Cécile: Gates of Gold

The Grand Ball

That afternoon, Madame frees Cécile from the senior officer’s probing. But, because Cécile rushed out after a royal family member without an invitation, she has been banned from attending the Grand Ball. When they get back to Madame’s chambers, she explains to Cécile that she knows the rules must be difficult to learn. But it’s imperative that Cécile learns her place and watches her actions.

When Cécile first arrived at court, Madame de Maintenon had asked her staff to keep an extra close eye on Cécile, both because of her unknown background, but also because she thought it was possible Cécile was a spy from Germany. So long for peace between the French and the Germans.

Cécile understands. She is determined to learn her place so she doesn’t dishonor Madame and find herself with nowhere to go. She thinks back to the hungry woman on the side of the road as they traveled to Versailles. Cécile glances over at the finished gown hanging in the closet. It had just been delivered that day. She wants to not be disappointed that she won’t be able to attend the Grand Ball, but she can’t help it… she would’ve enjoyed wearing the fine dress and seeing Philippe.

Soon, it is the night of the Grand Ball. There is a special evening Mass in celebration of Christmas, and everybody is antsy. The priest drones on and on. Finally, when he is done, everybody goes into the Grand Ball. Everybody… except Cécile, who retires to Madame’s chambers, all dressed up in her new powder blue gown. She lays on the bed, daydreaming of having the magical powers to turn Stabdille into a charming prince and whisking him around the dance floor.

And then, she hears scratching at the door. She recognizes the scratches as belonging to Philippe. He says Bretagne refuses to go to sleep until he gets to dance with Cécile. He went all the way to the top, asking the King to allow Cécile to come. The entire royal family, including Madame de Maintenon, is in such a fine mood, they would like to invite Cécile to join them!

Cécile is so thrilled. The two of them leash up the dogs and make their way to the ballroom. On their way, Philippe mentions how beautiful Cécile looks in her new dress. She is flattered by his flirtations.

In the ballroom, the room is filled white wigs, sparkly dresses, and colorful waistcoats. Everybody is dancing the minuet. The royal family, including Bretagne and Anjou, are sitting on colorful cushions by the Princess’s feet. They stand up immediately when Cécile comes near. But before Cécile goes to dance with Bretagne, Madame calls her over.

She explains that for the dance only, Cécile should wear the finest accessories. Madame gives her two pearl bracelets and two pearl strands to wear, along with a white ostrich feather fan. Cécile is awestruck.

As Bretagne and Cécile begin their dance, she sees Philippe standing on the sidelines, holding the dogs, and she smiles at him.

After their dance concludes, Cécile is called over to the Princess. The Princess smiles, and says she is so happy the boys are so taken with Cécile. The boys have numerous nursemaids and their governess, and yet they both asked to see Cécile. But suddenly, the Princess grabs her face in pain. Cécile’s head races, trying to think of what her father would do if somebody were poisoned.

Bourgogne grasps his wife’s shoulders, and tells Cécile that she’ll be fine. She has toothaches regularly, and they cause her much pain. And yet, his wife is still a wonderfully kind and generous woman, and an inspiration for all of France. Cécile apologizes for the Princess’s pain, and curtsies and leaves.

She takes the dogs, and makes her way back to her chambers. She is thrilled. The war with Germany is going to end soon, she is safe with Madame, and she’s grown to care for and become friends with Madame, Françoise, and Philippe. And, she’s won the favor of the future King and Queen and their sons. Cécile could bask in these glorious feelings forever.