#agnes:musing

Meet the Famous Geoffrey of Anjou

Geoffrey of Anjou was the eldest son of The Duke of Anjou. From the time he was a young child, it was clear he was something special. It was as though the boy had the golden touch - everything he turned his hand to was an instant success. As he grew older, Geoffrey’s skill set developed. He was a keen strategist, and a talented swordsman, and it was only natural that he seek a career in the military.

Geoffrey quickly rose through the ranks, going from knight to commander fairly swiftly. After a number of stunning battle victories in quick succession, he became renowned throughout France, and admired by most - except those who looked upon him with envy. 

Geoffrey was well known for having a strong sense of justice. He played by the rules, treated his enemies well, and didn’t resort to dirty tactics. Unfortunately, the same could not be said of his enemies. Geoffrey was still a young man when an assassin broke into his bed chamber, and slit his throat as he slept. 

After his death, France went into a state of mourning. Still today, he is remembered as a hero. Geoffrey left behind one daughter. As his own father outlived him, she went on to become the next Duchess of Anjou in her own right. Through his daughter, he is the great-great-grandfather of Agnes Leduc.

Meet the Infamous Eleanor du Bellay

The notorious Eleanor du Bellay was an incredibly vain woman, renowned for her beauty, in particular her golden hair that was never cut throughout her lifetime. One of the most desirable women in France, Eleanor had high hopes for her life, including a lofty ambition to be Queen. Eventually, she was married to the Duke of Anjou. By all accounts, this was a solid match for Eleanor. Her father was a noble of littler importance, and the Duke was a cousin to the King and of a far higher standing than she. But she was not queen - and what was worse, her husband was a well-known philanderer. 

Eleanor took her marriage as a personal insult, and grew bitter and twisted as a result. If she could not have what she wanted, she would seek revenge on those who stood in her way. Her first victim was her own sister, and her father’s favoured child. After that, it was as though her thirst for blood could not be sated. The bulk of her victims were women who caught her husband’s wandering eyes.