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Lymond's Chess Board S&S Pub S&S Bairns Bookshelf Shamrocks & Stones Website

Part 3, Chapter 3 -- Lil, 08:16:48 04/18/09 Sat [34]
<
Camille Pissarro 1830 - 1903.
The Fair in Dieppe, Sunny Morning
1901; Oil on canvas;
The Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg.

- Lymond comes to his senses and does not leave post haste to Dieppe. He rested for 30 minutes allowing his bags to be packed and to have a bowl of soup.

- Archie accompanies Lymond to Dieppe. They only stop to change horses. As they come up on the gate at Dieppe, Lymond looks at Archie and realizes how tired he is. Lymond's thanks come in this quote: "A brother, whether I have one or not, could not have done more" (Pg 247, Vintage)

Correction: Yesterday I said one ship went down, but in fact two ships went down. sorry about that!

- Lymond goes through the gates and is directed to La Pensee, a household he had stayed at before. Upon arrival he is informed that his mother is alive and at the house.

- Lymond finds his mother sitting playing cards. There is a reserve to their conversation - going over the facts of the dead servants and what to do for their families, how can Lymond help out in Richard's place, what about Richard's wife and family, etc.

- Sybilla asks Lymond if she were gone or dead would she come back to Midculter - he said it would not make a difference. She asks if Russia means more to him (I am assuming she means more important than her family?)- he says no. The back and forth continues until - surprise! - Richard walks in!

- Lymond notes the tone of Sybilla's response to Richard - not surprise or love, but anger. She knew he was alive. Lymond is completely blind-sided as he realizes his mother let him believe that Richard was dead.

- The conversations between all three are very strained, accusatory and hurtful. Lymond and Richard are, as usual, at each other's throats and Sybilla is trying to make nice, but at the same time making things worse. There is so much said, its hard to even summarize! *g*

- Lymond finally leaves the room, headache and all, and finds out that Richard is now the Earl of Culter. He realizes that Alec Ross had not lied and that Sybilla had not paid him to mislead. She just went along with what he thought to get the information she wanted.

- Lymond rides through the crowds, as they call out his name and celebrate his presence there. On his way, he is re-routed to the church of St. Jacques. There he finds waiting for him Lord James Stewart, the Scot's Queen's half-brother. As Lymond comes down off his horse, feeling ill, he faints at the door.

Q#1)What are your thoughts on Sybilla as she allows this charade about Richard's death continue?

Q#2)Richard was eavesdropping on Sybilla and Lymond - why did he allow his mother to do this to Lymond? Spite?

Q#3)"I thought I was the excuse for your whole way of life?" (Pg 255, Vintage) Any thoughts on this question/statement by Sybilla?

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Part 3, Chapter 2 -- Lil, 09:37:36 04/17/09 Fri [26]

The Chateau de Dieppe

- The chapter opens with the description of an overcrowded, uncontrolled celebration banquet in Paris for the triumph in Calais. Lymond, Strozzi and Philippa are in the midst of the event, observing and interacting with the chaos.

- After the celebration, Lymond and Philippa go to Jerott and Marthe's home. They sit with Jerott, Marthe, Danny and Adam, drinking wine, sharing the amusing events of the evening, and end with the retelling of the Argonauts.

- Meanwhile, Austin in off in the shadows watching them all. Suddenly Jerott is taken with the interplay between Lymond and Philippa. He realizes that Philippa is falling for Lymond.

*Strap in everyone...please keep your hands and feet inside the car at all times...the rollercoaster begins!*g*

- In the drunken revelry, Marthe tries to physically impose Philippa on Lymond, saying - "Come. Be merry. Kiss her!" (Pg 238, Vintage)

- Lymond and Marthe engage in some insulting conversation. She's daring him to hit her to make her move from his path and Lymond is saying he'd rather describe Guzel's naked body. After trying to stop them both, that last comment sends Philippa out into the pouring rain. Lymond also leaves, but doesn't seem to follow her.

- Sitting in the rain allowing Jerott to comfort him a bit, Lymond is approached by Archie. Poor Archie breaks the news to Lymond that the ships destined to Dieppe have faced trouble - one ship going down completely. The lost ship is the one that was carrying Sybilla and Richard. Lymond sets off for Dieppe immediately.

**No questions, but a quote about Jerott and Marthe:

"As he watched, she bent her head and crossing her hands, slid them along her forearms to still them. Oh God, thought Jerott. Don't let it happen. She doesn't deserve the torment. The lifetime of waiting, in return for a handful of moments of ecstasy. And standing behind him, always, the ghosts of his other, experienced women. The thoughts he did not share. The knowledge that one had his total friendship but never the key to the innermost door...And there was an innermost door, which Marthe did not have and had never had, although is hopes of that, and that alone, had been his reason for marrying her." (Pg 238, Vintage)

Although he's describing Philippa & Lymond at first, it seems that he's really talking about himself and Marthe, of course ending with the comment about her.

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Part 3, Chapter 1 -- Lil, 09:26:32 04/16/09 Thu [23]
http://andy.gettasite.com/germany/gallery/FranceLyonSomewhere.jpg"

(this is the quote that was under the pic, I thought it was funny enough to share)
The French countryside south of Lyon is beautiful.
Minor detail: You must be prepared to get lost to see it ;)

- The French army continues its Triumphs. King Henri and the non-combatant nobility come to Calais where the King hands out money and property to his brave Generals. Lymond receives land that connects directly to the Marshal de St. Andre outside of Lyon. He was also given the Hotel d'Hercule for entertaining purposes, as was required by his status (especially married to Catherine).

- Under Archie's instruction, Lymond's men keep him constant company and he seems to welcome it. His stress levels seem to have been reduced after the win at Calais.

- Philippa tells her mother, truthfully, that she is staying in France to see "the momentus spectacle of the Dowager Lady Culter embracing the entire bewildered court of France" (Pg 219, Vintage). Philipp was alos hoping to reunite Lymond with his mother.

- Philippa spends her time learning about many of Lymond's interests (finding they were also her interests) and shares her knowledge with Catherine so she'll be better prepared to be Lymond's wife.

- Philippa becomes the unofficial nanny to the royal children - "entertaining and wiping noses". Queen Catherine, noticing Philippa's talents during one of these nannying sessions asks if Philippa really wants to dissolve the marriage to Lymond. Philippa says yes. The Queen then suggests that it is up to them to create opportunities in which Lymond will learn to care for Catherine (as his feelings are still unknown).

- In the days leading up to Lymond's return, Philippa admits to herself that she has been in a sour disposition. Being apart from Lymond has made her miss him more.

- Lymond returns. He and Philippa are expected at a banquet the following day. Philippa arrives and only has eyes for Francis, even though Austin is also in the room.

- After discussions of Lord Grey's ransom negotiations and banter about Lymond's attire, Lymond asks Philippa if she is okay. She has had to endure the celebrations of the taking of Calais. Philippa notes that he is the only person to apologize for being subjected to the celebrations.

- Lymond allows Philippa and Austin some time alone. Austin is feeling rather inadequate and Philippa eloquently and sweetly finds a way to comfort him. Philippa also notes that Lymond is drunk.

- On the way to the banquet Lymond is obviously intoxicated. Philippa comments on the upcoming arrival of Richard and Sybilla. Lymond is aware and will meet them in Dieppe.

- During the banquet, Philippa asks about Flavy, but Lymond does not reveal anything new. The conversation is tense and curtly ended by Lymond.

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Part 2, Chapter 10 -- Lil, 10:28:20 04/15/09 Wed [13]

- The chapter opens with a review of the battles of Calais, the surrounding of the Fortress of Guines and the unfolding strategies surrounding these events.

- Lord Grey leads the strategic plans in trying to save the fortress. In a last ditch effort, Lord Grey sends Austin and Harry Palmer with hackbuts to pick off the incoming enemy.

- Although Austin has not taken a life as a soldier, he finds himself able to shoot the French soldiers, and accurately at that. He finds some pride in the fact that he didn't let down Harry and the other English soldiers.

- The fortress is taken. Lord Grey surrenders to the Duke de Guise. Lymond is one of the two gentlemen sent to escort Lord Grey to this captivity with the French. One of Grey's men recognizes Lymond as one of the apple peddlers from Calais.

- Austin and Lymond exchange words about the defense of the war - Austin finding comfort in Lymond's words.

- Lymond tells Austin that his uncle will be held prisoner by Strozzi and Austin will be held with Lymond. Lymond explains that he will let Austin court Philippa as she is still in France.

- Through Archie we see the celebration that ensused in Lymond's tent after the taking of the fortress. Everyone but Adam are sloshed drunk and in a festive mood.

No questions, but a quote that tells Lord Grey's thoughts on Austin (Pg 206, Vintage):

(Lord Grey is thinking about why he can't take too much time to rest, that he is the only one able to do the job of commanding the troops. He feels he cannot trust Harry Palmer because he has been fraternizing too much with the troops...and here's his thought on Austin)

Men would fight well for their pay, but they would die for an aspiration.
Austin knew that. The trouble with Austin was that he believed so deeply in the chivalrous virtues the he found it impossible to refer to them.
In war - William Grey tried not to sound cynical - in war, it was alas the opposite nature one looked for.

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Part 2, Chapter 8 -- Lil, 09:00:04 04/13/09 Mon [39]

- Lymond informs Strozzi of the informaiton he gave to Lord Grey.

- Strozzi tells Lymond that if Calais is won, the King will approve his divorce to Philippa and he will be contracted to marry Catherine by Easter.

- Philippa hands her court duties over to Mary Fleming and pays a visit to Marthe.

- Adam arrives at Marthe's first (or nearly the same time)and inquires about Lymond's recovery from his opium addiction.

- Apparently forgotten by one of the servants, Philippa has arrived and overhears the conversation between Adam and Marthe.

- Adam believes that Lymond's excruciating headaches (and the blindness?) began after Richard's attack in Berwick.

- Nostradamus also gave his thoughts - leading to the idea that Lymond was overstressed and needs to find the source of his anxiety.

- Adam tells Marthe and Philippa that Lymond is on the battlefield planning to take Calais.

- Adam leaves a note from Lymond for Philippa telling of his meeting with Renee Jourda. He tells her that Jourda confimred that he and Marthe were born of Beatris and Gavin. He also tells her that Leonard Baily is the one who wrote the note letting the Spanish know he was headed to Flavy. Philippa shares the letter with Marthe.

- Marthe asks Philippa if she will stay in France or go home. She decdides to stay, even though Lymond has asked her to go.

Q#1) (Pg 184, Vintage) "the only person to be lucky in all this is Catherine d'Abon." Why does Lymond say this?

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- Q1) I think it is because Catherine is the only one getting what she wants. He knows that she has fallen for him. (NT) -- Elaine, 09:43:50 04/13/09 Mon
  - Catherine has no clue what she's getting with Lymond though. She sees a pretty face, strong commander, poetic man, but all the inner turmoil would be a shock to her. The match is so wrong, on many accounts! He needs an equal, not a snifling subordinate! (NT) -- Denise, 11:49:24 04/13/09 Mon
    - My opinion of Catherine is a little different, and I base it on Philippa's assessment. >>>> -- Sallie, 14:28:24 04/13/09 Mon
      - At that time, I'm sure society would have thought Catherine and Lymond perfectly suited for each other given their social standing. (NT) -- Elaine, 14:59:02 04/13/09 Mon
        
        Have we all read the entire book? Do I need to tuck spoilers inside???? Just in case, I have a question to pose >>>>>>>>> -- PeggyB, 15:12:57 04/13/09 Mon
        
        To go back to Russia meant an almost certain death at the hands of the Tsar, Lymond knew that, and so I doubt he would have taken Catherine there. (NT) -- celtgirl, 15:41:13 04/13/09 Mon
        I agree with Cindy. An exile in France, though still close enough to Scotland to feel uncomfortable, might have been acceptable to him at this point. I sure don't see Catherine accompanying him to Russia! She seems too genteel for that. (NT) -- Elaine, 16:13:53 04/13/09 Mon
        
        Sorry, I didn't mean to imply he would take Catherine to Russia, but perhaps leave her and return by himself (perhaps after impregnating her?). He seemed so bent on returning to Russia, I'm having trouble understanding why marrying Catherine would make him stay in France, any more than being married to Philippa made him stay in Scotland or England. It seems very out of character for him to apparently be bending to the will of others to this extent. (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:53:26 04/14/09 Tue
      - I know that the match would have looked suitable, and Lymond would have tried, but he would have been in a sorry state having given his heart so completely to another. Even a loving, charming and beautiful partner as Catherine would be, would not provide what Francis needs - someone to stimulate discussion and challenge him, as well as match wits with him. Philippa is willing to accept Catherine as a suitable wife for Lymond because she so strongly wants to keep him in western Europe and away from Russia. As well, she has no clue how special she is vs Catherine or any other 'sutiable' maiden in Lymond's sphere of acquaintances. (NT) -- Denise, 15:12:17 04/13/09 Mon
        
        Yes, Denise I agree. It may look lovely but we know feelings are involved here. Lymond has given his heart elsewhere and for life. In my mind Catherine would never be part of that inner close circle....she would always be at a distance from him in some way. Perhaps Phillipa can't see this because she doesn't know how strongly Lymond loves her yet. (NT) -- Carolyn, 06:08:33 04/14/09 Tue
        
        Lymond would have to look for his intellectual stimulation elsewhere; it certainly wouldn't be part of his marriage. Were he to marry Catherine, I believe he would remain a valuable advisor, attache' or general to the king, and would be off conducting either wars or espionage or something along those lines in order to keep his intellectual needs fulfilled. (Although I do believe he would have remained faithful to Catherine, despite his history and the fact that this, too, would more or less be a marriage of convenience. He would feel he owed that to Philippa, I feel.) At that time, Catherine wouldn't be expected to fill that role for Lymond; marriage between real soul-mates is a pretty recent development. (NT) -- Elaine, 07:19:41 04/14/09 Tue
        
        I think in answer to question 3- perhaps he is merely saying that Catherine's expectations of marriage are being met, essentially. For a wellborn young woman she is making a good match. Lymond is fully expected to become a Marshal of France, which outside of the King and the Cardinal of Paris, would be one of the positions of greatest power in France. Love rarely played a role in the making of these matches. I imagine some people found themselves lucky and love grew in a good partnership, and others built an emotional life outside of their marriage. To add to what Elaine said, I doubt that for parts of the world even now that love is the primary consideration in a marriage. (NT) -- celtgirl, 08:06:42 04/14/09 Tue
        
        Regarding marriage for love, here's a case in point: CLICK. (NT) -- Elaine, 09:59:14 04/14/09 Tue
- Answer to Saturday's Extra Credit Quiz Question inside. >>> -- Elaine, 10:00:45 04/13/09 Mon
  - Wow, never would have picked up on that one. (NT) -- Carolyn, 14:00:01 04/13/09 Mon
    - I felt so dumb - it was a real forehead-slapper for me when it was disclosed. There is just so much to be seen and understood in the LC and HoN, and I do so love puzzles! (NT) -- Elaine, 14:49:19 04/13/09 Mon
      - This is the beauty of these books though, that you can read them many times and still have things to discover. It wasn't until my second read through of Niccolo that I picked up on>>> -- celtgirl, 15:45:50 04/13/09 Mon
        
        My second time, I listened to it on tape and have picked up few. The Claes Yahoo Group is going to do a complete HofN reread, with some members taking individual characters to report on. Should be very interesting since most are Marzipan members also and quite learned and intelligent and total DD fans for many years. (NT) -- FranS, 22:26:32 04/13/09 Mon
        
        I would so love to participate in this. There just isn't enough time anymore! (NT) -- Elaine, 07:08:50 04/14/09 Tue
        
        I don't think I could ever give the kind of time to these books that many of the Marzipan members, Game of Kings, Claes etc do. I love all these books, but I love many others too and can only re-read these ones so many times, before I really just need to read something else. (NT) -- celtgirl, 08:08:37 04/14/09 Tue
        
        That's the thing - now that I've read the LC twice, I don't see myself re-reading them again for a long time, much as I love them. I will re-read the HoN if we discuss them here, though. There are a lot of people who re-read the Outlander books over and over, but that just doesn't interest me. So many books, so little time... (NT) -- Elaine, 08:58:30 04/14/09 Tue
        
        I feel the same. I rarely re-read books. These books are the only ones that come close because of the discussions we have had I feel I need to review as we go. But it's not a dedicated re-read. I really love reading all kinds of books and would rather spend my time finding new stories than re-reading. Of course, that's my personal preference and don't judge those who do re-read. I appreciate their dedication and love of those books they do re-read. :-) (NT) -- Lil, 09:06:46 04/14/09 Tue
        
        Should have said this in my post above, and glad you mentioned it, Nalana - I also do not begrudge anyone their love of re-reading books. Somehow it's just not my nature, but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing by any means. (NT) -- Elaine, 09:13:39 04/14/09 Tue
      - You know, when I read the line about Lymond being concerned with the time and Marthe would be sleeping I found it odd. Why does he care about that? It seemed out of place at the time, but I hadn't clued into why it was out of place! (NT) -- Denise, 07:53:13 04/14/09 Tue
  - We have to pay attention to every little detail, n'est pas? Maybe upon countless readings, something like this might come to light, but then again... (NT) -- Denise, 15:14:35 04/13/09 Mon
  - Missed it, but love it! (NT) -- FranS, 22:21:12 04/13/09 Mon
  - Oh bravo Elaine! I never would have picked up on that...or even think of the question in the first place. I had no clue he was giving a signal. These books are so rich and layered. (NT) -- Lynne, 08:35:58 04/14/09 Tue
    - It wasn't my discovery, Lynne. It came from the recent copy of the Whispering Gallery magazine, so I cannot take credit. (NT) -- Elaine, 09:00:08 04/14/09 Tue
      - What is the "Whispering Gallery" magazine, E? (NT) -- PeggyB, 09:39:37 04/14/09 Tue
        
        It's the magazine for the DD Readers' Association. CLICK. It's very nice and full of great information and tidbits about DD. The group holds gatherings every year in Edinburgh and elsewhere, and one of these days I'm going to attend one! This year's Edinburgh gathering will be in less than 2 weeks, over April 24, 25 and 26. (One of my photos was published in it a few months ago.) (NT) -- Elaine (), 11:25:52 04/14/09 Tue
        
        Very cool, E, take a bow! BTW, my Travelocity alerts have been touting very low airfares between Seattle and Edinburgh....I'd love to go to Scotland some day. (NT) -- PeggyB, 14:29:48 04/14/09 Tue
        I've heard of the Whispering Gallery magazine. What kind of tidbits do they publish in it? Keep feeding us wonderful insights as you come upon them...please! (NT) -- Lynne, 04:23:51 04/15/09 Wed
        
        Well, there are occasional trivia/fact quizzes, photos that people have taken from the places in DDs books (like Blois, Amboise, etc.), op/ed pieces about her writing and how it impacted their life, that sort of thing. They also announce upcoming gatherings, and then follow-up with recounts of them. A couple of issues ago we received a little short story that DD had written but iirc it was never published. That was very special. (NT) -- Elaine, 05:52:00 04/15/09 Wed
        
        Wow! An unpublished story...that's really cool. Have you ever read any of DD mysteries? (NT) -- Lynne, 06:23:17 04/15/09 Wed
        
        Just one. I have them all, but as with all of her books, even though these are not lengthy they are not easy reads! Maybe I will make a point to read them this summer when our homeschool year is over. Have you read any of them, Lynne? (NT) -- Elaine, 09:19:45 04/15/09 Wed
        
        No, I haven't...but I've been tempted to snag a few on ebay and start. But I need to finish the Niccolo series first...I'm on the second book there. (NT) -- Lynne, 10:18:40 04/15/09 Wed
        
        I really think you should buy them up when you have the chance, as they are getting very hard to come by anymore. If you don't mind paying a bit more for overseas postage, I think they might be more available in the UK than here. (NT) -- Elaine, 10:43:11 04/15/09 Wed
        
        That is definitely incentive to get started on obtaining them! I splurged and got several hardback versions of the Lymond series and Niccolo. Some of the covers are so gorgeous I couldn’t resist. I’ll start on getting the mysteries too. (NT) -- Lynne, 11:18:43 04/15/09 Wed
Part 2, Chapter 9 -- Lil, 09:03:34 04/14/09 Tue [7]

- French court and Paris prepare for the rumoured attack on Calais.

- Philippa tries to befriend Catherine - the Marachale fines Philippa's interest in her soon-to-be-ex-husband's future wife amusing.

- During a wedding banquet, it is pointed out by Marthe (who has surprised Philippa by attending the wedding) and the Schiatti's that the night should be a happy one - Lymond survives Calais and her marriage is annuled or Lymoned dies and she is again free.

- Philippa watches the tension in Catherine during the banquet. She wonders if Catherine is thinking of Lymond as she is.

- Word arrives that Calais has been won by the French. Philippa finds out that Lymond is alive and runs off to be alone. Marthe follows and Philippa confesses that she has feelings for Francis.

- The chapter closes with one more bit of information from Marthe - Richard and Sybilla will be coming to France the following month.

Q#1)What do you think is going on on pages 198 - 199 (Vintage) when it seems that Philippa is "hearing" what is happening in Calais?

Q#2)Why do you think Marthe is in attendance of the wedding?

Q#3)If you are in Philippa's shoes, are you relieved that Lymond lives, even though you know he'll be divorced and remarried before your eyes? Do you think Philippa was torn between either of the options?

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Part 2, Chapter 7 -- Lil, 13:28:27 04/12/09 Sun [45]
{Elaine's got a great question in the Chapter 6 discussion posted below. Be sure to check it out!}

The original fortress of Ham

- Lymond is taken to Ham and held in the fortress there. He comes face to face with his captor, Lord Grey of Wilton.

- Lord Grey reveals to Lymond how they came to know that Lymond would be visiting Madame Jourda. A letter, unsigned, was sent informing them that Lymond would be visiting the area to settle a "family dispute". Although unsigned, Lymond recognizes the handwriting from the letter as that of Leonard Bailey.

- The "professionals" of war and negotiation discuss the two formal options for Lymond's release: Either a "trip" to Spain with King Philip or a ransom paid, in an amount calculated by Grey and his advisors that would include the whole of Lymond, Sybilla, Richard and Philippa's posessions and any money they might be able to borrow from associates.

- Lord Grey decides to throw in his own option for Lymond's release: We'll send you to Russia in exchange for tactical information.

- The Duke de Guise and King Henri seem fine with leaving Lymond in captivity, negotiating a ransom paid at the end fo the war. Marshall Strozzi wants to rescue Lymond, but is told to focus on Calais.

- Archie, Jerott, Danny and Adam go over the events of Lymond's capture. Jerott is extremely angry with Danny, blaming him for the capture. Then Danny begins to make a case against Archie.

- Archie says (Pg 174, Vintage): "You're friends o' Francis Crawford, ye tell me, but ye take little heed to what is happening to him. You force him to France, and dust your hands of it. You foul his birthright with witchcraft and devilment and see no harm when he walks away whistling. You saw him at his desk, all of you, that morning in Lyon, and thought nothing ailed him but alcohol." [Danny interjects] "He kept still. He was empty of blood, Archie said, He kept his hands out of sight, because the cuffs of his sleeves covered bandages. He left the brothel yon night. He picked up glass by the Customhouse. And when I reached him, he'd ripped through both his wrists with it."

- Through Austin Grey we learn about the interactions he has with Lymond in Lymond's chamber. Their discussion covered Grey's insistance that Kate Sommerville wanted Lymond's return to Scotland to be an advisor to the Queen, Lymond's deal to exchange information for his release to Russia, Philippa being kept in France by Queen Mary and (of course) a little taunting of Austin by Lymond regarding he Schiatti cousins interests in Philippa.

- Three days later, Lymond is moved to le Catelet, on his way to Brussels. On the way they are ambushed by Lymond's men. Austin has the opportunity to kill Lymond, but does not take it. Lymond is freed.

Q1) On pg 178 (Vintage) Lymond sings again the prayer/verse regarding the hornes of unicornes - why?

Q2) What did you think of Austin after he let Lymond escape?

Q3) How did you feel about the revelation of Lymond's attempted suicide?

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Part II, Chapter 5 -- Elaine (), 14:52:57 04/10/09 Fri [7]

Piero Strozzi

~ Lymond returns to Compeigne to find things in good order, with the possible exception of Jerott, who has been drinking to excess once again, likely because Marthe had filled their home with artists and poets and other bohemian types, much to Jerott's chagrin.

~ Francois, second Duke of Guise and his entourage rode into town amid great pomp to congratulate Lymond on saving Paris. However, the Duke excluded Lymond from an important military meeting with some of Lymond's colleagues. As vital as Lymond was to the King during the Duke's absence, he was relegated to a lesser position now that de Guise had returned, as pointed out by Piero Strozzi. The Duke has now set his military interests in Calais, and the removal of the English.

~ Strozzi suggests that Lymond could help his cause (the annulment) if he got Catherine pregnant.

~ Lymond and Strozzi travel to Calais to determine the condition of the enemy. Strozzi asks Lymond why he wishes to return to Russia. Lymond replies, 'To enforce peace... And then to rule.'

~ Upon arriving at Calais, Lymond and Strozzi disguise themselves as peasant merchants with a cartful of apples. They encounter armed English soldiers and their Knight-Porter. A brief confrontation ensues, which is concluded amiably, but Lymond gleans that the English army is lacking food. The two men also learn other important aspects about the city's vulnerabilities to military attack.

~ Strozzi admits to being '... a man with no God.' Lymonds responds by saying that he, too, stands on neither side, Catholic or Protestant, but were he to return to Scotland, he would be made to choose.

~ Continuing their disguise, Lymond learns about the sluice system in Calais, and its vulnerabilities.

~ Lymond provides some detailed plans of a variety of important military installments and landmarks in the city, then departs for 'some business in the country' which would take him through some lands held by the Spanish. Fearing Lymond risks capture (and possible disclosure of France's military plans), Strozzi rounds up several men, including Danny Hislop, and secretly follows behind.

Last edited by author: Fri April 10, 2009 15:00:18 Edited 2 times.
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Part II, Chapter 6 -- Elaine (), 16:13:08 04/11/09 Sat [14]

Map of the Picardy Region

Mill on the Somme

~ Lymond makes his way to find Renee' Jourda, and observes the movement of Spanish troops, indicating their retreat from the area. Overtaking Calais may be easier than originally believed.

~ A blind Renee' Jourda is found hiding in a dilapidated farmhouse where Spanish soldiers have been caring for her. She seems to be expecting a visit from Lymond.

~ Renee' explains how she had worked for Sybilla in Scotland, how she had despised both Gavin and Leonard Bailey, and how she had been summoned to Paris when Sybilla was to give birth. Renee's sister, Isabelle, was also there, and in fact remains at that Paris house to this day. There was discussion and subsequent confusion over whether Lymond was Sybilla or Beatris' son.

~ Lymond learns that the Spanish had prepared Renee' for Lymond's possible visit.

~ Piero Strozzi, accompanied by Danny Hislop and several other soldiers, arrive on the scene just in time to be caught up in a trap by the Spanish. Through quick thinking and a disguise, only one of Strozzi's men is taken captive, believed to be Lymond. In the meantime, Lymond is taken prisoner as he tries to rescue the now-dead Renee'.

Q1) Why would Lymond go to Flavy-le-Martel ahead of Philippa? This was dangerous territory with pockets of Spanish; why would he risk being captured?

Q2) Who could have been responsible for setting this trap?

Extra Credit Quiz Question. This month's Whispering Gallery from the DD Readers' Association had a very interesting question posted. See if you can answer it (I'll post the correct answer either later today or sometime tomorrow): What is the signal that Lymond gives to Archie to reveal whether or not he's experiencing temporary blindness?

Last edited by author: Sun April 12, 2009 07:57:04 Edited 3 times.
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- Q1) My two cents: I think he doesn't want anyone else to be involved in the digging around that possibly sending for Jourda would bring. So going there seems the better option to him, especially knowing the danger. Better he get caught than a very focused Philippa if she attempted to go get the information once finding he hadn't sent for Jourda. Q2) we find out who Lymond suspects in the next chapter, but at this point I wasn't sure who could have done it. The number of people who knew about the documents/information was pretty small. Marthe came to mind, although I wasn't sure she'd go to this length to keep him from getting the information he wanted. (NT) -- Lil, 18:40:40 04/11/09 Sat
- Its been a long time since I first read Checkmate. As a result I can't recall who set the trap. Do we find out? I too thought of Marthe...no one else comes to mind as knowing about Rennee Jourda and her conection to Sybilla. As for Lymond going alone and first to Flavy, I agree with Nalana. H ewanted to keep Phillipa from going on her own and endanger herself and he wants this private family secret to be his alone if possible. He pretends he doesn't care about his parentage and Sybilla's indiscretions but he most certainly does care and is willing to sacrifice his life to find out. (NT) -- Carolyn, 04:58:35 04/12/09 Sun
- Ooh! That extra credit question is a good one...of course I have no idea of an answer! *g* Hope someone chimes in with ideas. I'll post my chapter later on today. (NT) -- Lil, 08:34:43 04/12/09 Sun
- I think both Lil and Carolyn have hit it on the head with why Lymond went instead of Phillipa; there is no way he would allow the woman he loves to put herself in such danger, plus I think he wants her to believe he isn't interested in finding any further info on his birth, despite the fact he is. Don't have a clue on the second question, nor the bonus :) (NT) -- Carla, 08:50:47 04/12/09 Sun
- Bonus question: Here in this chapter he merely says- 'It's a general blight of disorientation. I don't know the time either.' That's all Archie needs to hear to know Lymond is experiencing blindness. (NT) -- celtgirl, 09:15:58 04/12/09 Sun
  - You're getting warmer! (NT) -- Elaine, 09:42:38 04/12/09 Sun
    - Could you give a girl a hint, I've gone back and forth over all the blindness scenes, and it's obviously too subtle for me- unless it's his hands. But beyond that I'm missing it. I figured Archie was just nicely attuned to his 'elephant'. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:36:44 04/12/09 Sun
      - Nope, not his hands. It's right there in the line you quoted, cg. (NT) -- Elaine, 14:25:01 04/12/09 Sun
        
        The word blight? (NT) -- celtgirl-grasping at straws, 14:49:33 04/12/09 Sun
        
        No, try again. (NT) -- Elaine, 15:38:32 04/12/09 Sun
        
        Is it the word time? (NT) -- Lil (jumping after everyone else did the hard work! *g*), 15:56:11 04/12/09 Sun
        
        Disorientation? (NT) -- celtgirl, 16:17:20 04/12/09 Sun
- Great Extra Credit question, Elaine! I read the article so I guess I must recuse myself. :) (NT) -- Sallie, 15:18:56 04/12/09 Sun
Part II, Chapter 3 -- Elaine, 22:16:11 04/07/09 Tue [25]

Louis XII Wearing the Collar of the Order of St. Michael

~ The chapter begins with noting that Madame la Marechale was not publicly connected with the protestant worship of the previous night, and the Spanish and English armies, beset with deserters, were unable to attack Paris.

~ Lymond is not only the king's commander extraordinaire, but also his boon companion. He is made a knight of the Order of St. Michael.

~ Danny Hislop has returned, and some of this chapter is presented through his discerning eyes and ears.

~ Lymond has concocted ingenious methods to keep the Spanish and English at bay.

~ An ailing Mary, Queen of Scotland summons Lymond to her bedchamber and discloses a secret: that she and the Dauphin would indeed be wed in the coming spring. She also reveals that his brother, Richard, was one of the heroes who helped defeat the British at Berwick.

~ The young queen then requests Lymond's services as leader to the Scots in her absence following her marriage. Lymond, in his own inimitable way, refuses her offer.

~ Upon leaving the queen's presence, Lymond comes face to face with Nostradamus and his wife, Philippa, whom he had thought was on her way home to England.

Q1) Danny Hislop knew the third part to the saying, Ecosse notre foi; la France notre coeur (Scotland, our faith; France, our heart). What do you think the third part might be?

Q2) What was on Lymond's mind when he twice gave a look of inquiry to Mary Fleming as he left the queen's presence?

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