purpose. Away from the battlefield, Charles’ advisors would now begin to prescribe policy; politics rather than combat was advocated as the solution. A truce with Philip the Good of Burgundy was agreed in an attempt to negotiate an end to his alliance with the English. Philip was being duplicitous, using this time to allow Bedford to strengthen the defences in Paris in preparation for the inevitable French assault.

Charles and his court appeared uncomfortable with the popularity of the Maid. The ordinary people adored her. But, who was God’s representative: The King or the Maid? Her role appeared to endanger their dominant social position. People were embarking on a popular nationalism, creating a loyalty beyond their feudal Lords. Around this time too, Charles received a letter from Bedford haranguinghim concerning his faith in the Maid. He was “deceiving the simple people (…) with the aid of superstitious and damnable persons, such as a woman (…) dressed in the clothes of a man (…) abominable in the sight of God”. (Enguerrand de Montstrelet, 65.1) This letter would have deeply humiliated the King and supported the dissenting voices at Court. The Maid’s role would now begin to diminish as her influence with Charles unravelled.

Although Joan continued to press for an immediate assault upon Paris, diplomacy, led by Georges de la Trémoïlle, Charles’ closest advisor, took precedence. Charles now began a tour of the neighbourhood to introduce the people to their King. This almost led to calamity. Approaching Montépilloy, Charles’ army encountered Bedford leading some 10,000 Anglo-French soldiers. Describing