Sir Tanneguy returned to Troyes, and at length prevailed on the duke to come as far as Bray sur Seine, whither many messages were sent from both sides. The dauphin dispatched to the duke the bishop of Valence, brother to the bishop of Langres, who was one of the duke's principal advisers: his name was Charles de Poitiers. The bishop of Valence, on his arrival at Bray, frequently conversed with the duke, and admonished him to wait on the dauphin, saying, that he need not have any fears or suspicions of mischief happening to him. His brother supported him in these remonstrances, adding, that he might loyally go, and that he would act unwisely if he refused so to do. This bishop, however, was perfectly ignorant of what happened afterward, and gave his advice with the most upright intentions.
At length, in consequence of these remonstrances, and the assurances of sir Tanneguy du Châtel, the duke ordered preparations to be made for his departure, and set out from Bray to wait on the dauphin, attended by the bishop of Langres and his council on Sunday the 10th day of September 1419. He was escorted by about five hundred men at arms and two hundred archers, under the command of sir Charles, de Lens admiral of France, and James de la Barne master of the cross-bows. There were many lords in his company, such as Charles eldest son to the duke of Bourbon, the lord de Nouaille brother to the count de Foix, John son to the count de Fribourg, the lord de St George, sir Anthony du Vergy, the lord de Joinville, the lord d'Ancre, the lord de Montagu, sir Guy de Pontailler, and many more.
They rode joyously on until they came near to Montereau, about three o'clock in the afternoon, when three of the duke's dependants came thence to meet him, sir Anthony de Toulongeon, Jean d'Ermay and Saubretier. They told him they were come from the town, and had noticed on the bridge, where the conferences were to be held, several new barriers erected much to the advantage of the dauphin's party, and advised him to take care of himself,—for if he should enter within them he would be in danger from the dauphin.
The duke, on hearing this, called a council on horseback to know what were best to be done. The opinions were divided, for many suspected what might happen, and the reports they had just heard confirmed them in their fears: others, who imagined no evil, advised the duke to proceed and wait on the dauphin, saying, they could never suppose that a prince, son to the king of France, and successor to his crown, would harbour any thoughts but such as became his rank.
The duke, hearing such diversity of opinions, declared aloud, that he would proceed and wait whatever it might please God to ordain, adding, that he would never suffer his courage to be any way doubted, and that the peace and reformation of the kingdom and government might by his failure be delayed; for he well knew that if any quarrel or dissention should arise between them, the fault would be all thrown on him.
He continued his march, and dismounted at the gate of the castle of Montereau—which leads to the open fields; for this castle had been, by orders of the dauphin's ministers, appointed for the lodgings of himself and his men, that he might not have any suspicions of mischief being intended. All the principal lords dismounted with him; and two hundred men at arms and one hundred archers were selected as his guard.
The lady of Giac accompanied him, who, as has been said before, had made some journeys to the dauphin on matters between the duke and him: she had chiefly persuaded the duke to come to Montereau, remonstrating that there could not be any fear of treasonable practices against him. The duke was very much attached to this lady, and put full confidence in all she said. He gave her in charge, with part of his jewels, to Philip Josquin, as to the most faithful of his servants.
As soon as he was within the castle, he ordered Jacques de la Baume to post all his men at arms at the entrance of the gate leading to the town, for the better security of his person, and also to preserve the articles of the convention. In the mean time sir Tanneguy du Châtel came to him to say that the dauphin was ready and waiting for him. He replied, that he was going to him; and then calling to those who were to attend him, forbade all others to follow excepting such as had been so ordered.
The duke was accompanied by ten persons, namely, Charles de Bourbon, the lord de Nouaille, John de Fribourg, the lord de St George, the lord de Montagu, sir Anthony du Vergy, the lord d'Ancre, sir Guy de Pontailler, sir Charles de Lens, sir Peter de Giac, and a secretary, named Pierre Seguinat. In company with the above, he advanced to the front of the first barrier on the bridge, when many of the dauphin's people came to meet him, and again renewed the promises and oaths that had been taken before: they said, 'Come to my lord: he is waiting for you on the bridge;' and then they returned toward the dauphin.
The duke demanded from his companions if they thought he might in safety advance to the dauphin, on the securities offered him. They, having upright intentions, answered, that certainly he might proceed with safety, considering the promises and assurances given by so many noble persons on each side, adding, that they were willing to run the same risk as he should. On this answer, he advanced, ordering some of his attendants to keep close behind him, and entered the first barrier, where he found others of the dauphin's men, who again said, 'Hasten to my lord, for he is waiting for you.' He replied, 'I am going to him,' and entered the second barrier, which was instantly closed and locked by those appointed to do it, so soon as he and his company were within it.