Le+Livre+des+Faits+et+bonnes+Moeurs+du+Sage+Roi+Charles+Part+II

Paris, France

Sometime between 1392 and 1402

I exit my home and proceed to the carriage that awaits me outside. I am better off than most, my father and husband's connections in the royal court meant that I never had to worry about a home, and my home really is more than I hoped for. It's a large house, with columns, arches and wide flying buttresses. My father died when I was younger than I am now, so when my husband died and I couldn't get any of the money from his estate, there were legal complications, I was left penniless, but not homeless. I not only had my children to support but my mother and my niece, so I decided to take up writing. I realised that people might provide a home for me and support me if I had no money for some time, but not for long and only because my husband was successful. It was then that I decided that I had to make my own destiny and support myself. I started with the obvious choice, ballads and poems of lost love for my husband, Etienne. I really did love him and I still miss him now. Marcel and Etienne, I miss them so much. I must be composed, and not show weakness, for if I do someone will surely try to assist me and I do not need assistance. I am independent and can support my self now. I realize that the carriage driver is staring at me, as I have stopped walking for no apparent reason. I hasten to the carriage and climb in. I'm still wondering what he could have to say to me. He is the ruler of France, so I can trust that what he has to say is important, however I hope it is something that I want hear.