Well, the Queen herself and her son and all the Court came to reduce
Bordeaux, Mademoiselle and all, for she had been for the time
detached from the adoration of the Prince, by, of all things in the
world, hopes given her of marrying her little cousin, the King,
though he was only twelve and she was double that age. So Bordeaux
was besieged, and held out against the royal troops for some days,
being encouraged by the resolute demeanour of the Princess; but at
last, when on the faubourgs had been taken, the Parliament, uneasy in
conscience at resisting the Crown, decided on capitulating, and, to
the bitter disappointment and indignation of the ladies, made no
stipulations as to the liberty of the husband.
No attempt was made on the liberty of the lady herself, and she was
ordered to depart to Chantilly. Though unwell, she had visited every
counsellor in his own house, and done her utmost to prepare for the
renewal of the resistance in case her husband was not released; and
she was almost exhausted with fatigue when she went on board a vessel
which was to take her to Larmont, whence she meant to go to Coutras,
where she was to be permitted to stay for three days.
Many nobles and people of condition, and half the population of
Bordeaux, came down to the port with her, uttering lamentations,
benedictions on her and her boy, and curses on Mazarin.
While about to embark she met Marshal de la Meilleraye, who advised
her to go and see the Queen at Bourg, and she accordingly put herself
under his direction, Cecile of course accompanying her as her
attendant.
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