When Adele was born
in 1520, the Fontanes were a wealthy and well respected family,
and she was destined to be a great lady. Her father was the lord
of Chateau de Fontane, a commanding landmark upon the Swiss
countryside.
But revolutionary
new ideas had awakened in the land. It was probably in Geneva that
Adele's father first came in contact with the heretical Huguenots.
At first he was a supporter in secret, but as the years passed, he
became increasingly bold.
In January 1543
Adele was introduced at court under the careful supervision of her
Uncle who was a French Ambassador. He was aware of her father's
sympathies, and he hoped to save the daughter from such heresy.
But it was already too late.
Adele was young and uncertain in many ways, but she was growing up
fast. The temptations and controversies at court threatened to
overwhelm her, but for the treasured copy of the New Testament
which she kept hidden among her belongings. When the confusion was
too much, she would turn to the pages of her Bible for
understanding.
She knew she could not speak
openly to anyone about her struggles. The world was divided
between two beliefs, and both sides were determined to destroy
each other. There were the supporters of traditional Catholicism,
and the new Protestants who were protesting them. Instead of
getting caught between the two, Adele chose to remain silent and
kept her faith to herself.
More
Adele's Wardrobe ~
Castle PhotoShoot
