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.
It was evident the infante was observing them intently.
The duchess covered her face with her hand fan and looked through the fan holes at the infante’s eyes. First, they expressed interest, but the longer the dance went on, the brighter his eyes shined.
As the couple approached the edge of the stage, Isabella tried to determine to whom the prince was paying attention. She soon realized it was the female who had charmed him. She also was captivated by her.
She was certainly different from the others. She had snow-white silky skin, azure eyes, and an unusual grace.
The dance master noticed the duchess’ gaze, “Oh, yes, Your Highness. I see you are an expert in dancing. You correctly drew your attention to that couple. However, for this lovely young senhorita, they picked the wrong partner. Let’s not concern ourselves with him and look at how this young lady moves around the stage!
“It seems this senhorita does not touch the floor. She hovers like an angel, circling the surface of the stage. Also, please pay attention to her perfectly proportionally folded body and smooth, light hand movements. See her beautiful shoulders and neck. Look at how majestically she holds her head in relation to her elegant, supple back.
“And, most importantly,” he said, “pay attention to her expressive eyes. I admire your taste, duchess. This is the brilliance to brighten the royal halls during any celebration and make our school of the arts incomparable!”
Isabella turned to the dance master and said, “Perhaps, you are right, sir. We will discuss her candidacy later. Now, tell me. How many performances are left?”
The dance master glanced at the sheet of paper and answered, “Only one, Your Highness.”
The duchess turned to the infante and, covering her mouth with the fan, asked, “Infante Fernando, have you made your choice, or do you want to watch the rest of the performances? Honestly, I’m a bit tired and would like to return to the castle.
“In that case, we can both return to the palace,” Fernando said. “Of all the contestants, the young lady in the white dress is the best candidate to become my partner in pair dances. The dance master had so much praise for her.”
“I agree,” said Isabella.
When the dance was over, Isabella rose from her chair and turned to the dance master. “Sir, I am somewhat tired. In addition, it’s time for us to return to the castle. Please invite the young lady you have recommended to the palace tomorrow. I want to talk to her.
“By the way,” the duchess asked, “What is her name, and what noble family does she come from?” She started to head for the door. The dance master looked at his notes as he followed behind the duchess. He said excitedly: “Isabel Zarco. She’s the daughter of the founder of the Madeira settlement, João Gonçalves Zarco.”25
Isabella suddenly stopped and exclaimed, “João Zarco? The one-eyed sea captain? How unexpected! That’s great,” said Isabella.
She covered her eyes with her fan and had some pleasant memories.
“Oh, Your Highness!” exclaimed the dance master, “You know the governor of the Madeira Archipelago?”
“Members of the royal family should know the heroes of Portugal,” she said.
“As soon as his daughter appeared on the stage, I immediately noticed her majestic, regal posture. Now I understand where she got it from. Admiral Zarco is from an old Jewish royal family. From the family of King David, if my memory serves me right.
“It will be an honor to have such a beautiful member of his family in our royal arts school,” she continued. “Oh! If only I had known her before! I would’ve made her my lady-in-waiting.”26
The next day, Isabel Zarco appeared at the appointed time in the duchess’ Royal Reception room. Isabella sat in the queen’s chair. To the left and behind the chair stood servants. The duchess was dressed in a magnificent white dress. She wore precious jewelry that sparkled in the light.
“Come closer, Isabel,” said the duchess, smiling.
Isabel approached the duchess with small, graceful steps as if in a dance and greeted her with an elegant curtsy.
“As you have already been informed, we would like to offer you a position to serve as a dance instructor at the Royal School of the Arts,” the duchess said. But that’s not all. I also would like you to hold private lessons in the palace’s dance hall. Senhorita, think over my proposal carefully and give me an answer as soon as possible. I believe you will have to discuss this offer with your family. Is that correct?”
“Your Highness,” Isabel replied, “I can give you a positive answer right now. My parents knew about the competition and my desire to participate in it. They also agreed they would support such an offer if I were invited to serve in the palace. Our family has always been devoted to our rulers. Therefore, serving the royal family in the palace is an honor.”
Isabella smiled and nodded approvingly. “Thank you, senhorita, for your devotion to our throne and homeland. I know about the merits of your family and, in particular, your father, the famous hero of Portugal. I once met him at one of the royal balls. He had been invited after his glorious campaigns and victories over the Moors.27
“I must tell you a secret,” she continued. “He won the hearts of many senhoritas at that ball. Unlike other gentlemen, he looked like a real man, an unsurpassed gentleman, and a valiant hero. And he had a dignified attitude toward all the nobles with whom he communicated. It was so long ago, but it was an unforgettable event.”
The duchess finished recalling this moment with a deep sigh. “I am very pleased it’s the daughter of such an extraordinary person as your father who will be within the walls of our palace,” she said.
“Thank you, Your Highness, for the good memories of my father and your trust in me,” Isabel said with a curtsy.
Having completed all her planned audiences by noon, Isabella decided to visit Pedro to share her impressions with him. At the door to her husband’s office, she instructed the guard to notify His Highness of her arrival.
She entered the office, saying, “Dear, if you only saw how charming Isabel Zarco is. I can’t get over it. She inspires with her external beauty, sensitivity, freshness, courtesy, and ability to communicate. She is an angel sent from heaven. I am sure she will not only teach your nephew, Fernando, how to dance skillfully but will turn his head with her charm and attractiveness.
“But I am also concerned,” Isabella continued. “What if the prince becomes overly fond of her? Will there be undesirable consequences? What do you think?”
“I’m now more concerned about my nephew, Afonso,” Pedro answered anxiously, pointing to the parchment lying on the table in front of him. It was tied with a cord trimmed with gold threads.
“What is it?” Isabella asked.
“It’s a message from Castile28 from the former queen, Eleanor of Aragon, to her son, Afonso. We have intercepted several messages like these. She continually tries to turn her sons against me. She has not learned anything from her actions that almost ruined the country.
