Mathilde tapped gently on the door to her mistress’s study.
“Enter,” came from within. The maidservant held the door open and announced,
“Majesty, the Chaplain to His Holiness.”
Catherine looked up from her desk and gave a slight smile,
“Monsignor.’ She greeted him, “Pray, come in.”
The priest, dressed in a long black robe, approached the Queen Mother, standing in silence, his head bowed.
“That will be all, Mathilde.” The door closed for a private audience convened by Catherine.
“Sit, monsignor. I was notified that you were visiting Chenonceau, and it is right and proper that we meet, before your duties in the capital recall you.”
“Certainly, Majesty.”
She fixed him with her captivating gaze before inviting him to partake of a purely restorative brandy that he readily accepted. Hi
