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A few days ago i was watching a show on the Dutch television, called "Between art and kitsch", where people can show their "treasures" to some experts, and let them give their opinion about the value of the items. Off course there is quite a bit of trash people find in their attic, thinking that it's priceless stuff... But sometimes people come there with little gems.

One man showed an 18th century watch to an expert, that was quite a nice collection item. It was all gold with a few diamonds in the clock-hands, and it looked nice. But what immediatly attracted the attention of the expert was the chain that the watch was once attached to.

Well ladies and gentlemen, here the story begins to get interesting. It was a very strange but extremely beautiful piece of jewellery. I had never seen such an item before. The expert called it a "Chatelaine".

He explained that it was a decorative belt hook or clasp worn at the waist with a series of chains suspended from it. Each chain was mounted with a useful household appendage such as scissors, thimble, watch, key, vinaigrette, household seal, etc.

I looked it up at the infamous Wikipedia and found the following explanation. The name chatelaine derives from the French term chtelaine which meant the female owner, or wife of the owner, of a large house. Originally the chatelaine was designed to have all the tools necessary for the woman of the household to sort out any problem she may encounter in her day, like a fraying curtain. However, over time the chatelaine and the objects it held evolved from being a purely utilitarian object into a decorative symbol that reflected the status of the wearer. And yes, some of them seemed to be exclusive pieces of jewellery. In the 18th century, it was sometimes also called it an equipage,

Let me show you some nice examples:

Antique-Watch, c. 1750; cast gilt metal chatelaine with a chased and engraved representations of musical instruments. Gilt clip buckle suspending three further oval cartouches and two short chains. Swivel latches with hinge and threaded safety ring. Suspended from the chains a gilt and rock crystal swivel seal, silver gilt hinged glazed locket and a cast silver Madonna and child.

Louvre OA8394, a gold watch and chatelaine covered in roses, Paris, 1750-1752

Malmaison N.104, the chatelaine of Empress Josephine, end of the 18th century.

To conclude i show you a nice painting from an unknown French 18th century artist, depicting "Two ladies, one holding a fan and the other a rose" At their belt you can clearly see their chatelaines.

I do hope you enjoyed this little article, about an artifact that i had never heared of, but seemed to be very common in our beloved 18th century.

With sincere greeting, Dr. P. Panacek, War Surgeon.

Our trip out of the Island of Melioria to the Italian peninsula took much longer than we expected. Only now that the journey is behind us can I sit down and continue my log.

When last I wrote I told how Rico and I had waited in the dark before sunrise. Finally, after what seemed like a very long time we could hear footsteps, Rico and I, from our hiding place among the barrels and crates of the uncollected cargo at Port Melioria. We both held our breaths. The morning fog was so thick that we could barely see a figure approaching, but we could hear that his stride was vigorous and determined.

We could see a figure in the fog

Do you think that the captain of the Aurelia is coming? Rico whispered. I did not answer, but I could see that Rico was listening as intently as I. Then he shook his head. No. That is no sea captain. Only one person walks in that half-march, half-scuff way.

With that, Rico stood clear of the crates, and I joined him. He waved his arms, and the marching scuffer saw us, and moved our way.

Ciao, Prospero! Rico said softly.

Prospero, the apprentice baker, scuffed his feet on the dock

Ciao, Rico. Ciao Fiorino, our friend Prospero Pastorelli greeted us in reply. Good to see you! All of Melioria is still asleep. If we leave now, no one will even know we are gone.

Prospero was not smiling. He looked from side to side and over his shoulder, as if to make sure we were still alone.

The sun will break soon, he said with some urgency. We must hurry. There is a boat here. Quick, well row out of port. There is a ship ready to leave for Naples.

We did not need a second invitation. We picked up our packs and followed Prospero on to the dock. Sure enough, there was a small fishing boat moored there.

The three of us got in the fishing boat

With a some effort, Rico and I rowed the boat while Prospero controlled the rudder. I could paddle a gondola in the canals of Venezia with little problem, but rowing this little boat out of the port seemed to be more difficult. Little by little we managed to control the boat against the rippling waters of the seaport, and finally brought it around the port, along the coast and into a small bay.

Rico and I rowed, following Prosperos directions

Maybe it was because of the heavy fog, or maybe because I had never explored this side of Melioria, but I could not recognize this place. There were steep cliffs at waters edge and no beach whatsoever. I glanced over at Rico, who seemed to bite his lip as he looked around at the surroundings. Prospero, he asked, where are you taking us?

They call this La Cala del Contrabbaniere*, Prospero answered in a whisper, and if you look carefully, youll see that there is our ship.

Rico spots the ship

Is that a ship of smugglers? Whose ship is it, Prospero? I asked. No doubt my voice betrayed my alarm.

Our friend Prospero shushed me: Dont talk loud! When we get to the ship, the men will lower a rope and well climb on board. Be very polite, and let me do the talking.

The three apprentices board the ship in Smugglers Cove

Before I could take ten breaths, we were at the ship and climbing the rope ladder. As soon as we were on deck, two sailors spoke with Prospero, but Rico and I stepped back, out of earshot. The sailors weighed anchor and we were moving moving out of the cove and out to sea toward the rising sun.

______________

* La Cala del Contrabbaniere can be translated Smugglers Cove

La trs vridique histoire de la Chaise Volante de Versailles

In the Year of Our Lord 1743, Louis XV, Roi de France, ordered to build a "Chaise Volante" ( Flying Chair) for his new favorite, Madame de Chateauroux.

Actually, the Royal private appartments were located on the 1er tage of Versailles, and hers on the 3e tage .

So the Chaise Volante or Flying Chair was designed to help Madame de Chateauroux to go up and downdirectly from the King's Room to hers and back, on the quadruple purpose of providing a short cut,as well asease, comfort , and of course discretion.

When Madame de Chateauroux died at the age of 27, it was rumored that the very same Chaise Volante was used by the next favorite, Madame de Pompadour.

This clever system was modeled after a recent invention by Monsieur le Comte de Villayer, and built by Blaise-Henri ARNOULT, who designed the sophisticated machineries behind the scenes of the Royal Opera in Versailles.

It was made of a human-sized box with a seat, looking somewhat like a sedan-chair, sliding up inside an elevator shaft, manoeuvred by its occupant by mean of a rope vertically going through the box or cabin, and linked to a system of pulleys and counterweights. Thanks to these, the favorite, by her own energy, could reach her bedroom two stairs above, unseen and without effort.

By now, everybody has understood, that this 'Flying Chair' was indeed the forerunner of the modern elevators, and a simplified and motorless version of these.

As a conclusion, may I humbly suggest to the admirable builders of SL Versailles to include this device in their future building plans and schedules? Would'nt it be at the same time accurate and funny?

( I would enjoy personally to look at Noailles and Montbazon ra cing and rocketing through the floors:-) Although, at second thought, I doubt if they wouldlower themselves to following the same path as Courtesans and Favorites...unless they would be certain no one sees them, that is!)

The drawing besideshows someplansfor this 'Chaise Volante' - whichdoes not exist anymore-that are stored in French National Archives in Paris.

Here is a link to the website of the 'Sciences et Curiosits La Cour de Versailles' exhibition, which was held last year in the Castle ( just to show you I did not invent the whole story!)

http://sciences.chateauversailles.fr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=146&Itemid=468&lang=fr

And last,but not least, the portrait hereunder shows Madame de Chateauroux, as painted by Nattier (?)

Have you heard of Gaspard Robilette? After watching a small segment about him, on the history channel a few days ago, I knew I had to share this chilling tale. I added more details and more description to make it more interesting to read, but the story is a true, remove the decorative elements, you have the original story. Happy Halloween Everyone!

The year was 1613, the cold air and gentle snow had settled over Paris, when a young bachelor name Gaspard Robilette, was stumbling home after a night a fun and pleasure. The noisy city was clam and still, the only signs of movement were shadows casted by the full moons light, which seemed to dance around the dimly lit streets. All of Paris was sleeping when Gaspard returned to his home, all of Paris it seems except a hooded figure. Covered in a black cloak and hood, there stood the figure, waiting outside his door. Young Gaspard proceeded cautiously, and too his surprise the hooded figure was a beautiful young woman. With luscious lips, with dazzling eyes, and a complexion to rival the moon, he was enchanted with her, and proceeded to ask this lady why she was standing there so late. In sensual voice, she replied, she was returning home, her servant had gone to get the carriage.

Gallant, and chivalrous, Gaspard invited the beauty inside, so she can wait in warmth. Once inside his home, they soon ended up dining, with few drinks at hand. Gaspard continued to be enchanted with his this beauty, and for her part, she never mentioned again about her servant, or the carriage, never touching her foodonly sipping her wine. Poor boy, so infatuated with this mysterious, exquisite flower, never bothered to notice that she never mentioned it again, nor did he even inquire where she was coming from, or who she really was. As the wax melted away and the flames reduced to a glow, the couple found each other in bed, spending the rest of night in pleasure.

The gentle sun light flittered through the windows of his bedroom the next morning, waking him up. He didnt even look at his guest who lay next to him, and went off to grab a treat to nibble on. As he walked, his step seemed to have a spring in it, his joyful state no doubt because of his night before. He soon realized the servants would be here soon, as well as his neighbors would soon wake, so he went back to his room, to awaken his guest. Gently addressing her as my lady he called out her, walking around the four poster bed. She didnt respond, so he pulled the curtains aside, moving into the bed to wake her. Eyes filled with fear, his heart pounding, Gaspard stumbled backwards, falling to the floor, unable to understand what happened. He found his strength, and pulled himself up to look again, in his bed lay no beauty, but a rotting corpse. Decaying and disgusting, the body of the girl laid there, shocking Gaspard. In a fit of terror he summoned doctors and a policeman, who when arrived were equally shocked. The Doctor, after studying her, came the conclusion she had been dead for over two weeks, and the police, confirmed by the robe marks around her neck, said she has died two weeks ago, by hanging. Before their eyes, the body slowly started to smoke, and within seconds, disintegrated. The Policeman later wrote of it the events, but the original document has gone missing, or is locked in the archives.

"Miguel?"

The Spanish blacksmith looked up at the sound of his name. He smiled when he saw a tall figure in a black coat and breeches, and gold-colored waistcoat. "Si, Don Aldo. How may I be of help to you?"

The master metalsmith laid down his hammer and walked towards the door of the forge. His padrone, the scholar from Torino, was standing just outside. Miguel Herrero usually did not like to be interrupted in the middle of a job, but he was almost always glad to see the padrone. He had a great deal of respect for Don Aldo, even though he was an Italian. Miguel knew things about Don Aldo that no one else in Melioria did, and some of those things had convinced the blacksmith from Toledo that this quiet professor had the heart of a Spaniard. Not the least of these considerations was that it was through the efforts of Don Aldo that he, Migeuel Herrero, had been delivered from slavery among the Barbary corsairs of Northern Africa. And as if that were not enough, the Professore had made arrangements for the spanish blacksmith to come to this pretty little island to run a forge, to teach apprentices, and to help build its economy as something more than yet another tourist trap on the Grand Tour.

The scholar glanced at what Miguel and his apprentice had been working on.

"Pike heads?"

"Si, Don Aldo. Boarding pikes...for that English privateer that came into the harbor the other day...the one that had letters for the Baronessa. We were talking...and I told them a bit of my story, of the North African pirates and of how they seem to be acting up lately..."

"Ah...I see. And your words made them decide they needed to arm themselves more adequately?"

"Si," the blacksmith replied with a little smile, and then shrugged. "I merely told them a bit about the tactics the african pirates employ..."

Don Aldo nodded. "Very good. Do you need more iron stock?"

"No, we have sufficient. Now then, Professore, what brings you to the forge today?"

"We have finally freed our friend from his constraining circumstances. The operation was a success and he is now ready for transport."

"Ah, that is good news. It went well? He is undamaged?"

"He seems to be. But if you are free, I would like for you to take a look at him. Make sure he is strong enough for the trip, that his joints and weak points are not giving way."

"Of course, Don Aldo, with pleasure. As long as they supported him as I suggested, at the key places, he should be fine. I can go with you right now if you wish."

"If you can go now, that would be splendid. But I cannot accompany you...I must look after some dispatches that are going out with the Santa Beatrice . And she departs very soon."

"I shall attend to the matter at once," replied the blacksmith, inclining his head in a small but heartfelt gesture of respect.

"Milie grazie," answered the scholar, as he turned and headed to the crowded harbor.

Miguel Herrero gave instructions for his apprentice to continue the simpler aspects of the pike head project until he returned. This should not take long, he thought, as went up the ramp by the piazza, under the arches by the little cascade, and through the iron gates to the grand stairway. He went past the newly renovated villa, through the orange grove, and down to the beach, where a huge tripod of stout logs had been erected. Suspended under this tripod, braced in a cradle of sturdy timbers and ropes, was their "friend."

A small group was gathered around, including the German baronessa and La Donna Ariella. Miguel bowed his head to the important ladies and looked around for Padre Cuthbert, the English clergyman and antiquairan who had been overseeing the work here for several months now. Not seeing him, the blacksmith turned to the important ladies.

"Donna Ariella, Baronessa, is Padre Cuthbert here? Don Aldo wished for me to take a look at our friend and see if he is doing well."

The German lady took her ever-present clay pipe out of her mouth and pointed with the stem back up towards the villa.

"Up to the big house he has gone. He is checking on the cart they are building to move the piece. Now that it is out of the ground, they will slide the cart underneath and then take it to the Academy. Please, look at it to see with your knowledge of metal if it is supported properly. Not bending or making the fractures, we hope?"

MIguel nodded and climbed over the dirt piles by the tripod. He placed his hand gently on the mottled green-brown flanks of the great beast. The ancient bronze felt warm from the sun that had been beating down on the lion since he had finally been freed from the sand and earth that had hidden him for so long.

At first glance the statue looked remarkably good. There had only been a few nicks made in his mane and one ear when he was discovored. Someone had seen a bit of green metal protruding from sand, and as soon as it was apparent that they had found an ancient object of some value -- and astonishing size -- the Padre had been brought to see it and he had immediately set about making sure that it would be removed as carefully as possible, without any undue haste, in order to avoid denting and gouging the metal.

It appeared that the effort had been successful.

"He looks good, don't you think?" asked Donna Ariella, with just a hint of concern in her voice.

The master metalsmith stood back for a moment and then he crouched, looking for signs of stress in the metal, and checking the cradle's placement.

It did, in fact, look pretty good.

"Si, Donna Ariella," Miguel answered, "our friend is quite ready to travel."

La Donna Ariella, took her leave to return to the villa and attend to some business of the Council of Regents. Miguel lit a cigar and continued his inspection of the lion and its cradle, while the Baronessa described the arrangements that had been made at the academy to use the hoist in the back, behind the sliding wall panels, to get the statue up to the second floor. Miguel assured her that he thought the plan was sound, and that the lion should be be in good shape on arrival at the new cabinet of curiosities, God willing. Eventually their discussion died away, and all present simply gazed at the metal beast, lost in their own reflections. Miguel's thoughts turned to the men who long ago had fashioned the great lion. He wondered if they had felt the same sense of satisfaction he got from shaping a piece of metal into something elegant or useful. When they finished it, had they looked at what they had created and felt some deep, quietly humbling pleasure for having made such a powerful artifact?

Then he noticed something by his feet. He reached down and brushed away some gravel and sand, revealing a very old coin. He picked it up and turned it over in his fingers. The stern face of someone, probably an emperor or king, looked up at him from the grubby metal.

He looked at the inscription. He was pretty sure it said something like "Constantius"

"Well, Senor Constantius" he mused, "I'll bet even if you were a great emperor with mighty legions, and a big palace, you couldn't have ever created anything as wonderful as our friend here. You may have ruled an empire. but you couldn't make beautiful stuff like the lion of Melioria. No, not in a thousand years."

Migeul Herrero, the blacksmith from Toledo and former slave of the Barbary corsairs stood up and laughed.

"Oh well, we can't all be perfect."

He handed the coin to the Baronessa. It could go into the new cabinet of curiosities as well....something for scholars like Don Aldo to ponder and philosophize about. Then he headed back up over the steep hill to see how those boarding pike heads were coming.

Hello to all,

thank you for taking an interest in this blog which was started by me, the comtesse de Noailles aka MJ, with the purpose to inform those interested about my journey to the far far east, the People's Republic of China.

First of all, let me explain to you my motivation to leave Europe and move to such a remote country as China. It has been my wish and dream for a while to take a break from my "normal" life in Germany, the daily routine, everything seemed to bore me and grew even more tiresome every day. A trip abroad came to mind first...but I did not think of China...I wanted to do what I always had in mind. To live and work in a museum in France, my favourite country in Europe. Everything seemed to work out - a lot of effort went into my application which was nearly 50 pages long (including documents and degrees, German and French version). Although the leader of the organisation who was supposed to organize the trip to Verdun where I would have worked in the Centre de la Paix had assured me that my application was by far the best the leaders of the museum decided to give a French student a chance...I received these news on my rl birthday. I was desperate and frustrated...given that I had spent so much time on this letter I was clearly disappointed. I tried to get in touch with another museum in the north - even no reply.

I actually wanted to give up at this point. I was sick and tired of writing applications nobody would even read. That was when I read about a project that had existed for several years...IN CHINA. They were in need of foreigner from Europe who speak English and would love to teach it at a middle school. This was my chance! I signed up for it immediately, went to a meeting, talked to the members of the organization, handed in my application - voil - I have lived here for more than 2 weeks and get used to the people's lifestyle step by step.

But let's start a bit earlier...

My flight to china went from Frankfurt to HongKong on the 30th August. Me and some other motivated teachers from Germany were to spend a few days in HongKong in order to "get used to the Chinese experience". I could harldy imagine how this could be challenging. I always envisioned HongKong as a high technology city - if you look at the photos of the skyline you really get that impression...So well we arrived in HongKong after an exhausting 12 hours flight...with bad food and very entertaining Chinese woman who sat next to me (at the beginning of the flight she took out her inflatable pillow that she would wear like a toby collar...and she NEVER took it off...even when she went to the toilet, she actually ate her food with it. Just SO hilarious, and she SNORED).

Considering that I was pretty jet lagged I was really looking forward to my bed...we got on the airport shuttle which drove us right to the city centre...underground. It was so cool I could not imagine how HOT it would be outside. When we got off the tube station to locate our hostel...that was literally like a slap in my face...the climate, the smell, the people and the buildings. Culture clash. Within a few seconds my image of China as a highly developped country had vanished!

Well, It is not like I expected really clean streets or houses...but frankly, there is a difference between what you see on photos and reality. reality stinks and its noisy.

Nonetheless, we spent a few lovely days in this city and could not wait to see the rest of the country. We hoped our flats would look like this top rated hostel in HongKong...BIG MISTAKE.

We arrived in Liuzhou, Guangxi in the middle of the night, stiffling air and many Chinese people who apparently spoke NO english and NEVER saw any human ebing with white skin and blonde hair!

The first night in my flat was just shocking for me..we had to deal with cockroaches, mosquitos and many more insects. I really wondered if I would be able to live in these conditions for a year. I expected dirt and this sort of climate...but at the point I realised what it actually means to leave behind your homecountry and your culture. I felt lost and lonely. No telephone, no internet and no way to get in touch with my loved ones and friends. What a start! I decided to go to bed and have some sweet dreams...

After a few minutes I felt something prickling along my feet and my legs....I removed the blankets and there were like 5 mosquitos and a few insects I have never seen in my life before! I screamed and hit them with one of those heavy travel guides until they seemed fairly dead...the next day my body was covered by dozen mosquito stings...what a lovely start I thought.

The house i am living in, the yellow towel is mine!

The following days were equally stressful...It took me a week to get used to the city and the environment. I am stunned by how well these people manage to live in this chaos...It really is human chaos. As a pedestrian you are not even safe on one of the pavements...motorbikes have got priority A anywshere you go.

There are also good news. I met a few Chinese people of my age who now consider me their friend...they invited me for dinners and one of them even to her wedding party!

The work at school is quite harsh but fun, considering that I deal with huge classes it is still very easy but I might get a mic like some other teachers, else I will lose my voice within a week I plan on going to a lovely village this weekend to dicover the sheer beauty of this province...so more to come soon!

There are still so many things I would like to write down and capture for you. Please just ask if you're curious. I will upload more photos soon as well, it just takes ages for them to load

On my way home from the supermarket

got lost and ended up here :D

One of the beautiful sides of the city I live in....a nature park in the city centre!!

STATUS UPDATES

15/09/2011: Second day at school was quite a success though teaching is difficult at times; classes range between 70 and 80 students. Tomorrow I have got 4 classes and then I am off for the weekend. I will go to Yangshuo...a beautiful region known for its high peaks and the river Li. Going to post photos upon my return on sunday!

20/09/2011: W hat an amazing weekend in the northern part of Guangxi! We went to Guilin by bus, stayed there for a night and then continued our journey to Yangshuo on a bamboo boat! Here we have the pictures! In Yangshuo we did an amazing bike tour, it rained like hell and I was not able to take pictures

moooohooo, I met Courtsies' chinese cousin!

you wanna film me huh?? take THAT

TRIP TO NANNING

I decided to visit some friends in Nanning, the largest city in Guangxi and at the same time its provincial capital! Despite the rain we were able to take a tour to the lovely village Yangmei that is known for its overall rural and historical charm - it breathes the spirit of a long gone old china! Unfortunately, we were compelled to spend most of the time at home where we were safe from the unyielding rain that would last for more than 5 days

Oh and the other we went to the provincial museum to have a look at its tunning collection of porcelain from the various periods....The vases and bowls from the Qing dynasty are surely significant accounts of this country's excellent craftmanship! No photos unfortunately!

We also went to a French ptisserie - owned by a guy from la rochelle - where I was able to speak FRench again at last! We had some EUROPEAN pizza and some nice French desserts. yum yum. As you can tell this city is surprisingly international and I would encounter many people who spoke English or even one that studied French at the university :D

So here we have some snapshots

Apparently this temple was dedicated to a female poet whose whose arms and legs were chopped off for some reason...that woman was very well known in the region and is still worshipped by many loyal residents...and no this did not happen recently...apparently a few centuries ago. I also thinkt his story is creepy In fact they also had a statue of this woman where she had artificial arms and legs...apart from that the temple was destroyed during the cultural revolution - surprise surprise - and restored a few years ago by the people of the village.

in the middle we have that lady - her arms look strange no? ahh that reminds me they also cut out her eyes...do not ask me why! She wears those red cloths to cover the wounds.

Another more or less close relative of Courtie...far less stylish and talkative though. She should really pay him a visit soon!

Two examples of a typical cobbled street you will not be able to find in many places anymore. A token of the former empire they were destroyed or removed in most cities and villages...also in Beijing

A traditional wedding ceremony (or whatever) took place near the river with lots of music and the normal fuss that was noisy but at the same time really nice!!

the market of yangmei...with china mobile nearby :D

back in Nanning in a street that is reknowed for its delicacies. yes that is a crocodile..and they did chop off its head!

I also got to eat some intestine, liver and liver that i ordered without knowing it :/ The small intestine looked like noodles on the pictures

It was still dark: dark, foggy, cold. The village was still asleep and the port was quiet. All I could hear were the waves slapping against the shore as I made my way to the port. After surveying the horizon, I was satisfied that the Captain of the Aurelia was not near at the port. There was no sign of his crew either. It was still very early.

Crates and barrels from yesterdays cargo were still on the port. This was very sad. Since the princes departure, no one seemed to take work very seriously. How could the dock workers leave cargo unguarded? Do they not care about thieves? Luckily the villagers are honest, but what of the many visitors that have flooded Melioria lately?

Dockworkers left unguarded crates

Useless questions! My friends and I were about to leave! I had other things to worry about, and the laziness of the dockworkers gave me a place to hide among the tall piles of wooden boxes and chests. The morning fog magnified every sound, and I set up a place where I could easily see the port but where I could also jump for cover in case any strangers came looking for me.

Before long, I spied a small figure gingerly making its way from the stables to the port. It was Rico, who managed to approach without making a sound, so light was he on his feet. As soon as he was within earshot, I signaled to him.

Rico walked quietly up the dock

Ciao, Fiorino, he greeted me, and put his sack down by his feet. Are you all ready to leave?

Yes, Rico: as ready as I can be, and very anxious.

And where is our dear Prospero? he asked, looking around. It looks like we have beat him. Thats good, then. We can chat a bit before we depart.

Two empty crates were on their side, near the others. I moved them so that we could both sit and wait for our friend. This is just like when we first came to Melioria, Rico remarked softly, only in reverse. How long do you think it will take us to get home? Do you think it will be very different?

Rico and I sat among the crates in the pre-dawn mist

It is hard to say, I responded. The trip from Venezia took days, but I cannot remember how many. I was too sad then.

Yes, Rico said. I remember how sad you were, even though you tried to hide it. You kept trying to keep all the orphans and apprentices happy, but your eyes had stopped laughing. Then when we worked in the fields for the Prince, you began to laugh again, but that did not last long. Rico looked down at the dock. I hope you do not mind that I say this.

No, I do not mind, my dear Rico. It is very true. Every time I thought I could hope, we had a misfortune, the last of which is the disappearance of the Prince.

Rico nodded. Yes, and dont forget the Signora Cece! She went with the Prince on his voyage. Who knows what has become of her.

Principe Eswitt and the Signora Cece as I remember them

It was true. All the worry for the prince, and we have forgotten the creative Signora Cece, who cooked and managed the villa, who organized fireworks on the feast days, and kept the best table on the island. Even her impatience and constant reprimands seemed like happy memories now.

The Principe often assigned to to help Signora Cece, who was quite demanding

Maybe when we set sail we will find our Principe Capo and the Signora Cece, Rico said earnestly. Maybe they are on an island we will visit on the way back home.

Ricos voice sounded so hopeful, and I did not want to contradict him, impossible as it seemed to ever find the Prince. I just smiled and nodded. Yes, Rico carissimo, maybe we will be the ones to find them.

Rico hoped that we would find the Prince on our voyage

Just then we heard footsteps. Someone was approaching.

Playa Del Carmen, August 12

-Tow years-I whisper.

The dawn gives one romantic light to the tropical beach at the south east of New Spain, where I have already spent two years of my life. Two years away of my family, my friends, Versailles, away of everything. I woke up on the morning thinking about that, and I can get that off my mind. Strange, after all the time without missing, now I cant stop to think about that. I remember the fight that leads me to run No, Im not going to think about that anymore, I promise it to myself.

Right now Im looking the treasures Ive got the last night. I use to change all money for gold, and later hide it on that abandoned building of the beach. Some people can say that is an unnecessary danger when I can go to one bank. After all, unlike my comrades, I had one respected name. But I never felt that as one option. First, I dont trust on the banks, especially considering the situation on Northern America, and second, I dont want to use on this business my name for any reason because I dont wantany of the peoplewho were close to mesuffering any risk just for my mistakes. I would never forgive that to myself.

Suddenly, I hear sounds from thedownstairs.

I took my sword out and point down, as I contained my breath, waiting. More sounds, but now I could identify them with steps. I look at the sack; none was going to stole it, well, not again and not from me. Slowly, I began to cross down the building, carefully not making a sound and took the other on surprise. I just need one hit on the sword to finish him. I saw a shadow, and I was going to attack, but I stopped my hand on the middle of the air when I saw that it was just another of my comrades.

-Claus, what are you doing in here? I almost kill you.-

-Calm down, sexy.

-Effront!-I shout bothered. Why he always has to speak with me like that?.

-Lets go back to the port.-He say smiling, and I had to follow him. Usually, I rather to go alone to Playa del Carmen, but this time the complete crew was on New Spain to sell some goods on a local market, and the half of the boats went burned or broken on the last fight. For my bad luck I had to stand company for now. Besides, I had to admit that Claus helped me when I was starting.

When we finally get to the port of one of our islands, the complete crew began to disperse. Claus and I went to the tavern. It was full of rats, but definitely is the best place to relax on that island. He told me that some of the guys are planning to travel to Europe, and he asks me to join, but I reject. I didnt feel ready to return to France yet.

They all know that Im french, even when I avoid to talk like that, and maybe because of that they dont know exactly from where I came from or who I really am. But even with that, they can see that Im not completely normal. It started when they saw me drinking for the first time with my little finger raised, or the time when they found out that I knew how to play one harpsichord. And the fact of me using one mask didnt help. I had to stand a lot of jokes and laughs for things like that. The crew even calls me La dore as a joke. At the end, even I had to laugh.

-By the way, there is a letter from you-Claus told me.

Thanks to god, I gave one fake direction to my family. They send the letter to one Academy of New Spain but later the letter is sent on that tavern of the port.

It was from the Chateau of Tancarville. I smiled and take it, but before of opening it, I had one strong feeling, and somehow I was convinced what this letter was having bad news. Why I was feeling like that? I open it with my hands shaking. The letter was of tow pages. The first one was written by my aunt the Comtesse de Chiverny.

Marie-Elisabeth

The first lines were just about how the family was going, starting from his son Jean. He was a little brother for me, and I always appreciate to read of my cousin first. On the last lines, however, there was a notice that I never believed I would read one day.

I've been implicated in a scandal. Someone threw pamphlets about du Barry. Because of that, she banishes me from the court. I am trying to plead to the King for forgiveness, and my father is within the King's service. It is true I am part of the party that wants to rid du Barry. But I don't want to do it so...publicly and without tact

-Oh, dear aunt-I whisper. Sometimes, when I saw things on perspective, Versailles seems more dangerous than any sea. You can even drown more easily.

Here we can get killed. There you can lose everything you had and wish death.

I sigh before keep reading. My eyes wide open when I read the next page, written by one of my political relatives, Marie-Charlotte de Tancarville

My cousin, your aunt, might have the pox. She was with Madame Royale last Friday praying for the king, and the doctor said whoever has been in contact with Madame Royal in the last 14 days they will or might have it. As soon as I told her what the doctor said she went into a state of panic and said she might have the pox and she rushed to our estate and locked herself in her apartments. She wants anyone to see her just now. She is too scared. As soon as the doctor arrives at Versailles to check up on the dauphine we will get him to examine the Comtesse

The blood went away of my face. I had to leave the letter on the table and look at the window. I could see the port and the immense ship, and images of my family began to appear on my mind.

-Calm down is nothing official just a suspect calm down

What if she had the pox?

-Calm down

What if she is starting to feeling ill right now?

I close my eyes.

-Again-I whisper.

I immediately run downstairs.

-Claus, where are you? Im going with you!