Marguerite and Claire confined themselves upstairs to avoid Nicholas Montfort, whose persistent suit had become a trap: accepting him would ruin Claire, refusing him risked his anger and slander that could see her cast from the household. Nicholas's servants delivered gifts and messages daily, all returned. Claire prayed for relief, and Marguerite secretly prayed to take her friend's suffering upon herself, even hoping Roberval might come and remove them both.

As autumn cooled, Claire grew pale and hopeful that hunting season would distract Nicholas, but he sent game to them, which they refused, leaving them cold and hungry. They continued tutoring the Montfort daughters in earnest, hoping to preserve the mother's favor without directly appealing to her. Madame D'Artois shared their worry that matters might force them to do so.

One October morning, Marguerite watched from the east tower as Nicholas, dressed splendidly, led the hunt out. With the men gone, she and Claire took Suzanne and Ysabeau into the walled garden for fresh air and lessons about clouds and angels. The lesson was interrupted by the sudden return of the hunting party.

Nicholas had been gravely injured, carried back by four men with a broken leg, bare head, and twisted, blackened mouth, crying to be left alone. His father followed, holding his plumed hat. Claire shielded the girls from the sight and shut the garden door, then knelt with the children to pray for Nicholas's life. Marguerite tried to pray but was haunted by the image of his fall.

The household was thrown into chaos resembling mourning. With windows shrouded, servants too busy to attend them, and the girls' nurse running past without stopping, Marguerite and Claire took the hungry, frightened children to their chamber. Unable to obtain food, they could only hold the girls and wait, uncertain whether Nicholas would live.