Book of the duchess: rescue of Raoul

Number 5: On the second day out from Grace-à-dieu, Michael rescues a young man - Raoul de Bellemaine - from the hands of the duchess’ guard

The plot episode 4 (summarised from the text of Lorna’s novel)

On the second day of his journey to Vannes, Michael came across another prisoner escort. He recognised the men-at-arms in palace guard livery and resolved to rescue the unfortunate captive from their clutches.

To his amazement, Michael discovered that the man that he freed was the rebel Raoul de Bellemaine. Raoul’s name was already known to Michael: the monks of Grace-à-dieu had instructed Michael to make contact with Raoul as soon as he reached Vannes.

Lorna’s remarks

This was going to be a ‘fairest flower’ of the Second Series, if the painting of the foliage had not be done in lamp-light.

The over attention to detail in the background - a departure to the other extreme in contrast with the careless inattention noticeable in earlier pictures - and the unfortunate expression on poor Raoul’s face, which was an attempt at a grin, spoil what otherwise would have been a cheerful and vigorous picture.

I am glad that the ungodly are getting it in the neck (and nose!) This time it is a change from the monotony of it being the other way round.

The texture of the paper - far inferior to the used in the earlier series - adds to the difficulties and drawbacks of what otherwise would have been a passable effort.