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Entry from the journal of Capacitatodd Elswit, Principe di Melioria
il quarto di Gennaio durante l'anno di nostro Signore 1780
Villa Vesuviana
Musing on this ever changing best of all possible worlds I think on my home and what direction it should face the future. Since 1383 when that little favor was returned from Charles III of Naples with the blessing of Papa Urban VI Melioria has stayed unchanged. Peacefully traveling through the seasons and years, enjoying her anonymity and the occasional guests journeying from afar.
But Mayer warns me that the old ways may not last through another Turmoil especially one that he and my spies tell me is looming and coming quicker and more terrible than we can ever imagine. Look on the Americas. Madre della Mary del Dio! Who would ever expect such a change? And even here in Europa one wonders how long these old Families can go on the way they have without heeding the rumbles that our Age of Science has created in our people.
Even with taking Mayers advice to diversify and expand my holdings and all the financial return I have seen he thinks it may not be enough to shelter my ancient home. And though I feel comfortable at any of my far flung estates if I were to loose Melioria in the coming storm it would be as if my true spirit had been taken from my soul.
Something must be done. I am resolved.
Therefore I will be Moderne. I will take this small tiny island and push it towards the future. I will make it a place that all can call home even if only for a few weeks so that they have a stake in its future and will safeguard its existence.
I will leverage her peaceful neutrality and expound her natural beauty and vistas. I will take her sleepy streets and make them the Promenade of Europa. The best craftsman, the best goods will fill her shops. I will invest in and encourage bankers to open up branches here that provide their clients a partnership of absolute private transaction and security no matter what nationality. Couple that with no taxation of foreign residents or their deposits I will lock in Europas wealth here so that Europa dare not march on my sweet Melioria for fear of turning their world upside down.
I see a tiny glamorous principato di Melioria. A fantasy of perfectly groomed lush gardens when the rest of the Continent is freezing in winters grasp. And my dear jewel, my home, my heart, my Villa Vesuviana (long secret) turned into the apex of sensual pleasures, brilliant culture and curative waters. A destination to rival any Spa town in Europa.
All nationalities will be met with open arms. A high point on ones Grande Tour where one sees and must be seen.
So much to do
Cece must start to bottle that old spring water immediately. I wonder if I can dress up that old maid and have her greet the ships? Hmmmmm Contact Cece Barzan for reservations for the upcoming Season. Has a nice ring to it I think.
Forward
CE
No taxation?? Ohhh I must ... hmm Prince, perhaps you could advise a young Duchesse about how to turn part of her allowance into a portable certificate or suchlike??
And, really, she's not always easy, but couldn't you say "Contact *Signora* Cece Barzan ..."? Ooohh really you are thinking very wisely, M le Duc keeps telling me he has these daydreams of running away to New France and maybe creating a park where people could hunt ... and our people could bottle maple syrup ... although who would go to New France just to hunt? Also I hear it is very chilly there in the winter. However, things change whether we want them to or not, and with all our wealth we should be good stewards too, to help take care of the people who are dependent on us, much to think on.
Perhaps a restorative trip to Melioria before Lent is in order ... (smiles)
Votre Grace - You would bring sunshine to no matter what locale. And of course I wil pass on any financial tips dear Mayer may send my way. Please please visit soon!
What an exciting time for you!
I will be looking forward to see what the New Year brings, though I can't imagine Cece bottling too much of that spring water
Dear Tatiana - Yes as the old song goes times they are a changin............ we are very excited. As for keeping the new mineral water venture profitable.... what better person than Cece. She has no taste for water there fore won't be tippling. She only touches liquid with a scarlet hue. And that is why I havemy overseer handle the vineyards.
sighs si Bella is true. And unfortunately, not knowing the ways ofthe world Cece uses the dresse's remnants to this day. Anytim she feels she is losing respect with the kitchen staff she will appear in what is left of that dress to impress them with her authority. Worse on occasion she has served me breakfast in the reeking charred rag. Knowing her well a direct comment will getme no where except over spiced meals so I tried another slant. "Why Cece what is that odor?" I asked (hoping she would take the hint). To which she replied, "That Signore is my new French coologknee. It enhances ones allure!" With that she dumps my breakfast on the table. Bats her eyes at me and departs. I fall back into my pillows.