Free The Queen and the Courtesan by Freda Lightfoot Page A

to show herself to the crowds who threw flowers and fronds of evergreen upon her path. Every street was richly decorated, hangings suspended from windows, and draped over balconies. There were triumphal arches splendidly decorated with emblems and devices, and everywhere people waving, or running alongside the coach to shout and cheer.
    â€˜How excited they are,’ she said to Leonora, feeling a flush of exhilaration herself. ‘I do hope I can be a good queen for them.’
    â€˜You will make them proud,’ her companion assured her. ‘But you should decline the services of these French ladies until after you have been joined by the King. They create only dissension.’ Donna Leonora did not care to have her nose pushed out of joint by what she viewed as the foreign contingent.
    â€˜How can I refuse? Henry has made it clear that they must attend me the moment I have disembarked. I cannot go against the word of a king.’
    Though outwardly serene and gracious, deep down Marie felt a little uneasy, a stranger in this new land, and largely ignored by her new husband thus far. She was uncertain of when Henry intended to join her, and what she was supposed to do with herself in the meantime. Could he, she wondered, be with Madame de Verneuil and not in Savoy at all? If only she knew for certain then her situation might be less embarrassing. She’d had word that La Marquise was at Lyons. If that were the case then she determined to protect herself as best she could. She made one demand of Bellegarde.
    â€˜I would be escorted to Lyons by my brother Don Antonio de Medici, and by the Duke of Bracciano, my cousin.’
    â€˜That will not be necessary, Your Majesty. The King expects these gentlemen to return to Italy with your ladies.’
    Marie panicked at the thought of being left alone. ‘No, no, I insist upon their presence as representatives of my uncle, the Grand Duke. Otherwise I will remain here in Marseilles until the King has concluded his campaign.’
    Faced with such an alternative, and seeing the fear in her eyes, Bellegarde took pity on her and conceded to her request.
    Marie’s lowest moment came on a day late in November when the Grand Duchess her aunt, and her sister the Duchess of Mantua, took their leave to return to Florence in the galleys, which stood ready to embark at the quay.
    â€˜How will I survive without you?’ she mourned, keenly feeling the pain of their parting, an ache of loneliness already starting up in her breast.
    â€˜You will survive because you are a queen,’ her aunt assured her, kissing her on each pale, cold cheek. ‘You have only to give the King a Dauphin, and you will have fulfilled your destiny.’
    â€˜I will pray to God to grant me that grace!’
    â€˜You are not alone, Majesty, you still have me,’ Donna Leonora reminded her mistress as the Italian retainers started to board the ships.
    Marie hugged her companion warmly. ‘So I do, dear friend.’
    But she waved farewell to her relatives and friends with a heavy heart, even as she strove to be brave and strong.
    Marie set forth the very next day to Avignon, escorted by her brother and cousin, the French contingent, and 2,000 horse. As she continued on her journey, a letter reached her from Henry announcing the success of his campaign, and assuring her he would be with her soon.
    I am delighted at the account of your reception in Marseilles. It is only a foretaste, however, of the enthusiasm which will everywhere greet you . . .
    Her heart leapt at the thought of finally meeting him, feeling a surge of hope at this good news. How thankful she would be when she was finally settled in Paris with her husband. Marie still did not feel entirely comfortable with the French ladies, although she favoured Mademoiselle de Guise above any other. Now that her sister and aunt had left, she relied more and more upon the friendship of Donna Leonora, who had become