Catherine de Montsalvy


Jacques de Roussay Captain from Burgundy	Met twenty-one year old Catherine in Bruges - where he had to arrest her by order of Duke Philippe's, because she had "disturbed" a "Procession" Never forgot the beautiful Catherine	Became captain of a hundred lances. Catherine meets him many years later in Burgundy, while returning for a secret mission. Does first not believe Catherine that his prisoner "King Réne of d'Anjou" is in great danger. Comes to her help when she is in a hopeless trap in Dijon.
Jean Van Eyck Court painter and Ambassador of Duke of Burgundy	Jean Van Eck was secretly in love with Catherine during the time she lived in Burgundy, as Philippe's mistress. He made many paintings of her. Tried to "persuade" her to come back to Duke Philippe - when she was on her way to Granada, in search of Arnaud.	He met Catherine again, when she was on the point of taking her life. He promised to help her and accompanied her first to Lille and then Bruges. He could not prevent her being taken hostage at Bruges. His jealous wife had him locked in his rooms. The letter he sent through his young apprentice came too late.
Dame Symonne Sauvegrain Wet-Nurse of Charles the Bold (Duke Philippe's son)	Catherine met Dame Symonne Sauvegrain, wife of Jehan Morel in the house of her uncle Mathieu in Dijon. She invited Catherine, Mathieu Gautherin and her servants, into her house after Amandine la Verne was arrested (she was able to escape though)	Her housekeeper Dame Bertille married later on Catherine's uncle Mathieu. Dame Symonne attented to Catherine when she was brutally violated by Robert de Sarrebrück and his soldiers. She stays again at her palace in Lille after the "Night of the Kings"
Marguerite de Guyenne sister of Philippe of Burgundy widow of Louis de Valois (Duc de Guyenne) married Arthur de Richemont	Catherine witnesses how the Dauphine Marguerite, tries to save her young page Michel de Montsalvy. She begs her father, John the fearless to save him. She weeps that she will never forgive her father, when Michel is arrested and sent to be hanged. Catherine is very impressed by the young Duchess	Now a widow, her brother Philip of Burgundy marries her to the Constable Arhtur de Richemont. He loves Marguerite deeply and when Arnaud de Montsalvy comes to challenge Duke Philipp, wins his new wife's heart - when Richemont wants to assist the young Comte (..but Arnaud de Montsalvy has already the support of Jean de Xaintrailles)
Michelle de France (Michelle de Valois) sister of Charles VII First wife of Philippe of Burgundy	The twenty-one year old Catherine, saw the young and beloved Duchess of Burgundy, on the streets of Bruges the first time. On the day she was arrested and brought into to the Palace and Philippe of Burgundy fell in love with her.	In 1422 Michelle, the young Duchess died suddenly. It was murmured that she had tried to reconcile her husband Duke Philippe with her brother Dauphin Charles. But that was not in the interest of her mother Queen Isabeau, who hated her son. It was whispered that she had been poisoned by Dame de Viesville, sent to Burgundy by her mother!
Infanta Isabelle of Portugal Third wife of Philippe of Burgundy born in Portugal to King John 1 of Portugal	Isabelle of Burgundy was Philippe's third wife. When Catherine heard of his forthcoming marriage to the Infanta, she had made up her mind to leave the Duke. Philippe tried to convince her that nothing would change between them after his marriage to the Infanta Isabelle.	Catherine sees the Duchess the first time on the streets of Lille, when she is already the Lady of Montsalvy - and the next day in the royal palace in an "awkward " situation! The Duchess more or less throws Catherine out of the palace - warning her, never to return if she values her life.
John the Fearless Duke of Burgundy Father of Philippe de Bourgogne	The day her life takes another turn - thirteen year old Catherine enters the palace Saint Pol in 1413 together with her childhood friend Landry Pigasse. Amongst nobilty she recognizes the Duke of Burgundy with his son Philippe and his daughter Marguerite.	She is onlooker how the young noble Michel de Montsalvy is arrested and call the Duke of Burgundy J"John the Fearless" a traitor - and how he spat in his face! The Duke is outraged and cries: "take him away and do what you like with him"! With this sentence he was also responsible for the death of Arnaud de Montsalvy's older brother Michel!
Philippe of Burgundy Son of John the Fearless and Margaret of Bavaria. Father of Catherine's first son "Philippe" who died four years old.	forced Catherine to marry Garin de Brazey to make her his mistress. But he loved her truly - made her Comtesse de Brazey and Queen of his court in Dijon or Bruges. She left him when their son died and she heard that her one and only love Arnaud de Montsalvy was free and defending the besieged town Orléans.	Created his own order "The Golden Fleece" in remembrance of Catherine. They meet years later in Lille 1437 - Philippe still loved her and they spent the night together for various reasons! When Catherine is taken hostage in Bruges - he sent Jean de Saint-Rémy, now King-at-Arms of the Golden Fleece, to prepare her escape. They meet one last time and Catherine says "Adieu" to him forever" - saying she will return to her Auvergne mountains and never come back.
Jean de Saint-Rémy born into a noble family King-of-arms of the Golden Fleece	Met Catherine when she attended the combat at Arras. Praised Arnaud de Montsalvy for his fighting qualities. Became one of Catherine's dearest friends. Was appointed the King- of- arms by Duke Philippe.	Jean de Saint-Rémy, together with Béranger and Gauthier de Chazey, saves Catherine life when she falls into a canal in Bruges, the night she can escape after held hostage for many months. He has come in disguise as a monk - on this dangerous mission and stays until he can safely deliver her to his sovereign - who had entrusted to him this delicate task.
Garin de Brazey Lord Treasurer of Burgundy, Keeper of the Ducal Crown Jewels and bearer of the title of Squire to Monseigneur Philippe	Fell insanely in love with Catherine. Unknown to her, was gravely wounded at sixteen, while prisoner of Sultan Bayézid. Duke Philippe knew of his injury - loss of manhood	Was sentenced to death by Philippe of Burgundy for treason - though the real motive behind it, was his kidnapping and trying to get Catherine killed. She visited him in prison and he explained everything to her. Catherine forgave him and fulfilled his last wish - asking Abou-al-Khayr to prepare wine with poison - so he would not have to suffer.
Comtesse Ermengarde de Châteauvillain Has one son - who married Isabelle de la Trémoille	Was introduced to Catherine de Brazey, when she was at that time, lady-in-waiting to Philippe of Burgundy's mother. A resolute older lady - with a good and friendly heart. Is a second mother to little Philippe (Catherine's son by Duke Philippe) until he dies.	They meet many years later, when Catherine is on her way to Compostela. Contacts Jean Van Eyck - so he may "return Catherine" to Duke Philippe. Remains always her sincere friend - dislikes Arnaud de Montsalvy. Catherine's mother dies in her castle - while Catherine is trying to reach her at Châteauvillain.
Hugh Alan Kennedy of Gleneagle Scottish nobleman - Captain in the service of King Charles VII	Was sent to Carlat by Count Bernard as new governor - when Arnaud de Montsalvy, who at that time was governor of Carlat, send words to his friend Bernard. (Arnaud, and everyone else, believed he was a leper then)	Protected Catherine and her family when they were under siege by the roque Rodrigo Villa-Andrade. Gave her a tartan in the colors of the Kennedy Clan. So she might pass as a page on her flight together with Sara, Gauthier and Brother Etienne.
Bernard d'Armagnac Son of Bernard VII Count of Armagnac and Bonne de Berry. Married to Eleanor of Bourbon-La Marche	Arrived just in time to save Catherine and Arnaud being burned alive by Villa-Andrade's lieutenant Valette. Showed his deep friendship with the Montsalvy's, when entrusting his fortress at Carlat, to Arnaud - then in disfavour with the King	Challenged Pierre de Brézé to duel, feeling it his duty, to defend Arnaud "property" while he was not there. But never having in mind to kill the young Count - was sent by Sara to look for Catherine in the orchard - who was on the point to herself to Pierre de Brézé.
Charles VII Son of Charles VI of France and Isabelle of Bavaria Dauphin and then crowned King in Reims 1429 married to Marie d'Anjou	It was on the Dauphin's order, that Arnaud de Montsalvy as ambassador, was on his way to Duke Burgundy - when Catherine found him wounded on the river Escaut in Flanders. When Arnaud challenged the Duke in Amiens, he had the honor to wear the "colors of the King of France.	It was in the name of King Charles VII, the old castle of Montsalvy was razed to the ground (behind all this was Georges de la Trémoilles) and Arnaud called a felon and traitor. The King pardoned the Montsalvy's - but years later he refused to be softened by Catherine's tears when she begged on her knees for Arnaud's life. Saying: I am growing tired of pardoning your husband, lady"!
Agnès Sorel young and beautiful mistress of King Charles VII	A very young girl who had become the King's mistress. Had the support of the King's mother-in-law Queen Yolande d'Anjou.	It was on her account that King Charles VII, first moved by Catherine's tears, when she begged to pardon Arnaud - refused. She had entered the audience hall - and reminded him: Sire, you must maintain authority - at all costs! And in front of Catherine the two lovers were kissing - ignoring Catherine's pleas....
Dauphin, future Louis XI son of Charles VII and Marie d'Anjou	At Amboise, Catherine saw (then) the ten year old Dauphin the first time. She was in disguise as "Tchalaï" the gypsy girl. He had wanted to know from a sergeant where he was taking her - in a very haughty tone!	While in Loches, some years later, Catherine tried to get Arnaud pardoned by King Charles VII (who refused, saying he could do nothing for her) she met the 14 year old Dauphin again. Out of spite against his father and Agnès Sorel, he promised to help her on his wedding way - saying he had remembered her face. And she should not thank him - he was not doing it for her or Arnaud - who should take care in the future - expecially when HE was King!!!
Dame Mathilde Boucher mother of treasurer Jacques Boucher at Orléans	Catherine met Dame Mathilde at Orléans. Jeanne d'Arc entering the city, saved the condemned Catherine from hanging. Still on her horse, she asked who would take her in and care for her in her sake. It was Dame Mathilde who offered to take the ex-prisoner to her beautiful house. She treated her noble guest warmly, provided her with clothes and everything the Countess Catherine de Brazey needed.	At the house of the treasurer Boucher, lodged also the maid Jeanne d'Arc. Catherine admired her greatly, and even wanted to join her army. Smiling Jeanne told her that she would distract her captains too much with her beauty! It was Jeanne who send Catherine to Queen Yolande... It was at the Boucher house, she saw the first time Gilles de Rais. Dame Mathilde told her to be aware of that noble, who people whispered that he seduces young girls ... and even boys!
Jeanne d'Arc Daughter of Jacques d'Arc and Isabelle Was made commander of an army for King Charles VII	Had at 12 first visions of the saints Catherine and Margaret. Saved Catherine from being hanged, when she entered Orlèans. Ordered Arnaud de Montsalvy on his knees for his swearing. When Catherine wanted to join her, told her kindly no -s he would only distract the soldiers with her beauty.	Arnaud de Montsalvy, La Hire and Jean de Xaintrailles are some of her closest captains. Is taken prisoner at Compiègne by Jean de Luxembourg. Sold then to the English for 10'000 gold écus. It is Bishop Beauvais (Cauchon) who is interrogating her! Catherine and Arnaud tried to save Jeanne from the stake - when they were taken prisoner - were forced to watch poor Jeanne, La Pucelle, die at the stake in Rouen 1431
Jean de Dunois called "Bastard of Orléans" natural son of Louis, Duc d'Orléans.	Master of the besieged city of Orléans.The Count of Dunois, called by Xaintrailles, ordered the release of Catherine, who was being tortured. Told Arnaud de Montsalvy that he loved him like they were from the same blood.	Proved himself to be a really truthful friend to the Montsalvy's, when Arnaud was sent to the Bastille. He accompanied Catherine in a hopeless situation - to see Constable Arthur de Richemont.
Tristan L'Hermite Squire of Arthur de Richmont and years later Provost-Marshal - in charge of the Kings army	Introduced to Catherine at Angers. Brought her to the Gypsy camp of Fero, who called himself Duke of Egypt. Helped releasing Catherine out of the prison, together with Pierre de Brézé. Accopanied her to Montsalvy after the name of Montsalvy was cleared by the King	Proved his true friendship when Catherine came to Paris years later in search of Arnaud, who was in the Bastille. Thanks to him Gauthier de Chazay was released from prison. It was Tristan who adviced Catherine to go to Tours - to get a pardon from the King, for her husband
Arthur de Richemont Son of Jean IV Duke of Britanny and Jeanne de Navarre. Married Margaret de Guyenne sister of Philippe of Burgundy	Catherine saw the Constable the first time at Amiens, together with Garin de Brazey. At Angers, years later, he was amongst the conspirators against La Trémoille - to which Catherine also belonged. Also, Godfather to Isabelle de Montsalvy	Had pledged his word to five hundred prisoners in the Bastille, they might leave Paris safely. Amongst them was Michel de Montsalvy's murderer Thomas Legoix - Arnaud took revenge and was sent to the Bastille, condemned to death. When Catherine was given an audience, explaining what had made her husband kill Legoix - sent his men to the Bastille - but Arnaud had already fled - with the help of a traitor (this Arnaud de Montsalvy did not know at that time!)
Pierre de Brézé Great favourite of Queen Yolande and one of her closest advisers	Wanted to enter his chamber at the Château in Anger - when to his astonishment - he saw a naked Catherine, standing in a bathtub. Lost immediately his heart to the beautiful woman. Catherine was almost tempted to give in to the handsome young Count, who loved her deeply.	Came to Catherine's help, together with Tristan L'Hermite, when she was to be tortured to dead - on account of Catherine de la Trémoille. After the victory against La Trémoille - rode to Montsalvy to get a parchement, telling Comtesse Isabelle de Montsalvy, he was going to marry Catherine - being innocently the reason for Arnaud to leave Calves and Dame Isabelle's despair!
Gilles de Montmorency-Laval, Baron de Rais Marshal of France	Catherine met Gilles de Rais in Orleans. He was one of Jeanne d'Arc's captains. He tried to enter her room one night - but Arnaud, who had the same idea - fought against him. They were severe lectured by Jeanne, their leader.	One of the main enemies of the Montsalvy's. He falsely lured Catherine to his castle at Champtocé - saying Arnaud was there. Years later at Amboise recognized Catherine as Tchalaï. He misused her a whole night - and was very angry when his cousin Georges de la Trémoille took her to his appartement.
Catherine de la Trémoille wife of Georges de la Trémoille Widow of Pierre de Giac (who was murdered)	The beautiful red-head Catherine de la Trémoille met Catherine when she was lady-in-waiting to Queen Yolande in Loches. She "lent" Catherine one of her dresses. saying she would look more suitable in that. But Arnaud, at that time not yet her husband - said she should have worn one of her own , since this dress would show her as a supporter of the Queen's enemies - the Trémoilles!	Catherine de la Trémoille wanted to posses Arnaud de Montsalvy - but he refused. She was also responsible he was more than dead when Xaintrailles freed him out of château Sully. The Comtesse did not recognize Catherine as the gypsy girl Tchalaï - one of the "girls" her husband had every now and then. She commanded a love phial from her...but when Catherine saw that she had Fero the gypsy lord, flogged to death - she broke it. Catherine was on the point of killing her with the Montsalvy dagger in Chinon - when they took revenge on Georges de la Trémoille..Raoul de Goncourt prevented it...
Georges de la Trémoille Comte de Guînes. Grand chamberlain of France	Cousin of Gilles de Rais and King Charles VII adviser. Catherine had already met him in Burgundy - then Philippe of Burgundy's mistress. Had a very bad influence over the King and used it for his own purpose. Was greedy for gold and it was in his château Sully, where Arnaud was held prisoner in an "oubliette" - more dead than alive.	Georges de la Trémoille had a weakness for beautiful gypsy girls! When he saw Tchalaï/Catherine, in Gilles de Rais rooms...he came to "take her away the next day (Catherine had already been mistreated by de Rais) The plan of the conspirators was to lure de la Trémoille to Chinon. Which succeeded thanks to Catherine. At the château he was overpowered but he did not die -even though they all tried to stab him...! He was just too corpulent...
Brother Etienne Charlot monk from the mountains of Beuvray. In service of Queen Yolande of the four Kingdoms - acting as spy	Looks out for Catherine one day in Dijon when she is still Dame de Brazey. Asking her to help France - spying out Duke Philippe of Burgundy. She refuses first - but when hearing that Arnaud and Xaintrailles are prisoners by the English - agrees if the ransom is paid.	Appears from time to time in Catherine's life. It is trough him she learns that Arnaud is not married and in the besieged city of Orleans. He accompanies her and Sara to Orleans - but get caught by a bandit. Tries also to free Jeanne d'Arc together with Arnaud, Catherine and La Hire. Comes years later to Carlat - carrying her fortune which consist also of the famous "Black Diamond"
René d'Anjou Duke of Lorraine & King of Naples Son of Queen Yolande d'Anjou wife Isabelle Duchesse of Lorraine	Catherine received a save-conduct for her husband Arnaud de Montsalvy from Queen Yolande - she wanted to show her gratitude and asked if there was nothing how to prove it. When the Queen realized that Catherine will go to Dijon on private matters... she asked her to take a letter to her son, who was Duke Philippe's prisoner in Dijon. Being convinced that Catherine would have no problems to enter the palace.	In Dijon, with the help of her old friend Jacques de Roussay, Catherine was able to see King Réne and deliever him his mother's letter. She was at the same time able to save his life, when Robert de Sarrebrück had sent one of his henchemen to try to poison the King. The young King showed his gratitude in a somewhat "odd" manner - demanding that Catherine there and then make love to him in his cell! She saves his life again some time later - even though she is herself more than dead than alive, after she had been violated by Sarrebrück and his men.
Yolande d'Anjou daughter of John I of Aragon and Yolande of Bar. Was also called Queen of four Kingdoms	Catherine got acquainted with the Queen through Brother Etienne - whom she delivered "important" messages - useful for the cause of France. They met first in Loches - where the Queen made her one of her lady-in-waiting. .	Godmother to Isabelle de Montsalvy, Catherine's and Arnaud's daughter Did use her power to get a pardon for Arnaud de Montsalvy when King Charles VII refused. Though made Catherine promise, to deliver a letter to her son King René, who was a prisoner of Duke Philippe of Burgundy in Dijon.
Maître Jacques Coeur furrier and merchant married to Macèe - they have five children	Met Catherine the first time in Bourges, when she was lady-in-waiting to Queen Marie. She often was invited by the Coeurs to stay with them. Offered his home to Catherine, Sara and Gauthier Malencontre when they were pursued by the Kings soldiers. It was in his house the more dead than alive Arnaud was brought after Xaintrailles was able to free out of château Sully.	With the black diamond Catherine borrowed him, he repays her hundredfold. He is secretly in love with his beautiful friend and hates Arnaud de Montsalvy. Came to the Montsalvy's help when they searched for a boat to return to France - after their flight out of Granada. When Montsalvy is under siege by the d'Apchiers - sends corn and seed, cloth, wool, fodder and all that they were short of.
Macée Coeur Daughter of Provost de Bourges "Lambert de Leodepart"	Wife of Jacques Coeur. They have five children. Met Catherine during her time as lady-in-waiting to Queen Marie. Very sweet person and couragous - when Xaintrailles mistress betrayed Arnaud and Catherine at her home .	Probably knew that her husband was in love with Catherine - yet presented her with a black velvet coat, lined with squirrel on Catherine's wedding day at Bourges - lent the young couple her bedchamber for their wedding night. Stayed calm when de la Trémoille's men searched her house for Catherine and Arnaud.