lined with a small hedge with an opening that led to a smaller garden. In each of the smaller gardens, there were various nut and fruit trees, along with a floral bouquet of fragrant scents that tickled the nose of all those who ventured into this oasis. In the middle of it all was the great fountain surrounded by various hues of blue tile in a geometric design. An enclosed arcade surrounded the entire garden, along with benches in each of the smaller gardens, the pathways, and the great fountain.
While the girls were having fun hiding among the trees and behind the hedges, the king’s council was busy discussing certain matters of state in the anteroom of the great hall. The council was seated at a table to discuss any matter of state that could be of importance to the kingdom.
The king was seated at the head of a polished oak table, which seated about eight people. Since Don Fernando was the host, he sat at the other end with Don Alfonso Coronado, Don Raimundo and the Conde de Ávila all seated in the middle. A candle chandelier hung over the table. The walls of the one-hundred-by-fifty-foot room were masterfully covered with woolen tapestries depicting Bible stories in vivid color. The floor was covered in smooth gray stone, and under the table was a woven Persian carpet with a geometric theme in orange, blue, and gold. A dais with a wooden worktable was in the background, along with two chairs below. Off to the right of the dais in the corner of the room was another more decorative carved chair, which Lucía loved to climb on and sit in.
Among the affairs to be discussed was a delicate matter concerning the settling of Lady Margaret’s estate, which involved the two countries of England and France.
“Señores,” said the king as he put down his silver cup of wine, “as you are probably aware, it has been four years since the death of Lady Margaret, and we have been waiting patiently to settle her estate. It becomes difficult when a deceased person of noble rank has property outside the realm in foreign countries, especially in England and France. Unfortunately, there are political considerations, which take time, as we do not want to upset our allies. If not properly handled, it could lead to a misunderstanding and embarrassment. However, just yesterday, I have received notification from King Henry, my father-in-law, that Doña Lucía will be able to inherit her mother’s land in England and the title of Countess of Bickford. I also received notification from King Philip of France a short time ago that she will also be able to inherit her mother’s lands in France and the title of Duchess of Pomeroi. Her lands in both countries will be administered by a trusted official who has been appointed by royal authority, and all income from rents, tolls, fees, and tribute minus taxes, fees, and scutage will be sent to her treasury in Segoia by any conveyance thought safe and feasible at the time.
“Since Lady Margaret did not spend any large amounts, Doña Lucía has an untold amount of wealth. Don Fernando and I both agree that if anything unfortunate should happen to Doña Lucía, her wealth will be taken to Burgos for safekeeping until an inheritor is named. It is also up to you as council members to be aware of this and to ensure that this be done if anything were to happen to either myself or Don Fernando.”
“Why doesn’t Don Fernando take charge of his daughter’s treasury personally, and how much is in this so-called treasury? Don’t you think we should know if we are to have such a responsibility?” asked Don Raimundo.
“If Your Highness will permit me, I would like to answer Don Raimundo.”
“Very well, Don Fernando,” said the king.
“First of all, let there be no misunderstanding. I am in charge of my daughter’s wealth until such time as she marries, which then becomes part of her dowry. Also, unlike some people,” said Don Fernando, who stared directly at Don Raimundo, “I am involved in the defense of the kingdom, and if anything should happen to me, it is reassuring to know that there are trusted friends honest enough to take care of this matter in my absence. As far as the sum of gold coins involved, we have not fully counted the two chests that have arrived from France, but it is substantial. I hope that answers your question satisfactorily, Raimundo.”
Don Raimundo shook his head in the affirmative with a polite bow.
“If there is no other business, this meeting is concluded. Good day, amigos,” said the king as he drained his cup of wine.
Don Fernando and Don Alfonso Coronado entered the palace garden and found the girls had entertained themselves joyfully.
Isabella ran over to her father upon seeing him enter the garden and said with great enthusiasm, “Can we stay longer, Papa? I love it here, and I have made a new friend.”
“Well, I see that you have,” said Don Alfonso Coronado with great enthusiasm as he lifted Isabella high in the air.
Lucía was close behind her new friend, running at such a speed and echoing the same sentiment that she almost ran into her father. Don Fernando was able to catch her as she wrapped her arms around him. As she pulled away, he noticed that Lucía had a couple of leaves and a small twig in her ankle-length hair, which she refused to have cut. Also, her blue garment had several tears in the shoulder and back.
“What have you been doing?” asked Don Fernando as he pulled the debris from her hair.
“Isabella and I have been hiding. We have been playing hide and seek, Papa.”
“I see, and I do hope that is not a new dress,” said Don Fernando, who inspected the garment.
“Hmm,” responded Lucía.
“I see. Well, another garment to be repaired and sent to the poor,” said Don Fernando, not wishing to start an argument with guests present.
“Lucía, this is my good friend Don Alfonso Coronado, Isabella’s father.”
“I know, Papa.” Lucía tried to curtsy but fell on her backside, to the amusement of all. Lucía, although embarrassed, laughed and tried again successfully.
Don Fernando looked over to his guest. “As you can see, Lucía needs more practice in the finer points of courtesy.”
Don Alfonso Coronado bent down, took her small hand, and kissed it, which caught Lucía slightly off guard. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Doña Lucía.”
Don Fernando extended the same courtesy to Doña Isabella, who giggled.
Suddenly, Don Fernando turned to his friend and said with a big smile, “Remember, Don José stated that our children would become good friends.”
“Ah, sí, my friend,” said Don Alfonso Coronado as he nodded in agreement.
“Who is Don José, Papa?” asked an inquisitive Lucía.
“He was a good friend who gave his life for Castile and the Christian Church.”
“And now we must be going, Isabella. Say goodbye to Lucía.”
The girls said their goodbyes with the promise of seeing each other again.
Lucía had finished her studies in time for supper, and she now walked down to the great hall with Yamina. As Lucía and Yamina entered the hall, servants were precipitately in preparation for the evening meal. Lucía noticed that her father was seated at the head table on the dais, already having indulged in eating stuffed olives.
Lucía and Yamina joined Don Fernando and took their places at the table. Don Fernando always sat on the right, Yamina on the left, Lucía in the middle. The household servants sat at the tables below. Don Fernando always had Yamina join him at the head table for supper so he could obtain from her on how Lucía had progressed that day with her studies.
“Ah, would you like some grape juice, mi pequeño sol?”’ asked Don Fernando as Lucía was busy squirming to get seated in her chair.
“Sí, please, Papa,” responded Lucía.
Don Fernando motioned to a servant who stood to the side of the dais, holding two pitchers. The servant immediately came to the table and poured a cup of grape juice for both Lucía and Yamina and a cup of wine for Don Fernando. At the same time, servers appeared with their platters of food for the evening. Lucía watched