CHAP. LX.
THE MARRIAGE OF THE COUNT DE CHAROLOIS WITH THE LADY ISABELLA OF BOURBON.—THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY RETURNS FROM GERMANY, AND IS MOST HONOURABLY RECEIVED IN THE TOWNS OF LILLE AND ARRAS.
On the last day of October, in this same year, and when the duke of Burgundy was returned from Germany, his son, the count de Charolois, espoused, in the town of Lille, his cousin-german the lady Isabella of Bourbon, by dispensations from the holy church, on account of their nearness of kindred. The duke, being in Burgundy, was not present at the wedding, but the duchess was. The marriage was so sudden that many said the count knew nothing of it until the preceding day: his father would have it so, and strictly ordered him to comply, which he did like a good and obedient son. Some said, that it was against his conscience to marry so near a relative; but others, that he would rather have married the daughter of the duke of York, and, by this alliance with England, have some claim to that crown.
Whatever truth may be in these reports, he married to please his father, and behaved to his cousin in so honourable a manner that no married couple could behave better; and it was currently said, that after his marriage, he knew not any other woman.
During the absence of his father in Germany, he had the regency of his states, and governed them with equity: he was only too prompt to believe the first reports that were made to him, which is a misfortune generally attached to great lords.
About the middle of February, the noble duke of Burgundy came to Lille, where he was received by his subjects with every honour. On the 24th of the same month, he went to Arras, where he was likewise honourably and joyfully received,—for he had been long absent, and God had now permitted him to return from Germany in good health, and without any hinderance.