She was not the woman to turn back at the first obstacle, however;
she began by endeavouring to gain over several high personages, and on
perceiving that the men avoided speaking with her on serious business,
she addressed herself to their mothers, wives, or daughters. In a letter
to Marshal de Montmorency, then with the King, she thus refers to the
Duke del Infantado, who had received her at his castle of Guadalaxara.
“You will tell the King that the Duke has been warned from the Court
that if he wishes to please the Emperor neither he nor his son is to
speak to me; but the ladies are not forbidden me, and to them I will
speak twofold.” (1)
Throughout the negotiations for her brother’s release Margaret always
maintained the dignity and reserve fitting to her sex and situation.
Writing to Francis on this subject she says: “The Viceroy (Lannoy) has
sent me word that he is of opinion I should go and see the Emperor, but
I have told him through M. de Senlis that I have not yet stirred from my
lodging without being asked, and that whenever it pleases the Emperor to
see me I shall be found there.” (2)