders.”
Sir Denys turned his back to the humiliation, clearly flustered by what he had just witnessed, the sobbing staff gathered in the courtyard not helping. “I want to know why I’ve been drawn into this. We still have no explanation for why someone went to all the trouble to hire and train an imposter, seduce me, then accuse Lady Joanne falsely of the same crime as these others. No imposters were involved there, as far as we know.”
Marcus agreed. “No, in fact, I doubt any crime actually occurred there.”
Simon’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
“Think about it, this story of the husbands hiring these three men to impregnate their wives is totally reliant upon the trustworthiness of these men. We know the confessions from Lord Gaspard’s wife, and any other confessions that may have been obtained, were most likely the result of threats or torture. They can easily be dismissed. It is the confessions of these three men that introduced this notion, and I for one don’t believe them for a moment. And if their confessions are lies, then it is likely they’ve never even met the wives. I believe if we were to discover the whole truth in this matter, we would find that none of these women have ever had an affair, and that this entire web of lies is designed to discredit their husbands.”
Denys sighed, his head shaking slowly. “I would agree on all three counts, yet it still doesn’t explain my situation.”
Marcus chewed his cheek for a moment. “Does Lord Charles have any children?”
Denys’ eyes widened. “Why, yes, he does. He has a son, of age, who lives in Champagne, I believe.”
Marcus’ was surprised at the revelation. “I didn’t think Lady Joanne was old enough to have a grown child.”
“Oh, it isn’t hers. Charles was married before. His wife died of some illness when the boy was about ten, I believe. Charles married Joanne shortly after. I’m afraid the boy was not pleased with the situation. He took the first opportunity to leave. From what I’ve heard, it broke his father’s heart, but did make things at home much easier the past few years.”
Marcus smiled slightly. “Then there’s your answer.”
Denys’ eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”
“Would you say you’re close to Lord Charles?”
Denys grunted. “Not at all.”
“Yet you know this story.”
“The entire Court knows this—” His jaw dropped and his eyes widened. “Oh, I see. Everyone knows the story, so everyone knows he has a male heir. They couldn’t use the same story on him as they did on the others.”
“Exactly. Someone is trying to draw Lord Charles into the scandal, so he too can be humiliated, though not implicated in the crime of partaking in the impregnation of his wife by another man. He’ll likely be found innocent of any involvement in this scandal, but the damage will have been done.” Marcus frowned. “And as to the others, I fear that things are moving so swiftly, they could be dead before we have a chance to uncover the truth.”
Simon’s fingers drummed the hilt of his sword. “Then what are we going to do?”
Marcus thought for a moment. There were questions that needed answering. Who had delivered the note to the chambermaid? Who had he chased that night after the murder of the imposter, Miss Girard? Who had hired the men who had followed them to Thomas Durant’s? Who had killed Lord Victor? Who had hired these three men to sacrifice themselves in a false confession?
He paused, his eyebrows slowly rising. “Here’s a question. Why would three men turn themselves in, confess to a horrendous crime, knowing they would face certain torture and death?”
Simon’s eyes widened. “That is a question, isn’t it? We know they have no moral character for taking part in such a thing, so why indeed.”
“Loyalty.”
Marcus nodded at Denys. “Exactly. And I can think of only two reasons, and they are loyalty to one’s God, or to one’s master.”
Simon shook his head. “No man of God would participate in such a thing.”
Marcus agreed. “Which means they are loyal to their master, and I would be surprised if anyone would display such loyalty to a mere lord or duke. This is the loyalty one shows to king and country.”
Denys gasped. “King Adolf? I heard you mention him earlier. Why?”
Marcus regarded Denys for a moment, then took a chance. “Two men followed us last night. We eliminated the threat, and on their person, discovered German groschen coins.”
Denys’ eyebrows shot up. “That is odd. I can think of no reason why anyone in France would be carrying German currency. It isn’t much evidence however, is it? We can’t exactly march into the Court and accuse the King of Germany of trying to foment war between France and Flanders. And why would he? He’s currently allied with England.”
Marcus frowned. “I wasn’t aware of that. I’m afraid my knowledge of the affairs of state is limited.”
Denys’ jaw slowly dropped as something occurred to him. He smiled. “Then you wouldn’t know this! Several months ago, we were briefed that apparently England isn’t happy with their new ally. King Adolf apparently hasn’t lived up to his end of the treaty.”
Marcus’ head slowly bobbed. “Interesting. So perhaps he hopes to draw England into war with their ally Flanders, against France.”
Denys excitedly held up a finger. “Yes! And with our problems with the Pope, and with King Adolf’s family so heavily involved with the Holy Roman Empire, he might be hoping to do damage to us as well.” Denys scratched his chin for a moment. “It is a thought, that. If he could end the truce, war would damage all parties, even if one were the victor. He could claim Germany is in no position to help England in their war with France, and thus delay his full implementation of the treaty he has with King Edward of England, and he could curry favor with Rome by drawing France into another expensive venture, thus weakening the Kingdom.”
Simon grunted. “Yet the entire theory rests upon a handful of coins that could mean nothing. We need more proof.”
Marcus pursed his lips then turned to Denys. “Is there any way you could get us in to see the prisoners?”
“Which ones?”
“The three young men.”
Denys laughed. “I don’t see how, and I fear making such inquiries could raise suspicions and implicate me even further.”
Marcus sighed. “True. But—”
A messenger rushed up on horseback, cutting him off. “Are you Sir Marcus de Rancourt?”
Marcus nodded. “I am.”
“I have a message.” A folded paper was handed over, and the messenger disappeared as quickly as he had come.
“Who’s it from?” asked Simon.
Marcus unfolded it, his eyes shooting wide open. “David!”
“How did he find you?”
Marcus quickly read the letter. “It appears there was trouble, and they were forced to leave Thomas’ residence.”
Simon grumbled. “Where are they now?”
“At Lord Charles.”
“Fools! Don’t they know the risk they’ve put themselves in?”
Marcus was more forgiving. “They must not have had a choice. David and Jeremy are smarter than that. Come, we must make all haste.” He mounted his horse, turning to Denys. “Sir, I suggest you return to your home and increase your guard. If anyone finds out you are aware of our suspicions, you could be in danger.”
Denys mounted his horse and nodded. “A wise precaution. But you too must be wary. If King Adolf is involved, those acting on his behalf may have nothing to lose should they fear capture.”