June 1785

My Dear Mrs. Piozzi,

It was such an ...unmatched ... experience, seeing you again after all this time. You are aging... remarkably. I must say I was surprised to see you so far from your new husband's side. It must be so difficult for you, being separated from him while hetravels the world, entertaining his throngs of young admirers, teaching singing toyoung women in every town he visits. I must say I admire your spunk, Madame. I am not sure I could maintain so philosophical an attitude about a husband's prolonged absences. You are, as usual, head and shoulders above the rest of us when it comes to romance and fidelity. And, of course, you know your young husband is devoted to you. In fact, did he not meet you in his capacity as vocal instructor? That must contribute to your great confidence.

As I was saying, It was a pleasure seeing you at The Decades Festival ((27 June on Vahalla Island, Second Life.)) Perhaps we will once again exchange pleasantries as friends such as us are bound to do.

Sincerely, Your Most Adoring of Friends,

Fanny Burney

Fanny encounters her old...friend... Hester Lynch Thrale Piozzi when the ladies arrive simultaneously at The Decades Festival (June 27 in Second Life)

The Decades Festival and Ball is set for June 27, 2015 starting at 12:01 AM SLT

Event Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Vahalla%20Island/158/9/24

We conceived The Decades Festival when it became clear that money needed to be raised to support Historical RP and education in SL through The Historical Communities and Royal Courts website, http://royalcourts.ning.com/ . We wanted to help with the expense of running this site that supports all of us in sharing live history in the metaverse. What started out as a simple request for donations drew all of our attention to the need to support one another in all we do in Second Life and elsewhere on the net to promote historical education and RP. A little discussion led to a lot of planning and, voila! a Festival was born.

We chose the sunflower as the symbol for the DECADES Festival because their open faces that symbolize the sun speak to what historical communities and builds represent: warmth, happiness, admirationand with your help and support, longevity, as well. Look for sunflowers throughout the sim, and if you can please be generous in your donations to support historical and education builds.

June 27, The Decades Festival Site on Vahalla Island in SL will be host to nine HUGE history exhibits and 15 live and/or interactive events, which run the gamut from Renaissance music to coffee house RP. There will be balloon rides and pony rides, even a zip line. There is a historical ship to explore and a space museum that will knock your socks off. You won't believe the attention to historical detail and accuracy in all of the exhibits, no matter what their subject, from hats to fine art to tarot to houses.

The festival was dreamed up by Freda Frostbite and her cohort in many things virtual, SisterButta. Lots and lots of people have contributed their time and talent to building this big event and they have done it in less than a month! Please compliment all of them on the amazing work they have done creating The Decades Festival and Ball. Questions and Concerns may be directed to Freda and Sister. We do hope you'll spend at least part of June 27 with us at The Decades Festival and Ball. Below are the events schedule and descriptions of the many exhibits.

Please share this info. And please DO contact Freda Frostbite or SisterButta in Second Life, Inwolrdz or Kitely for a posterto puton your own land or in appropriate venues. Please help to make the Decades Festival a huge success!

So let's get the word out! Please post and share all the info below. The Decades Festival is going to be one of the greatest events ever in SL and I'm not just saying that cuz it was my idea to start with. I'm saying so because of the contributions of dozens of folks in the metaverse historical education and RP communities. Really, as Barney says, this is gonna be -- wait for it -- LEGENDARY! Share, Share, Share, People, Share!

THE EXHIBITS

THE SEA WITCH
The Sea Witch, owned by Captain Lucerius Zefirelli is on display near the Festival landing. You are welcome to explore above and below, fore and aft. Be sure to walk the plank and swing from the mast! And don't forget to fire the cannon! Can you sink the target ship? Give it a try!

GAMBLING (Observatory Ground Level)
Ladies and gentlemen! Place your bets! It is the universal cry of the croupier, the dealer, the oddsmaker. Gambling and gaming have been a part of every culture throughout history. Dice, cards, entrails, stars in the sky . . . if it exists in creation (and even in imagination) you can count on somebody somewhere betting on it. Our visual history of gambling shows how different artists have depicted men and women engaged in popular forms of gambling. Admire the art and then try your hand at roulette, the dart board, a run for the roses, poker. If you choose 52 card pickup, you can watch the cards fly!

HISTORY OF HATS (Observatory 2nd Floor)
Sofia Von Essen has created a fabulously fun and educational exhibit on head gear from 1545 to 1925. You'll walk away wishing we, of the 21st century, wore hats more.

COFFEE HOUSE (Observatory Top Floor)
The coffee house will be open throughout the day of the festival for your snacking and imbibing pleasure. Help yourself to strong Italian coffee or a milk shake. Have some biscotti or a peanut butter sandwich. Or come when there is RP scheduled in the coffee house. See the events schedule for details on coffee house RP.

SPOKEN WORD PERFORMANCES (Observatory Underground)
See the events schedule for details about these performances but feel free to explore any time.

HISTORICAL COMMUNITIES INFO (Around the Pavilion and Balloon Launch)
A pictorial exhibit drawing attention to many historical communities in SL. Click the signs for information.

HISTORICAL VEHICLES DISPLAY (On the Pavilion Patio)
From chariots to fire engines, Aldo Stern and company have gathered together vehicles from the last 2000+ years. This exhibit is a lot of fun!

WHO ARE WE? (Pavilion)
If a friend is a mirror of the self, the art a culture produces is the mirror of the whole cultureand its time. From the earliest cave paintings, the human figure has always spoken to the artist. Representative artworks from all eras depict the rise (and fall, perhaps) of mankind as the measure of all things while accompanying chairs give us a seat to enjoy the view. Curated by SisterButta and Lady Leena Fandango.

DECADES TOUR BALLOON (center sim)
Tour the festival in a hot air balloon! What better way to see history and beauty than floating above the melee on nothing but air? Created by Sere Timeless.

THE HISTORY OF HOMES (NW corner of the sim)
This exhibit allows you to literally walk through time, starting in prehistoric times. You'll visit a cave dwelling and a French folly. In between, you'll see all manner of homes. Builder and historian, Jacon Cortes de Bexar has outdone himself!

TAROT HISTORY (Northern sim edge)
This quote, hung at the exhibit entrance pretty much sums things up: "Tarot may not tell a person's future, but it tells a lot about humanity's past. Begin your journey through Tarot History through the door..." Merry Chase has built an unbelievably creative exhibit that will have you marveling at both her skill as a designer and the history of the cards.

WILD BLUE: THE QUEST FOR FLIGHT 1783 TO THE PRESENT (The Hangar)
Created by a real life aero-space engineer and pilot, WIld Blue will take you through aeronautic history, hitting all its *high* points from hot air balloons to space shuttles. Find out some of the lesser known facts about flight in this exhibit created by Heximer Thane.

WHAT SHALL WE WEAR? (Fashion Tent)
See the events schedule for details about the Decades fashion show. Visit the fashion tent any time for fun historical fashion facts.

IN MEMORIAM (Temple and Ruins)
A small temple, the ruins of a forgotten era and emerging sunflowers stand as a reminder that while history may well be written in stone, our creations in the virtual world are not. They are ephemeral ... and sadly, some are lost forever due to lack of funds to maintain or archive them. We need your help so more great historical and educational builds can be maintained and preserved.

THE EVENTS

All times arePST (US Pacific Time)

1:00 AM
Ceci Dover will perform like no one but Ceci does. If you have never seen her very high energy show, this is your chance. Ceci does a wide variety of music from many eras. Her voice is dazzling. AND she is wonderful to work with. She is one of Second Life's true professionals. (Streamed)

3:00 AM
Coffee Break! Puss Applewhyte will host in the observatory coffee house. IC event. Come from your favorite time period. (Text)

4:30 AM
*Lamentations of The Sabine Women* by Stephanie Mesler, performed by Avi Choice winner, Freda Frostbite. This poem cycle based on the mythology and history of early Rome will be published this summer in Mesler's book, *GodSongs.* (Local Voice)

6:00 AM
Coffee Break! Crazy lady and "mouth of the South" Trolley Trollop will get you laughing as she shares funny stories from some of her favorite Southern USA writers.. (Local Voice)

8:00 AM
Poetry from the last 2 1/2 Millenia with Sabreman Carter and Freda Frostbite. From Sapphos to Cisneros, Sabreman and Freda have selected some of their favorites to share with you in an hour of historically significant poetry at the Decades Festival. (Local Voice)

9:00 AM
Madmax Huet takes the stage with his great mix of rock and blues. We promise Max will have you shaking your groove thang, no matter what decade you are from! (Streamed)

9:00 AM
Coffee Break! Mary Von Hardenburg will host in the observatory coffee house. IC event. Come from your favorite time period. (Text)

10:00 AM
18th century physician, Dr. William Greymoon, will discuss advances in medicine and herbology. IC event. (Text)

11:00 AM
Coffee Break! Lady Aph MacBain will host in the observatory coffee house. IC event. Come from your favorite time period. (Text)

12:00 NOON
Decades Ball in The Pavilion. Freda will provide an eclectic stream of dance music from many, many time periods, from the time of the Pharaohs to the time of Lady Gaga. Come decked out in dance garb from your favorite time period. Prizes will be awarded! (Streamed)

2:30 PM
What shall I wear? Those four words must be among the first ever uttered. Our all-star fashion show produced by and Algezares Magic and Euridice Qork of aQuarela Models in Second Life will feature formal attire for both ladies and gentlemen from ancient Rome through the Boho 1970s. Come and see history walk the runway! (Streamed)

4:00 PM
Live Theater at The Decades Festival, organized by the phenomenally talented, Sere Timeless. Featuring performances from ancient Rome, the ever-so- romantic Barretts, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez by some SL's best known and loved RP and spoken word talents. (Local Voice)

5:30 PM
Wald Schridde takes the Decades Festival Stage for an hour of Renaissance and Medieval music. Wald is known throughout SL's historical RP communities. You won't want to miss this talented musician.

7:00 PM
Caledonia Skytower of the Seanchai Library (on THREE grids now) will share her unique talent as a storyteller when she performs historical prose at The Decades Festival. (Local Voice)

8:00 PM
FESTIVAL FIREWORKS

Event Location:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Vahalla%20Island/158/9/24

Mrs. Piozzis curiosity was much aroused when the Magistrate announced that there was a valuable crate missing from the debris of the shipwreck. She returned to the beach where items from the ship have been washing ashore for several days.

She was disheartened to see so much of the yummy brandy gone already. Evidently, others on the island had shared her desire to enrich her own supply. Se also noted that the crate she had seen the magistrate tamper with was nowhere to be found.

Mrs. Piozzis dear husband, Gabriel, joined her in her search for the missing crate, the one belonging to a foreign dignitary. They encountered Captain John of the guardia and asked for his assistance in locating the magistrates chambers. If her many years in London taught Mrs. P. anything at all, it taught her never to trust authority and always to suspect those who cast suspicion elsewhere.

After resolving a misunderstanding, the captain having mistaken an offer of gratitude for a bribe, Captain John pointed the Piozzis to the villa itself. There, they searched the undercroft and all of the buildings public spaces. There were a lot of crates to be found there, but none were the crates they sought.

Then, the Piozzis returned to the beach, thinking possibly they had missed some clue there. They were surprised to find Captain John following on their heals and he was soon joined by a very glib Lieutenant. The pair of them appeared at first to want nothing more than to pass pleasentries with Sr. and Mrs. Piozzi. Then it became obvious they wanted to prevent any further search in that vicinity. Mr. Piozzi, charmer that he is, distracted the guard with his witty repartee. Mrs. P. took that opportunity to search the fortezza, which both gentlemen had mentioned in the course of their conversation.

In the fort, Mrs. P was not in the least surprised to find booty from the sunken ship piled up in the open. This would be the items the magistrate and his men were keeping safe until someone or other with a rightful claim might come along.

Nor was she surprised to find more of the loot hidden in more discreet places, where it might be kept from anyone who wanted to retake his possessions.

What did take Mrs. Piozzi by surprise was the arrival of Captain John, followed almost immediately by the smirking Lieutenant. These two " gentlemen" were most insistent that the lady leave the fortress immediately, claiming it was off limits to mere citizens and making it clear that they found her presence there suspicious. The Liutenant even insinuated he thought Mrs. Piozzi herself might be up to something unsavory. In turn, Mrs. P made it equally clear she found an unlocked and wide open fortress an oddity and that she did not like these two " gentlemen" one bit!

Mrs. Piozzi then returned to the beach where she exchanged pleasantries and enjoyed conversation with two ladies and Captain Lucerius Zefirelli, a true gentleman, that one. All present noted thatmembersof the guard stuck very close by wherever Mrs. P went, clearlykeeping their eyes (and ears) on her.

Of course, what they failed to notice -- in their devotion to harassing Mrs. Piozzi, they had completely forgotten about her husband. He was meticulously searching the island for lost treasure while his wife befuddled and bemuddled them.

May 1785

Dearest, Most Honorable of Men, My Father,

I find myself unexpectedly in England once more. Arriving in London, Hetty told me you were of in Cambridge. Mother Dearest said she expected you home some days ago and has not heard a word. I have come to see what has become of my most perfect of parents.Oddly, you are not in residence at any of the more respectable inns and I wonder where you have taken lodgings. I am leaving this letter for you wit Dr. Smart and hope that he can get word to you that I am here and in need of your company. You see, Father, there are things we must discuss. Lorsagne is my greatest of friends, but she is visiting with her godfather in Italy and Mrs. Thrale (I should say Mrs. Piozzi now, I suppose) is no longer available to me. I think you know Mother Dearest is not one in whom I can confide. So, please Father, please reveal yoru whereabouts and let me confide in you.

Your Loving and Devoted Daughter,

Fanny

In Cambridge, Fanny is perplexed by the notations on this signboard. All she wants is toboard aferry and find her father.

Lost in an unsavory section of the city, Fanny asks the night watchman to escort her back to her rooms.

May 1875

My Dear Friend,

It is good to hear from you. Before I address the contents of your letter, let me assure you that all is well here at The Haven. The vineyard looks spectacular and I look forward to the harvest. There have been no callers in your absence, other than that very interesting gentleman from the new world who attended your last salon, Lord Ian. He brought a painting he was hoping to have your opinion of. I was happy to offer him my own view, but he did not seem so interested in my thoughts as yours. Isn't that the way of things? In the end, he left the painting, explaining that he will be traveling for several weeks. He hopes you enjoy it at least for the time is away on business.

It is remarkable that Mrs. Piozzi (although when last I knew her, she was still Lady Thrale) considers any man to be master of any part of her person or her spirit. Oh, yes, she seems to have gone at least temporarily off balance in her devotion to this music teacher, Piozzi. The proof of that is in the mere fact of her rapid and insensible marriage. There is no doubt she is captivated by the man as she never was by her first husband. I still maintain that the only man she has ever seen as her own equal was Dr. Johnson. Of course, she abandoned him in his hour of need as soon as the Italian found his way into her... well... I'll be a lady and call it her heart. I think we both understand that the heart I speak of is located somewhat south of most.

Still, I am sorry to hear of her sad loss. No one should endure such a thing. I would ask you to offer her my condolences, but I fear she would send them back unwelcome. So be it.

As to Capitainede Robion-Castellane's opinion on your spending -- well, surely you anticipated his reaction to your purchases. He is a man who appreciates good taste, but likes to think good taste can be expressed freely without expense. Of course, he is wise enough to realize this is not possible. I suspect he simply enjoys setting you to your fuming. Have you never noticed how the man smiles when your ire is riled? If I were you, I would not worry too much about what he says and pay considerably more attention to what he does.

You think me wise, eh? You think I avoid romanticentanglements? If only that were the case. Surely, Lorsagne, you are aware entanglements avoid me, not the other way around.

And on that lovely note, I will post this letter immediately. Carry on with your shopping and decorating. The money is your own to spend as you see fit. Have you not told me that is one advantage to your status as Chatelaine and bastard child?

Adoringly,

Fanny, who joyously anticipates your return to France

5 May 1785

Dearest Hester, Most Darling of Daughters,

You are much on my mind and so, today, Iburden you with one of Mother Dearest's dear epistles. You may wonder precisely why you are so greatlyin my thoughts this day above all others. I shall tell you.

Last evening, here at the home I share with the world's most marvelous spouse, your former piano teacher, Mr. Piozzi, friends gathered to hear a rather notorious Frenchwoman... she is the bastard daughter of the infamous Marquis de Sade and I have to admit I am most pleasantly surprised to find I rather enjoy the company of this particular bastard; surprised as muchdue the fact of her close friendship with the insipid Frances Burney (You remember that little pecking mouse, my darling?) as the fact of the Frenchwoman's birth in an improper state (the state of bastardity, one might call it) and her religion. This most delightful creature is not only an FOF (friend of Fanny) and a bastard, she is a Catholic! Still, I find her company most pleasing. Her name is, by the way, Lorsagne. Oh dear, it seems I have wandered far off the planned path for this letter, which was to tell you that Lorsagne, the Frenchwoman, read to us all last night. There were several residents of Rocca Sorrentina present to hear the lady. There were the very astute Aldo Stern, who is a professore and magistrate of this village, and Lady Sere Timeless, whose beauty seems to grow with each passing week. There was an older woman who joined us late, Mistress Merry Chase. I find her very amusing and never tire of her freedom with words and opinions. Of course, your new father, my husband, was present. There were several others as well and all were most pleasant company.

Lorsagne read to us from Lady Mary Montague and Lady Sarah Pennington. Both of these women's letters were addressed to their daughters. I know you find me over-bearing sometimes, but I can assure you I am not the mother tyrant Lady Mary Montague appears to be! She is not at all stingy with her advice for her daughters and I am sure they benefit from her wisdom, though I am equally sure they would never acknowledge the benefit. Is this a shared trait of all women with regard to their own mothers?

Best surprise of all was thatMlle. de Sade read to us from Dr. Johnson! (Oh how Imiss my old friend! I do hope you have fond memories of the years he resided in Streatham Park with us. Such a brilliant companion, he was!) The Frenchwoman chose Dr. Johnson's Betty Broom letter. It was a delight, hearing it read aloud once more.

I should also like to tell you that the gathering was held on the Piozzi terrace, overlooking the harbor. The sea air was fresh and warm. There were sea birds all around and a catwho visited from I know not where.I served wonderful fruit tarts purchased from a local baker, along with brandy and, of course, tea. (You see, I have not forgotten I am an English woman -- not for a single moment!) The entire evening was a delight!

I do hope you are well my dear. Please take a few moments to put pen to paper and communicate with your loving Mama. I do so miss my girl.

With Maternal Devotion,

From Mother

4 April 1785

Dearest Gabriel,

Storms at sea do not make for the most pleasant of travel experiences. Still, the food aboard was tolerable and the ship's crew were most conscientious about seeing to the needs and safety of passengers. My back is sore and I miss my husband mightily. At least I have a home to which I could return to tend to my niggling complaints. That makes me far better off than many of my travel companions headed on to Marseilles.

I hope this morning finds you well and happy in Salzburg and that the remainder of our journey will be easy. I look forward to hearing from you once you are settled in at the opera house. I will yearn for you until we are together once more.

Your adoring and obedient wife,

Hester