Music Room

"Oh, thank you very much," I said, beaming. "The pleasure is likewise. I've actually just come from Bavaria, it's a beautiful country. However, I've always wanted to visit England. It's lovely from what I've seen of it. Have you been at court very long yourself?" I offered her a seat as well.

She smiled as she went and sat down. I must admit, I never met someone from Bavaria before. Is it beautiful like they say? She asked, and dropped her hands into her lap. I do very much hope you enjoy your time here - I am sure you will! Pasting a smile on her face, she shook her head and shrugged slightly. No for very long. Just few month's. I'm still trying to get used to everything here.

"It is indeed very beautiful. There are tall, majestic mountains and lush, deep forests. The skies are perpetually bright blue, and the weather is always fresh, with sunny days and crisp winds." I smiled, relaxing in my seat as I recalled my home country. "So you have not been here long, either. What is it that brings you to England, then?" I was inherently curious.

Viola had looked in amazement, while the lady spoke about Bavaria. She felt a sense of peace of just imagining those wonderful places. It sounds like something I'd like to visit. She sighed at Amelia's question and thought for a little while, before she replied, My aunt Margaret, thought that it's time for me to visit court. I think she hoped, I may catch the eye of some gentleman, who would marry me in the end. She rolled her eyes but smiled.

"Bavaria isn't the first place most people think of when they imagine the Continent," I said with a chuckle. "And perhaps I'm biased, but to me it is the most heavenly place on earth." As I listened to Viola I nodded, wistfully thinking of the inevitable question of marriage all women must endure. "I hope it is a long wait until my brother William chooses a husband for me, although I don't think I have the luck to find a love on my own." I felt embarrassed to say I'd never even been in love before. "So is there a gentleman whose caught your eye? My old governess often attends me so I have few chances to be among the opposite sex."

I think the people always first imagine Spain when they think of Continent, or it's just me. Viola shook her head and said, There isn't anything wrong of being biased, after all that's your home, you've every right to be. She smiled as she listened, remembering since recently  herself didn't know what love looked like, but then Benjamin came and changed her life completely. My aunt always say, I should stop living in the clouds and stop reading the books, that put so many romantic illusion in my mind, since ladies of my rank don't marry from love. But I still hope and believe that I'd be one in the million ladies, who shall marry from love. You should believe in it too. You never know what next day brings Viola said sincerely, then gave Amelia a knowing look as she spoke about her governess. I know how is when someone always watches your every move. My ladies are always with me but somehow from time to time I manage to escape them. I can give you a few tips if you want. She suggested. There's one gentleman I like. Viola felt her cheeks turn as red as summer cherries as soon as she said those words.

"I'm sure that people think of the place they love the most when they think of the Continent and all the treasure it holds," I remarked. "Pardon me if I do like to brag about my homeland. Doubtless you would speak perfection of this wondrous England if you were abroad." As she told me of her hopes to marry for love rather than fortune, I could only nod in agreement. "I think we are both on that same thought, but I don't think that we are the only ones who wish for it. If I were to conjure a lover in my imagination I don't know where I would start, except perhaps he would love life as much as I do, and be brave, and enjoy books." I stifled a little giggle. "What better place to have your head, than in the clouds? You have to let your mind free itself from everyday worries and burdens. Even duchesses have more responsibility than just to look pretty." I smiled, wondering what my brother would say if he heard me talking this way. "Oh, if you could tell me how to evade my old Hilda I would be grateful!" I exclaimed, laughing with delight. "Ah, so who is this gentleman? Or shall it stay a secret in your heart?"

I think you're right about that. Oh,no! I'd do the same, anyone would. Viola said with a smile.  Sounds like a perfect man I must say. But in reality the man who have your heart is never like you imagined him to be. He's so much more. She was so glad to have so much things in common with this lady and she enjoyed Amelia company very much. I don't think your brother and my aunt would agree with that, but as far as I'm concern I totally agree. How else we'd escape of our worries? And if you ask me it cannot hurt to have your head in clouds and hope for much more than you have. Dreams didn't hurt anyone and sometimes they do come true. She laughed as well at Amelia's agreement. I'd be more than happy to share my secrets with you. Her smile brighten and her eyes sparkled as she thought about Benjamin. His name is  Benjamin. But I'm not sure he likes me in a way I like him.

I smiled as she spoke of this perfect man. "It sounds as though you speak from experience, duchess Viola," I teased. "We both come from overprotecting families. I often feel like the outcast of mine. My brother has a fiancee and my sister is the social butterfly of the court. Not that I don't enjoy talking to people, but it is hard to find someone who understands me. I daresay that you do, my lady." I was so glad to find someone with whom I could relate! "I have tried leaving when my governess is asleep, but she wakes at any little sound. I don't know if I have it in me to drug her wine, but there is always that option," I said with a mischievous smile. "It's not hard to discern that you have feelings for this Benjamin. What makes you think he doesn't return them in the same way?" I found it hard to believe Viola would not steal hearts easily.

Viola's cheeks turned a bright red at Amelia's teasing words. Maybe I do. She said with a grin.  You're lucky to have siblings even if you feel like outcast sometimes. Viola didn't have any siblings and often she felt like loneliest person in the world. Of course she'd many cousin's but they all avoided her, maybe because her aunt always thought of her to be a burden and someone to get rid of it by marriage as soon as possible. I understand how you feel. I myself sometimes don't know what to say to other ladies, since they always look upon me strange of not liking parties, dresses, jewelry and gossips. Like that's most important thing in life. I must say you're the first lady who understands me and have so many things in common. I'm so glad we met. She said sincerely, it was quite refreshing to talk to someone who wasn't like all the ladies at court. Why not? It'll not do any harm to her and you'd be able to be free for a little while. She giggled, remembering her doing that not long ago. I don't know... He's very hard to read and I'm afraid him not to be like every other man around here.

I had to smile when Viola blushed. It was one of the few times someone didn't leave the room when I had something I wanted to say. "I do love my brother and sisters, they are all I have. But sometimes I find it hard to look for a common ground." I shrugged, knowing it was a problem I would have to face when I went back home. "Parties, jewelry, fine clothes, all that frippery can be fun but I would hate to base my life around them. I'd rather take a book out to the garden with a basket of some cakes, fruit and sweet wine and read all day, away from everyone. That's my escape. What do you do to get away from it all?" I asked. "I am so happy that we met also, Lady Viola. You never know, I may just decide to slip a sleeping draught into Hilda's nightly cup of mulled wine," I said with an innocent tone. "Perhaps you could spend some more time with him, get to know him better. If he truly likes you he will open up to you."

They say we love our siblings with all our heart, but almost never have anything in common with them. That's why we've friends. Not that I know about siblings. I don't have any. Viola said sweetly and honestly. Then she thought for a while, before she replied,  When I was back at home, there was one meadow I liked very much . I'd take a book and go there and sit among the flowers for hours. But here, I sit in my room by the window, waiting for the sun to raise. It brings me solace and reminds me, that every day is a new day. She laughed softly. Amelia was so innocent, and Viola didn't believe she'd do something like that, no matter how much she wants it. If it doesn't work you can always disguise yourself. It works every time. She suggested with playful smile. That sounds like very reasonable and good advice, which I'll try to follow. Are you sure, you've not be in love before, duchess Amelia?

"It's so funny that we came from the same parents, yet are four completely different people. I suppose I would be closest to Anne, she is a sweet girl." I suddenly realized I missed my family very much, even though once I returned nothing would change. "That meadow sounds very pretty, I can imagine it right now. And to sit by the window with the golden sunlight pouring in, I imagine it's very calming. I have yet to find such a place here myself, but I know I shall." Even I knew I didn't have the heart to drug Hilda, but I needed freedom now and then. "Yes a disguise would work better. If only I could get her to trust me I could leave without having to sneak out. But she is my brother's idea, he wishes me to preserve my maidenhead, as he so crudely put it." I rolled my eyes but also blushed at such a prospect. "Actually no. I've had several small crushes but they never lasted long. When I do fall in love I want it to be as magical as anything I've read in books. Do you think that sounds silly?"

You miss them, don't you? Viola asked, even if she could see that in Amelia's eyes. Certainly, you'll. There is so many beautiful places here, and I can show you some. If you'd like She offered with smile. He just cares for you and your well being. Don't judge him so harshly for wanting to protect you. Your brother maybe used a poor words to express it, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care. She said in all honesty. Then she shook her head and smiled brightly. Oh, that doesn't sounds silly at all. The love of your life is worth waiting for! And when the right man comes, and capture your heart, you shall feel all sort of feelings, even those books didn't peeper you for. It'll be more magical than you could ever imagine it to be.

"I do," I admitted in a soft voice. But I perked up when she mentioned showing me some places around court. "Oh, that sounds wonderful. I would love to see what is waiting to be found." I sighed when she spoke of William. I knew he meant well for me. "I know he cares, I suppose it's just difficult when he tries to rule over me. He was different when we were younger." I leaned back in my chair and sighed dramatically, thinking of whoever I would love. "My nurse Hilda once told me that the longer you wait for love, the better it is. Perhaps the one I'm meant for isn't ready for me just yet.." I sat up quickly. "I talk about myself too much! Forgive me."

I never knew how is it to miss someone like that. I'm sure they  miss you, too. She spoke softly with a warm smile. Then we shall start with my favorite place! Of course, if that is good with you She listened a moment and then said, All men change as they grow up. They realize importance of being a heir and what comes with it. Her smiled played at the corner of her lips as Amelia spoke about nurse. I think she was right. I believe that everyone have the other half, soul mate, waiting somewhere only to  meet when is meant to be. Viola shook her head slightly. Oh, no... I do quite enjoy it. You've such interesting and wise things to say, it's so pleasant to listen to you.

"I hope so," I said with a small smile. "Of course, I think we share the same sense of beauty, so any place you wish to show me I am sure I will like." I hoped my youth wasn't giving me away, my wish to be accepted and loved was what made me seek out others. But I instantly liked Viola and trusted her wisdom. "You are right. I only hope he can at least recover some of his old self. He has a fiancee, Maria of Austria, she is very beautiful." I was immediately transfixed by Viola's words. "Do you really think there may be someone for me?" I asked, barely able to contain my enthusiasm. "You're so kind. This is the longest anyone's ever sat to talk with me." I knew my brother hated when I talked as though I wished for compliments, but I so rarely met someone I could really relate to. "I find you to be very interesting as well, and you have given me some good advice."

She beamed when Amelia agreed. Then tomorrow we shall have a small picnic together at my favorite place here. She said in happy voice. Viola liked Amelia very much and wished them to be friends in the future. Then maybe when he marries, he shall change in better. She tried to reassure her. Then she gave a nod toward her, a smile still playing about her lips. I do! I believe everyone have the other half, soul mate, even you. And when you least expect he'll find you. She laughed softly, and said, Truth to be told, never anyone sat with me as well, for so long and talked. You're the first one... Thank you, Amelia, you're very kind.

I smiled. "That sounds truly delightful. Do tell me what I should bring," I offered, not wanting to come across as a spoiled duchess who expected to be waited on. I thought about the solemn sort of wedding William and Maria would have, no gold crosses or beautiful choir music. A boring wedding, actually. "I hope when he gets married he is so busy being a husband that he does not think of trying to find a match for me." Viola's words brought encouragement, which was more than I'd received at home from my own family. "I hope I find him soon, and that he will be riding a white horse and rescue me from..everything!" I laughed. "I have not enjoyed myself in so long. I am happy we are friends, and I hope we remain so, even after I've left court. We should write," I added.

Viola smiled and touched Amelia's hand in friendly manner. Nothing... This time you shall just enjoy and my ladies already knows what I like to bring with me at  picnic. She said warmly. Then she tried to imagine the wedding, probably to big and gleaming, not simple and beautiful like Viola dreamed about. Certainly he'll. His wife shall keep him very busy. She giggled and wink. I'm not sure about white horse, but he'll indeed rescue and change your life completely. She said as she through how Benjamin changed her life and her completely. As I'm. I'd like nothing more than to stay friends with you even when you get back at home.

I returned the kind smile. "All right, if you insist." I giggled at her joke about my brother's wife. "In all honesty I cannot force my mind to conjure such images, but perhaps any man would be changed by love." The thought of a gentleman to win my own heart seemed like a dream, something as intangible as mist, seen but not realized in full. "I hope so, and when he does I shall tell you all about it." I was really fortunate to meet someone like Viola, she left me with hope that there were actually nice people in the world, and that I was of some importance. "I would love nothing more. And of course, you must pay a visit to Bavaria sometime."

Love change us all. Even if we don't want to, we cannot escape from her spell. She told her opinion openly, then smiled brightly to Amelia. And I shall gladly listen to you. The thought of visiting Bavaria sounded so great to Viola and she exclaimed with joy, There isn't nothing more I want, then to visit you and see the country you spoke so wonderfully about.

"You are most right," I said dreamily. The love I dreamt of seemed a fuzzy sort of picture, like a daydream that turned to mist in the morning light. "Oh Viola, you are too sweet. You are like a sister. If ever you visit Bavaria you will be an esteemed guest." I smiled.

Her smile was bright and warm as she smiled to Amelia. And you're like sister I never had. And I'd also be overjoyed to meet your siblings. She said.

I smiled at her compliment; she truly made me feel at ease here at court. "I think my sisters would adore you, and as for my brother..he may just fall in love!" I said with a giggle. "I ought to be going. But do send word tomorrow and we shall picnic wherever this tranquil spot of yours is. I'll be happy to see it."