Secrets & Mysteries of the Sephardim

Suddenly, the duke burst into laughter, wiped his lips with a napkin, and said: “Well, now, my dear infante. Your secret has been unintentionally revealed, and you can confess without hesitation. I assure you, we will all understand. Is it really that important that your dance partner is attractive? It’s just a class. I’m sure you’re quite a reasonable young man to understand this.”

“I understand it is just a class, Your Highness,” Fernando said. “But it’s also art. Is it not?”

“Yes.”

“So, if you agree with this uncle,” Fernando said, “then you will agree that inspiration is inherent in any art form. For example, let’s look at poetry. It’s impossible to write beautiful poetry without being fully inspired.”

“I fully agree with you, Fernando,” the duke said.

“Well, I must also find inspiration in my dance partner.”

“But my sensitive and spiritual nephew,” the duke said, “you do not have this fiery inspiration. The image you have of a couple is the opposite of inspiration itself. Did I understand what you are saying?”

“Absolutely, uncle,” Fernando said.

“My dear, Isabella, let’s consider each person’s individuality. Fernando, as you know, is an extraordinary person. So, here is my proposal. Let the infante choose his partner. It’s crucial the infante perfectly masters the technique of pair dancing in a short time. In a year and a half, we will hold several events for Prince Afonso’s coming of age and coronation. And after that, we will celebrate Fernando’s coming of age. It would be an embarrassment for our family if the infante danced awkwardly.”

“I am in full agreement with you,” Isabella said. “Right now, I can imagine the gossip the invited ladies will weave behind their backs at the ball.

“I know what we can do,” the duchess added. “We need to have a couple of dance competitions! I will invite the most charming dancers – young professionals – from all over Portugal to our royal school of dance. Those chosen will be invited to work at the school. This will allow Fernando to find the right dance partner.”

“What a wonderful idea, Isabella,” Pedro exclaimed. “What do you think, Fernando?”

“I’m not sure if my insignificant whims are worth such troubles,” the infante replied. “However, I thank you for your understanding, and I am very grateful for your desire to provide such spiritual care to me.”

About 50 young dancers arrived at the royal dance school a few weeks later. Duchess Isabella and infante Fernando were also there. The high bright hall was equipped like a small-style theater. There was a large stage that stood at a medium height. Musicians sat behind a half-closed curtain to the left of the stage. In front of the stage was a small space with chairs where teachers usually sat during training.

Armchairs were set up for the duchess and the infante, and another row was set up with benches and chairs for palace dance teachers, leaders of the competition, and other guests.

Before the competition started, the royal dance master approached the duchess and asked permission to sit behind her.

Isabella agreed and said, “I hope, sir, you have followed my instructions regarding the invited couples.”

“Oh, yes, I assure you, Your Highness! I followed your instructions to the letter. All the dancers are children of the highest nobility and well-known people with exceptional credentials. So, if fortune smiles on one of them and he or she is invited to serve in the palace, you will not be disappointed.”

When it was time to start the contest, the royal dance master ordered the host to begin. The music started to play, and they began to dance.

The royal dance master, apparently desiring to show off his knowledge, moved his chair closer to the duchess. He began to comment and gossip animatedly on this or that couple’s merits or lack thereof. The duchess pretended to listen, but she wasn’t paying attention. She watched the infante from time to time and saw he wasn’t interested in the dancers.

Seeing this, Isabella would repeatedly interrupt the dance master without watching until the end, and other pairs came onto the stage.

After many unsuccessful viewings, Isabella was beginning to think her idea to hold this performance had been a mistake. Then the second to last group of dancers came on stage, and Fernando started to perk up.

The music began to play, and the couples twirled around the stage.

It was evident the infante was observing them intently.

The duchess covered her face with her hand fan and looked through the fan holes at the infante’s eyes. First, they expressed interest, but the longer the dance went on, the brighter his eyes shined.

As the couple approached the edge of the stage, Isabella tried to determine to whom the prince was paying attention. She soon realized it was the female who had charmed him. She also was captivated by her.

She was certainly different from the others. She had snow-white silky skin, azure eyes, and an unusual grace.

The dance master noticed the duchess’ gaze, “Oh, yes, Your Highness. I see you are an expert in dancing. You correctly drew your attention to that couple. However, for this lovely young senhorita, they picked the wrong partner. Let’s not concern ourselves with him and look at how this young lady moves around the stage!

“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?o Gon?alves Zarco.”[25 - Jo?o Gon?alves Zarco (c. 1390 – Nov. 21,1471) was a Portuguese (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal) explorer who established settlements and recognition of the Madeira Islands (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeira) and was appointed first captain of Funchal by Henry the Navigator (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_the_Navigator).]

Isabella suddenly stopped and exclaimed, “Jo?o Zarco? The one-eyed sea captain? How unexpected! That’s great,” said Isabella.

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 - A lady-in-waiting or court lady is a female personal assistant (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_assistant) at a court (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_court), attending to a royal woman or a high-ranking noblewoman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobility). 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 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retainer_agreement) or may not have received compensation for the service she rendered, a lady-in-waiting was considered more of a secretary (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretary), courtier (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courtier), or companion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady%27s_companion) to her mistress (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mistress_(form_of_address)) than a servant (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_worker).]

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.

“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 (https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/portuguese-english/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 - A Moor, in English usage, is a Moroccan or, formerly, a member of the Muslim population of al-Andalus (https://www.britannica.com/place/Al-Andalus), now Spain (https://www.britannica.com/place/Spain) and Portugal (https://www.britannica.com/place/Portugal). Of mixed Arab (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Arab), Spanish, and Amazigh (Berber (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Berber)) origins, the Moors (https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/Moors) created the Islamic Andalusian (https://www.britannica.com/place/Al-Andalus) civilization. Subsequently, settled as refugees in the Maghreb (https://www.britannica.com/place/Maghreb) (in North Africa (https://www.britannica.com/place/North-Africa)) between the 11th and 17th centuries.]

“I must tell you a secret,” she continued. “He won the hearts of many senhoritas at that ball. Unlike other gentlemen, he looked like a real man, an unsurpassed gentleman, and a valiant hero. And he had a dignified attitude toward all the nobles with whom he communicated. It was so long ago, but it was an unforgettable event.”