Lady Esmerelda Highgate
Name Given at Birth: Esmerelda Elena Marcona
Nicknames: Mitri
Hometown or where you were born: San Sebastian, Spain. My mother had traveled to Spain to procure spices and I surprised her by being born early. I was a tiny thing, but my mother bound me to her breast and I thrived in her milk and her love.
Current Residence: Highgate Manor, near Maidstone, Kent, England.
Age: Older than the hills and younger than springtime.
Class: A gypsy by birth, but married into nobility and am now regarded as such by most people, though the gypsies still claim me and I do love being with them. They are, after all, my family and bring great joy to my life.
What do you do, your main function in life/society: I am a loving wife and devoted mother and do love to entertain, welcoming many guests to our home. On my husband’s estate I oversee the servants and see to the welfare of those who live in the region. During the Harvest Festival in Canterbury, the largest city in Kent, I do assist the Lady Mayor, my beloved Daughter-in-Law, with responsibilities as hostess. As matriarch of the gypsy kompania and gifted with second sight, I am often consulted by members of my family and others who respect my powers.
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: What gypsy hasn’t?
Do you make fun of people: No, I make fun with them.
Favorite Color: Having been named "Esmerelda" by my mother, emerald green has always been my favorite color.
Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: Not by gypsy standards.
Closest friends/How did you meet:
- My husband, Sir William is kind, generous, tender, witty, and my dear companion. In this class society, my husband does not hold himself above me or belittle me as a gypsy, but daily demonstrates that he loves me and enfolds my family as his own. We met at a gypsy revel when my son, Martin, brought him in disguise. It caused quite a scandal when the Duke married a gypsy, but William presented me as if I were the most precious gem in the world. He often calls me "his little emerald" and claims he "found a jewel among the gypsies."
- My firstborn, Martin, or "the Maestro" as others know him is at one and the same time constant delight and constant worry. He is never out of my thoughts and prayers for the many challenges he undertakes and the roles he plays. I am concerned for his health, and on occasion, his very life because of the risks he takes. It seems he is always just one step ahead of some impending danger; yet, he is clever and always (so far) finds a way to avert disaster. I should not be surprised at this, for it has been his nature since the day he was born. A challenge from the beginning, he managed to turn every escapade, even the naughty ones, into something I could not help laughing about, and escaped much of the punishment he should have had. So many stories I could tell. I am so pleased we have remained close and that he trusts me as a confidante. Our shared gift of second sight binds us in a relationship far beyond that of the usual mother and son. My fondest wish was fulfilled the day he became bound in marriage to my dear friend, Catherine Willoughby. It grieves my heart that he has brought such pain to her by being absent for so long a time. She does cherish his love. Though it is his nature and his business that takes him away, I fear his continued absence may provoke her to brokenness. I do implore him to return quickly and to lavish upon her his full attentions, if only for a brief interlude. He will always be my dear beloved child, but he must hasten if he desires to save the love of his life, for she may not possess the tenacity of his mother.
- Leonora, my eldest daughter is music, beauty and brilliance in my life. I love her dearly. We are in many ways (but not all) alike. She is a delightful companion, and my world is richer for the time we are able to spend together. It is beyond time that she should be married. She would make someone a wonderful wife and her children would be brilliant. Her brother may yet make a successful match for her. On the other hand, with no mate, Leonora has more freedom and more time to indulge and support me and to pursue her creative endeavors. (I do prefer her artistic activities to some of the more risky pursuits her brother drags her into.) She is not always as she appears to others, but I believe I do know her well and am so proud to claim her.
- Catherine Baldwin, know to others as "the Lady Mayor" is my dear friend Jane and now my beloved daughter-in-law. I was well established as the Duchess of Kent when we met and we found we had much in common. She is a natural leader: efficient, fair, with genuine concern for the people of Canterbury. She is ever the gracious hostess and a charming companion. When I am in Canterbury, she daily finds time for tea, and it is always sweetened with an amusing story. We often discuss concerns of the village and she does consider insights that I may share. I am aware of the tensions in her relationship with my son and pray that she will be granted patience and that he shall have the wisdom to hasten to her William and I look forward to being in her home during harvest faire. We may be able to mediate harmony there.
One Pillow or two: Two lovely goose down pillows, the gift of my husband’s dear mother plus a tiny pillow filled with herbs to assure pleasant dreams.
Pets: Though I would never claim to own them, the small woodland animals seem very comfortable in my presence and I do enjoy their antics.
Favorite Type of Music: I could listen to Leonora’s harp and voice forever. It does soothe me. In contrast, I am also fond of the drumming of my husband which kindles my fires.
Hobbies/Pastimes: Beading my gowns and spoiling my grandchildren.
Personal Hygiene: I am always fresh! My thoughtful husband does allow me the bath whenever my heart desires.
Favorite Food: Apple dumplings, especially wonderful when shared.
Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: I never knew my father as he died from a fall before I was born. My uncles were the men in my life, so I was blessed with many fathers, each with different strengths. My mother birthed me and gave me life all the days she lived. We were very close.
If your parents are dead, when and how did they die: My father’s life was shortened when he fell, hitting his head upon a stone. My mother lived as a widow well into her nineties and passed peacefully.
Favorite place to relax: On a bench beneath the tree in the garden with my beading at hand.
Favorite Holy Day / Why: The yule. The family gathers at Highgate Manor and I am surrounded by my children and grandchildren. For an entire week, we feast, sing and dance. I entertain and am entertained. The manor house is festive with freshly cut greens and the delicious odor of favorite foods is beyond description. Of course, there is also usually a pretty bauble or two from my husband to catch my fancy.
Favorite Drink: A cup of tea is most refreshing.
What's your bedtime: Unless there is a gypsy revel on or a reason to party, I am ready to retire early. A massage is a wonderful relaxation in preparation for sleep.
What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: Comfortable shoes. My feet are very tender.
Are you married or single: Married for the second time to the very handsome, very kind, and very, very wealthy Sir William Highgate. My first husband, Radu Boleyn, died in a fire.
Do you have a family / who are they: I claim all gypsies and anyone else who happens to need a mother. I have birthed eleven children, but only eight are still living. Many will be at the harvest faire. I will miss those who are away on "family business." Martin is my duitiful son. He has provided me with grandchildren who are my pride and joy. If he makes matches for his brothers and sisters, these aching arms will again be filled with little ones for me to spoil.
Favorite Entertainment: Jugglers – I’ve been surrounded by them all my life and didn’t know until we were married that it was a secret skill of my present husband. He can be very entertaining.
Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Mathematics – my uncle Arno played thinking games with me and introduced me to the wonder of numbers.
Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Wringing the necks of the chickens. I always felt sorry for them. They would look me in the eye – so pitifully, almost pleading.
Favorite Sport: Dancing around a gypsy campfire.
Most Humiliating Moment: It was the day that Jane realized I was a gypsy as were, of course, all my children. Somehow, the subject of my being a gypsy had never come up. Jane has the gift of seeing into the heart of a person and responding as she is led. I move so comfortably in both my worlds that in her presence I behave as a noblewoman. It is only when my gypsy family is available to me that I slip back into colorful garb and enjoy a gypsy revel and stories told round the campfire. For me, it seemed natural to bring together in matrimony two people whom I love dearly. They are a match in intellect, wit, fun, and adventure. She was interested until she learned that my son was none other than the Maestro, Martin Boleyn. It was her loyalty to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth that allowed, or mayhap more realistically, required that she entertain the thought of marriage to one so "lowly born." It was embarrassing to have her feel I had misled her and it did put a strain on our relationship for a time. In spite of herself, she did fall in love and we have all moved beyond that disturbing day.
Proudest Moment: When I married Sir William and became Lady Highgate. It was a beautiful and romantic wedding. I was so enfolded with his love and that of his mother. I know that the acceptance of all gypsies has been somewhat eased whenever they are in Canterbury.
Craziest Person or silliest you know: Leonardo da Vinci is always coming up with crazy inventions and then has something funny to say about them. I must admit I am charmed on the rare occasions when he visits our estate.
What do you look for in the opposite sex: One has but to gaze upon my husband to realize the ideal, but he is mine and I’m not sharing.
In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord" Of course I honor and respect my husband. Over him is the Queen and I do admire her.
Favorite Sport to watch: Kite flying. If I could, I would soar in the sky with them.
Do you remember your first kiss: Of hey, the first kiss of youth at the gypsy revel when I was sixteen. Then there was the first flaming kiss of my dear husband – such a lover!
Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: As traveling gypsies, my childhood friends were my family. I have lived long enough to see most of them gone to the Lord, but the friends of my age sustain me and fill me with love. I eagerly await seeing them at the Harvest Faire.
Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: Anywhere near water.
Have you ever been overseas: Many times – over many seas.
Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: My husband has provided me with lovely stone floors, many of them carpeted. The upper floor is of finest inlaid wood.
What is your bed made of: It is beautifully carved with a down mattress, like sleeping on a cloud.
How many people sleep in your bed: Just the two of us.
10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me:
1. I have the gift of gypsy sight and have been well trained by my mother.
2. I am well known for my potions. I always carry one about my neck in my treasure box. Though the potion uniquely blesses the one who receives it according to their needs, it must be accepted only if one is willing to fulfill certain demands. Children love to make wishes as they accept the potion.
3. I am fiercely loyal to and protective of my family. You don’t want to bring harm to any of them.
4. I am a storyteller. If you engage me thus, be prepared to sit a spell, as I tend to go on at length and embellish every detail.
5. Traveling is a passion of mine. While I now depend on my children to manage the trade and bring back treasures, I have struck excellent bargains in my day.
My arms, my heart and my mind are wide open, always ready to enfold, comfort and nurture anyone who needs support.
My dear mother-in-law was a dear, gentle guide as she taught me the ways of nobility. Thanks to her, I can act like a lady when I choose to.
I love the new foods I have discovered in my travels and I have many secret recipes.
Though I may not recall your name, I will never forget you.
I am incurably happy, positive, and optimistic.