Chapter 11—Danielle's Trip to Spain
It was Friday morning, the day before the Feast of Epiphany (Saturday, January 6), and Danielle was making her weekly visit to the Queen. Danielle decided to show the Queen the following letter she had just received from Catherine:
Dear Danielle,
A few days after mother and I returned to our castle, we received the painting by Gustave that you gave us. Mother and I both wish to express our everlasting appreciation for such a wonderful gift. Even including expensive gifts of jewelry, I don't believe mother has ever received a gift she values so highly. She had the painting framed and mounted in our castle. Everyone is impressed with the painting, and all the comments have been extremely complimentary. Although we know you meant for the painting to be a gift, mother wanted to give Gustave a token of her appreciation. Please give Gustave the enclosed gold francs and let him know how much we love the painting.
For my sixteenth birthday, we are going to Paris, where we will stay a few days, and then go visit my aunt, comtesse d'Auvergne, in Tours. We plan to stay there for four to six weeks before returning home. While we are there, if you can find the time, we would love for you to visit.
We will be leaving for Paris next week, either on the eve of, or the day of, the Feast of the Holy Innocents (Thursday, December 28). To reduce travel time, we will travel light(1) and send most of our luggage before we leave. So, including our stay in Paris, our trip to Tours should not take more than three weeks. Therefore, if you can visit, a good time to arrive would be about three weeks after the Feast of the Holy Innocents.
Whether or not you are able to visit us in Tours, mother told me that we may decide to visit the royal family in Hautefort again before returning home. Hopefully, one way or another, we will be able to see you again.
Again, I wish to express our gratitude for the painting.
Love,
Catherine
When Danielle arrived at the castle, she was taken to the quarters of the King and Queen. King Francis had received a letter from Charles V, the King of Spain, which read in part:
The contract for the trade agreement is acceptable, except my advisors believe that the words "will be" in Article 4 could be interpreted as "may be." Therefore, I recommend that the words "will be" be replaced with "shall be required." Assuming that this is agreeable, the Queen, Princess Gabriella, and I intend to arrive for a signing ceremony sometime between Feast of Saint Davie (Thursday, March 1) and the Feast of Saint Joseph (Monday, March 19). As soon as I receive conformation that the recommended change in wording is agreeable, I will be able to give you a more definite date for our arrival.
At our Embassy ball, as I understand from the Ambassador, two French girls and the daughter of General de Ortega gave an excellent performance of a Spanish dance. The performance was the talk of the entire Embassy staff. Perhaps they will be willing to give another performance after we arrive. Since, as I understand they also speak Spanish, the Queen and I would love to meet with them. Gabriella is especially eager to meet them."
After telling Danielle about the letter from Charles V, King Francis asked if she and Catherine would be willing to give another performance for the King, Queen, and Princess of Spain.
"Your Majesty, I would be honored, the duchesse would be thrilled, and Catherine would be absolutely ecstatic. I promise, with your permission, Catherine and I will perform."
"Danielle," a somewhat cautious Queen Marie said, "It is a long way to Lorraine; so, if the Spanish King decides to arrive early, we might need to substitute someone from the French ballet for Catherine."
"Your Majesty, I can assure you that Catherine will be here." Handing Catherine's letter to the Queen, Danielle continued, "I have just received this letter from her, and she is on her way to visit her aunt, comtesse d'Auvergne, in Tours. She should be there in about ten days. If Your Majesty wishes, I will write a letter to Catherine and her mother and you can have it delivered to them in care of comtesse d'Auvergne."
"Yes, please do," Marie replied.
"In honor of the King and Queen of Spain, I will give a Spanish ball, with Spanish music and dancing, and everyone is to dress in Spanish clothing," King Francis stated.
"Your Majesty, have you made any plans for the women to obtain Spanish gowns?" Danielle asked.
"I don't understand."
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty, but I don't believe you men give a lot of thought to women's fashion so, with your permission, let me explain."
"Well I admit that we believe that women's fashion is best left up to our wives, but please explain," King Francis replied.
"Spanish men dress plainly while the women dress stylishly. It should not be difficult for the French tailors to make Spanish clothing for the men. However, that is not the case for the women. First, the material for Spanish gowns is very different than that used for French gowns, with the Spanish gowns being so colorful and bright. Also, the ruffles and other extremely complicated designs will be difficult for the French seamstresses. True, both French and Spanish seamstresses have the same basic skills; however, the knowledge of the various intricate designs is acquired over years.
"It will probably be at least three weeks before you receive a reply from the Spanish King. I believe you will not wish to announce the ball until you hear from him and know a more definite date for his arrival.
"So I have a proposal: Except for notifying and inviting the Duchess of Lorraine and Catherine, please hold off announcing the ball until you receive your reply from King Charles V. That will give me time to travel to and from Spain and to conduct business with a proprietor who sells Spanish clothing, especially women's gowns. I already have approved credit for several hundred gold francs from a banker, so I will take a letter of credit from the bank for, say, 300 gold francs and travel to northern Spain. Before leaving, I will ask the Ambassador for a letter of introduction.
"Once there, I will negotiate with the proprietor of a fashionable shop to come to France with fabric and material to make Spanish gowns. Also, he should bring some Spanish jewelry and the material for making men's clothing. I will provide a guarantee of at least 300 gold francs in sales. This amount in sales should entice any businessman to travel to France. The person I select must speak French and be expert at advising women on the selection of gowns and experienced at giving fashion shows. In addition to gowns and supplies, I will ask him to provide several Spanish seamstresses. After they arrive here, additional local seamstresses can work under their direction.
"Before leaving, I will arrange for Jacqueline to lease a space for a fashionable shop. As soon as we return, I would like for you to announce a fashion show to be held here at the castle. This will show the courtiers much of what is available and still give them a month or so to select and purchase gowns and other items.
"For myself, I will seek a profit of about twenty percent of the total sales plus whatever taxes you believe are appropriate.
"Your Majesty, I do believe that your Spanish ball will be the talk of Europe for years to come. So with your approval, I need to start making arrangements as I plan to leave no later than Monday."
"Marie, what do you think?" King Francis asked.
"I think it is a wonderful idea. I am convinced that it will please the Spanish King and Queen if our courtiers are wearing authentic Spanish gowns. Also, I have complete confidence that Danielle will accomplish the endeavor." Queen Marie was amazed that Danielle's quick mind could make such detailed planning so quickly.
"Then it is settled. Danielle, you will write a letter inviting the Duchess and Catherine, and I will give you up to four weeks to set a date for the fashion show and to arrange with a Spanish merchant to set up a shop here at Hautefort."
After her visit with the King and Queen, Danielle met with the bankers. She explained that she wanted a letter of credit to persuade the proprietor of a fashionable Spanish shop to come to Hautefort and that she wanted to make arrangements for Maurice, acting as her agent, to draw funds so he could continue to pay for clearing the land to run the Manoir de Barbarac and for Jacqueline to rent a space for a fashionable shop. At the banker's suggestion, Danielle accepted a letter of credit to take to Spain for a variable amount up to 500 gold francs.
After leaving the bankers, Danielle went to the Spanish Embassy. After she told Dolorita about the Spanish ball to be given by King Francis and her planned trip to Spain, Dolorita said, "From what you tell me, there will be several weeks available for practice, so perhaps we could improve on the original performance. If there is time, I believe it would be wonderful to add a Fandango courtship dance to be performed by Catherine and Lieutenant Magelhaes. We can work out the details after you return from Spain and Catherine arrives. Now let's see the Ambassador and ask him to write you a letter of introduction."
The Ambassador was more than willing to help Danielle and write her a letter of introduction. Also, he was pleased to be of assistance to his countrymen in trade with France. The Ambassador felt it would be best if Danielle had an escort, so he asked a major and his wife who lived in Navarra to travel with Danielle. The major's wife was well acquainted with and would highly recommend Felipe, the proprietor of a very fashionable shop in Navarra.
Danielle waited while Dolorita spoke with the Ambassador. When she was finally invited to see the Ambassador, the Ambassador said, "Danielle, it is good to see you again. I am sorry to have kept you waiting, but I wanted to arrange for you to have an escort to Spain. I want you to meet Major Francisco Nino and his wife Arcadia. They will be traveling with you and can introduce you to the proprietors of the more fashionable shops."
"I appreciate that, Your Excellency," Danielle replied.
"When would you like to leave?" The Ambassador asked.
"Monday morning, Your Excellency. I need to write a letter to Renée de Vaudémont and her daughter Catherine and make arrangements for Jacqueline to rent a space for the dress and clothing shop, but this will give me more than adequate time to be ready to leave by Monday."
"Major, will you and your wife be ready by then?"
"Yes, Your Excellency."
After leaving the embassy, Danielle wrote the following letter and handed it to a page to deliver to the King and Queen.
Dear duchessede Vaudémont and Catherine,
I received Catherine's letter today, and the timing for your arrival in Tours could not be better. Final details for a treaty between France and Spain are being completed, and the King and Queen of Spain and Princess Gabriella will arrive for a signing ceremony between the Feast of Saint Davie (Thursday, March 1) and the Feast of Saint Joseph (Monday, March 19). The Spanish King mentioned our performance during the ball at the Spanish embassy and requested that we give another performance. Also, he stated that that he, the Queen, and Princess Gabriella wish to meet Catherine and I since we speak Spanish. Perhaps we should get with Dolorita and review our Spanish prior to their arrival.
In honor of the Spanish King, King Francis will be announcing a Spanish ball, and everyone is to wear Spanish dress. I truly believe the Spanish ball will be the talk of Europe for years to come. In view of the importance of this treaty and good relations between France and Spain, I know, if at all possible, the King and Queen can depend on you to help make it a success. Therefore, I took the liberty of telling King Francis and Queen Marie that Catherine would be delighted to perform at the ball.
Dolorita suggested if Catherine can arrive early for additional practice that, in addition to the other dances, she wishes to choreograph a Fandango courtship dance to be performed by Catherine and Lieutenant Magelhaes.
Also, there will be a Spanish fashion show several weeks before the ball, and perhaps Catherine would be willing to be one of the models for the fashion show. As soon as King Francis receives a reply from the King of Spain, you will be given definite dates for the fashion show and Spanish ball.
I am looking forward to seeing you again.
Love,
Danielle
That evening, Danielle informed everyone at the Manoir de Barbarac of her plans and what their duties would be during her absence. Saturday, Danielle and Jacqueline looked for a suitable space to lease for the dress and clothing shop. There was not time to look at all available locations. However, they were able to look at enough available locations so that Jacqueline understood what was needed and realized that location was far more important than the lease amount. Jacqueline would make the necessary negotiations during Danielle's absence.
Monday morning, Danielle met with Major Francisco Nino and his wife Arcadia. The major had Danielle's letter of introduction from the Ambassador. They would travel by horseback(1).
Danielle insisted that the conversations during the trip be in Spanish in order to improve her limited ability to converse in Spanish. By the time Danielle returned, she would be much improved at speaking Spanish.
After Danielle left, Marguerite's tongue and refusal to work became a pain. In addition to refusing to help with the household duties, she was demanding and constantly complaining and making cutting and snide remarks. After three days Maurice had had enough. During her absence, Danielle had left him in charge of the manoir, so, with Jacqueline's approval, Marguerite was banished to a dirty rundown cabin that a few years ago was home to a servant.
When no one saw her for the next day and two nights, Paulette went to check on her. Soon, she was comforting an utterly miserable teary-eyed girl. After that, seeking approval from anyone she could, Marguerite began volunteering to help Paulette and Louise. Within a couple of days a contrite and submissive Marguerite was allowed to return to the main residence. The ever-kind Jacqueline even returned a couple pieces of jewelry.
After they arrived in Navarra, the Major and his wife introduced Danielle to Felipe. After Danielle explained what she had in mind, the Major's wife confirmed that the French shops did not carry fabric for Spanish gowns, and there would be about 200 people at the ball. Also, since it was a Spanish ball, most of the courtiers would need to buy Spanish attire.
Danielle showed Felipe the letter of introduction from the Spanish Ambassador and the letter of credit from the banker and said she would personally guarantee sales of at least 300 gold francs. For this, she wanted 25 percent of the total sales. Danielle would pay for the lease of the temporary clothing shop and any compensation to the models at the fashion show. Felipe would furnish all the material, clothing, and jewelry and the cost of labor for the sales personnel and seamstresses.
"I can only pay fifteen percent on a 300 gold franc guarantee; however, if you will give me a 500 gold franc guarantee, I will pay twenty percent of the sales. Further, any merchandise you personally purchase to fulfill the guarantee, I'm willing to buy back at fifty percent of the price."
"Fine to the above; however, since I am taking all the risk, I insist on 35 percent on any and all sales above 500 gold francs."
"That's unheard of."
"Before I make a final decision, I heard of a shop in Barcelona I should talk to."
"That won't be necessary; I think your proposal is fair with some modifications." Felipe knew that if Danielle left she probably wouldn't return. He was guaranteed a profit of almost 200 gold francs for the next two months, which was more than twice what he would normally make. On any sales over 500 gold francs he would still make about eighteen percent, and his remaining staff would still be earning him profit in his shop in Navarra. This was a proposal he could not afford to turn down.
After further negotiations, it was agreed that Danielle would receive 30 percent of the sale or 60 percent of the profit, whichever was more, on any items for which the profit exceeded 45 percent, and that she would receive 55 percent of the profit on items for which the profit was less than 45 percent—mostly clearance items. Also, Danielle would guarantee that the minimum total sales would be 500 gold francs and a minimum profit to Felipe of 200 gold francs.
The major suggested that the agreement should be in writing and that he would sign and witness it as a command level Spanish Officer. The Major and his wife would stay and visit Arcadia's family that lived in Navarra and Danielle would be their guest during the next several days it took Felipe to accumulate material and additional Spanish jewelry. Felipe included some material for children's clothing. He knew that mothers buying gowns for themselves would be inclined to buy items for their children as well.
In addition to material from his own shop, Felipe had material, clothing and jewelry on consignment from three suppliers. They didn't know just what the French might select, and it was much better have merchandise unsold and returned than to miss sales. So Felipe, four seamstresses, a sales lady, Danielle, and four carriages made the trip to Hautefort. Both Felipe and his sales lady spoke French, but Danielle insisted they converse in Spanish. The caravan included drivers and six guards. They would be heavily traveled roads so there was little danger. Nevertheless, with so much merchandise, Felipe wasn't taking any chances.
Danielle was away for almost three weeks. The return trip took longer due to all of the merchandise. A couple of days after Danielle returned, the duchesse, Catherine, and her aunt, comtesse d'Auvergne, arrived at Hautefort. Since receiving Danielle's letter, along with a note from Queen Marie, Catherine had been bubbling over with excitement. Even the normally reserved duchesse was thrilled that, in addition to being asked to perform at the Spanish dance, Catherine had been invited to meet Spain's royal family. While Catherine's mother and aunt might have preferred to remain in Tours for another week or so, they both accepted Catherine's unrelenting eagerness to go to Hautefort. As soon as Danielle had gotten reacquainted with Renée and Catherine, and was introduced to comtesse d'Auvergne, Catherine insisted that she and Danielle go to the Spanish embassy, meet with Dolorita and Lieutenant Magelhaes, and learn the basics of the Fandango courtship dance. That evening, Catherine was so delirious about performing the Fandango courtship dance, it was about all she, her mother, and her aunt talked about.
Three days after Danielle and the caravan arrived in Hautefort, King Francis was notified by courier from Spain that the Spanish king and his entourage would arrive about one week following the Feast of Saint Davie (Thursday, March 1). King Francis then sent invitations to all the courtiers to attend the Spanish fashion show. Word had already leaked out that after the arrival of Spain's royal family there would be a Spanish dance. The fashion show would occur in six days in the castle ballroom. Felipe needed time to set up shop and to provide and adjust clothing for the models. Felipe was very pleased with the leased shop. It was larger than necessary and in a fashionable area. Jacqueline had paid more than necessary for the space, and the lease was for two months. Felipe hired carpenters to construct temporary dressing rooms and to build racks for clothing and display cabinets for merchandise. Marguerite and Jacqueline would work as sales ladies. Danielle would provide her seamstress, and Felipe hired another and arranged with other shops to provide seamstresses on an as needed basis.
Danielle, with approval and suggestions from Felipe, selected models. Danielle, Catherine, Marguerite, Sofia, a beautiful young wife of one of the Spanish junior officers, another French courtier, and a couple of Spanish officers would be the models. Most of the models declined to accept payment. The prestige and honor of being a model in the fashion show was adequate compensation. However, Danielle and Felipe did insist that they accept a 50 percent discount on whatever clothing they purchased for themselves from the shop and that they would be given their choice of any dress they modeled.
The fashion show was a huge success. Over 150 people showed up, and Felipe was brilliant at putting on a show. The gowns ranged from modest to almost indecent. The young wife of the Spanish officer modeled one gown that exposed so much skin that when she saw the expression on her husband face she blushed crimson. Catherine didn't bat an eye when modeling a similarly styled gown, but Renée was almost mortified. Felipe knew that very few of the more risqué gowns would sell. However, they did generate excitement for other sales.
When the show was over, Felipe realized the trip would be very profitable. He knew he should have taken Danielle's first offer of 25 percent. He also had a feel for the fabrics that would be the most popular with the courtiers. He sent a messenger to one of the suppliers to send another carriage full of certain fabrics, shoes, and additional jewelry. Felipe also ordered some fabric from a local supplier to make French attire. He realized that some customers also would purchase French garments.
Following the fashion show, King Francis sent invitations for the Spanish ball to be on the eve of the Feast of St. Paul of Cyprus (Friday, March 16). Also, the courtiers were informed that the Spanish Embassy was sponsoring both morning and evening Spanish dance lessons in the castle ballroom.
It was no wonder that Felipe was such a success in Navarra. He had the gift of selling what the customers both needed and wanted. The shop was so popular with the French courtiers that by the time of the ball the sales totaled 2,420 gold francs. After expenses, Danielle would net a profit of more than 500 gold francs. They would sell almost 200 Spanish evening gowns at an average price of eleven gold francs with additional sales of jewelry, men and children's clothing, shoes, and other items.
Most of the afternoons, Danielle, Catherine, and the other performers would practice for the performances at the Embassy. In addition to Danielle, Catherine, Sofia, and Lieutenant Magelhaes, the performances would include another Spanish officer and members from the French ballet.
As planned, for the final performance a Fandango courtship dance was added for Catherine and Lieutenant Magelhaes. It would be boy sees girl, girl snubs boy, girl chases boy, then runs away. Danielle and Sofia would perform a routine using castanets and graceful movement of the feet. Without the years of ballet lessons, Danielle would never have the dance skills of Catherine; however, she learned her routines and would perform very well at the ball. Members from the French ballet would perform a short Spanish ballet. Also, everyone would perform in the modified Sarabanda Spanish dance featuring Catherine.
Twenty courtiers would make the trip from Lorraine. Renée de Vaudémont immediately notified them upon receiving Danielle's letter. After Catherine described to friends and family all the happenings between the Prince and Danielle and her adventures with Danielle, this was one trip they did not want to miss.
Notes to Chapter 11
1. To travel light—Catherine's letter: I did some research to determine how the nobles traveled during the middle ages. Much of the traveling was by horseback. Even kings often traveled by horseback. Unlike the more modern carriages, the carriages of the time were uncomfortable and breezy, and the roads were in such poor condition that travel by carriage was very slow—perhaps 50 miles per day by horseback versus 20 miles by carriage.
The journey by Joan of Arc starting in late February of 350 miles from Vaucouleurs to Chinon took Joan and her men about eleven days. However, they traveled mostly at night to avoid the Burundians and crossed six rivers. I don't know how you would cross rivers in the winter without getting hyperthermia. Evidently, Joan and her men were double tough. In any event, this confirms that in normal conditions, travel by horseback of fifty miles a day would be reasonable.