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Chapter Twenty: Dinner Hunt and Breakfast Rant
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Lambton Institute of Technology – Central dining Room
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31th December 1825
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The gathered crowd was slowly entering the dining rooms while Napoleon and his son where looking at the table that was situated just beneath the one where all the Rulers -and their Heirs- would take place.
- What is happening there, son? What is the Spider plotting now? Who are these men?
- These men are all nobodies, father. Even if they have all a title that put them into the European Nobility. Five are Spaniards, two are Swedish Aristocrats, one is the son of very lowly Russian Boyar and the last is the son of a German Count.
Napoleon inspected the men.
- The German I know it's one of the Bavarian Dynasty's offspring. A cousin who fought against us with the Austrians. Cavalry Colonel if I remember well. Good leadership skill and a lot wiser than Murat.
- Murat's absence of wisdom has been more than once primordial.
Napoleon shook his head.
- Important, yes. Primordial? No! I like Murat's insanity because it often gives me a surprise when I wouldn't have believed it possible. But he pays that surprise with the blood of his men and that's something I don't like. Cavalry soldiers and officers are all crazy, and they love him for his insanity but I hate it to see half of my men dead or crippled because my brother-in-law is, as Fanny Bennet puts it, an adrenaline junky.
- He's a Field Marshal…
- Because of his wife and the love his men have for him. But, if you look at him a little closer, you'll soon see that he never acts like one. What he does best is charging at the head of his men. And that's the job of a colonel or a brigadier general. No Field Marshal in his right mind should charge at the head of his cavalry units.
- And still you let him go on…
- There are stray bullets or cannon balls you know… One can always hope.
- He's your Brother-in-law, father.
- He's an ambitious cretin who has the support of your grandmother because he was able to convince my sister that he loved her! Which I know is not the case! But since I don't want to quarrel with Caroline and Mamma, I play the idiot and close my eyes on his affairs. So, if he still is alive and a member of my family it's because I'm a coward who cannot look into your Aunt's eyes and denounce her rake of a husband. What's even worse with Murat is that he's a traitor in the making and has more than once thought about switching sides. Fouché has tomes about his anti-imperial comments.
Napoleon made a gesture Alexandre knew too well and pointed at the filling table.
Time to let Murat out of the discussion.
- Who else do you know?
- One of the Swedes, the tall black haired one is a distant cousin of the late Vasa Dynasty. Harald, Knight of Hyllaby. Not within the score of people that could access to the Throne. He's a renowned cavalry officer and well known for his trustworthy character. The second Swede, Thorval Eigisson is not even affiliated with the old Dynasty. He's just a lowly Knight I discovered when he arrived here. The Swedish attaché said to me that he was one of King Karl's favorites because of his very expressed anti-France feelings. Since the King is still looking for a Heir he could be one of the possible candidates.
Alexandre looked at the last man arriving.
- That's Alexei Tossarov. One of the few Boyars who refused to betray the Czar. He's currently in Moscow where he works with Elizabeth to rebuild the Russian Aristocracy. I asked her, she's quite sure that he will be, if he survives, her main advisor in a few years.
Napoleon's frown deepened.
- If he survives?
- You know Elizabeth, no? She's Russian to the deepest part of her soul. And totally persuaded that the worse will happen. Sooner or later… That's why little Dmitri is here and not in Moscow.
He pointed his nose at the group of people who were speaking with each other. They were too far away to have a chance to hear but from the song of the language it was clearly a southern Mediterranean language.
- Those five are the Spaniards, Aunt Lizzy has invited. All with titles as long as an arm but all very lowly situated within the current Spanish Hierarchy. We have an impoverished Count, Pablo de Corveza, two Knights, Esteban de Huerta and Fernando de Retortillo, the short one who listens but says little is Vincenzo de Almodar.
- Who's the tall one with mustachio? The one with the green and blue vest who surveys the table?
- The tall brawny one? That's Rodrigo Guzman de Harrara. A first son of a rather impoverish Madrilene family. Lots of famous ancestors and a military tradition that goes all the way to the beginning of the Reconquista. A Guzman de Harrara was at the fall of Granada and there are reports that he stopped King Ferdinand who was about to betray his word to let the Muslims move to Africa. It saved the Muslims, but it did put an end to his career and probably saved the Marinid Sultanate since quite a lot of Guzman's officers did quit in his wake, refusing to serve a King who would not only betray his word but take revenge upon the man who prevented him to be seen as a renegade. Without his best officers Ferdinand was forced to stop his wars.
- Another Paladin type, so, said Napoleon with a smile.
There Alexandre frowned.
- In fact, those I know a little better have all that reputation. Trustworthy and loyal to a fault. Seems our ladies have got themselves a whole squad of Paladins. Bachelor Paladins…
He looked at his father.
- I had no idea why they have been invited tonight and no idea at all why they are sitting in company of the Darcy Clan's women. Now it could be that it is because of Janet. But why would they bring in so lowly titled men? It makes no sense…
- But there is a sense, be sure of it, said Napoleon. Jane and Elizabeth are there, and it looks as if Mrs. Darcy will be at the head of the table.
- She's at home here, it is what should be.
- Indeed, but taking ostensibly the lead when her elder sister's present, is a very rare occurrence. If Janet is really at the center of that event, it is, as her mother, her duty to lead. I hope we will get a complete report…
- Luckily for us Lexi's part of the Clan and she will be able to tell us what's happened.
Napoleon frowned at his son.
- Will she?
- Of course, she will, answered Alexandre. There's no double dealing with her, and you know it perfectly well. She's my wife and because of that France and the Consulate is where her allegiance lies. She won't forget that her father is d'Arcy, of course, but there is no conflict of interest, there. You'll just have to ask her, and she will answer.
A small smile appeared on Napoleon's lips.
- Sorry about that, son, I'm just a little bit peeved by the situation. I don't like the status-quo we've got ourselves into. Too much of the present situation is dependent of d'Arcy…
- Who's your underling…
- That man's nobody's underling, son, believe me. He has accepted to play that role because it gives him an aura of trustworthiness and neutrality. He loves it to be looked at as the man who has abandoned his own ambitions for the love of a Lady. Add to that that the lady in question is the best known woman of the European aristocracy and you've got a very dangerous mix…
- Dangerous mix, father? Aren't you exaggerating?
- Not even a little bit, son. Behind the scenes, don't ever have a doubt about it, he's playing his own game and said game turns quite a lot around putting his offspring on every available throne.
Napoleon's frown became deeper and a grimace appeared on his face.
- And with three wives he has a lot more offspring than I will ever have…
- You could convert to Islam and take half a dozen more wives, father…
- Mother and Josephine would, even if they hate each other's guts, ally to kill me! And knowing them, I'm quite sure they would succeed.
He shook his head.
- No Islam for me and no multi partnered marriage. Your mother is enough to satisfy me and the few attempts I made at taking mistresses have all backfired. I just don't like women enough to have more than the two I already have trying to ruler over me.
- Mother doesn't do that…
- Of course, she does! That's a second nature in any woman I've met until today. It's written in their genes. Manipulative pack of puppeteers, that's what they are.
He let a smile appear on his lips.
- The secret to get what you want is to bring them to manipulate you into doing what you already wanted to do. It's a risky approach you shouldn't use for secondary matters, but for the things you really believe important, try it out, you'll see it works like nothing else.
- Lexi doesn't try to manipulate me…
- Probably because you know each other since childhood. She knows instinctively how to get you to do what she wants…
- Father, you are, from time-to-time rudeness incarnate! One could believe you are a misogynistic patriarch of old.
- I am a misogynistic patriarch of today, son. Don't ever forget that, even if she loves you, she still has her own agenda. Try to know which agenda it is and do what's necessary to have her getting it… If possible, by having been able to manipulate you a little bit. They all love it to be a successful puppeteer.
He winked at his son.
- I pay a few of Josephine's maids to spy on her and to make reports. It's the only way to be sure that you are still in front of the race.
- There is no race, father…
- Of course, there is, you are just too enamored to see it, but the openings of eyes will come, son, it will come.
Napoleon let out a long sigh while looking at the table where Lexi was arriving with Betty and Janet to take their places.
- Something's being prepared, son. And knowing d'Arcy it has something to do with these men's position in life. We need to know more about them and their plans. They wouldn't be there if they weren't important to d'Arcy's plans.
- d'Arcy isn't behind everything that happens, father…
- Not everything, you are right, son. But most of it? Of course, he is!
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The people had, slowly and without any hurry taken their places.
Lizzy nodded at Lexi who, while Betty and Janet went to their places, joined the Spaniards, who were the last of their table not to be seated.
- Please, gentlemen, it is time! The service is about to begin.
- Senor Guzmann, your seat is on the left at my Mother's side.
Rodrigo made a very flowery bow and went to sit at Jane's side.
- Senor de Corveza, your seat it that one at my Aunt Lydia's side. Senor de Huerta, you are just here. Senor de Retortillo, please join my cousin Betty who will be sitting at your left and Senor de Almodar, you'll be at my side. The two still free remaining seats are ours.
Soon everybody was seated and looking at Elizabeth Darcy.
She nodded to acknowledge their attention.
- First thing, I have a few reports about everyone of you but those reports aren't as complete as I'd have liked and so I must ask if everybody here speaks and understands English. If not, we'll have to find a language we all speak. I know for certain that all the members of the Darcy Clan who are part of this table speak English, French and Croatian. Do you all understand one of those or must we shuffle the table order to get would be translators at the side of those needing translation?
A few seconds later it was clear that all but two could speak English -the exceptions being Alexei Tossarov and Karl-Otto von Wittelsbach. But those two spoke flaw-less French which Mary and Anne could translate with ease. But since all but Hyllaby -who admitted to having a veneer of French but not enough to get all the nuances of a conversation- could speak and understand French it was decided that French would be the used language and that Betty and Janet would translate if necessary
- Allons-y donc… [Let's begin…]
One last time she looked at all the young men -the edlest was Thirty- sitting around her table.
- I'm sure you've wondered when you have received this year's invitation why, for God's sake, somebody as unknown and discreet as you all are when compared to all those high-ranking Aristocrats who normally share this place at this very time, you have been sent said invitation.
She shot them an apologetic smile.
- I'm sorry if my words destroyed some dreams of yours or if my words about your low standing and discretion has touched some sore wound and did hurt your feelings. But, in this family, we have, a long time ago, decided that honesty and truthfulness was a better way to interact with other people than lies and deceptions.
She made a droll grimace.
- And that's why what I'm going to tell you won't be easy to accept but, if we want to have an honest relationship it is necessary.
Once more she smiled at them.
- To say the truth, you've been lured into a trap.
The frowns around the table push her into a small discreet laugh.
- Not placed by any of us…
She looked at Lydia and winked at her.
- Even if one of us has been manipulated into helping the real perpetrator.
Lizzy shook her head.
- Let me be more precise: it is a trap for five of you and the others are an excuse to hide the real reason of this whole affair.
Once more there were frowns on the gentlemen's brows. A smaller number but still quite a few.
- You will soon understand why, while knowing the real reasons behind this whole endeavor, we still went with it and, in a certain manner, even sponsored it.
She pointed at Janet who was, more or less, facing her.
- You all know my daughter, Jane, and she is the reason you're all here. Somebody I won't denounce immediately has decided that she needed a hand to find a suitable husband.
All the men stopped looking at Lizzy to focus on Janet and said Janet was quite amused to see them sit up straighter. The only one who just shot her a smile was Rodrigo who clearly did find it as amusing as she.
- Preferably, went on Lizzy, a suitable husband of the right origins to give him a chance to unravel the rest of his, not totally foolish, plan.
- To get the right suitors in a place where they could meet my daughter without awaking any real suspicion said somebody enrolled my little sister and convinced her that, with her help, it should be doable.
Lizzy made a table encompassing gesture.
- And, as you see by our presence here, we, and by we, I mean the women of the Clan, are not against the attempt. Even Janet, who had been offered the possibility to cancel the whole thing, finds it an interesting and even funny idea.
Lizzy looked once more around the table.
- You must know that the master mind behind the plan was very thorough and looked you up in a very exhaustive manner. We do know quite a lot about you, your origins, your preferences, your mannerisms and your traits of character.
She looked at Anne who nodded approvingly.
- Since we are a very mistrusting bunch of powermongers, we did double check said information and we must admit that we were impressed with the results of said master mind's efforts.
She smiled at her audience.
- We don't like the idea of investigating a man's life to know everything about him but since it has been done it would be foolish to throw out the baby with the bath water. The method is unsettling and rude, but the results are interesting and even if Janet doesn't approve with any of you, it still gives us the possibility to meet men who are, from everything we now know about them, men of valor and of high moral standards.
Lizzy's smile disappeared to show a profoundly serious and interested face.
- People like you, gentlemen, even if they should fail, within this family, to become the perfect son-in-law they will someday be, still are rare individuals every ruler needs to have at his or her side.
Her smile was back.
- Those of you who, after their little sojourn here, would find themselves interested in working for us, and by us, I mean the family as a whole with everything it involves of multinational dealings, will be welcome and will be given all the opportunities he has ever wished for in his life. We approve of honesty and we approve even more of trustworthiness.
Her smile increased and her eyes began to sparkle.
- Of course, since the whole world will, thanks to the journalists who are, as we speak, feverishly searching for details about you, have, tomorrow morning, a detailed report of your presence here at my table, I'm quite sure that, within hours or days, you will be approached by members of your Nations' embassies to explain why you had the honor to be with us. You are free to acknowledge that, in order to give Janet the very best opportunities, you've been dubbed acceptable husband stuff by the Darcy Clan's women. I hope it won't get you into trouble but since everything's possible on this world, should it happen, please let us know, we could be of help…
She stopped speaking, took her napkin and nodded to the main Event Manager who had been awaiting her signal.
- That having been said, let's have a good meal and prepare ourselves for the rest of the night.
She looked at the gentlemen of the table.
- We have quite a tradition to love dancing at parties in the family. I hope you're up to a very long and very tiring night. It's not enough to be honest and trustworthy! We love our men fun and brave and straightforward…
She smiled a last time while the first plate was placed in front of her.
- It's up to you, gentlemen, may the best one win!
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Pemberley – Breakfast parlor
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1st January 1826
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- …No way, said Betty while trying not to smother on her sixth chocolate scone. Those two are not the one you prefer. They are just the poor sods you've paraded with to hide your true feelings and preferences. I'm quite sure the one you prefer is the one you never even seemed to acknowledge aprt from the necessary polite dance. The one you frowned at each time he danced with another...
- I frowned at noblody!
- Just at the tall dark Hidalgo with the ample mane and the ridiculous mustachios…
- Not ridic…
- See! I've got you! You can't hide such things from us, dear. We know you in and out. That German Princeling and the huge Viking were impressing and you did spent quite a lot of time with them but that was all for the show! Your eyes had been roaming another direction most of the night.
- Karl-Theodor is a likable and a courageaous man...
Betty couldn't deny the Bavarian's courage.
- I agree but even if he clearly is courageous, he's not amongst the selected few Papa will ever welcome in any of our homes.
- He did show courage! Rare are the men who dare oppose Papa. When he protested Papa's analysis of Austria's multiple foibles, he was the only one to stand up to fight for his cousin's Empire, countered Janet whose eyes were, in contrast with her serious mien, laughing like those of her cousin.
- That he did, said Lexi, but I'm not sure that being impolite to Papa and alluding at my father-in-law's greed were very smart moves. That is a man whose unhealthy biases will earn him a lot of powerful enemies.
- His words, and his flight across the ballroom did make quite the impression on the Austrians and Prussians, said Mazymkhan while showing the newspapers.
He had, like he loved it, played his empty-headed tribal chieftain role to the perfection.
- I've read the papers, those idiots do have a new idol, this morning.
- You, said Betty while pointing a threatening finger at her husband, you should shut up! Was it really necessary to begin that brawl and throw Prince Karl-Theodor across the room.
- He needed a lesson and he came down exactly where I wanted, said Mazym with a proud smile. His frock was littered with cream and pastry bits, but he knew how to fall, it didn't hurt him at all… And I saw it in his eyes, he enjoyed it as much as I. It is not every day that you are thrown around by an Emperor!
- You made us look like boors, protested Betty. This thing you started was the first brawl ever at the LIT. That's not how I want the world to look at my beloved husband.
He jumped over the table and embraced her with one and same move.
- And I love that those idiots believe me a brainless beefcake of a man, answered Mazym. We are not yet strong enough to let them suspect that we are more than a bunch of illiterate slanted-eyed savages. Let them underestimate us as long as possible and with this year's performance it will perhaps convince your Aunt to forget inviting me…
- Of course, not, said Lizzy's voice from the door. You need to be punished for your awful behavior, nephew! And the best punition will be to force you to get the gist of our sort of entertainment whenever possible!
- Your sort of entertainment is the most boring sort of the whole world, protested Mazym. No strength contest, no brawling, no drinking yourself into a stupor… I don't see why you believe those wasted empty hours can be called entertainment. At least yesterday there was a giant brawl… That was fun!
- Fifteen people at the emergency medical station and two hours work for Jane, that's not fun, that's foolish…
- She liked it to be of service, insisted Betty. She loves to dance with Papa but since he's not a lot more interested in giant feasts than Mazym, he was quite pleased to witness the consequences your fight with the Wittelsbach Princeling provoked.
- Stop calling Karl-Theodor a Princeling. He's one of those I liked to dance and chat with. He has more with thatn any other cavalry general you know…
- If you think about Murat, said Lizzy, that's not difficult at all. That man has a void as a brain.
They all smiled at each other at AUnt Lizzy's comment. There was no one Aunt Lizzy disliked more than Murat.
But Murat's wife, thought Lexi. Aunt Caroline was a…
She took a few seconds to find her words.
- I think you forget his wife, Aunt. Aunt Caroline is a lot worse than Joachim.
- She's "une pimbêche" as they say in France, said Betty. Arrogant, self-righteous female prick. Believes herself better than everybody else. I can't stand her. She's just a great man's volage sister and one would believe when one sees her mannerisms that she has built the Empire.
- Singlehandedly, added Lexi who had, until now, succeeded in avoiding becoming Caroline's enemy. But she's not the worst of the family. Luckily for me Mrs. Letitia likes me and she's been rather reprobating about Caroline's affairs in the past.
- Now that she is upgraded, having affairs would be a somehow criminal behavior, said Lizzy.
- Well, there has been a suspicious death around her within the Neapolitan Court but Fouché's investigation has concluded at an accidental death by poisoning.
Lexi made a face.
- It was probably an accident, and even there I'm not sure, but I know that it hasn't been poisoning. I suspect the Count in question to have tried to be upgraded the easy discreet way. Some people are too stupid.
- Some even die of it…
- Well, said Betty, at least, Madame Letitia will no longer have reasons to be angry at her daughter. I'm quite sure that her affairs have stopped quite abruptly with that last lover's death.
- Nobody knows the truth, said Lexi.
- I'm quite sure Fouché knows. You could ask him.
- I could but I won't. He isn't a favorite of mine. He's good at his job but I dislike his methods.
- He is nobody's favorite, said Lizzy, I suspect that even Napoleon despises him. But, as you said, he's good at his job and he's loyal to Napoleon's family. People like him are important for a dynasty's survival. I don't like him, but I respect his work ethics and his honesty. He could have used the power he wields to become a rich man -richer man I mean- but he never did it. He just loves what he does.
Betty tapped the breakfast table.
- Why are we speaking about Fouché, girls? There are a lot more interesting stories around, don't you think?
She looked at Janet.
- We are all very aware that you did everything in your power not to draw anybody's attention on the most handsome Hidalgo around, but you can't deceive us, Janny. He's the one you're preferring.
Janet took a long breath.
- I'm not sure at all about that. And if I am myself in doubt how can you be so positive?
This time it was Lexi who answered.
- Because we've spent around twenty years learning to know you? We are not saying that he has already stolen your heart, we are just speculating over the fact that, knowing you, we believe that if there is one, you'll be tempted to invite in the future, said one will have a black curly mane and ridiculous mustachios.
- I will probably invite Karl-Theodor… He has a very British sense of Humor. He made me laugh half the evening.
- He's witty and his English is, if accented, flawless. But it isn't him you were looking at when he was dancing with some other partner.
- And it just points at the fact that you'll invite two of them. Not that you won't invite him.
Lizzy who was buttering her scones smiled at her daughter.
- Don't let those harpies destroy your good mood, love. I know who I will invite in the future and I won't ask for anybody's permission at all.
Betty snickered not discreetly at all.
- Now you know that Aunt agrees with your choice, that's a good thing. Just be careful not to invite me or Mazym at the same time.
- I would like to see the Bavarian again, said Mazym. He's not only witty, he's also a man with principles and with his heart at the right place. He could be a man I'd like to consider a friend.
- I'm not sure Papa loved his comment about the French, said Lexi. You know that he is rather sensitive when it comes to France and the French.
- I'm sure that he has heard a lot worse over the years, said Betty. A few heated words about France's tendency to meddle in foreign countries' inner affairs won't really bother Papa. I think he played the role everybody wanted him to play. He's not at all as sensitive as he wanted to show himself this morning.
- There are, agreed Lizzy, a lot of people in France who believe that his position is equivocal when it comes to his allegiance to France. The fact that he is William's father pushes them into believing that his loyalty is doubtful. A show like the one this morning goes in the direction he needs.
- I really doubt that Papa's position at the First Consul's Court can ever be in jeopardy! The First Consul and Papa have a good working relation, they don't love each other as brothers but they both know what the other brings into the relationship. And until now none of them has regretted the other's presence…
- There are people, said Lexi, who work in the shadows to destroy their relationship. I know a few personally and they are very decided to sabotage Papa's image with Napoleon.
- Do they have a chance to succeed?
- Not in the near future, but they are very persistent.
- I'm quite sure, said Mazym that d'Arcy, should anything happen, will be able to deal with them.
- So am I, said Lexi, but it will create another bunch of discontent people who will take over the task to discredit Papa. It seems to be a never-ending flow…
Lizzy frowned at her nieces.
- I'm quite sure that your father knows everything about those people a lot better than you do. As I know him, he will be able to handle the task. Let's come back to Janet's favorites…
- Mamma! Don't you enter their silly game. There are no favorites, insisted Janet.
Betty answered with a knowing and ironic eyebrow movement.
- Yesterday you said that there are files about them, said Betty, could we have a look?
- I don't think so, hissed Janet. Those files are not meant for a general diffusion.
- So, there really are files, chimed in Lexi. We could be of help, it's always a good idea to have more than one opinion. And if it is restricted to us, it would clearly not be a general diffusion.
- Neither general, nor restricted, hammered Janet. Those files were not meant to be read by anybody but Mamma…
- And even I, said Lizzy, was probably a person too much. I hope there are no such files about us anywhere. There are things you don't really want to be known by outsiders.
She shook her head.
- Why people believe that they have the right to do such things is beyond me.
- Aunt Anne does it, said Betty.
- Aunt Anne works for the King who needs to know in advance who's an enemy of the Nation. I had no need to know so much about people who, all in all are good people with, like everybody else on this Earth, a few foibles.
Betty who had always been the boldest of all, refused to listen to the implied answer.
- But since you've read them, Aunt, who would you like as a son-in-law? I quite like the Mustachios' bearer. He does look a little bit too serious and that's really not what Janet needs…
- What do you mean by that?
- More serious than you, you end up in a Nunnery, answered Betty. A girl needs to smile and laugh a little from time to time. Your Carlito was a good one for that.
- Karl-Theodor… corrected Janet.
- I prefer Carlito who seemed to enjoy your presence a lot more than the rest of the band.
- He's a King's nephew, he has experience as a courtier, said Lizzy. That's a learned skill. The others still need to learn it. But Betty's right, he made you laugh a lot, that's often a welcomed trait of character in a man…
- I do prefer the brooding shy type, said Janet.
- Like Mustachios, sing-songed Lexi.
- He wasn't very open with me...
- Since he knew exactly why he was there and the others didn't, said her mother, I can understand why he was reluctant to enter the dance. What sane man would want to become King of Spain? That country is a mess.
- With lots of potentials, said Janet. It would be an interesting task to make Spain Great again.
- Interesting, yes, said Lizzy. Doable? That's another problem. As I see it, the main Spanish lands are a powder-keg of malcontents about to explode. The only reason the whole American South is not yet in rebellion is Napoleon and his armies in North America. Even the would-be rebels know that if Napoleon is more or less forced to respect an ally's territory, he won't hesitate to gobble any country that would detach itself from the Spanish Empire. They are perhaps not very satisfied with the current situation but they know what Napoleon does with People who have shown that they are unreliable. Carlos is perhaps a fool and a weak King but with him they have a chance to survive. With Napoleon and Fouché? They know exactly what the French will do with them. And I doubt that even Carlos will welcome men who rebelled against him. They are between a hard place and an anvil.
- It still would be an honorable task, insisted Janet. Spain deserves better than being gutted either by internal forces or outside greed. We all know that, should Spain split into multiple entities those entities would be gobbled by France.
- Not sure we would be the only ones, said Lexi with a frown. France isn't the only expansionist country in the world. I'm quite sure that the Ottomans wouldn't hesitate very long before sending troops should the Spanish Islands around the Pacific Ocean chose to secede. There are small or not so small Muslim minorities everywhere on those islands.
- And Sun's Yongling won't be very far behind, said Lizzy. Now that we have awaken the Tiger he's roaring mightily while looking at its neighborhood. I'm quite sure that he won't let Napoleon take over the Philippines without reacting.
- The Council will stop them fighting over what Spain loses, said Lexi.
- By dividing the spoils between those who survive. The Council has been created to avoid war between Great Britain and France, not to protect a deficient member. If Spain shatters, the Council will do what it has been created for and do what is necessary to avoid a war amongst his members. And the best way to do that will be to share the spoils between all the remaining members. It won't let old new small countries come back to life.
- What Spain needs to do, said Betty, is securing Central and South America. And that can only be done by changing the current policy.
Janet looked at her cousin.
- What do you know about the current policy of Spain in its colonies?
- It's still very old-style with the Inquisition always present in the King's backpack. It won't be easy to get rid of the Killer Priests… And as long as they are looming over the King's shoulders I do fear that no real changes can be envisioned.
- They have stopped killing people a few centuries ago, said Lizzy. At least on a grand scale.
- Spain is the last superpower where they still have a say, insisted Betty. I'm quite sure that Spain's current situation is linked with the Inquisition's presence.
- Religious beliefs are difficult to manage within a country. We were lucky, here in Britain to have a Church willing to look at the new realities with open eyes and an open mind. It could have been a lot more difficult even here. I'm quite sure that in Spain your Godmother would have been imprisoned and burned alive.
- Dad would have freed her, said Betty mimicking her father's best shark smile.
- And killed all her goalers, added Lexi with a smile of her own. He did it for Mamma and I've visited the place, nobody will ever dare to say that it was easy.
- It never happened, so, said Lizzy, we will never know! But there is truth in Betty's comment. Spain's Throne is under a heavy Catholic supervision. For once they will never accept a Queen that isn't Catholic.
- I've thought about it since we spoke about de Godoy's plans. I could probably do it to help my husband, even if I'm not sure if I would be able to endure it.
- The first thing the new King needs to do is displace the Empire's Capitol City, said Lexi. Move it to Northern South America. Maracaibo or Caracas would be good choices if the King wants to have a view of what happens in Spain and the Caribbean Islands. The South American people will be delighted particularly if the new King comes with a lot of new factories to be built there.
- Spain's people will not like it, said Janet.
- And what? countered Betty. Technically mainland Spain is the only part of the Empire that cannot rebel to become independent. It still can launch an insurrection but with Napoleon's armies in Cataluña, the malcontents will probably hesitate to become rebels. Should they secede they would lose the protection the Peace Treaties and the Alliance give to Spain.
She looked at Lexi.
- I'm quite sure that we could convince the French that one or two more armies in Barcelona would be handy. I'm certain the malcontents would get the implied message.
- It would look as if the new King is supported by Napoleon.
- Which every Spaniard would love to see. Remember that Spain's only real wealth is its population and I'm sure a good part of it could be enticed to migrate to America if it is where the Royal family lives without the threat of a French invasion. In Madrid the Church and the Aristocracy are too powerful. In Caracas or in Maracaibo? Not so sure! There it would be the King and his Consort who would have the advantage of being on their home turf.
Janet looked at Betty and frowned.
- So, you believe I should do it?
Betty shrugged.
- I believe nothing of the sort. What I hope for you is to find the right man to share your life. Nothing else and nothing more. But…
And here she pointed a finger at Janet.
- If the man appeals to you and if -and that's a capital if- he becomes the Heir of the Empire, I will of course do everything in my power to help you. And that you is for you and him!
- As will I, said Lexi. But you must be very sure about what you want! An Empire can be a fine addition to one's status, but I fear it won't add to your happiness. That will only come from the man at your side, dear. Being a ruler brings lots of bother and even more duties. Don't count on it to bring you fulfillment. That will only come from a successful relationship.
Lizzy came nearer and embraced her daughter.
- And that is the only question you must wonder about, love. Is he the right man for you? If the answer is yes, whatever comes after that, you'll be able to master. Be it in simplicity or on a grand scale everything will be possible. If you are with the right one, whatever time or efforts it takes, you will succeed, and it will give you happiness and fulfilment.
- But we should nevertheless prepare for the grand scale, insisted Betty. Simplicity is easy to master, the grand scale needs a little preparation.
Janet nodded, hugged her mother back and looked at her cousins.
- What do you believe I should do?
- Be prepared, said Lexi. If you are just a wife and a mother, be prepared to live a small and quiet life. It's not what Betty and I did but it could happen to you. And even if it seems easier, it still needs to be something you've accepted in full.
- And that's even more right in case the Spain hypothesis comes to fruition, said Betty. None of the Spaniards are men used to the high life. They won't insist to stay in Madrid. So get him to move and what's even more important, get him to move to South America. It's there that Spain's future can be found. I really believe getting the colonials to see you as their King and Queen would be the best chance for Spain to remain an influential world power.
- And, added Jane from the door, if he doesn't become the Heir, you still will have a good man at your side. Grand Great Britain is a large country and I'm quite sure that the family will be able to find an occupation somewhere for you and your husband…
Lizzy smiled at her sister.
- You heard?
- Only the last sentences but I agree with Betty and Lexi. Janet needs to be ready, not to be a ruler, that you and Fitzwilliam have already taught her, no, what she needs to learn is to be Queen of Spain. And that's not an easy task at all.
Jane smiled in her goddaughter's direction.
- Let's be candid, here, love. How many candidates are still in the race?
Janet took a long breath and shrugged.
- Should we consider the Spanish hypothesis, there's only one left, said she with a shy smile.
- The one with the ridiculous mustachios, said Betty. The others never stood a chance…
Janet didn't take Betty's bait but didn't deny.
- Outside of him, I would consider Karl-Theodor and, perhaps, if we get to know each other more, Alexei.
- Whatever, love, said Jane. From what I could see they are, all three, well-bred, fine, and respectable gentlemen who seem to look for a real life-partner. But neither the Bavarian General, nor the Russian Boyar will give you the thrill Rodrigo could offer you as a late wedding gift. With him you will be forced, sooner or later, and I really hope that it will be later, to jump into the Spanish Court snake-pit. And like every other snake-pit we've crossed, this one will be full of a lot of very unfriendly critters.
- If necessary, I'll deal with them, said Janet.
- That's the Spirit, said Jane. But you won't have to deal with them alone with only your husband. We will, as usual do what's necessary to ensure that one of us who's in danger gets the best chances to win. And, as Geoff and Berthier both say before a battle: a good preparation is half the victory.
She sat and took a scone while pouring hot chocolate in a mug.
- Ladies, let's prepare to fight and win the coming battle.
I
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Next chapter soon to come… A Chapter about Mind Games and *link*
I
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Annex One:
The New Year seating arrangement
Vincenzo de Almodar
Lexi
Esteban de Huerta
Mary
Karl Otto von Wittelsbach
Lizzy
Rodrigo Guzman
Jane
Thorwald Eigisson
Kitty
Pablo de Corveza
Lydia
Fernando de Retortillo
Betty
Harald Hyllaby
Janet
Alexei Tossarov
Anne