Baronessa Beatrice Louise Fleming DeLuca
First Person Survey for: Baronessa Beatrice Louise Fleming DeLuca
Name Given at Birth: Beatrice Louise Fleming
Nicknames: BB or Blushing Beatrice or Blushing Butterfly
Hometown or where you were born: Oxford England
Current Residence: * *I currently reside in Canterbury at the home of the Lady Mayor, Duchess Catherine Jane Willoughby. When my duties have been met, wouldst bring me great joy to return to Italy to be with my husband. It mayhaps be Rome, Venice or Florence. For as long as I am close enough to hear his whisper, I be happy.
Age: I be 38 years old. People tell me that I don't look my age. Is that a compliment or an insult?
Class: Nobility
What do you do, your main function in life/society: I left the convent
school two years ago after MANY years of study. I was given a position as a lady in waiting for the Duchess. I was introduced to Duchess Catherine by Mother Superior. The Duchess did offer me a position in her household since I was familiar to Canterbury. I joined Lady Caroline who had been true to the Duchess for many years. Although our religious views differ, the duchess has protected me from ill harm as the beliefs of the Monarchy do differ with those I had been taught. I did return to Canterbury after receiving a missive from the Duchess. Lady Caroline did take a dreadful fall from her horse and the physician has wouldst not determine the length of time needed to heal her bones. She doth show great courage in this matter. I do so admire her strength. Her Grace did recently have wards placed in her care. She is most busy with her duties as Lady Mayor and overseeing the Harvest Festival. It is my belief that her Grace is hoping that I wouldst have a positive influence on her wards as I assist with studies of Latin, Music and Art.
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: Oh Dear Me! I am not quite sure what you are talking about but the answer would have to be No.. I am a lady of high standards and would never stoop to such low standards. I do blush at the thought.
Do you make fun of people: No. I did once as a child and regretted for many days after I was punished. I hurt someone very dear to me and vowed never to let my tongue destroy another's feelings.
Favorite Color: Does it have to be just one? I have two if I might. The first is the yellow of the stars that I wish upon at night. The second is the blue that is the shade of cornflowers that match the color of my husband Salvatore’s eyes. He doth buy me flowers of blue and gold every week to show his love for me. He did remain in Italy as he is composing an Aria for his benefactor. I do so miss my beautiful boquets.
Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: What a question you ask me! No, Never, Ever. I was locked away in a convent school for many years. When would I have had the time?
Closest friends/How did you meet: I became close with the other students at the convent school. We vowed to write to each other. Duchess Catherine and Lady Caroline did welcome me to Canterbury. I consider them to be my family and treasure their friendships as if sisters. I did find it quite difficult outside the convent walls at first. I was very shy and it was hard to find things to talk about after living in a silent world. The Duchess and Lady Caroline do so laugh and say that I have made up for all those years of silence.
One Pillow or two: Two pillows seems so decadent. I only had one when I came to Canterbury but I gave it to a beggar man who was sleeping in the street. I now relish the three goose down pillows that I use in Italy.
Pets: Salvatore did buy me a darling puppy as a wedding gift. I did leave him with Salvatore as I did not feel that I could give him the proper attention while in Canterbury.
Favorite Type of Music: For many years I did enjoy the Latin chants which resounded in the chapel at the Convent chapel. It would sound so grand ant stately. Now it is my passion to listen to the music that my dear husband doth compose. Again I mayhaps find the wording difficult but any compositare by Salvatore tis magnificent. It is as if God has his hand on the instrument.
Hobbies/Pastimes: I have never allowed a hobby as time was a demon. I did vow to write to my friends in Canterbury after my departure. I would like to take up a musical instrument maybe an organetto or the violin.. I would have to get the approval of my husband. I do not think that he would mind!
Personal Hygiene: In Italy it is considered healthy to bathe more often than in England. It is so very nice to have a servant prepare the bathwater. I do so like being pampered. My husband calls me his little princess. I dab rosewater behind my ears and knees after my bath.
Favorite Food: At the convent, we ate mainly bread and broth at every meal. I do so love the Harvest festival for last year I was able to partake of Daryole and custard. I have been introduced to a new dish by my mother-in-law called pasta. I would be happy to eat this every day for it such a novelty to me. I go to bed at night dreaming about it.
Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: No, alas my parents are both dead. I had one brother but he also has gone to heaven. My husband has a large and did welcome me with opened arms. It is the family I did dream about at night for as long as I can remember.
If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: My parents died in a tragic fire when I was 10 years old. I was rescued by the gardener who lived on the estate. I do miss them so. My brother died of the fever when he was but 5. I was sent to be under the care of my uncle Father Gregory Windham who presided over St. Mark's church. When I was 11, he sent me away to the convent school at Canterbury to study. There I remained for many years awaiting my fate as dictated by my uncle.
Favorite place to relax: I find solace in the gardens where I can enjoy the sunshine and the flowers but mostly the butterflies. I feel like a butterfly after escaping that cocoon. In Italy, it is my greatest joy to ride in a gondola in Venice while my dear husband doth sing me a love song.
Favorite Holy Day / Why: Easter is my favorite. I love attending church and listening to the music. It is so beautiful that it brings me to tears.
Favorite Drink: I had been introduced to perrier in which I reserve for special occasions. There can be many special occasions in Canterbury. I am learning the joy of sampling the wine at the family vineyard.
What's your bedtime: Whenever her Grace has bid me good night is when I lay my head down. There is no set time. In Italy, it would depend on what activities are going on as to early or late.
What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: I have a sturdy pair of brown leather boots which I wear except on special holy days or festival where I might wear my black boots. These boots were especially for me by an Roman cobbler It was a gift from my marito (husband).
Are you married or single: I am indeed married!!! I did not believe that I would find someone to love me.
Do you have a family / who are they: My birth family is gone except for myuncle His Grace, Gregory Windham who is now a Cardinal . He is so busy with church matters that he never did have time for me. The only other family that I did know were the Sisters at the convent. I do consider her Grace and Lady Caroline to be like sisters. My new family is the DeLuca family from Italy. They have made me feel welcome from our first meeting!
Favorite Entertainment: I have been introduced to gossip by other ladies of the court. We can be so wicked at times that I can't stop laughing even after time to sleep. I do so enjoy listening to the strains of a violin tell its tale.
Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: I studied at the convent. I enjoyed reading poetry.
Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: It was my duty to scrub the wooden floors of the convent daily. I still find splinter in my knees!
Favorite Sport: I was honored enough to attend the joust at the festival. I was amazed at the showmanship of the knights. I be learning the skills (cheating) for a round of croquet.
Most Humiliating Moment: I am blushing already and I have not even shared my calamity. I was in Rome for my uncle’s ordination when I did step from the carriage and did land face first into a pozanghera di fango or mud puddle. A kind gentleman with a calming voice and an Italian accent did assist me up. I could not see him for all of the mud in my eyes. He did assure me that I did look well met! He must have studied some time in England. He asked me my name and I choked out the reply of Beatrice. I was humiliated indeed. He disappeared into the crowd. A few nights later I did attend a concert featuring Italy’s "brightest composers" When the time did come for Conpositare DeLuca to perform,he spoke and I knew that voice! He told the audience that his composition had gone unnamed as he could not capture the beauty which the work did embody. " I met my inspiration the other day and I see that inspiration tonight amongst you." He did ask me to stand so that his inspiration could be acknowledged. He did name the piece "Aria for Beatrice". He then did say that he did plan on asking me to dinner. Of curse with the permission of my uncle who nodded soberly.
Proudest Moment: I have two. Being asked by Duchess Catherine to be her Lady in Waiting. I had been in the convent for so long.
Craziest Person or silliest you know: That would have to be the shopkeeper at the milliner's shop. She is always laughing and joking and loves to share stories of her patrons.
What do you look for in the opposite sex: Being in the convent, I never had a chance to look. I think that I would like a man with blue eyes, a magical smile who treats a lady as a treasure. And I did find just that.
In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord" In Canterbury, I serve Duchess Catherine. In Italy, it would be my husband, Salvatore.
And how do you feel about that person: Her Grace is a fair and honest who gave me a chance. She did offer me guidance in the art of living outside the convent walls. And as for Salvatore I adore him!!!
Favorite Sport to watch: The Joust
Do you remember your first kiss: Indeed, I wouldst ne’er forget. Salvatore kissed me goodnight after the concert. I saw stars!!
Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: My only friends lived at the convent. I plan to write them when festival is over,
Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: I guess that I would say it was Canterbury in the gardens at the Lord Mayor's residence. I like to sit in the sun and read poetry.
Have you ever been overseas: No, but I did travel to Italy to attend my uncle’s ordination as Cardinal. Her Grace was so kind to allow me to attend.
Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: Stone and Marble
What is your bed made of: * *Tis a four poster bed of cherry wood which has musical notes carved into the headboard. The mattress is made of goose down. The bedding is of red and gold silks and brocades. I never dreamed of such a magnificent bed.
How many people sleep in your bed: * *two is all
10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me
1. I am very, very shy and blush if you even look my way. I grow faint of heart when I see a handsome man (my husband)!
2. I spent over half of my life in a convent and plan on making up for lost time.
3. I attended my uncle’s coronation in Rome, Italy and did meet and marry the man of my dreams.
4. I am thrilled to be back in Canterbury for the Harvest Festival. I look forward to wearing my new rainment from Italy.
5. I be hoping to convert the Duchess to Catholicism. Prayer is a formidable ally.
6. I do so look forward to raising a dozen children with my spouse.
7. I have secretly been charting my Astrology. It did predict I would fall in love.
8. I love to gossip. Did you hear what happened to ???
9. I wish that I were rich. Pinch me for I am now!!!
10. I be so very blessed and happy in my new life.