The Last

Here's my rephrased version:

Chapter One: A Tale of Betrayal and Honor

Following his return from the Caroline War, Jean de Carrouges, a man of unwavering integrity, swears fealty to Count Pierre d'Alençon, who has been appointed as his overlord by King Charles VI. His trusted friend, squire Jacques Le Gris, shares the news with Jean and offers to intercede on his behalf when it comes to the war levies imposed by Pierre. In a bid to restore his fortunes, Jean marries Marguerite de Thibouville, bringing with her a substantial dowry and the rights to several valuable estates. However, this union is short-lived, as Pierre's unexpected gift of one of these estates to Jacques sets off a chain reaction of events that will have far-reaching consequences. A series of disappointments follows, including Jean's knighthood for bravery in battle but subsequent bankruptcy, which leaves him feeling defeated and disillusioned. Upon his return from Paris, where he had hoped to find solace and support, Marguerite reveals the shocking truth: Jacques has committed a heinous act against her while she was alone at home. Consumed by a burning desire for justice and revenge, Jean decides to challenge Jacques to a duel to the death, a request that King Charles VI ultimately grants.

Chapter Two: The Deception of Jacques Le Gris

Jacques, a man consumed by his own ambition, wins Pierre's trust by using his skills in accounting to bring order to the count's finances. This newfound position at court also brings him into contact with Marguerite, who unwittingly captures his heart. Believing that she shares his affections, Jacques becomes convinced that their love is mutual after she shows him kindness and compassion. When Jean is away, his mother takes the servants on errands, leaving Marguerite alone and vulnerable to Jacques' advances. He uses this opportunity to declare his love for her, only to be rebuffed when she insists that she is married. Undeterred, Jacques forces himself upon her, convincing himself that their encounter was consensual. Before departing, he warns her not to reveal the truth to Jean. Later, Pierre informs Jacques of Jean's accusation and challenges him to a duel. Despite the count's attempts to exert his authority, Jean appeals directly to King Charles VI, seeking justice and vengeance for the perceived wrongs committed against him. Jacques, still convinced that his love for Marguerite is genuine, accepts Jean's challenge.

As the delicate balance of Lady Marguerite de Thibouville's world begins to unravel, the once-happy marriage with Jean falters under the weight of her failure to conceive. Her desperation to regain favor in the eyes of the court leads her down a treacherous path, as she befriends Jacques and feigns kindness towards him, all while maintaining a sense of propriety and decorum. However, when Jean departs for Scotland, he issues a stern warning: under no circumstances is Marguerite to leave the castle or allow anyone to enter uninvited.

Jean's mother, seemingly oblivious to her son's directives, absconds with the servants on an errand, leaving Marguerite vulnerable and exposed. Jacques takes advantage of this breach in security, arriving at the castle with a servant who expertly manipulates Marguerite into allowing them entry. With a haughty declaration of his love, Jacques forces his way into the bedroom, where he commits a brutal act of violence against Marguerite.

When Jean returns to the castle, Marguerite is left shaken and traumatized, her world forever changed by the horrors she has endured. Her pleas for justice fall on deaf ears, as Jean's mother insists that Marguerite abandon her accusations and accept any consequences in order to spare her son from court-mandated punishment.

At Jacques' trial, a now-pregnant Marguerite stands resolute, refusing to be swayed by the whispers of doubt and uncertainty that surround her. Despite her husband's pleas for mercy, Charles VI grants Jean permission to engage in a duel to the death with Jacques, a decision that will have far-reaching consequences.

As the fateful day approaches, Marguerite gives birth to a son, her joy tempered by the knowledge that she may soon be forced to watch as her husband faces his greatest challenge yet. The duel begins with Jean and Jacques engaging in a fierce jousting competition, their armor dented and battered as they struggle to gain the upper hand.

Eventually, both men are left fighting on foot, their movements slow and labored as they seek to claim victory. In the end, it is Jean who emerges triumphant, his opponent lying motionless at his feet. As he demands that Jacques confess to his crimes or face damnation, Marguerite's husband shows no mercy, ultimately ending the life of his tormentor.

As the dust settles on this violent and disturbing episode, Marguerite follows quietly behind her victorious husband, her heart heavy with sorrow and her spirit crushed by the events that have transpired. In a later epilogue, we learn that Jean eventually lost his life in the Crusades, while Marguerite went on to live out the remaining thirty years of her life in relative peace, never remarrying and managing her husband's estate with quiet dignity.