The Last Duel

After their service in the Caroline War, Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris swear allegiance to Count Pierre d'Alençon. Their friendship is tested as they navigate the complexities of feudal obligations under King Charles VI's rule.

Jean struggles with his financial situation and seeks leniency from Count Pierre regarding war levies. To remedy his economic woes, he marries Marguerite de Thibouville, acquiring a significant dowry and valuable estates in the process.

Jean discovers that Count Pierre has given away part of his inheritance to Jacques, sparking a bitter legal dispute. Despite Jean's pleas for recognition of his claim, King Charles VI dismisses his grievances.

Count Pierre promotes Jacques to captain of a fort traditionally associated with Jean's lineage. This development intensifies the rift between the two men, fueling Jean's resentment towards Jacques.

During a fierce campaign in Scotland, Jean's valor earns him knighthood. However, the glory does not alleviate his financial difficulties, compounding the pressures he faces back home.

Upon Jean's return, Marguerite confides in him about the violation she suffered at the hands of Jacques. This revelation propels Jean into a fierce determination to seek justice through a duel.

While Jean is away, Jacques cleverly engineers situations to gain access to Marguerite. He professes love and ultimately forces himself upon her, believing she is compliant.

With tensions mounting due to the impending trial against Jacques, Marguerite discovers she is pregnant. Despite societal pressures, she stands resolute in her accusations against Jacques.

King Charles VI grants Jean's request for a duel against Jacques, allowing the matter to be settled by combat. The anticipation of this confrontation hangs heavily over both men and their families.

The duel unfolds with fierce jousting that escalates into brutal hand-to-hand combat. During the heated encounter, Jean is wounded but manages to overpower Jacques.

After defeating Jacques, Jean demands a confession from him or risk damnation. Jacques steadfastly maintains his innocence until the very end, leading to his ultimate demise.

With his opponent vanquished, Jean revels in his victory, yet Marguerite follows behind with a heavy heart, burdened by the events that transpired. Their lives are marked forever by this ordeal.

In a somber twist, we learn that Jean meets his end while fighting in the Crusades a few years later. His life is cut short, leaving Marguerite to face the world alone thereafter.

Following Jean's death, Marguerite manages the estate and leads a tranquil life for the next thirty years. Despite the hardships she faced, she chooses never to remarry again.