Simon the Coldheart · Chapter
IX: How the Lady Margaret Escaped explained
The Lady Margaret of Belrémy and Jeanne de Faucourt disguise themselves as a page and his sister to escape from Belrémy.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Love as Warfare
Jeanne's love for Geoffrey is contrasted with Margaret's fierce independence; Jeanne admits her spirit 'went when I fell in love with Geoffrey.'
Coldness vs. Passion
Margaret's bold, passionate defiance against English rule and Simon's cold authority drives her escape.
Class and Identity
Margaret and Jeanne's noble identities are hidden beneath peasant disguises, highlighting the fluidity and risk of social roles.
Characters to notice
- Lady Margaret of Belrémy
Disguised as a pageboy named Léon Margrute, she leads the escape with boldness and resourcefulness.
- Jeanne de Faucourt
Disguised as Margaret's sister, she is weary and nervous but loyal, revealing her love for Geoffrey.
- Ranaud
A burly, red-bearded stranger who defends the pair in the tavern and offers to accompany them.
- Geoffrey of Malvallet
Mentioned by Jeanne as the object of her affection; she wonders how he will react to her escape.
- Simon the Coldheart
Referenced as the English lord from whom Margaret escapes; she vows he will rue trying to quell her.
Key passages
“If ever ye take him to husband he will assuredly beat thee,” Margaret remarked. “Because he is English.””
Margaret warns Jeanne that Geoffrey, being English, would likely beat her if she married him.
Margaret's prejudice against the English is evident, and she uses it to tease Jeanne about her love for Geoffrey.
“I wonder what he will say when he finds me gone?” She dimpled a little. “I wonder what he will say when I bring Turincel about his ears?””
Jeanne muses about Geoffrey's reaction to her escape and her plan to bring Turincel against him.
Jeanne's playful yet anxious anticipation reveals her mixed feelings about defying Geoffrey.
“God grant that day be long in coming!” Margaret cried.”
Margaret fervently hopes she never falls in love like Jeanne has.
Margaret's rejection of romantic love underscores her fierce independence and disdain for vulnerability.
“Simon of Beauvallet, ye shall rue the day ye sought to quell Margaret of Belrémy!”
Margaret vows that Simon will regret trying to subdue her.
This declaration highlights Margaret's defiant spirit and sets up her ongoing conflict with Simon.