The Last 2019

In Chapter One, we delve into the perspective of Jean de Carrouges. After serving in the Caroline War, Jean and his companion, squire Jacques Le Gris, pledge their loyalty to Count Pierre d’Alençon, designated as Jean’s overlord by King Charles VI. Jacques relays to Jean that Pierre has issued a mandate for his new vassals to pay war levies. When Jean cites his financial difficulties, Jacques agrees to appeal for leniency on his behalf. To improve his circumstances, Jean weds Marguerite de Thibouville, gaining a substantial dowry and rights over numerous estates. Unfortunately, Pierre has already entrusted a portion of land to Jacques. When Jean sues for ownership, King Charles dismisses his claim. In retaliation, Pierre appoints Jacques to captain the fort historically held by Jean’s family. A military campaign in Scotland earns Jean a knighthood for his valor but leaves him in financial ruin. Upon returning home from Paris, Marguerite reveals the shocking news that Jacques raped her while she was alone. Knowing that Jacques enjoys Pierre’s protection, Jean resolves to challenge Jacques to a duel to the death, a challenge that Charles VI approves.

Chapter Two shifts to the perspective of Jacques Le Gris. Jacques secures Pierre’s favor through his adeptness in accounting, which earns him a prominent position at court. During his encounters with Marguerite, Jacques believes he has won her affection due to her kindness. One fateful day, while Jean is away, Jacques takes advantage of Jean’s absence. His servant deceives Marguerite into admitting them by claiming to need assistance with his horse. Once inside, Jacques professes his love, but Marguerite firmly rejects him and insists on her marital vows. Ignoring her pleas, Jacques pursues her into her chamber, where he brutally assaults her, mistakenly interpreting her resistance as consent. Later, Pierre informs Jacques of Jean’s accusations of rape against him, but Jacques remains unperturbed by the count’s authority. Jean’s insistence on appealing to King Charles and demanding a duel escalates the situation.

In Chapter Three, we witness Lady Marguerite de Thibouville’s perspective. Her marriage with Jean is strained, primarily due to her inability to conceive. After her interactions with Jacques, Marguerite confides in friends that her kindness was merely a strategy to garner favor at court. When Jean departs for Scotland, he explicitly instructs her to remain within the castle and bar anyone from entering. However, Jean’s mother takes all the servants with her on errands, leaving Marguerite vulnerable. Jacques, seizing the opportunity, arrives with his servant and orchestrates his entry under deceptive pretenses. Haughtily declaring his love, he forces his way into their bedroom and violently rapes Marguerite. When Jean returns, she courageously reveals the truth about the assault. Despite Jean’s mother’s attempts to persuade Marguerite to retract her claims for the sake of her son’s safety, Marguerite remains steadfast in her accusation. As a consequence, Jean seeks a trial for Jacques, culminating in a duel to the death granted by Charles VI. Days before the duel, Marguerite gives birth to their son, adding emotional stakes to the impending conflict. The duel commences with jousting, and when both men are unseated, they engage in brutal hand-to-hand combat. Although Jean suffers a stab wound, he ultimately overpowers Jacques. Pressuring Jacques to confess or face eternal damnation, Jacques stubbornly professes his innocence until Jean kills him. In the aftermath of his victory, Jean basks in triumph while Marguerite quietly trails behind him.

In a reflective epilogue, we learn of Jean’s fate, dying in the Crusades shortly after, leaving Marguerite to manage his estate peacefully for the next thirty years, resolved never to remarry.