Stop!
Remove those coachmen!
Stop the carriage!
Hold back the horses!
-Scoundrels! -Kill him!
Oh Lord! -Where is the second one?
He escaped, monsieur!
My lady... what is happening there?!
Forgive me, my lady - but you must come with us now.
-Where to? -To a place of safety.
A place where you will be treated as a queen.
Do as you please then, monsieur.
We are but feeble women.
All will be well, my lady.
To the castle!
Move!
My lady... Please stay calm!
I know our surroundings quite well.
Trust me, we will escape!
We have arrived, my lady.
At last we reached a castle.
I knew that our misadventure had not ended, but rather was about to begin.
I had a terrible suspicion...
... which, alas, was soon to be confirmed.
Based on a novel by Alexandre Dumas (père)
La Dame de Monsoreau
Episode 5
My lady, this is your home from now on.
Your maid may stay with you.
Should you need anything, knock on the door -
- your requests will be fulfilled at once.
-My lady, have you noticed... -Not so loud!
... Have you noticed that the stairs to our floor only have five steps?
Yes, I have.
We must be on the ground floor then.
-Of course! -And what if...
... if the windows are not barred, you mean?
Yes!
My lady, there are no bars!
See for yourself!
Mon Dieu...
This must be the château of Beaugé!
My father and I have been here before.
It belongs to the duke of Anjou.
So be it. The fate is kind...
At least I will have this option to escape dishonour.
My lady - eat something at least?
I beg you!
Eat, Gertrude, I am not hungry.
You will all but dwindle away like this!
At least a glass of milk and a piece of this bun -
Look how fresh it is!
The smell alone..!
Oh!
My lady...
Look!
"This friend has your best interests at heart..."
"The one who abducted you will arrive in the château of Beaugé tonight..."
"... but your friend will be waiting at your window with a letter from your father before that."
"Please burn this note!"
The fireplace!
Enter!
My lady, please be so kind as to read this letter.
Who sent you, monsieur?
Read it, and you will know the answer.
I have no desire to read a letter if I do not know from whom it is.
Do as you please with it, my lady.
I was ordered to deliver this letter to you, so I will leave it here.
If the mademoiselle deigns to, she will read it.
My lady, should I read it?
Read it then.
"To the lovely Diana de Meridor..."
"... The wretched prince, whose heart was pierced by your divine beauty..."
"... will call on you tonight at ten..."
"... in order to apologise for everything he did to you."
"The only excuse he dares to offer for his actions is the most passionate love you inspired..."
"Signed: Francois"
It is as I assumed.
My poor father!
He wished to save me from the prince`s pursuit and now...
... I am in the hands of the man he wanted to protect me from!
My lady, do not worry! You have a friend here, after all!
And this friend will be here before the duke.
Indeed.
Now that I understand the nature of the danger I am in...
... this friend is all I can rely on.
Very well. Let us wait.
Night fell...
... but there was no trace of any friends.
Mon Dieu! Finally!
My lady! My lady, hurry!
You see? I told you, I was certain our friends would come!
Oh Lord almighty...
Will we truly be saved, my lady?
Mon Dieu... It is monsieur de Monsoreau!
Yes, it is really him!
I see you have not expected me to be here, my lady.
I have been waiting, but I have not expected it to be you, true.
Who - besides your father and myself - could be expected to protect the honour of Diana de Meridor?
Do you intend to carry us away from here then?
Of course! I will bring you to the place where your father is waiting.
And where would that be?
In the Meridor castle.
Oh monsieur, if you tell the truth...
But... but why is he not with you?!
He cannot venture outside without it becoming known where he is going!
-And what of you? -My lady, my situation is entirely different.
I am the prince`s confidant.
-But monsieur, if you are his confidant... -It means I am betraying him for you!
Yes, it is the truth, my lady.
I am risking my life to save your honour - please...
Please think that every minute of delay... Could spell disaster beyond your imagination!
Here we go...
If you are still unconvinced, take a look at the shore!
Who are those people?
The duke of Anjou and his retinue!
My lady, have you heard?! Please decide quickly!
I beg you, decide now!
Oh Lord... What should I do?!
Five minutes longer - and all will be for naught!
What are we waiting for, my lady?! We have no other choice!
Do you not hear the riders? They have already passed the gate!
-Go! -I will not let you fall, my lady!
Take the seat at the front. Be careful!
Move, make haste!
Here we go...
Oh! My veil...
The veil... Gertrude, help me - we must try to reach it!
No!
Leave it there.
All is as it should be - I did well to leave it behind!
But why?!
Because... when the prince sees that veil...
... he will assume that you took your own life... to avoid dishonour!
Look for them!
This is not possible...
It seems they escaped...
Damn it, where could they have gone?!
-And? -Your Highness...
... everything points to them having escaped...
But surely not through the window?..
Your Highness... Look!
The veil...
Oh Lord... This cannot be!
As you see... it was a rather ingenious thought to leave the veil there.
"The prince will assume you took your life to save your honour", he said...
Those words left me speechless.
Here was a man who could easily envision such a grim fate for me...
Pray continue, my lady, for Heaven`s sake!
The moment we disembarked, seven or eight men came running.
The groom led two horses to us.
The count helped me mount - and mounted the second horse himself.
And, without further ado, we rode - or rather flew through the forest...
Count! Release my horse`s reins - I am quite capable of riding unassisted!
Your horse is a skittish one - easy to lose control over! It might dart away as well!
Where are we going?! My lady!!!
They are separating us!!!
-My lady!!! -Gertrude!!!
Monsieur! Why is Gertrude not coming with us?!
A necessary precaution - we must leave two tracks in case we are pursued!
Count!!! Where are you taking me, the road to Meridor is right there?!
Count!!! Stop the horses!
-How dare you! -It is necessary!
How dare you take such liberties! Release me at once!!!
Release me! Let me go!!!
-After you! -How could you do this?!
Mademoiselle, you left with me of your own free will!
Because you promised to bring me to my father!
Yes, I did promise - and I intend to honour my promise, damn it!
I was in a dire straits, mademoiselle!
I saw you hesitate - and I did not have a single moment to explain!
Your hesitation could have been our undoing!
Would you have rather preferred to stay in the grasp of a man who would dishonour you?
Trust me - I am acting on behalf of your father, and I have proof! Here!
Should you wish to return to Meridor upon reading this letter...
... I will not attempt to...dissuade you, you will do as you please! As you wish.
Forgive me, my lady. I will leave you, so that you may read your father`s letter in solitude.
Please take it.
I will be awaiting your instructions.
"To avoid dishonour... you should marry... our noble friend and become the countess de Monsoreau..."
"The count will be in a position... to protect you as his lawful spouse..."
"I wish for this marriage to take place... as soon as possible..."
"... happiness for a pure heart... such as yours..."
Have you finished reading, my lady?
I have.
And... are you still doubting my deep respect for you and my loyalty?
Monsieur... my father`s letter bolstered your claim and my trust for you.
What do you intend to do?
I intend to bring you to Paris - only there you may be hidden well enough.
What of my father?
The baron will join us as soon as the danger passes.
Very well, monsieur.
I will accept your protection - on three conditions!
I am listening, my lady.
First condition: Return my Gertrude to me!
She is already here.
Second condition...
You and I are not to travel to Paris together.
I was about to suggest this myself - at least to calm your suspicions!
And the third...
Our wedding...which, I must inform you, I do not consider a pressing matter...
... will only take place if my father is present.
My lady, this is my dearest wish!
And I most sincerely hope that your father`s blessing will ensure us Heaven`s blessing as well.
Please allow me to offer you some advice in turn...
Yes?
Travel only at night, please.
The reason should be obvious to you.
It has been my intention to do so.
I would also ask you to allow me to select your routes and the inns where you will stay.
All these precautions are to save you from the duke of Anjou`s pursuit.
Monsieur... In this particular case, our interests coincide.
I do not have any objections towards what you have offered so far.
And, lastly - I request that you live in the house I select and furnish for you in Paris -
- despite its plainness and secluded location.
I only desire one thing -
- to live hidden from the rest of the world.
I will take my leave then - with deepest compliments, my lady.
I will send your maid to attend to you and start making arrangements for your journey.
Just abide by your promises.
And I will deliver on mine...
-Gertrude! Oh Lord, mistress!
Thank Heavens!
-Gertrude, are you hurt?! -No.
They were very gallant too!
-And you? -It is nothing, all is well.
I am glad to hear it!
Well then...
By reuniting us, the count has fulfilled the first condition of our agreement.
And he is about to fulfill the second...
... by relieving me of his company.
Heavens, the late hour! And you are still here...
Madame... I beg you, do not send me away - not before telling me all!
Not before telling me how I may be of service to you.
Just imagine...
... that our Lord sent you a brother.
And tell this brother what he may do for his sister.
What happened then?
Some days passed - we reached Paris.
We have arrived. It`s here.
Please allow me to give you a hand, my lady.
Monsieur, I can only thank you.
Do not worry, my lady - we have been handsomely rewarded.
Gertrude and I entered alone.
The house was empty...
... but well-stocked.
All fireplaces were lit.
"The count does keep his word to the last, do you see?" Gertrude exclaimed.
"Alas, so he does!" I replied.
"But it would have been better if he had broken one of them..."
"... and thus freed me from my obligation."
Look, my lady!
My portrait...
My portrait from the Meridor castle!
And I stood motionless in front of yet another proof...
... of the fact that my father sees in me... the wife of the count de Monsoreau!
Well...
This...monsieur de Monsoreau is a rather strange individual.
Indeed - quite strange.
Even when declaring his love...
... It seemed more of a declaration of hate.
I feel defenceless when exposed to his violent, uncontainable strength...
... and to his grim complex mind, which, as it seems, can predict any turn of events.
In the morning Gertrude told me that the house was located in the Rue St. Antoine...
... facing the Tournelles.
That day passed uneventfully.
But in the evening... when I was about to dine...
Someone knocked at our door.
My lady, the count is here!
Invite him in.
Mademoiselle... Have I observed all the terms of our agreement, as I promised?
Yes, monsieur - you have my gratitude.
In this case, may I request the first official visit?
Please take a seat.
I am afraid I have bad news - the duke of Anjou arrived in Paris yesterday evening.
Why so soon?
Possibly because it is rather unpleasant to remain in a place...
... where, as one may believe, a woman died due to their interference.
Have you seen him after his return?
I came here directly from his residence.
What did he tell you?
-He tries to doubt... -Doubt what?
Doubt that you perished, my lady.
But I am certain you were able to convince him!
I did all I could.
May I write to my father?
Of course! But be aware that letters might be intercepted.
Is it forbidden for me to leave the house as well?
There are no restrictions whatsoever for you, mademoiselle.
But I must warn you that you might be observed.
Will I be able to go to church, at least on Sundays?
The most convenient one is the church of St. Catherine.
Only a few steps away, opposite your house - in the next street.
However, for your own safety, I would not do it either if I were you.
But please be aware that this is merely a piece of advice, not an order from me.
You have my thanks, monsieur.
I will take my leave then, if you allow it.
Already?
Mademoiselle, I...
Mademoiselle, I know that you do not love me.
But I would not allow myself to use the position you find yourself in -
- the position which forces you to accept my protection.
And yet I still have hope that in time...
...the thought of being my spouse will cease to be so abhorrent to you.
Monsieur...
I am aware of your sensitive and tactful approach to the matter and I appreciate it.
You are right, and I will be honest with you in turn.
I still feel a certain wariness towards you.
But I hope as well that time will settle this unease.
I am glad we share the same hope, mademoiselle.
Thank you.
So many are out and about on the street, Gertrude!
It is nearly time for the church service.
What is it, my lady?
Since childhood, I have not missed the Sunday service even once.
But monsieur le Comte has not forbidden you to go, has he?
He just asked you to be careful.
He worries about you so! Such care.
I am afraid, Gertrude.
Afraid of him.
He is a hunter.
I feel him chasing me, hunting me down.
Same as he did with my poor Daphne...
Heavens, what are you trying to say, my lady?
Monsieur the count loves you!
He did save you from the duke, did he not?
He has influence, wealth... It is thanks to him that we are in Paris!
And should you agree to marry him, you will be introduced at court!
Just imagine how well those ball dresses would suit you!
I see...
Only one refuge remains for the unfortunate Diana...
I will entrust myself to our Lord.
Bring me my mantilla, Gertrude.
We are going to the church!
It appears His Highness is late, as usual.
Do not worry, he will come.
What woke such a keen interest in you?
I saw an angel!
An angel, here?
Someone`s mistress, no doubt!
No, dear Gabrielle - this one is clearly a noble lady.
Ventre St. Gris! I wish to see the face of that beauty!
Why would you even assume she is a beauty?!
Be sensible, monsieur! We came here for a reason.
Your future grandeur is at stake - and you are ready to chase the first skirt you see!
Dearest Gabrielle, pray for me!
Only do not miss our friend, yes?
What is it, Monseigneur?
No... Oh Lord, this is not possible!
What is not possible?
Your Highness..!
Forgive me, monsieur!
Do not apologise, madame - if only a miracle could preserve these drops on my face!
Are you well? You seem anxious...
Those two noblemen at the entrance... They scare me.
Would you like for me to escort you?
If it would not be an inconvenience - yes.
It seems that they are on their way to us!
-Mademoiselle... -Tsk tsk!
Monsieur, you appear to be a nobleman - why are you pestering this lady?
Greetings, cousin!
Good day to you.
Sire, Your Highness! We finally succeeded in arranging a meeting -
- a carriage awaits you outside.
I will bring you to a place where you could talk without being overheard.
You asked me if you were allowed to attend the mass.
I told you at once that you are free to do as you please,
but it would be preferable not to leave the house. You did not listen to me!
Either by chance or by fate´s decree the duke of Anjou saw you
today in St. Catherine`s Church...
... which he attended for a pre-arranged meeting with the king of Navarre.
It is true, monsieur, but I am not certain that he recognized me.
He was astonished by your resemblance of the woman he mourns, as I heard.
I hope he forgot me.
And I am certain he did not, my lady.
Any man who saw you even once would not be able to forget you.
Please believe me that I attempted to do so as well, but failed.
The duke is an unkind and vengeful man.
He will certainly attempt to find out who you are.
You are scaring me.
No. I am just presenting to you the true state of affairs.
What could be done?
My lady...
... you are well-informed about the condition which would...
... allow me to request protection for you from His Majesty.
But the danger may not be that grave?
Time will tell.
And yet... The Countess de Monsorau would no longer have any reason to fear the duke.
Oh Lord...
Monsieur, could we perhaps change the house, the district or the street?
Or return to Anjou, if all fails?
None of this would help, mademoiselle.
The duke is an experienced hunter...
And, no matter what you do, no matter where you run -
- from now on, he will pursue you... Until he finds you.
Monsieur... please write to my father then!
He will fly to Paris and throw himself at the king`s feet...
The king must take pity on us!
This will depend on the mood the king will be in at the moment...
The duke`s relationship with his brother is in excellent repair as well - for now.
So it is unlikely that you will be able to rely on His Majesty`s support.
I am afraid you will have to submit to your fate.
Is there truly no other way?
Could you reproach me with anything?
No. Rather the opposite.
Have I not been a devoted friend, as respectful as a brother would be?
Your conduct was above reproach on all counts.
Have I reminded you of your promise even once?
No.
And yet, when the circumstances are forcing you to make a choice...
... between the respected state of marriage and the objectionable position of a courtesan...
... you would prefer to become the duke`s mistress and not the Countess de Monsoreau!
This is not what I said.
Then decide now, mademoiselle!
I have decided.
Decided... to become the Countess de Monsoreau?
Not to become the duke`s mistress - at any cost.
Extremely flattering to me, this choice of yours!
Still, it does not matter.
I thank you, mademoiselle.
Damn it...
Night fell and brought some new fears.
I was prepared for any eventuality.
I even procured a dagger - the duke would never get hold of me while I am alive.
All was quiet until eleven.
But at eleven, I saw four men appear in the Rue St. Antoine...
They hid behind a corner at the Tournelles.
A quarter of an hour passed and two more men appeared in the street.
They stopped right beneath our windows.
And then... we heard the grating sound... of a key being turned in the lock of the front door.
And I knew it was the duke!
All of a sudden, the four sprang into action and attacked the prince - while shouting "Death to him!"
But they recoiled as one as soon as he revealed himself.
We were astonished to see the prince leave after this attack.
And then we saw a rider...
The rest you know better than myself...
... for you were that rider.
But I do not know all that happened, my lady.
I only remember the fight itself...
Because I lost consciousness afterwards.
It was a terrible fight! There is no need to tell you on whose side our sympathies were.
You were so brave! We saw you retreat to our door. Gertrude and I had the same idea to let you into the house,
But when we arrived downstairs we saw you lying on the stairs in a faint.
We understood that we had nothing more to fear.
Rather the opposite - there was someone in need of our help.
Translated by Grafinyademonsoro on Tumblr
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