Chapter 8—The Spanish Embassy
Monday morning Renée was thinking about returning to Lorraine. However, she decided to wait several days until Catherine could see her name on the library plaque the King was having made and installed. Thinking about the past week, Renée realized that Danielle had been good for Catherine. Before meeting Danielle, Catherine had been bored at Hautefort and was anxious to return home. Now, she was having adventures almost everyday. Being with Danielle had really brought out her vibrant personality.
Danielle and Catherine had gone down to the castle gate to meet Gustave. Danielle had already written him a couple of times, and Gustave had informed Maurice, Paulette and Louise about her arrival, but there was so much more to talk about, and she wanted Catherine to meet her life-long friend.
When the girls returned they were so excited. Danielle was clutching her invitation to the Embassy ball on the eve of the Feast of St. Cecilia in 22 days (November 21). Renée wondered how Danielle did it. Earlier today she had also received an invitation. However, Catherine had not shown the least bit of interest. Now it seemed like the Spanish ball was the most important thing in the world.
"Wouldn't it be fun to learn how to do the Spanish dances?" Danielle asked enthusiastically. "Maybe we could even learn to speak Spanish," she added.
"And dress like Señoritas in Spanish gowns," exclaimed Catherine.
"We can talk about it later," Renée said, thinking the girls would lose interest in a couple of days.
Danielle whispered something into Catherine's ear. After the girls conferred in whispers, Catherine told her mother, "Danielle and I are going to spend the day to learn Spanish dancing and see if we can find some Spanish gowns. Also, can we have some money for lunch?"
Not really hearing the significance of what Catherine said, and thinking the girls would just be going to some dress shops, Renée handed Catherine a few silver coins and replied, "Here is money for lunch. If you find any gowns you like, you can look and try them on, but don't buy any gowns until after I have had the chance to see them."
As soon as the girls left, Danielle took Catherine by the hand and marched to the Spanish embassy.
Even though the two girls didn't understand the language, the surprised guards were delighted to see two pretty French girls. After some initial, all in fun, attempts at teasing and minor flirting, the girls were led to the office of General Juan de Ortega, the Deputy Ambassador. After introducing herself and Catherine, Danielle boldly told him, "We wish to learn the Spanish language and some Spanish dances. Also, we would like to wear Spanish gowns to ball. We were hoping that you might be able arrange for some lessons and help us to acquire some appropriate Spanish gowns."
General de Ortega had had enough experience during his years on the job, so he was seldom surprised at what someone might request, but he never expected such a request from two pretty French girls. He wasn't sure exactly what the girls had in mind. However, it would not be appropriate to dismiss the daughter of the duchesse de Lorraine et de Bar, plus it was the Ambassador himself who ordered that Danielle be given a written invitation to the ball. Knowing that Dolorita, the wife of Colonel Lopez, was very qualified as a tutor in both Spanish language and Spanish dance, he replied, "I believe I know just the person who could help. Come with me please."
After introductions, General de Ortega said, "La señora Lopez, these young ladies would like some instruction in the Spanish language and dance, and they would like to dress in Spanish gowns for the ball. I was hoping that you might be willing to give them whatever help they require."
"I would be delighted," Dolorita replies. Then, speaking to the girls, she said, "Danielle, Catherine. Why don't we start with a few of the common expressions and then I can show you a couple of the dances."
"Thank you, La señora Lopez," both girls replied.
Dolorita soon learned how determined the girls were, and two hours later Dolorita suggested they break for a late lunch. Dolorita decided to invite Ana, the wife of General de Ortega, and their fifteen-year-old daughter, Sofia, and all five went to a fashionable café. All during the lunch, Danielle and Catherine asked questions about Spain and its culture.
Ana and Dolorita could not help but be pleased. Too often, the French tended to look down their noses as if though the Spanish were somehow inferior. Yet, here were two French girls, including the daughter of one of the twelve or so richest and most powerful people in all of France, showing great interest in Spain and its culture.
"Why do you wish to learn to speak Spanish?" Ana asked.
"There are a number of reasons. First, the Spanish and French are neighbors and knowing the language of the other helps promote friendships and understanding. Second, the Spanish are so passionate and full of life and to a great extent that can be attributed to your language. Both Catherine and I love to learn about new ideas and far-away places and, especially while we are young, we wish to be able to experience life to its fullest, and we would be remiss if we did not take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow. Further, I know I speak for Catherine when I say that someday, hopefully not in the too distant future, we will visit Spain and it would be so much more fulfilling to meet and get to know the Spanish people and to learn their customs if our conversations are not filtered by interpreters," Danielle replied.
Ana realizes that Danielle spoke with insight beyond her years. "I guess that also explains why you and Catherine wish to wear Spanish gowns and learn Spanish dances," Ana said thoughtfully.
"I once read this Italian proverb, 'Quando a Roma vai, fa come vedrai,'(1) so at a ball given by the Spanish, I believe it would be appropriate to dress as the Spanish do. However, this was Catherine's idea." And continuing, Danielle said, "Catherine, since you know so much more about clothes and dance, I believe you should explain."
"La señora de Ortega, during my dance lessons, at times we would practice a Spanish dance. Although, I must say, never enough, considering how much fun it was. Dancing is a way of expressing oneself. Also, a dance can tell a story in which sound, rhythm and visual are the major elements. The visual components are movement, expression and dress, and each is important. Without the colorful Spanish gowns, the dance and the story just wouldn't be complete."
"Danielle, Catherine, I must say I am impressed with the passion and determination you both express," Ana said. "Dolorita, it must be a delight to teach such enthusiastic students."
"It is, and I am pleased with the confidence your husband has shown by allowing me such an honor. Of course, there may come a time when I could use a little help."
"I could help," Sofia replied eagerly. Sofia was already developing some camaraderie with the other girls and didn't want to miss out on any of the fun. In addition to being very bright and pretty, Sofia was also a very good dancer, for she too had had a number of years of ballet lessons.
"Thank you Sofia, I could use your help in a couple of ways, and I will especially need your help to demonstrate the dances," Dolorita replied.
An hour after returning to the Embassy, Dolorita decided the girls had had enough language for the day and called for a short break before beginning dance lessons. Dolorita decided, for the first day, to start with a very simple dance and asked Sofia to demonstrate. Catherine, with years of ballet lessons, recognized most of the steps and had the basic steps down in just a few minutes. Danielle, although a fast learner, needed more repetitions.
"I need to write a letter, so you girls just keep practicing the dance," Dolorita said as she began to address her letter to the duchesse de Lorraine et de Bar.
While Catherine continued to show Danielle the dance, Sofia went in search of dance partners. Sofia loved to dance and the dance lessons gave her all the justification she needed to ask several young officers to volunteer. She soon returned with Lieutenants Magelhaes and Velasquez, and Captain de Cordoba.
No only was Lieutenant Magelhaes thrilled at the opportunity to become reacquainted with Danielle and Catherine, the other officers were also delighted for the chance to meet and dance with two such pretty French girls.
After Dolorita finished her letter to the duchesse, she decided to call it quits for the day. After the girls assure her they wished to continue the lessons, she asked Captain de Cordoba to give her letter to the duchesse and asked him and the other officers to escort the girls back. Sofia, viewing any excursion as a new adventure, decided to tag along.
On the way they met Prince Henry and Captain Laurent. Danielle stood back and let Catherine handle the introductions.
"Your Highness, Captain Laurent—I believe you know Mademoiselle de Barbarac."
Stepping even closer to Captain de Cordoba, Danielle curtsied and said, "Your Royal Highness, Captain Laurent." (Author's note: Adding the word "Royal" is overdoing it in such an informal meeting.)
"And may I present la Señorita Sofia de Ortega, Captain de Cordoba, Lieutenant Magelhaes and Lieutenant Velasquez from the Spanish Embassy."
"Your Highness," they said in unison with a curtsy and bows.
"You may present them indeed," Prince Henry said. "I must say Sofia; your father never told me he had such a charming and beautiful daughter."
"Thank you, Your Highness. You are too kind," Sofia said coyly.
"The Prince tried to make eye contact with Danielle but she quickly lifted her nose and turned her head to look at and move even closer to a smiling Captain de Cordoba, who was enjoying this unexpected attention.
"Good day, ladies…gentlemen." With a small bow, the Prince turned and walked down the hall, Captain Laurent a pace behind.
Someone would mention seeing Danielle, Catherine, and a young Spanish girl escorted by three Spanish officers. That would raise questions and gossip with the French courtiers.
Renée was beginning to wonder why Catherine had been gone so long when the group arrived at her quarters. After introductions, Renée opened the letter that Captain de Cordoba handed her.
Dear Duchesse de Vaudémont,
We at the Embassy are delighted for the opportunity to tutor two such charming girls in Spanish language, dance and culture. We see this as an opportunity to facilitate understanding of our cultures and to improve relations between our two countries. I believe every young officer at the Embassy will be fighting over the chance to instruct the girls in Spanish dance. The girls have expressed a desire to wear Spanish gowns at our upcoming ball and the staff at the Embassy would be delighted to furnish the gowns. At your convenience, I would like to meet with you, your daughter, and your charge in order to select appropriate gowns.
Please allow our officers the pleasure of escorting the girls to and from our Embassy.
Yours truly,
Dolorita Lopez
Special Assistant to the Ambassador.
"Sofia, Danielle, gentlemen, please join Catherine and me for some refreshments," Renée said gracefully, as if this was an everyday occurrence.
After being assured that the girls had not been making a nuisance of themselves to the embassy staff, Renée asked Captain de Cordoba to let Dolorita know that she would be happy to meet her for lunch tomorrow at the Café de la Danse. She also let the officers know that the girls would be ready tomorrow at 8:00 a.m.
The next day, after she and Sofia had given the girls almost three hours of Spanish lessons, Dolorita asked Sofia to make sure the girls had lunch at the embassy while she and Ana met with Renée at the Café de la Danse.
"Danielle asked the ambassador to dance?" a surprised Renée said, repeating Dolorita's statement. "Catherine never told me; I would have been mortified."
"Lieutenant Magelhaes told me she turned beet red as soon as she saw Catherine's shocked expression," Dolorita said. "He said it was a great icebreaker for him and Catherine. He told me he had never had so much fun dancing as with Catherine and that all the other officers were green with envy."
"Certainly, the ambassador was pleased," Ana said reassuringly. "He told my husband that dancing with Danielle was the highlight of his evening. And it was the ambassador himself who ordered that Danielle be given an invitation to the embassy ball."
"To tell the truth, I look forward to the time it is appropriate for ladies to take the initiative in something besides sewing and cooking," Renée said. "It seems that there is never a dull moment when Danielle's around, and I do feel she has been a good influence on Catherine."
"I think she and Catherine are absolutely charming," Ana said
"Duchesse, when I was young I would perform on stage and I can tell that Catherine is every bit as good as many of the performing dancers. At the ball, we were planning on giving a short Spanish dance performance. I was wondering if you would approve of Catherine being one of the dancers?" Dolorita asked.
"I don't see why not, as long as it is something Catherine wishes to do, and she learns her routine well," a pleased Renée replied. She had been thinking about returning to Lorraine, but now she would definitely stay until after the ball.
After lunch, they all departed for the Embassy. Ana and Dolorita had already made preparations so the girls could see and try on a few gowns and look at sketches of other gowns.
Catherine fell in love with a full-length tight fitting hot pink and black gown with plenty of ruffles at the shoulders and legs. The gown exposed the midriff and, although partially hidden by the ruffles, the slit in the front of the skirt would show plenty of leg. Catherine would undoubtedly dazzle the crowd in that gown. Renée wondered if it might be too risqué, but Catherine was pleading. Renée finally agreed after both Ana and Dolorita assured her it would be appropriate for a girl as young and pretty as Catherine.
The gown selected for Danielle was black with red trim and had an intricate design, tight fitting body, and full-length sleeves with ruffles at the wrists and a full, floor length skirt. Both girls would be stunning. The seamstress, after taking measurements, said the gowns would be ready for the first fittings in three days. The girls would also be given some Spanish dancing shoes that they could break in and start getting used to.
"Girls, I believe we can skip the Spanish lessons for this afternoon and just practice your dance lessons," Dolorita said. "Duchesse de Vaudémont, perhaps you would like to see what Catherine and Danielle have learned and let us demonstrate some of the other dances we will be teaching."
"Yes, I would like that," Renée replied.
"Sofia, see if Lieutenant Magelhaes and any of the other officers are available and ask if any of the band members would be willing to provide some music," Dolorita directed.
While waiting for Sofia to return, Dolorita said, "Duchesse, this is the tentative schedule for the lessons. In the morning, two sixty to ninety minutes Spanish lessons with a twenty to thirty minute rest in between. Then, an hour for lunch after which the next hour will be review. Then, the last two hours will be dance lessons. After the first few days, I believe we should just try to communicate in Spanish. I find that helps in learning a new language by eliminating the tendency to always translate first.
"Does the schedule meet with your approval?" Dolorita added.
"Yes, it sounds fine. I am pleased that you are able to hold Catherine's interest. No question that Catherine is very bright, but she can also be very stubborn at times."
"Well, I must say, I have been very impressed at the determination shown by both Catherine and Danielle," Dolorita said.
When Sofia returned and the music started, even the Ambassador came out to watch. After introductions, the Ambassador said, "Duchesse de Vaudémont, I am amazed at how quickly your daughter learns these dances. You must be very proud of her."
"Thank you, Your Excellency. Even when she was very young, Catherine seemed to have a talent for dancing."
"Danielle and Catherine have certainly brightened things up here at the embassy. I have noticed an improvement in the morale of the staff since yesterday when the girls first visited. General de Ortega seldom smiles, but even he had a big smile on yesterday when he told me two pretty French had expressed an interest in our culture."
"I just hope the girls don't become a nuisance," Renée replied.
"Not at all. Things like this can do more to develop good relations between countries than months of tedious negotiations."
The next afternoon, while the Danielle and Catherine were having lessons at the embassy, Renée was having tea with Queen Marie in the royal gardens.
"Marie, I thought Danielle and Catherine were just going to have lunch and to look at gowns for the Embassy ball, so you can imagine my surprise when they returned with three Spanish officers and General de Ortega's daughter. And even more so when Captain de Cordoba handed me the letter from the wife of Colonel Lopez."
"I must admit the girls chose to learn Spanish in a rather unorthodox manner, but Dolorita Lopez's letter does say the Spanish are delighted to tutor the girls," Queen Marie replied.
"Nevertheless, at first, I was concerned that the girls would be considered an annoyance by members of the embassy staff. When I first met Dolorita and Ana, General de Ortega's wife, I suggested they allow me to pay for the lessons and gowns, but they wouldn't hear of it. Also, the ambassador himself assured me that he considers this an opportunity to improve relations between our countries."
"Catherine and Danielle are certainly showing a lot of initiative. First the library and now this. You must be proud of Catherine," the Queen said.
"Of course, but mostly they are Danielle ideas. I don't know how she does it. Somehow, Danielle tricks Catherine into thinking these are things she wants to do. If it had been my suggestion, Catherine would have thought working at the library was beneath her station. And to get her to learn Spanish, I would have had to drag her kicking and screaming the whole way.
"So in many ways, Danielle has been a good influence on Catherine. But Marie, you never know what that girl is going to do. Did you know that, at the Montaigne's ball, Danielle asked the Spanish Ambassador to dance? And, a couple of days ago, Catherine told me that Danielle was almost snooty to Prince Henry."
"How did Henry react?" Queen Marie wanted to know.
"Catherine was looking right at the Prince and she said that, apart from a slightly raised eyebrow, if it bothered him, he didn't give Danielle the satisfaction of knowing it. Catherine is sure there is something going on between Prince Henry and Danielle and that neither is willing to let the other get the upper hand."
"Well, I do believe Catherine is very perceptive," the Queen replied.
"Still, I believe Danielle should have some tutoring in deportment. I shudder to think if that had been some formal occasion. Of course, I believe Danielle understands not to play these games at official functions. All the time she is asking Catherine for advice, and most of the time she follows Catherine's lead. However, sometimes she just acts without asking. I would hate to see her make some dreadful mistake at the Embassy Ball. You know how vicious the tongues of some of the courtiers can be."
"What do you suggest?" Queen Marie asked.
"I don't believe we should interfere with the lessons at the Spanish Embassy, but I believe it would do wonders if Danielle was tutored in deportment for a couple of hours each evening until the ball," Renée replied.
"Anne de Brézé is an excellent tutor. Why don't I have her meet with Danielle each evening starting at 7:00?" Queen Marie suggested.
"Thank you, Marie. That should give us both some peace of mind. There are things that are practically second nature to us that Danielle hasn't learned yet," Renée replied.
Each day the girls were escorted to and from the embassy by Spanish officers. Then in the evenings Danielle, with Catherine sometimes joining in, was tutored in deportment.
"What are Catherine and Danielle doing at the Spanish embassy?" several courtiers had asked.
"The Embassy is offering free lessons in Spanish in case you are interested," Renée would reply.
After that bit of information was circulated, the courtiers' curiosity was satisfied since none were interested in boring Spanish lessons.
With years of ballet lessons and natural ability, Catherine proved to be an outstanding student. So well, in fact, that after a few lessons, Dolorita decided Catherine should have special prominence at the ball's demonstration Spanish dance. Relying on her own experience in performing, Dolorita selected and choreographed a modified Sarabanda—a sensual and exotic dance with undulations of the body and flirtatious hip movements. Catherine would be featured, with Danielle and Sofia in supporting role, except for a part near the beginning featuring Sofia using castanets.
By the time Dolorita had choreographed the dance, the girls had learned all the necessary ballroom dances. With only two weeks to master the dance, Dolorita increased the afternoon dance sessions to three hours and at times worked the girls so hard that one day when Dolorita finally called a halt, Danielle whispered, "Thank you, Jesus."
The last several days, after the girls had mostly mastered the dance, some band members were made available so the dance could be polished with the music.
Dolorita decided that the final dance lessons would be the morning of the ball, and that the girls would be free for the afternoon. Dolorita invited Queen Marie and Renée to the pre-performance that followed the lessons. The girls wore their Spanish gowns and shoes in front of the entire band and a few members of the staff. When the girls finished the dance, Dolorita was satisfied with the near flawless pre-performances and, after a few final instructions, dismissed the girls until the ball.
Dolorita had decided early on that, except for Renée and the Royal Family, no one outside of the Embassy staff would know beforehand about the performance.
That evening, after Danielle and Catherine had dressed in their Spanish gowns, Renée said, "I think you and Danielle will be the prettiest Señoritas at the ball." At the reception line, Danielle and Catherine responded in Spanish, to the delight of the Ambassador and Diplomats. Although far from being proficient, the girls had learned Spanish well enough for simple communication.
To the Ambassador, Danielle, with Catherine in tow, said in Spanish, "Your Excellency, we could not let the night pass without expressing our gratitude to you and your staff for teaching us Spanish and dance."
"The pleasure is all ours," he replied.
To Catherine, the Ambassador said, "I must say you and Danielle are dazzling."
"I'm sure, Your Excellency, due to the beautiful gowns your staff so graciously provided us."
As soon as the girls had passed through the reception line, Dolorita took the girls to a room behind stage for a few final instructions and so that the girls could relax until the performance. The King, Queen and Prince of France would arrive earlier than normal, since the performers were awaiting their presence.
Soon, fanfare announced the arrival of the Royal Family. After they were seated, the Ambassador announced, "Your Majesties, your Highness, and honored guests, it gives me great pleasure to introduce three young ladies who will now demonstrate a popular Spanish dance. Señorita Sofia de Ortega, daughter of El general y la Señora de Ortega of Spain, Señorita Danielle de Barbarac, and our feature dancer, Señorita Catherine de Vaudémont, daughter of the duchesse de Lorraine et de Bar." That last bit got everyone's attention. "Please give a big welcome to the three Señoritas."
Giving the girls final encouragement, Dolorita urged the girls in position and signaled for the band to start. All three girls performed well, but Catherine really put on a show. Starting slow, but reacting to repeated applause, Catherine allowed her dancing skills and natural showmanship to take control. With twirls, high steps, flirtations and massive hip movements, Catherine was sensual, wild, and exotic. Renée, although slightly taken aback at the sensual insinuations of the dance, could not have been more pleased with her daughter. Renée beamed with pride as courtier after courtier complimented Catherine's performance.
Following the performance, and after bows and tremendous applause, King Francis asked to see the girls. As the girls met the Royal family, Danielle decided to have fun at Prince Henry's expense. She told the other girls that they should ask, in Spanish, for Prince Henry to dance. So in Spanish Danielle said, "Your Highness, we are pleased that you enjoyed the performance and I am certain that Sofia and Catherine would be honored to dance with you."
To which Catherine said, "Your Highness, I would be honored to dance with you."
Sofia added, "I am certain that dancing with his Highness would be the highlight of my evening. I do hope you don't wait long before asking."
After the girls, suppressing giggles, left, Prince Henry asked the Spanish diplomat who was standing next to him to tell him what the girls said.
To the envy of a few French courtiers, especially Marguerite and Rodmilla, the girls were seldom off the dance floor for the remainder of the evening. Long before Marguerite was able to wrangle a dance with the Prince, she watched in consternation as Prince Henry seemed to be enjoying himself way too much as he danced two dances in a row with Catherine. Rodmilla, seeing Catherine as a definite threat, could only hope the Prince would think her too young, or that she and Renée would soon return to Lorraine.
Seeing how popular the girls in their Spanish gowns were, many of the courtiers decided that, at the next Embassy ball, they, too, would dress in Spanish gowns.
It seemed that every man attached to the Spanish embassy wanted to dance with the two French Señoritas in their Spanish gowns. The girls had done as much, if not more, to improve relations between Spain and France in one night as King Francis had accomplished in months of negotiations.
The next day the Ambassador received the following letter, with a copy for Dolorita:
Dear Excellency,
We wish to express our immense appreciation to you and the entire staff at the Embassy for the courtesies extended in teaching us the Spanish language and culture. We will always treasure the lovely Spanish gowns you so graciously bestowed upon us, and someday we hope to have daughters of our own who will have an opportunity to wear the gowns.
We especially wish to express our sincere appreciation to La señora Dolorita Lopez for sharing with us so much of her time and knowledge.
We are genuinely grateful for the opportunity to perform at the ball. We will cherish it in our memories for as long as we live.
Yours very truly,
Danielle and Catherine
That afternoon in the Royal Gardens, Renée said, "Marie, in a couple of days Catherine and I will be returning to Lorraine. We have certainly enjoyed our stay at Hautefort, and I wish to express our genuine gratitude for your hospitality."
"You and Catherine are always welcome," Queen Marie replied. "That was a wonderful performance last night by Catherine, Sofia, and Danielle. People have been talking of nothing else."
"Being asked to perform at the Spanish Embassy was an honor and, of course, I was very proud that Catherine had such an important part. Last night just topped off what has been a very rewarding visit to Hautefort," Renée said.
"I must say Catherine and Danielle make quite a team," Queen Marie observed.
"That may be so. Catherine has been able to help Danielle by introducing her to the other young people and courtiers, teaching her to dance and helping her with manners and protocol. Still, I must admit that Danielle is a remarkable young lady and has been a positive influence on Catherine. Before meeting Danielle, Catherine was homesick. Since their meeting, I have never seen her so happy and excited. I know she will have many experiences to share with her friends after we return. I almost regret returning to Lorraine, wondering what other adventures with Danielle Catherine and I might miss."
Then, changing the subject, Renée added, "Marie, you and I have discussed some possibilities regarding Baroness de Ghent and the Manoir de Barbarac. You know what I think, but of course the final decision will be up to Francis."
"Francis has been so busy lately, but in time I believe the situation will be resolved in Danielle's favor. Danielle expressed it best when she asked if it was reasonable for a wife of only a few days to have greater claim to a man's property than his own daughter," Queen Marie replied.
"Well, just in case things are not resolved in Danielle's favor, I want you to know that Danielle will always be welcome to live with us. Already, she and Catherine are very much like sisters, and I wouldn't mind having another daughter."
"Renée, do you get the feeling that something is going on between Henry and Danielle?" the Queen wanted to know.
"Just the vibes I get from Catherine. Why do you ask?"
"At the ball, just after Francis and I spoke with the girls, each of them greeted Henry in Spanish. Would that have been Danielle's idea?" Queen Marie asked.
"That sounds like Danielle. I do hope the girls didn't speak to you and Francis in Spanish," Renée said, slightly concerned.
"No, they were all perfect young ladies," the Queen replied.
"That is a relief, for certainly Catherine would know better. I think it was a sly way of getting Henry's attention. Did you notice anything else?"
"Henry danced with both Catherine and Sofia, in addition to quite a few other young ladies. But I never saw him dance with Danielle. I think they were deliberately avoiding each other but it seems they stole glances at each other to see if the other was looking," the Queen replied.
"It sounds to me like coy flirting between two exceedingly proud young people with perhaps a little retaliation thrown in. Do you remember Danielle's reaction at the masque ball?"
"How could I ever forget that night? I doubt anyone will," the Queen replied.
"I'm not saying Danielle was right, but I believe she was in love with and had put her trust in Henry. So she was furious that Henry listened to the baroness without giving her a chance to relate her version of the facts," Renée said.
"Renée, do you think Danielle would be suitable for Henry?" the Queen wanted to know.
"A month ago, when you introduced me to Danielle, I would have been horror-struck by question. She was so wretched-looking with scratches on her face, her hair in need of brushing, and a gown hardly suitable for anyone other than a field hand. When you look at her now, it is hard to believe she is the same girl.
"But to answer your question—normally, as you know, it is expected that a prince will marry a princess or the daughter of a high ranking noble. So if the Prince was to marry Danielle, it might upset some of the nobles and would certainly raise eyebrows. Nevertheless, the marriage would have my support, for I know Danielle would make a great princess and future queen. However, if you are contemplating the possibility, I would recommend a couple of months of intensive tutoring in Latin, deportment, and the basics of ballet. Of course, no princess is expected to perform, but certainly there will be occasions for social dancing, and ballet training would help Danielle dance with more grace and style.
"Because of Danielle's background, the nobles would scrutinize her behavior, looking for the slightest mistake—much more so than if she was the daughter of a high ranking noble. Therefore, without additional tutoring, I don't believe Danielle is polished enough to avoid criticism," Renée replied.
"Thank you, Renée," Marie replied. "Do you have any specific recommendations?"
"First tell me one thing. How do you feel about Danielle as a possible future daughter-in-law, and how would Francis react to the idea?" Renée asked.
"For Henry's sake, I would prefer that he marry for love rather than to have an arraigned marriage. And I would not mind if his choice was Danielle. Initially, Francis would probably object but I believe Henry, Danielle, and I could win him over," Queen Marie replied.
"Then my specific recommendation is that, in addition to intensive tutoring, Danielle should be given a couple of attendants and reasonable allowance so she can become accustomed to a life of privilege. Also, I believe you should invite Danielle to accompany you to some of the social meetings so the other courtiers can get to know her and start thinking of her as part of their social group," Renée suggested.
"Thank you, Renée. I trust your advice and counsel even more than that of my own advisors," the Queen replied. Continuing, she asked, "By the way, where are Catherine and Danielle? I don't recall seeing either today."
"They and Sofia have been posing for a painting. Danielle wishes to give Catherine and me a going away gift. As of now, Danielle doesn't own anything except what you, I and the Spanish Embassy have given her, so she asked Gustave, her life-long painter friend, to paint a portrait of Catherine for us. It will be a large full-length painting of the girls in the gowns they wore for the performance. It will feature Catherine in the center with Danielle and Sofia a step or two back.
"Danielle cannot pay for the painting, so Gustave is doing it free gratis. However, I plan to send the young man something as a token of our appreciation."
The following day, a certain palace page was on a ship to the Americas. After the investigation, the page had confessed and thus incriminated Rodmilla and Marguerite. He was then given the opportunity to avoid charges and save his reputation by volunteering to go to the Americas. Otherwise, charges would almost certainly result in his execution. The King and Queen thought it best to avoid the scandal of a treasonous page, so the page was shown mercy. He was never heard from again.
Note to Chapter 8
1. Quando a Roma vai, fa come vedrai: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."
This ancient Italian proverb (Quando a Roma vai, fa come vedrai) can be traced all the way back to the 4th century, when St. Augustine advised St. Ambrose: "When you are in Rome live in the Roman style; when you are elsewhere live as they live elsewhere."