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“It seems this senhorita does not touch the floor. She hovers like an angel, circling the surface of the stage. Also, please pay attention to her perfectly proportionally folded body and smooth, light hand movements. See her beautiful shoulders and neck. Look at how majestically she holds her head in relation to her elegant, supple back.
“And, most importantly,” he said, “pay attention to her expressive eyes. I admire your taste, duchess. This is the brilliance to brighten the royal halls during any celebration and make our school of the arts incomparable!”
Isabella turned to the dance master and said, “Perhaps, you are right, sir. We will discuss her candidacy later. Now, tell me. How many performances are left?”
The dance master glanced at the sheet of paper and answered, “Only one, Your Highness.”
The duchess turned to the infante and, covering her mouth with the fan, asked, “Infante Fernando, have you made your choice, or do you want to watch the rest of the performances? Honestly, I’m a bit tired and would like to return to the castle.
“In that case, we can both return to the palace,” Fernando said. “Of all the contestants, the young lady in the white dress is the best candidate to become my partner in pair dances. The dance master had so much praise for her.”
“I agree,” said Isabella.
When the dance was over, Isabella rose from her chair and turned to the dance master. “Sir, I am somewhat tired. In addition, it’s time for us to return to the castle. Please invite the young lady you have recommended to the palace tomorrow. I want to talk to her.
“By the way,” the duchess asked, “What is her name, and what noble family does she come from?” She started to head for the door. The dance master looked at his notes as he followed behind the duchess. He said excitedly: “Isabel Zarco. She’s the daughter of the founder of the Madeira settlement, Jo~ao Goncalves Zarco.” 25
Isabella suddenly stopped and exclaimed, “Jo~ao Zarco? The one-eyed sea captain? How unexpected! That’s great,” said Isabella.
25
Jo~ao Goncalves Zarco (c. 1390 – Nov. 21,1471) was a Portuguese explorer who established settlements and recognition of the Madeira Islands and was appointed first captain of Funchal by Henry the Navigator.
She covered her eyes with her fan and had some pleasant memories.
“Oh, Your Highness!” exclaimed the dance master, “You know the governor of the Madeira Archipelago?”
“Members of the royal family should know the heroes of Portugal,” she said.
“As soon as his daughter appeared on the stage, I immediately noticed her majestic, regal posture. Now I understand where she got it from. Admiral Zarco is from an old Jewish royal family. From the family of King David, if my memory serves me right.
“It will be an honor to have such a beautiful member of his family in our royal arts school,” she continued. “Oh! If only I had known her before! I would’ve made her my lady-in-waiting.” 26
The next day, Isabel Zarco appeared at the appointed time in the duchess’ Royal Reception room. Isabella sat in the queen’s chair. To the left and behind the chair stood servants. The duchess was dressed in a magnificent white dress. She wore precious jewelry that sparkled in the light.
26
A lady-in-waiting or court lady is a female personal assistant at a court, attending to a royal woman or a high-ranking noblewoman. Historically, in Europe, a lady-in-waiting was often a noblewoman but of lower rank than the woman to whom she attended. Although she may either have received a retainer or may not have received compensation for the service she rendered, a lady-in-waiting was considered more of a secretary, courtier, or companion to her mistress than a servant.
“Come closer, Isabel,” said the duchess, smiling.
Isabel approached the duchess with small, graceful steps as if in a dance and greeted her with an elegant curtsy.
“As you have already been informed, we would like to offer you a position to serve as a dance instructor at the Royal School of the Arts,” the duchess said. But that’s not all. I also would like you to hold private lessons in the palace’s dance hall. Senhorita, think over my proposal carefully and give me an answer as soon as possible. I believe you will have to discuss this offer with your family. Is that correct?”
“Your Highness,” Isabel replied, “I can give you a positive answer right now. My parents knew about the competition and my desire to participate in it. They also agreed they would support such an offer if I were invited to serve in the palace. Our family has always been devoted to our rulers. Therefore, serving the royal family in the palace is an honor.”
Isabella smiled and nodded approvingly. “Thank you, senhorita, for your devotion to our throne and homeland. I know about the merits of your family and, in particular, your father, the famous hero of Portugal. I once met him at one of the royal balls. He had been invited after his glorious campaigns and victories over the Moors. 27
27
A Moor, in English usage, is a Moroccan or, formerly, a member of the Muslim population of al-Andalus, now Spain and Portugal. Of mixed Arab, Spanish, and Amazigh (Berber) origins, the Moors created the Islamic Andalusian civilization. Subsequently, settled as refugees in the Maghreb (in North Africa) between the 11th and 17th centuries.