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,’ 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.