Philippa let out a guilty cry and covered her lips with the palm of her hand. “I forgot I gave you my word! Forgive me, please, Fernando,” Philippa sobbed.
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?”