Cécile: Gates of Gold

A Warning

Cécile trudges behind Madame’s horse for hours until they reach Marly. They’re greeted by the Sun King himself, who chuckles at Madame’s tale. And then without a word. Cécile is left alone, unsure where to go.

A young woman comes forward and introduces herself as Françoise. She says Madame asked her to look after Cécile. She walks her through the elegant palace, down hallways filled with statues, paintings, mirrors, and tapestries. Then, Françoise leads Cécile into a room with a tub of steaming water. They command Cécile to undress, and tell her that it’s good to take a bath every so often.

And then, suddenly the maids go quiet. A stern woman dressed in all black enters the room. She explains she is Madame de Maintenon. She warns Cécile that she knows Madame lied about Cécile having royal blood, and that if Cécile tries anything, she will be found out. And then, she leaves as swiftly as she arrived.

The next morning, Françoise wakes Cécile up in a hurry. She explains they made Cécile a new dress last night, and it fits almost perfectly. It is a dusty green with a tiny waist and tufted sleeves. Françoise explains they are leaving for Versailles that morning.

The girls watch the royal family walk to their carriages. They watch the Sun King, followed by Madame de Maintenon. Then a young man and woman, who Françoise explains is Princess Marie-Adélaïde and her husband, le Duc de Bourgogne. And following them are their two sons, about ages five and two.

Watching the young royal family reminds Cécile of the heartbreaking goodbye she shared with her father. Cécile hadn’t gotten a chance to go back home, and her father only followed them as far as the edge of the meadow before he kissed her cheek and told her “You are my pride, Cécile. Be true to who you are.” Cécile wants to cry at that very moment, but she knows court isn’t the place to do so.

Then Madame steps forward. Cécile begins to follow, but Françoise pulls her back, whispering that Cécile must learn the etiquette of court, and part of that is waiting her turn or until she’s called for.

And then, a man comes up to them and explains Cécile’s presence is requested by Madame. Françoise leads Cécile to the carriage. When Cécile gets inside, Madame compliments how she carries herself, and states that although she may be overwhelmed already, Versailles will be so much more.