“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.
