On New Year’s Day, 1573, the two soldiers selected by the Duke de Guise knew Chenonceau was not far ahead by wayside cottages, carts, carriages and people walking in either direction. They reined their horses back to a walk, mindful of a possible collision – drawing attention to themselves was the last thing they wanted, their anonymity being of paramount importance. They had departed Paris the previous day incognito and it was essential it remained thus.
De Guise had thought long and hard, given Catherine’s requirements of the men entrusted to accomplish her scheme.
Captain Bertrand stood over six feet tall, broad-shouldered and muscled, square-set jaw, and an amiable face with dark candid eyes. He cut a handsome figure astride his black bay stallion. He had fought alongside his general
