Understanding Gelis

Overview and Issues

'Everyday Sexism in the 15th Century'. Development of Gelis's character and relationships through the 'House of Niccolo' series.
WG147, WG148, WG149, WG151. WG152

WG147 - Part One gives a brief background and the covers Gelis in 'Niccolo Rising' and 'Scales of Gold'. In 'Niccolo Rising', readers are presented with an unattractive, demanding girl of 13 or 14, but with some intelligence and ingenuity. In 'Scales of Gold', Gelis has matured into a very attractive and independent young woman who hates Nicholas and blames him for her sister's death. She makes use of every weapon she has at her disposal, including Nicholas's attraction to her, to damage Nicholas and take the voyage to Africa.

WG148 - Part Two discusses the events in 'Scales of Gold', the events at the Vasquez's quinta, the sea journey along the coast of Africa, the river journey along the Gambia and the perilous land journey to Timbuktu. Upon arrival in Timbuktu, Gelis's independent character is further developed as she explores the city and learns about trading practices, is received at the court of the Koy and begins to learn Arabic. Gelis learns more about Nicholas and the relationship becomes physical.

WG149 - Part Three deals with the later sections of 'Scales of Gold', 'Unicorn Hunt' and 'To Lie With Lions'. Gelis agrees to marry Nicholas and then forces him to see that she is pregnant, hinting that the child is not Nicholas's. In 'Unicorn Hunt', Gelis finds further ways to manipulate Nicholas although she has now begun to fear him. She is pulled back to Nicholas when Jodi disappears. When Jodi is found Nicholas disappears with him. Gelis is now forced into an abusive relationship with Nicholas to allow her to stay with Jodi. Her emotions are further manipulated when she assists Nicholas with the mystery play in Scotland and then by two reports of Nicholas's death, first in Iceland then in France. To what purpose has she spent the last five years of her life if he is dead? Finally, after almost drowning in the Nor'Loch, Gelis and Nicholas agree to a time limit for their battle. The author implies that winning would be an empty victory for either of them.

WG151 - Part Four discusses the continuation of the battle between Gelis and Nicholas at the end of 'To Lie With Lions' and in 'Caprice & Rondo'. Just as Gelis is to describe to Nicholas all she has accomplished to win their battle, Jordan de Ribérac intervenes and she realizes that Nicholas has been mocking her. In 'Caprice & Rondo', with her marriage seemingly over and Nicholas fled, Gelis talents as a businesswoman are shown in her work with the Banco di Niccolò. She begins to repair some of the harm caused by Nicholas, moving to Bruges then to the court of the Duchess of Burgundy. She gains the respect of John le Grant who has developed respect for her intelligence and practical abilities. She also gains the support of Tobie and Clémance after news comes that Davis de Salmeton is at work in Scotland and has threatened Jodi. She is no longer an outsider. She has acknowledged her feelings for Nicholas and is aware of his constant divining as he travels from Russia. After the kidnaping of Gelis and Nicholas by Anna, they meet and end their battle.

WG152 - Part Five deals with events in 'Gemini' and evolves through several phases. First, Gelis is shown to be a successful business woman and someone involved in the political unrest of the the time. But, her character becomes increasingly subordinate to Nicholas and more of a foil for him. She is more reactive, more maternal and is pushed into a more supportive role. Finally, she is a mere background figure in the brief vision of Dr. Andreas.

WG147 Part One - Portrait of a Young Woman, attributed to Hans Memling, 1430-94. Image: Wikimedia Commons.
WG148 Part Two - 'Vue d'une partie de la ville Temboctou', Rene Caillie, 1830 from 'Journal d'un voyage a Temboctou et a Jenne, dans l'Afrique Centrale'. Image: New York Public Library
WG149 Part Three - Head of a young woman, Anonymous, 1505-10. Copyright: Trustees of the British Museum
WG151 Part Four - Study for fresco. Domenico Ghirlandaio, c. 1485. Copyright: Trustees of the British Museum
WG152 Part Five - Head of a young woman c. 1490-1510, Italian School, RCIN 912813. Royal Collection Trust/ Copyright: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021