BOOK TWO - THE ORDER OF THE LILY

England

Chilham, Kent - 'The Albret Estate' (Fictional impression)

By early afternoon, a tired group rode over the drawbridge leading to the manor’s gatehouse. The long hours of the previous day and the tension of escaping France were beginning to take their toll. Round- shouldered and drooping in her saddle, Cécile forcibly straightened as admittance by the gatehouse porter was granted.

They rode up to the main house, a grey stone construction in the shape of a letter H, the east and west wings poised at either end of the hall like huge bookends. A set of massive oak doors opened and, like bees disturbed from a hive, a swarm of servants flew out.

They were led to the main hall and Cécile’s eyes widened at the opulence. The walls were sumptuously decorated with rich, colourful hangings and polished shields. Panelled coffers stood against one wall but her eyes were drawn to the magnificent carved rose marble fireplace. It befitted royalty. Two high-backed chairs were strategically positioned before the generous hearth and, at Symond’s announcement, a body occupying one unfolded and stood. Cécile gasped.

Cécile was to discover the truth of this at the chapel. Where there was usually shuffling, coughing and general restlessness, the chaplain found, to his delight, a very attentive congregation.

'Since love is no basis for marriage, and the church forbids adultery, why, then, does God give us hearts at all?’ Cécile bent her head against the timber grille separating her from the priest. The stone floor of Chilham’s chapel was icy cold but so was the fear her father had instilled.

The thundering burst into an explosive clattering of hooves that spilled into the courtyard. Cécile’s mouth fell agape and she crossed herself. ‘Holy Mary, Mother of God!’ Next she was waddling as fast as she could towards the herd of horses, her pattens clacking against the stonework as she squealed excitedly, ‘Armand!’

Gillet emerged from the new, partly-built stable, beaming as his grinning cousin leaped from Panache. The two men exchanged hearty greetings. Guiraud, Gabriel, Mouse and their squires dismounted and spilled over in wondrous disarray. Two accompanying mules, fully laden with chests and cloth bundles, brayed excitedly.

Broughton Manor (Fictional impression)

'We were making our way onto the downs, and I could see the manor house in the distance, spreading out like a pretty gown in a well formed curtsy. The large hall of Broughton manor sat between two wings, the timbered peaks of these later additions, jutting high into the sky. The sombre grey stone wall of the middle section was slowly disappearing under a blanket of thick, clinging ivy, and the whole structure sat majestically in magnificent gardens.' (Extract from Cécile's letter)

Cécile moved to the shuttered window and gazed out over the great blue lake that was shimmering in the last of the evening light. A flock of plovers flew over and dipped into the water. Melancholy fell upon her, and suddenly she envied their freedom, their carefree, light manner. How simple would life be if she and Gillet could just fly away?

France

Arras - The Medieval Church

Inside the church was stifling. Parishioners squeezed shoulder to shoulder, the suffocating odours and cloying perfumes aggravating the baby. Cécile attracted many frowns as she struggled to settle her fractious son during the sermon. At the appropriate time the priest nodded and she made her way to the baptismal font. Prayers were said and then Jean Petit was held over the blessed waters. He screamed loudly, his broken wail echoing down the aisle as the sign of the cross was pressed to his forehead.

Calais Castle

Above - Map of Calais, with castle depicted , the remains of Calais Castle today and the medieval French castle.

Simon tossed his cloak onto the stool, then pushed open the shutter that overlooked the dock. Calais Castle dominated the skyline, as impenetrable as a virgin in a chastity belt.

The Church of St Martin - Leubringhen

The pain in Simon’s chest was unbearable and he gasped in despair. He tugged down on the chain that hung around his neck, snapping the links, releasing his wedding band that had been concealed beneath his shirt. He looked back over his shoulder at the Church of Saint Martin – his past and his future. There seemed little room for both. He raised the ring to his lips, drawing the warmth that remained there to be stored in his heart. ‘I am sorry, truly sorry,’ he whispered. ‘I have to let you go.’ His grief was consuming and threatened to deepen his unhealed wounds. ‘She needs whatever protection I can offer.

Corbie Abbey

It had taken most of the day for Simon and his companions to reach Corbie and the Abbey dedicated to Saint Peter, the impressive cathedral situated in the centre of the town. The golden stones reflected the last rays of the day, highlighting the beautifully shaped arches and intricate circular work of the gifted stonemasons.

The Villeneuve du Temple - Paris

Simon pulled down on a woven cord and waited. His gaze, though, darted to the moving throng in the street. A small hatch slid back from a spyhole, the man on the opposite side conversing with Lord Wexford in a language Catherine did not recognise. A loud thud ensued as the heavy wooden doors opened and they were quickly ushered inside.

Though it was dark, she could distinguish the outlines of numerous buildings around them. There appeared to be a large church to the left and a most impressive tower in the centre, with various covered pathways leading to the main entrance.

The Square du Temple, Paris (November 2019) the original site of the Villeneuve du Temple.

A restaurant located close to The Square du Temple may house the last remnants of the Temple du Villeneuve. The curved wall of the bar distinctly resembles the interior of the tower located on the northern side of the original building.

The House of Nicolas Flamel

The House of Nicolas Flamel (formerly in French known as le Grand Pignon, literally meaning The Great Wimperg, is located at 51 re de Montmorency in the 3^rd arrondissement of Paris.