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Checkmate- Part IV- Chapter Four -- celtgirl, 23:43:17 04/28/09 Tue [26]

-The Court settles in at Fontainebleau, along with the Scottish Commissioners.

-More ratifying of the marriage agreement between the Scottish Queen and the Dauphin takes place.

-Philippa and Lymond come face to face for the first time in weeks and Philippa realizes 'that after closing the door he had not walked away from it.'

-Philippa has an interesting conversation with John Erskine and learns Lymond has been in Thionville during his time away.

-Lymond has taken apartments in the palace.

-Sybilla asks Philippa to try and convince Lymond to see a doctor.

-Philippa lies to Sybilla about having the key to the Hotel des Spheres.

-Sybilla tells Philippa she has no regrets about her love, concluding with- 'love is a powerful master. For his favours do you pay tribute and toll while flesh endures, and no doubt after.'

-Philippa returns after a very busy day of wedding preparations to find Archie waiting for her, requesting help, as he fears Lymond is going to attempt suicide again.

-When Philippa asks Archie what she should do, Archie replies- 'Break him.'

-Philippa finds Lymond in the library and tells him how it is that she loves him, not calf-love, nor adolescent devotion, but- 'Before God, you are my soul; and till death and beyond will remain so.'

-Lymond replies- 'Then you don't know, Philippa, what I am.' and proceeds to tell her of his past.

-Philippa tells him it does not matter and that he is sacrificing her to assauge his guilt and honour.

-Philippa threatens to cut her own wrists, in order to defeat him.

-The scene ends with a very sick Lymond, Philippa summoning Archie and Philippa holding a blind and mostly insensible Lymond in his bed.

Just had to add this line, because it's one of my favourites in the book:

It was a moment before he replied. The the shut mouth curled, in something not quite a smile. 'Gould bydeth ever bright...It would be a pity to cloud it,' he said. 'That is one blasphemy I cannot bring myself to commit. I love you, Philippa, in every way known to man.'

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Replies:
- Just reading your summary makes my heart ache -- literally and physically. I know they have a long way to go, but I am glad they have finally started talking about how they feel for each other. (NT) -- Carla, 05:48:20 04/29/09 Wed
  - The torture! Its almost unbearable...but beautifully written. The quote chokes me up every time. (NT) -- Carolyn, 07:40:25 04/29/09 Wed
- I have tears welled up in my eyes just from reading the summary! This is embarrassing at work. Question Why does Archie ask Philippa to 'break him'? Lymond is on the edge, obviously, but does he feel he must be pushed farther (break) before he can come to his senses? I would be afraid that in the breaking he would most definitely attempt suicide again. (NT) -- Denise, 08:21:15 04/29/09 Wed
  - My sense of those words, is that Archie knows Philippa is the only one with the power to save Lymond. Break him down and build him back up- make him give in to his love, make him promise to keep his life sacrosanct for your sake, if he can't do it for his own. (NT) -- celtgirl, 08:26:54 04/29/09 Wed
    - You bet, and don't you also think Archie knew Philippa was the only person in the world who might be able to accomplish that? Archie is the perfect ally for Lymond. Poor Lymond seems to know what's right for everybody else but himself. (NT) -- E, 10:31:56 04/29/09 Wed
      - Oops, I'm so dumb - read your answer way too fast, cg. Okay, time for some rest. I'm really off the mark today! (NT) -- E, 10:34:20 04/29/09 Wed
        
        We're just thinking alike, woman- great minds and all that stuff. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:06:24 04/29/09 Wed
        
        Then I'm thinking it's time for both of us to sit down by the pool with a drink in our hands! (NT) -- E, 12:36:46 04/29/09 Wed
        
        I'll have a margarita, 'kay- just have to find my shorts, I'll be with you in a tick. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:39:08 04/29/09 Wed
        
        We are hoping to go to Bahama Breeze for supper tonight. If Adam is cooperative. Meeting my BIL and SIL there. I'll order a margarita for you (and drink it for you, too!). (NT) -- E, 13:05:37 04/29/09 Wed
        
        The things you will do in the name of friendship, E. It brings a tear to my eye. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:07:37 04/29/09 Wed
        
        You know, sometimes a person just has to make the big sacrifices in order to enrich a friendship. I'm willing to take on that awesome responsibility, cg. (NT) -- E, 14:23:06 04/29/09 Wed
        
        You're too good to me. I looked up the restaurant and now I think maybe you need to drink one of those fresh fruit mojitos on my behalf. The food looks divine, come back later, if you have time, and tell me what you had. I need some vicarious eating, as the larder is very low and dull here right now. (NT) -- celtgirl, 14:25:59 04/29/09 Wed
        
        Actually I was going to suggest a mojito instead of a margarita, but thought it might be offensive. Okay, so it's a mojito for cg. Check. What a tough assignment to take on. Not sure if I'll be able to report back later or not. The pain and all, doncha know. (NT) -- E, 14:29:10 04/29/09 Wed
- This chapter just hurts. Lymond really believes he is unworthy of her love and its so sad. To think he's resigned himself to be deprived of the kind of love he needs. Just terrible. (NT) -- Lil, 10:13:00 04/29/09 Wed
  - While we know all about his self-loathing, there is no other scene I can recall off -hand where he is so revealing. To me, this chapter lays him bare at long last. (NT) -- E, 10:33:28 04/29/09 Wed
    - And Philippa. (NT) -- Sallie, 10:42:02 04/29/09 Wed
      - Yes, and Philippa- this is such a raw chapter, and yet so beautiful at the same time. (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:34:37 04/29/09 Wed
        
        How far do you think Philippa would have gone to prove her point? Would she have cut herself? (NT) -- Denise, 13:47:25 04/29/09 Wed
        
        My opinion is no, she wouldn't have. Nor would Lymond have allowed it to happen. (NT) -- celtgirl, 14:00:30 04/29/09 Wed
        
        I agree. Sometimes Philippa has proven herself to be a bit impulsive and impetuous. ;-) (NT) -- E, 14:24:07 04/29/09 Wed
        
        I almost think Philippa would have made a start of it, knowing this would force Lymond into action, (NT) -- Denise, 16:22:45 04/29/09 Wed
- The scene with Sybilla and Philppa in the garden. P lies to S regarding Bailey. "What good would it do to say..." (p. 377, Vintage) .... what good indeed.....since this is a reread, and I know what is coming, I so very much wanted P to tell S. Working together, perhaps they could have prevented the upcoming events (but then, would Lymond ever have taken P to Sevigny?). (NT) -- PeggyB, 13:46:16 04/29/09 Wed
  - And there's the rub, right? If Philippa had never had been raped by Leonard Bailey, would she and Lymond ever found their way to each other? Or was that the watershed event that had to happen to allow Lymond to lay aside his feelings of unworthiness? (NT) -- celtgirl, 14:46:10 04/29/09 Wed
    - Watershed moment - precisely. (NT) -- E, 07:11:14 04/30/09 Thu
Checkmate- Part IV- Chapter Three -- celtgirl, 21:17:56 04/27/09 Mon [52]

Not sure about the title on this one either, ladies. But he was a rather happy looking fellow, so I chose him. :)

-Danny escorts Sybilla to meet Marthe. He is asked to be present at the meeting, by Marthe, and Sybilla acquiesces by saying, 'In dreadful heat one seeks the shade of noble trees.'

-Marthe and Sybilla have a very barbed conversation about Jerott, Lymond and Marthe's parentage and Lymond's marriage to Philippa.

-Sybilla states that she feels Philippa is worth two of Catherine d'Albon with her mother thrown in for good measure- but that she does not wish to see someone as vulnerable as Philippa tied to Lymond.

-Sybilla tells Marthe that she asked to have Marthe and to raise her after she was born, but the DdeD refused to let Marthe go.

-At the end of the meeting, Sybilla tells Marthe- 'When you have no one else to turn to, come to me.'

-Sybilla and Danny find that Nostradamus has eavesdropped (with Marthe's permission) on the entire conversation.

-Philippa goes to see Catherine, who holds a mirror to her face and asks her if she is in love with Francis. Philippa admits she is, but that she and Lymond will divorce nevertheless.

-Philippa and Danny meet and we learn that Lymond has left Paris with Jerott, Archie and Piero Strozzi.

-Philippa calls on Austin who tells her that if something were to go wrong, she should call on him for help.

-Philippa receives a packet of blank papers from Leonard Bailey.

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Checkmate- Part IV- Chapter Two -- celtgirl, 20:26:05 04/26/09 Sun [30]

This, of course, is the very famous 'The Kiss' by Auguste Rodin.

-Philippa informs Lymond that Catherine is still waiting for him

-It is soon clear, however, she has come to upbraid him about his treatment of Sybilla.

-Philippa reveals that she knows something happened that night in Lyon, through a conversation with Nostradamus.

-Lymond admits to devising a '...somewhat abitrary way out of my difficulties.'

-When Philippa says it is Kate that Lymond must love, Lymond confesses that 'Kate is my friend. That is true. But the songs were for her daughter. And the passion, for ever.'

-Philippa, thinking through their recent history, concludes that Lymond wants her.

-Lymond then goes on to list the reasons they cannot be together, to which our ever sensible Philippa replies that-'Perhaps four weeks of of matrimony would cure us both.'

-When Philippa suggests that he may not understand the true nature of her feelings so well as he thinks, Lymond replies- 'You might, without my crediting it, fall deeply in love and forever, with some warped hunchback whelped in the gutter. I should equally stop you from taking him.'

-To which Philippa replies, ' God in heaven. Do you think I care?' and Lymond says, 'I know you don't. But you must excuse the hunchback, who does.'

-Austin comes running at the sound of shattering glass and Philippa, crying, flees.

-Austin rips the sash of the Order of St. Michael from Lymond, and asks if they give it out for fornication.

-Lymond and Austin struggle, and eventually stop to have a very human moment with each other, where Lymond confesses he did not bed Philippa.

-Austin asks Lymond why he has never thought of remaining married to Philippa.

-Lymond says even if he were informed that Philippa was inflamed with an unlikely passion for him, he would not remain married to her.

-Lymond has Archie deliver a note of apology to Catherine, stating he is overcome with sickness and will not be visiting her chambers that night.

Question of sorts:

Finish Lymond's sentence here with what you think he intended to say.

'This visit hasn't been about Sybilla, except in so far as you wanted to punish me. It hasn't been about Catherine either: if Austin will forgive you anything, why should...' (pg. 346, Vintage ed.)

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Checkmate- Part IV- Chapter One -- celtgirl, 20:16:27 04/25/09 Sat [16]

This week, due to a scattered brain, I am merely going to post pictures of lovely statues from around Paris, to go along with the chapter summaries.

(btw I think this is one of the most perfect chapters I've ever read in any book).

-Lymond throws the banquet he promised for the Scots Commissioners, as well as to celebrate his future bride, Catherine.

-Richard and Sybilla attend the supper, which is held in Lymond's sumptuous abode- the Hotel d'Hercule.

-They are greeted by a variety of their accomplished countrymen, as well as a somewhat inebriated Jerott (poor Jerott, I always want to just wrap him up and take him home).

-Lymond enters with the young Queen on his arm, with Catherine following behind.

-We learn that the Queen was not an invited guest.

-The Marechale de St. Andre introduces Catherine to Sybilla, who receives her very graciously.

-Lymond and Queen Mary have a slightly barbed conversation about religion.

-The Bishop of Orkney comments to Lord James Stewart that they both covet the hart that is Lymond, for Scotland, but concludes that 'this hart is ten years too young, I fear, for his destiny.'

-The entertainment begins with jugglers, dancers, acrobats and illusionists. These are followed by 'Les Amies de Rabelais'.

-Enter Philippa, as well as assorted Bourbon royalty. We find out that Piero has invited them all, and has summoned Philippa by telling her Lymond had sent for her.

-Philippa fears variously that Leonard Bailey has chosen this very public night to announce the Crawford scandal, or that Lymond and Sybilla have had some 'unthinkable climax', or that someone has told Richard of Marthe.

-Once Lymond and Philippa realize it is one of Piero's jokes, they make the best of the situation, with Lymond restoring Philippa's confidence by saying, 'Take your cloak off. Your gown and hair need no adornment.'

-Philippa settles in with a group of admirers and Catherine d'Albon.

-Through Philippa's eyes we observe Lymond's flawless skills as a host.

(I always have a pang for Philippa here, when she witnesses '...that his absent fingers, their movement almost imperceptible, were caressing the smooth, creamy skin between her (Catherine) neck and her shoulder.'

-When Wyatt's bitter verse is sung, Sybilla begins to cry.

-As Sybilla leaves the party, she tells Lymond: 'You brought me here, it seems, for one purpose. If it pleases you to ask me again, you must not be surprised if I refuse you.'

-As the last of the guests leave, Catherine, who is to stay, anticipates a night where she '...might not sleep alone; or at all.'

-As Lymond makes his way to his bedchamber Adam halts him to tell him that there is someone in his room, Lymond assumes it is Catherine.

-Instead he finds his wife, Philippa Somerville.

Questions:

1. What do you think Lord James Stewart means when he says to the Bishop of Orkney 'there is a remedy.' (pg. 333, Vintage ed.)

2.Why do you think Sybilla makes a point of distracting Richard before he can reach Philippa? (pg. 336, Vintage)

3. What is the significance of Wyatt's verse? (pg. 338, Vintage)

(sorry this summary is so long, the rest won't be, there's just so much to cover in this chapter).

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Checkmate, Part III, chapter 9 -- PeggyB (), 23:17:00 04/24/09 Fri [9]

Mary Stuart
Thanks for your patience, ladies....onward with our story.........

-Phippa gets the Schiatti brothers to find out the name of Bailey’s banker in Paris and London. Through some creative storytelling, she gets the brothers to help her intercept the papers Bailey has sent to said bankers and prepares a letter for Henry Sidley.

- Philippa then visits the well-guarded hostage, Baron Grey of Wilton, under pretenses of receiving his blessing on her anticipated betrothal to Austin Grey, his nephew. Lord Grey is so sold on the match, by the end of their meeting, he agrees to send a well-sealed package to London for her.

- Through Lord Grey, we learn more about the history of both Lymond and Margaret Lennox. We also learn that Lymond has sent a rather unflattering referral of Philippa to Lord Grey.

- Philippa has thus far been able to avoid Lymond (and Sybilla), not wanting to divulge what she has learned “In the interests of Master Bailey’s health she absented herself from an excrutiating reception.....at which the comte de Sevigny was expected to be in attendance.” (p. 312, Vintage Ed.). But her presence is expected when the young Scots Queen receives her Commissioners.

- In an unfortunate interchange, Philippa makes a comment to Lymond which shockingly brings to mind the death of Oonagh, and perhaps Christian
“...any poor ass seduced by a Crawford...”
“...is apt to wake flayed alive...”

- Lymond invites Philippa to come visit Austin at Hôtel d’Hercule, and promises her “You won’t meet me. Like yourself, I seem to be permanently occupied with other people’s errors of judgement.” (p. 319, Vintage Ed.).

- John Elder, Secretary to Meg Lennox and tutor to her son, has arrived bearing “greetings” from Lady Lennox.

- Lymond and Philippa have a rather animated exchange. In the end, he leaves an open-ended invitation for her to attend his betrothal supper.
__________________________
Q1. Any ideas (or wild imaginings) of what story Philippa told the Schiattis that got them to, not only assist her with Bailey but would put her in a positon where “she might have to wed one of four bankers” (p. 316, Vintage Ed.)?

Q2. What do you think of Lymond’s comment to Philippa about “other people’s errors of judgement?” (Personally, I think he’s working awfully hard to convince everyone that he’s not interested in Philippa–like that letter to Grey. Jeez, he’s acting like a 12 year old kid! I keep expecting he’d put Philippa’s pigtails in an inkwell given the chance!)

Q3. John Elder reminds me of those slavering hyenas in “The Lion King”...uck!

Last edited by author: Sat April 25, 2009 07:44:31 Edited 1 time.
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Replies:
- Q1) I expect Philippa had to be exceddingly coy and charming, making them believe that marriage was a possiblity, so she could get the information she required. Q2) That was one of their nastier interchanges, wasn't it? I don't recall that level of animosity before, though it is, I'm sure, fuelled by their repressed feelings for one another. What a bluidy sorry situation this is! (NT) -- Denise, 10:10:40 04/25/09 Sat
- Peggy, for someone who thought she'd only be able to give minimal effort to your summary week, you did a fantastic job. But then, what did I really expect? *g* (NT) -- Denise, 10:13:02 04/25/09 Sat
  - Hear, hear! (NT) -- E, 10:22:33 04/25/09 Sat
    - Thanks ladies, it was tough squeezing this in with this week's schedule, but these books deserve the effort!! (NT) -- PeggyB, 11:09:22 04/25/09 Sat
- Q1) She probably invoked the helpless female card with the Schiatti brothers. In effect, I think she used them (relying on their doting natures to her). (Q2) I suspect Lymond was referring to his mother's indiscretions, which occupy so much of Philippa's time as she tries to find the truth behind Lymond's heritage. (Q3) Yep, I'm in firm agreement! Slimy kind of guy, definitely acting as agent for the Lennoxes. (NT) -- E, 10:15:02 04/25/09 Sat
  - In total agreement with you ladies. I can't post much...busy painting and cleaning etc. Enjoy your weekend :) (NT) -- Carolyn, 10:21:14 04/25/09 Sat
- Q1. Just had this idea, I am very much reminded of this Camelot scene >>>>>>> -- PeggyB, 10:31:24 04/25/09 Sat
  - Haha - love it! Philippa toying with the Schiatti brothers! (NT) -- E, 10:37:01 04/25/09 Sat
**pardon the interruption** -- PeggyB, 22:42:49 04/23/09 Thu [4]
Thursday was too busy for me to put together chapter 9, so I'll get to it on Friday or Saturday, hope that's ok with everyone!

In the meantime...if you are so inclined, here are links to two Lymond Chronicles quizes...

triv.net quiz

funtrivia quiz

Have fun!!!

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Replies:
- BTW, I scored 100% on the triv.net quiz, and 90% on the funtrivia quiz. (NT) -- PeggyB, 22:43:21 04/23/09 Thu
- My score was exactly like yours, Peggy! (NT) -- E, 05:54:07 04/24/09 Fri
  - Psst...Elaine, come inside >>>>>>>>>>> -- PeggyB, 07:37:01 04/24/09 Fri
Checkmate, Part III, chapter 8 -- PeggyB, 23:39:25 04/22/09 Wed [29]

Lord James Stewart, John Erskine,
1st Earl of Moray 17th Earl of Mar

- “Françoise de Sevigny” escorts the Scottish Commissioners from Dieppe to Paris...with a decidedly Russian flair.

- Through Richard’s eyes and memories, we learn some of Lymond’s growing up, especially how harshly Richard’s father Gavin treated him.

- Richard finally gets Lymond cornered and asks about the “source of trouble” between Lymond and Sybilla. Getting nowhere, he aks if it has to do with Eloise. Lymond questions whether Richard is asking if he was Eloise’s lover, “...the answer is no.....that would be incest.”

- Sybilla has her own interview with Archie. She is concerned that Lymond might arrange for Richard to meet Marthe. Archie replies that “only a man who hated you would do such a thing.”

- Lymond calls on the Hotel de St. André. The Maréchale informs him Catherine is waiting for him.

- Lymond meets with Catherine, unescorted. She asks for some sign of wooing, which he considers a masquerade. Lymond seems dispassionate about the match, but promises her happiness.

- “I don’t bed with virgins unless they ask me, and unless I am married to them.”

- Jerott visits Sybilla. She asks to meet Marthe, who she assures him is not a child of hers.

- Philippa avoids both Lymond and Sybilla, but seeks out Archie. He tells her of Dieppe. Cautions her to not ask Lymond what happened in Lyon. He also reveals that Marthe has left Jerott.
_______________________

Q1. Why does Lymond flaunt his Russian style? Is it for attention? Is he distancing himself from family, Scotland, or France? Reminding everyone he still intends to return to Russia???
Q2. Am I wrong to assume Gavin knew the truth of Lymond’s parentage and that was why he treated him so badly?
Q3. Why does Lymond bring up the idea of being Eloise’s lover and introducing the discussion of incest?
Q4. "I don’t bed with virgins....." Is he leaving doubt as to whether Philippa is still a virgin? Is he saying Philippa has not requested intimacy? Is he calling Catherine’s virginity into question, or promising not to force himself on her after their marriage? Hmmmm....the possibilities.

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Summer Reading.... -- Lil, 13:45:00 04/23/09 Thu [1]

Sorry for the new post, but I didn't want this to get lost in the discussion. :-)

I would like to begin organizing the Summer Reading list for June/July/August. Through the poll I posted a few weeks back, it was identified that most people would like to have discussions over the summer, but with a lighter type of book to discuss.

I would like to get your suggestions on lighter books we can read and discuss. I will compile and provide another poll with information on each book being voted for. I will try to narrow the list to 10 books and then we can vote from there (if I get more than 10 books). So please don't take it personally if not all of your recommendations make the final list. :-) I will be sure to be as fair as possible, I promise.

Please e-mail me your reading suggestions at n_lillie AT cox DOT net. I would like to have the list of suggestions by Saturday, May 2nd. Thank you for taking the time to email me your recommendations!

[Edit]
Checkmate, Part III, chapter 7 -- PeggyB, 07:39:43 04/22/09 Wed [10]
Sorry I'm late. Tuesday was hectic.

– Leonard Bailey’s qualities are listed. Bailey says Sybilla allows him use of the house in Paris. “A charming bower for lovers.” [*shudder* Is this foreshadowing? *shudder*]

- Philippa attempts to extricate Madame Roset, but Bailey interferes.

- Bailey reveals the truth, as he knows it. The father of Francis Crawford (x2), Marhe, and Eloise was indeed the same man—Gavin Crawford’s father, the first Francis Crawford.

- Philippa surmises that Lymond had guessed at the truth. And this was the source of his reticence at returning to Scotland after leaving Turkey. Meeting Richard confirms his fear and DdeD’s phrophecy (Your father’s two sons wil not meet in this world again) and explains his disturbing reaction to Sybilla.

- We learn the Lennoxes are behind Bailey’s attempts to discredit Lymond as a bastard. [Gee, reallly? How surprising----not!]

- Philippa offers to buy Bailey off. Bailey is interested in more than money and starts to accost Philippa, but she is able to talk him down.

- Philippa has been called back to the palace to deal with the dressmakers. Now she has a headache.

- That night she wakes herself, sobbing in her sleep.

Q1. Why did Sybilla have written proof of Lymond’s parentage? Was this common?
Q2. What does Lymond feel toward Sybilla, “knowing” she supposedly committed adultery with her FIL?
Q3. I have one word for Bailey----ewwwwww!!!!!!
Q4. What causes Philippa to be crying at this time?

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Checkmate, Part III, chapter 6 -- PeggyB (), 23:11:03 04/20/09 Mon [16]

- Philippa locates rue de la Cerisaye and bribes a Célestin friar to figure out which house the Dame’s key belongs to.

- Meanwhile, back at the palace, royal wedding preparations continue amid conflict *g*.

- Catherine d’Albon reveals that Lymond has sent a proposal letter to her parents. She and Philippa retire privately for some Q&A. Philippa believes that being contracted to Catherine will prevent Lymond from returning to Russia, hmmm, that’s not what he told the Scotts Commisioners in the last chapter.

- While regarding Catherine, Philippa thinks back on Christian Stewart, Güzel, and Oonagh and feels “she was less to him than any of them.” [Oh, Philippa, how wrong you are!]

- Philippa calls on Austin Grey. He shares news from London. She informs him that Lymond has “asked leave to marry Catherine,” which causes Austin to spill a glass of wine and break into tears. "Another man had wept, long ago, all through a cold Turkish night; but not for her sake" (p. 285, Vintage). Philippa realizes that she acted out of jealousy when telling Austin the news.

- Philippa explains to Austin about Marthe. She confesses that Marthe was correct, she loves Lymond and “it is a lifelong fever....and leaves no passion to spare.” She wants Austin to understand what he’s getting if they should marry and wants him to think it over and be sure.

- The Célestins have found the Hôtel des Sphères, occupied by Isabelle Roset.

- Philippa goes and meets Isabelle Roset. From their conversation, Philippa pieces together the truth, that Marthe and Lymond share the same father, but Lymond is the son, not of Beatris, but of Sybilla.

- Enter the villain, Leonard Bailey.

Q1. Love DD’s insertion of the nuptial chaos! Does any wedding come off completely smoothly?
Q2. Even under the circumstances, doesn’t it seem improper to propose marriage when one is still married?
Q3. Why do you think Philippa’s news about Lymond & Catherine caused such a reaction in Austin?
Q4. Do you think Bailey bribed the Célestins to have Philippa come to the house, or did he coerce Isabelle Roset to invite her?
Q5. Any thoughts on the symbology of the "key"?

Last edited by author: Mon April 20, 2009 23:15:40 Edited 1 time.
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Checkmate, Part III, chapter 5 -- PeggyB, 21:46:33 04/19/09 Sun [10]

Meanwhile...back at Dieppe....

- We (and Lymond) learn that he has landed in the house of a draper’s widow (draper: dealer in cloth). And we meet Martine “who had once governed the high-bred squadron of the old King’s permanent mistresses” and long-time friend of Lymond’s. (btw, a draper was a dealer in cloth). Martine tells him Archie is on his way. Archie arrives and takes over the care of Lymond. When Lymond awakes, Martine is seated in his room, “wearing the pearls he had once given her.” Martine embraces and kisses Lymond....but Martine discerns that he has found a woman, “tell her, from me, not to make you wait any longer.”

- Martine informs Lymond that the woman whose house they are in likes to entertain Scotsmen. The last was a writer, and left some of his work. Also, Lord James and Master Erskine are there, waiting for Lymond, to which he replies “ Accursed be those fools of Scots, and the fools of Scots who follow them.” Together they decide the best cover story is that Lymond is there to purchase cloth. Lymond agrees to give Martine cloth for three dresses for her assistance.

- Martine departs and Lymond peruses the writing .... it is a draft of John Knox’s The First Blast of the Trumpet [In the summer of 1558, Knox published his best known pamphlet, The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women. In calling the "regiment" or rule of women "monstrous", he meant that it was "unnatural". The pamphlet has been called a classic of misogyny. Knox states that his purpose was to demonstrate "how abominable before God is the Empire or Rule of a wicked woman, yea, of a traiteresse and bastard". The women rulers that Knox had in mind were Mary Tudor, the queen of England, and Mary Stuart, the queen of Scotland. (Wikipedia)]

- Lymond greets Lord James and John Erskine. He continues the facade of shopping for cloth. Erskine questions him about the ride from Paris, Lymond says it was drunkenness from banquet that impaired him, not the ride. He assures them, in his way, that he’s not interested in the Culter title and intends to return to Russia.

- Lord James informs Lymond that Richard has joined the Calvanists. Erskine and James attempt to ferret out where Lymond’s loyalties lay in the coming clash of Catholics vs Protestants.

- Lymond and leave the draper’s house. After assuring himself that Lymond has recovered, Archie makes his own plans for the evening...and Lymond inserts another elephant reference.

Q1. Martine. Have we heard of her before (I don’t remember her, and can’t find her in the Companions)?
Q2. Lymond’s cursing of Lord James and Erskine. Is this because of their reformist alliance?
Q3. At the end of chapter 3, how did Lymond identify Lord James as being acquainted with Martine?

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Replies:
- I think Martine is from QP, isn't she in charge of figuring out who sunk the boat when it came in? (NT) -- Jessica M., 08:32:15 04/20/09 Mon
  - Why can't I find her name in the Companions? Ugh, I'm frustrated. Sallie??? celtgirl???? (NT) -- PeggyB, 09:34:22 04/20/09 Mon
    - Peggy, the Companions include factual information, such as battles, historical figures and documents, and translations. Martine is a fictional character, so you will not find her there. And Jessica is right. Martine first appears in Queens Play. (NT) -- Sallie (), 10:14:03 04/20/09 Mon
      - OK, I thought ALL of the characters were in the Companions, as well. Thanks for the clarification. (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:21:14 04/20/09 Mon
- Why am I not seeing any cursing of Stewart and Erksine? Is it done in another language? I read it twice and am completely missing it....help! :-) (NT) -- Lil, 16:40:21 04/20/09 Mon
  - In my summary, it is the second bullet (translated into English, from the Companion). In the book it is, I believe, in French. (NT) -- PeggyB, 16:55:09 04/20/09 Mon
    - Well, duh...don't I feel the fool...haha! Sorry Peggy...I did read what you wrote up there...I promise to pay better attention! :-) (NT) -- Lil, 18:41:23 04/20/09 Mon
      - Aww Lil, fugeddaboudit. I could have completely misinterpreted what DD intended. Unfortunately, I didn't prepare my summaries ahead and am kind of seat-of-my-pantsing it this week. Ugh. (NT) -- PeggyB, 18:55:37 04/20/09 Mon
- #3) I am completely guessing here, but maybe its because of her previous relationship with royalty - as you quoted in the first bit up there (Old King's permanent mistresses). Maybe somehow he knew they had crossed paths before...or wasn't Stewart a bastard child of a King? I don't do well with remembering who was related to who in the European royalty as they all seemed to be cousins of sorts. Suppose someone smarter than me will have an idea! *g* (NT) -- Lil, 16:44:01 04/20/09 Mon
Checkmate: Part III, Chapter 4 -- PeggyB (), 22:08:13 04/18/09 Sat [17]

Saint Mary of Egypt (Saint-Marie-Egyptienne)
Saint of Penitents & Chastity

- The morning after the post-Calais banquet, Philippa wakes with a miserable head cold–confining her to her quarters where Adam visits to relay the news of Francis’ abrupt departure to Dieppe and the reason.

-Adam is concerned that Lymond might accidentally inform Richard about Marthe and that there will be a “confrontation” and encourages Philippa to go to Dieppe. Philippa declines. Austin informs Philippa that Lymond’s headaches have returned and that he believes Lymond will return to Russia. Philippa thinks the solution to Lymond’s disquiet is to prove or disprove the history of Sybilla. Adam suggests that an immediate “relief” to Lymond’s “strain” is required...and it cannot wait until April....Philippa suggests she have a “word” with Catherine’s mother about this necessity.

-Philippa visits Nostradamus and bribes him to find the lock that the key from Lyon will open.

-Nostradamus offers to prepare a potent love potion....Philippa jests that she knows eight people at court to whom he’s already sold it.

-Nostradamus does some divining with the key....Philippa identifies the street name.

-As Philippa attempts to leave, Nostradamus tells her: “You will not speak of that which is in your mind but I, if you will allow me, would advise you. Here you have a hawk of the lure, not of the fist. He will not come to you. If you would have him, you must lay your heart upon your hawking-glove; and feed it to him.”

-Philippa wonders why neither Lymond nor Nostradamus speak of their meeting in Lyon. Nostradamus says Lymond was incapacitated and would not recall the meeting, and it wasn’t Nostradamus’ place to mention it.

-Philippa returns home, takes the cold medicine, sleeps for 16 hours and awakes to find she is well “and a gift from Austin Grey at her bedside.”

Q1. How is it Adam knows the rumor of Sybilla’s and Richard’s deaths are untrue–essentially at the same time Lymond is learning this fact?
Q2. I got the impression that Adam was trying to get Philippa to go to Dieppe to “lift some of the strain” which would bind Lymond to her and keep him from going to Russia. Am I way off base here?
Q3. Observation: Nostradamus, like Marthe and Adam, appears to me to be encouraging the union of Philippa and Lymond.
Q4. Does Philippa know about Lymond’s wrist slashing at the time she meets Nostradamus?
Q5. What gift did Austin send to Philippa while she was ill?

Last edited by author: Sun April 19, 2009 08:07:31 Edited 1 time.
[Edit]

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