The Embassy
As the Duchess was obliged to devote the most of her time to affairs of
state, the child was tenderly cared for by Bertha. The quiet of the
little court was broken by the festivities attending the approaching
christening of the Duke. Tournaments and sports were arranged, and the
friends and adherents of the Duchess were summoned to Rennes. She had
received no tidings from the relatives of her husband, whereas King
Philip Augustus of France had promised to be represented by one of his
knights, whose arrival was eagerly awaited.
At last the French gentlemen appeared at the gate of the castle in
imposing array—knights in glistening armor, squires and servants also
armed. Count von Gragny, a famous soldier and well-known to Höel on many
a battle-field, came as the King’s representative. The strangers were
escorted to their quarters, and after a short rest Count Gragny
exchanged his armor for court dress to wait upon the Duchess. With his
little retinue he rode through the narrow streets of the city to the
castle, where the chamberlain conducted him to her presence.
Constance received upon a dais in the centre of the room, surrounded by
her ladies, and bowed a gracious welcome to the Count, who knelt and
delivered the greeting of his King.
“I am delighted, noble Count,” Constance began, “that the King has
granted my wish and is willing to be the godfather of the Duke.”
“The King has shown you further favor, Lady Duchess, and has intrusted
me with a message which is for your private ear,” replied the Count.
The Duchess, surprised, motioned her ladies to withdraw. “Speak,” she
eagerly exclaimed, when they were alone.
“The King of France, in consideration of your unprotected situation and
the dangers which threaten the heir of Duke Geoffrey—”
“Pardon me,” interrupted Constance, “we do not feel that we are
unprotected. Our vassals are faithful, and the people are loyal.”
“Yet as dangers may easily arise, noble lady, when you least expect
them, King Philip offers to undertake the guardianship of your son.”
Constance was alarmed, but retained her composure, and asked: “Would not
this provoke danger? It is the duty of the nearest paternal relatives,
the King of England and his princes, to take the place of father to my
son, and they may not yield that right.”
“Are you sure they are willing to exercise it, Lady Duchess? and have
you sufficient confidence in them to intrust your child to their care?
Will they unqualifiedly recognize him as the Duke? King Henry is far
over the frontiers of Scotland and his sons are not on the best of terms
with you.”
“Richard is noble and just. He is the eldest, and is under obligation to
his dead brother, Geoffrey,” replied Constance.
“Do not depend upon him. He is never in one place long enough to become
attached to any one. I advise you to accept the King’s offer.”
“I will consider it, Count,” replied the Duchess, rising. “For the next
few days, meanwhile, you are my guest. We will let business rest during
the festivities, but will confer with you again on this matter before
you return to Paris.”
The Count bowed and left the Duchess, who remained for some time
absorbed in thought. At last she called Bertha, who was accustomed to
bring the Prince to his mother about that hour, and she at once entered,
carrying the child in her arms. The Duchess rushed up to her, took the
child, and tenderly kissed him. “I may enjoy my sweet one only a moment
to-day, Bertha,” she exclaimed. “Is it not glorious that God has given
me such a charming gift of love? Surely fate should be kind to him, but,
alas, clouds are gathering on the horizon of his life, and I am left
alone to protect him. Now, Bertha, take my darling away, for Knight Höel
comes to speak with me.”
Höel was very anxious, for he feared, after the long interview with the
Count, that difficulties had arisen. Constance began at once
communicating to him what had been proposed, “Can you divine what King
Philip Augustus has requested of me?”
“Requested, or demanded?” asked Höel.
“Both, only the demand was concealed. He wishes to take the guardianship
of the Duke of Brittany.”
“Ha! crafty as ever! Were his proposal disinterested, it would be well.
Still, Philip has the power to protect you.”
“But against whom? We are living in peace, and I must first know what to
expect from England.”
“May I know what reply you made to the Count?”
“None, as yet. I asked time for consideration. See to it, therefore,
that the French gentlemen have a cordial reception, and at the
christening to-morrow the representative of the King shall be honored as
far as is in our power.”
With this the Duchess closed the interview, and Höel repaired to his
guests to ascertain their wishes and make their visit as pleasant as
possible.