Cécile: Gates of Gold

A Season of Rain

Later that day, Cécile works up the courage to ask Madame about Doctor Revel. After briefly getting distracted by complaining how French women never get fresh air or exercise, and how that could prevent sickness, she affirms that she remembers Doctor Revel. She calls him “a man of deep convictions,” who spoke up against practices at court he thought were more hurtful than helpful. She says she admired him for sticking to his beliefs, despite the costs.

As the days pass, the weather gets increasingly dreary. Mildew and mold begins to grow in the walls. Everybody’s moods begin to sour. One day, a letter arrives from the Princess. She explains that Bretagne refuses to study until he can see Stabdille again, and requests he be brought to their chambers immediately. With a roll of her eyes, Madame consents. Apparently the little prince gets everything he asks for.

A young page named Philippe shows Cécile the way. She learns the pages all live above the stables, where they learn to take care of the horses, but also science, history, literature, and mathematics. He hopes to someday be the Master of the Horse.

Cécile comments that there’s nowhere for her to learn. Philippe reminds her that there’s St. Cyr, a school for girls of nobility. Cécile thinks to herself there’s no chance she could ever be admitted there. The most she can hope for is to be under Madame’s care forever.

When they arrive, Cécile immediately takes Stabdille to Bretagne. He picks up the dog and becomes immediately engrossed in playing with him. While Cécile stands and waits, she listens to Marie-Adélaïde and Madame de Maintenon gossiping.

At first, they talk about a woman who eats like a glutton. But, they soon refocus on talking about Doctor Revel. Cécile cannot help but listen to them.

And then suddenly, they turn to Cécile! “Where did your father learn his medical training that allowed him to help Madame when she took her fall last summer?” Cécile replies she doesn’t know. The women continue with their gossip, saying how the Doctor Revel had to be sent away. They look back at Cécile expectantly.

She responds that her father is at home, not in prison. Madame de Maintenon responds that Doctor Revel only served eighteen months at the Bastille, before he was released, and never heard from again.

The pieces began to fit together for Cécile. Her father knew of court, he had spoken of it. And it’s quite possible that he is the disgraced doctor, who settled in Rileaux after being released. It would not surprise Cécile to imagine her father speaking his mind and getting into trouble. But she wouldn’t let his mistakes be her undoing.

“My father is a peasant, nothing more.” But as Cécile says the words, she feels a hollow emptiness in her stomach.

But Madame de Maintenon nods with approval. If Cécile had been that man’s daughter, they’d fear her mind was tainted by wrong thinking.