“I guess things will be quiet for a while, until things cool down,” says Charlie.
“I hear the Spaniards are bringing loads of gold from somewhere in South America. That should keep us busy for a while.”
“Yeah, but they’ll be heavily escorted from now on. Anyway, we have to get going. Thanks for the drinks.”
They give one another firm hugs and make their way down to their boat, waving until they get to their waiting ship.
Chapter Four.
Back at Dunbar Castle, preparations are in full swing for the forthcoming marriage of Matilda and Maurice, in Paris. This is more than a marriage celebration; it is the meeting of the brains to discuss their next foray with the Spanish galleons. Saturday morning rolls around and finds the creme de la creme of French society, including the king and queen, all seated in the Notre Dame Cathedral. The congregation are entertained by a boys' choir and full orchestra. Next comes the bishop. He raises his arms and absolute silence befalls the congregation. Maurice stands. From the back of the church appears Matilda and his grace. The train of her dress, which must be twenty feet long, is held by six children, all in white. At their appearance is a fanfare of trumpets and drums. Then the orchestra breaks into the bridal hymn from Wagner’s “Lohengrin” to accompany them down the aisle. As they reach the front, the bishop and six members of the clergy step forward to perform the holy rite.
After the wedding ceremony, the guests are entertained by the most glorious music ever conceived to adorn the human ear. Then it is off to the palatial surroundings of their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Normandy. The wealth contained within those four walls is more than the wealth of most small countries. They swagger in with the grace of mythological gods. They don’t need god, they are gods. Here is indulgence and extravagance at its most profound.
After everyone has sated their appetite to the fullest, it is off to the music room to sate another of the human faculties. Around the periphery of the room are statues of the greats of the musical world. They hold silent court at all concerts. They look with disdain at the mediocrity of the proud who dare to interpret their compositions. The greats of the Parisian musical firmament then grace the stage. The concert opens with an orchestral overture followed by a duet of arias from Jean Philippe Rameau’s operas. The highlight of the afternoon is a Mozart violin concerto played by Andrea de la Croix, which receives a very warm applause. Next up is a young people’s ballet troupe led by Baroness de Bourbon, which receives a standing ovation. This is followed by one of Liszt’s piano concertos.
