Tuscany is where Bertrand de Roussillon turns away from the county and marriage he has been ordered to accept and enters military service. His stay there makes the region a setting for his temporary departure from domestic obligations: while he fights in the conflict with Siena, his wife goes to Roussillon and begins restoring order to his lands.

A Detour from Roussillon

After marrying Gillette de Narbonne against his will, Bertrand asks leave to return to his county and consummate the marriage there. Instead, he rides to Tuscany. The departure makes the region a pointed alternative to the home and marital life he has just been assigned: he leaves his wife behind rather than beginning their shared life in Roussillon.

Military Service

In Tuscany, Bertrand hears that the forces of Siena are at war with those of Florence of the Day Eight tales and chooses to join the Florentine side. They receive him gladly and appoint him captain over a company of men-at-arms. With good pay and allowances, he remains in their service for a considerable time; Tuscany is thus presented not merely as a place of passage but as the setting for an extended military occupation.

The Absent Lord

Bertrand’s stay in Tuscany contrasts with his wife’s work at home. While he serves in the war, Gillette travels to Roussillon, where the county has been left waste and disordered during his long absence. She diligently puts it in order and wins the affection of his vassals. The parallel gives Bertrand’s Tuscan sojourn a consequence beyond his own movements: his withdrawal leaves his wife to perform the duties of rule that he has abandoned.