Simon the Coldheart · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Simon the Coldheart by Georgette Heyer.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The author dedicates the book to the memory of his father, noting that this was his father's favorite work.
Chapter 2
Simon the Coldheart Part I
The chapter introduces Simon of Beauvallet, a foundling raised by Fulk of Montlice, who grows from a page into a formidable knight. It covers his early life, his rise in King Henry V's service, his knighthood, and his first encounters with Lady Margaret of Belrémy, setting the stage for their conflict and the siege of Belrémy.
Chapter 3
I: How He Came to Fulk of Montlice
Simon, a fourteen-year-old boy of unknown parentage, arrives at Montlice Castle seeking employment. He boldly confronts the gatekeeper and later Alan of Montlice, who brings him before Fulk of Montlice. Simon reveals he is the bastard son of Geoffrey of Malvallet, but insists he is what he chooses to be. Impressed by his courage and ambition, Fulk takes him on as a page to his son.
Chapter 4
II: How He Grew to Manhood
Simon grows from page to squire under Fulk of Montlice, developing into a formidable young man known for his cold composure, ruthless justice, and unyielding will. He earns respect through strength and fairness, often clashing with Fulk but ultimately winning his admiration. Simon also observes his father, Geoffrey of Malvallet, for the first time, feeling neither enthusiasm nor displeasure.
Chapter 5
III: How He Went with Fulk to Shrewsbury
Simon accompanies Fulk of Montlice to Shrewsbury, where they prepare for battle against Hotspur. Simon demonstrates his sharp eyesight by spotting the enemy's approach. During the battle, Simon saves Geoffrey of Malvallet's life, earning the gratitude of both Malvallet and Prince Henry. After the battle, Prince Henry promises to remember Simon's valor, and Simon expresses his desire to meet Malvallet as equals in the future.
Chapter 6
IV: How He Was Knighted, and How He Had Speech with His Father
Simon is knighted by King Henry V for his valor in battle and offered a position commanding Fulk's men. He accepts Fulk as his liege lord and remains at Montlice. Later, Geoffrey of Malvallet visits to see his son, leading to a tense confrontation with Fulk.
Chapter 7
V: How He Rescued a Fair Damsel, and Discovered a Plot
Simon rides out in 1404, surveying lands and stopping at a tavern where he rescues a damsel from a ruffian, captures the man, and discovers treasonable letters concerning a plot to restore King Richard. He writes to Fulk for reinforcements and prepares to ride to London.
Chapter 8
VI: How He Rode Hotfoot to London
Simon prepares to ride to London to inform King Henry V of a plot he uncovered. He leaves his prisoner under guard with Gregory and his men, then travels to London with Roger. After struggling to compose a suitable letter to the King, Simon seeks the aid of Charles of Granmere, Fulk of Montlice's cousin. Granmere agrees to deliver Simon's letter to the King, and later secures a private audience for Simon with Henry V. Simon presents his evidence, and the King compares the documents with others captured in Scotland, confirming the plot.
Chapter 9
VII: How King Henry Thanked Him
Simon is summoned to the King's court after a fortnight of forced inactivity. King Henry thanks him for thwarting a plot and, after a philosophical discussion about honor and intent, grants Simon the barony of Fair Pastures, which Simon renames Beauvallet. Simon then informs Charles of Granmere of his new title.
Chapter 10
VIII: How He Returned to Montlice
Simon returns to Montlice after his adventures in London, where he is warmly welcomed by Fulk, Alan, and the townspeople. He reveals that King Henry has made him Baron of Beauvallet and granted him the estate of Fair Pastures. Fulk, though proud, is saddened by the prospect of losing Simon. The next day, they ride out to survey Simon's new lands, and Simon vows to restore order within three months.
Chapter 11
IX: How He Took Possession of His Estates
Simon takes control of his estates, confronting the drunken and rebellious Maurice of Gountray. After Maurice attempts to stab him in a rage, Simon unexpectedly forgives him and appoints him as his Marshal, demanding obedience. Simon also interviews his secretary, Master Talmayne, about the character of various men, planning to promote some and banish others, including Nicholas and Hubert, to establish order.
Chapter 12
X: How He Brought Order Into His Lands
Simon consolidates his rule over Beauvallet by dismissing Nicholas, appointing Basil of Mordaunt, and enforcing discipline. He reforms his men-at-arms and archers, wins the loyalty of his people through fairness and skill, and receives visits from Fulk of Montlice and his father Geoffrey of Malvallet, who brings a letter urging Simon to join the campaign against Owen Glyndourdy.
Chapter 13
XI: How He Won His Gilded Armour
Simon returns to Beauvallet after fighting in Wales and capturing Griffith, Glyndourdy's son, in single combat. He wins the gilded armour as his prize. At home, he is greeted warmly by his pages, especially young Cedric, and reconciles fully with Maurice of Gountray, forgiving him for past transgressions. His father Malvallet and brother Geoffrey discuss Simon's prowess and his apparent indifference to women.
Chapter 14
I: How He Came to Normandy
Simon the Coldheart, now past thirty and a renowned commander, stands on a hill near Alençon with his squire Cedric, contemplating his next campaign. He is summoned to the King, where Henry V tasks him with capturing the fortress of Belrémy from the formidable Lady Margaret. Simon's friends, the poet Alan and the knight Geoffrey, prepare to accompany him, while the King and others jest about Simon's coldness toward women.
Chapter 15
II: How He Encamped Before Belrémy
Simon encamps before the town of Belrémy with an army of fifteen hundred, initiating a siege. He rejects a direct assault in favor of a blockade and mining operations to minimize casualties, especially among non-combatants. His half-brother Geoffrey chafes at the inactivity, while Alan of Montlice provides a more contemplative counterpoint. Simon pledges they will feast in Belrémy by Christmas.
Chapter 16
III: How He Took Belrémy
Simon lays out a detailed plan to take Belrémy by surprise, using a mine to enter the town while a diversionary attack is made on the western gate. He assigns himself the most dangerous task of leading the twelve men through the mine. Despite objections from his captains, he insists. The plan is executed, and Simon and his men dig their way into the town, ready to open the gates for the main force.
Chapter 17
IV: How He Saw the Lady Margaret
Simon brings order to Belrémy and parleys with the sheriff. He learns Alan of Montlice is captured by Lady Margaret and sends her a command to surrender the castle and release Alan. She refuses and threatens to hang Alan. Simon counters by threatening to execute her uncle and other prisoners. Under truce, Simon enters the castle alone, but when the Lady Margaret breaks the truce, he seizes her at swordpoint, forces her men to submit, and takes her hostage to ensure Alan's safety.
Chapter 18
V: How He Brought the Lady Margaret to the Justice-House
Simon brings the veiled Lady Margaret to the justice-house in Belrémy, where Geoffrey of Malvallet and Bernard of Talmayne are present. After unveiling, the Lady Margaret defiantly refuses to swear allegiance to King Henry, declaring war between them. Simon reveals he took her as a hostage after a treacherous parley at the castle, where he drew his sword on her to secure Alan's release. He plans to invest the castle and keep her confined until noon the next day, while Geoffrey is sent to secure the castle.
Chapter 19
How the Lady Margaret Could Not Stab Him
Lady Margaret attempts to stab Simon while he writes, but he calmly instructs her on where to strike, causing her to falter and drop the dagger. She vows revenge, and later confides in Jeanne de Faucourt, who urges submission. Margaret resolves to escape and prove herself against Simon.
Chapter 20
VII: How He Found Geoffrey and Jeanne on the Terrace
On a frosty terrace, Geoffrey of Malvallet courts Jeanne de Faucourt with playful banter and declarations of love, while she teases him about his Englishness and his allegiance to Simon. Their romantic exchange is interrupted by Simon's arrival, leading to a tense conversation where Simon warns Jeanne that he may coerce or even execute Lady Margaret if she does not submit, and Jeanne staunchly defends her mistress's pride and will.
Chapter 21
VIII: How the Lady Margaret Plotted
Lady Margaret, confined in her castle by Simon, devises a daring escape plan. She manipulates her page Léon into giving her his pass and a suit of clothes, intending to disguise herself as a pageboy and ride to Fernand de Turincel for help. Despite Jeanne's protests, Margaret is determined to flee and raise an army against the English.
Chapter 22
IX: How the Lady Margaret Escaped
The Lady Margaret of Belrémy and Jeanne de Faucourt disguise themselves as a page and his sister to escape from Belrémy. They travel through villages, facing hardships and suspicious innkeepers. In one tavern, Margaret's boldness and quick thinking protect them, and they find an unexpected ally in the giant Ranaud.
Chapter 23
X: How the Lady Margaret Came to Turincel
Disguised as a boy, Lady Margaret of Belrémy travels with her friend Jeanne and the masterless man Ranaud to Turincel, seeking aid from Fernand de Turincel against the English. Upon arrival, she learns that Fernand has already submitted to King Henry V. Stunned but resolute, Margaret decides to journey to Vazincourt to seek help from the Sieur de Larousie, despite the dangers of passing through the lands of Raoul the Terrible. Ranaud pledges to accompany her, and Jeanne refuses to leave her side.
Chapter 24
XI: How the Lady Margaret Fell Into the Hands of Raoul the Terrible
Lady Margaret, Jeanne, and Ranaud attempt to flee through Raoul the Terrible's lands but are captured by Raoul and his men. They are taken to Raoul's hunting lodge and imprisoned in a stone chamber. The chapter ends with them being brought before Raoul, who leers at them ominously.
Chapter 25
XII: How Simon Set Forth in Pursuit
Simon returns to Belrémy to find that Lady Margaret has escaped, disguised as a page, with Jeanne and a red-bearded giant. He sets out in pursuit with Geoffrey, tracking them to Turincel and then to the lands of Raoul the Terrible, where they discover signs of a struggle. Simon and Geoffrey confront Raoul at his palace, demanding the return of the prisoners.
Chapter 26
XIII: How He Found the Lady Margaret
Simon and Geoffrey rescue the Lady Margaret and Jeanne from Raoul the Terrible. Simon kills Raoul in a rage, then escapes with Margaret and Jeanne. They ride to Belrémy, where Simon carries the sleeping Margaret into the castle. Later, Simon reveals to Fulk that Margaret is the lady he will one day marry.
Chapter 27
XIV: How He Received the Lady Margaret’s Submission
Simon receives Lady Margaret's formal submission to King Henry, but demands more—her hand in marriage. Margaret signs the submission but struggles with her conflicting emotions of hate and attraction, while Jeanne observes that pride dies hard.
Chapter 28
XV: How He Came Upon the Lady Margaret in the Gallery
Simon encounters Lady Margaret in the gallery and engages in a tense, intimate conversation about her hatred, his love, and the memory of their ride. Alan warns Simon that the Chevalier de Fleurival, who also loves Margaret, may plot against him. Later, Fulk of Montlice recounts Simon's exploits to Margaret, who struggles with her conflicting feelings. Simon shows a new, softer side, but Margaret remains defiant.
Chapter 29
XVI: How He Walked Alone in the Garden
Simon walks alone in the garden, troubled by his feelings for Lady Margaret. She secretly watches him, torn between hatred and a growing, unrecognized yearning. When she spots an assassin stalking Simon, she rushes to warn him. Simon confronts the threat, then questions her motives. Margaret denies her feelings, faints, and is carried back to the castle, where Jeanne gently tells her she is in love.
Chapter 30
XVII: How He Left Belrémy, and How the Lady Margaret Dealt with Her Cousin
Simon bids farewell to Lady Margaret and leaves Belrémy for Bayeux. After his departure, Margaret confronts her cousin the Chevalier de Fleurival about his attempted assassination of Simon, banishes him from her domain, and reconciles with Geoffrey of Malvallet.
Chapter 31
How He Came to Bayeux, to the King
Simon rides to Bayeux to report to King Henry V on the capture of Belrémy and the death of Raoul the Terrible. He brings Alan of Montlice and leaves Geoffrey of Malvallet at Belrémy. Henry questions Simon about the events, and Alan reveals that Simon is in love with Lady Margaret of Belrémy. Henry decides to send Simon to the Côtentin to join Gloucester, while Alan remains at court.
Chapter 32
XIX: How They Fared at Belrémy During His Absence
The Lady Margaret walks alone on the terrace, missing Simon who has been away for three weeks fighting in the Côtentin. Fulk finds her and teases her about her feelings for Simon, which she denies but eventually admits she knows her own heart. Geoffrey and Jeanne appear as a happy couple, and Fulk and Margaret share a moment of understanding about her love for Simon.
Chapter 33
XX: How He Was Sent for by the King
Simon is summoned to Bayeux by King Henry V, who appoints him Lieutenant and Warden of the Lands and Marches of Normandy, with Geoffrey of Malvallet and Alan of Montlice under him. The King also commands Simon to marry Lady Margaret of Belrémy, and suggests he make Belrémy his headquarters. Simon accepts the honor and expresses his determination to win Margaret's love.
Chapter 34
XXI: How He Came to His Own
In May, Lady Margaret waits anxiously in her garden for news of Simon. He returns, and they confess their love, with Margaret willingly surrendering her heart. They reunite with Geoffrey, Jeanne, Fulk, and Alan, celebrating their union and the end of Margaret's resistance.
Chapter 35
Endnotes
A brief author's note correcting a historical detail about the post being held by the Earls of March and Salisbury.
