Lady Beatrice Fleming |
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First Person Survey for: Lady Beatrice Fleming Name Given at Birth: Beatrice Fleming Nicknames: BB or Blushing Beatrice or Blushing Butterfly Hometown or where you were born: Oxford England Current Residence: I reside in Canterbury at the home of the Lord Mayor, Princess Jane Age: That is my secret. People tell me that I don't look my age. Is that a compliment or an insult? Class: Upper-middle class What do you do, your main function in life/society: I left the convent school last year after MANY years of study. I was given a position as a lady in waiting for the Baroness. Upon her death, I was introduced to Princess Jane by Mother Superior. Princess Jane offered me a position in her household since I was familiar to Canterbury. 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. 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 Sir Oliver Billings presented to me at the joust at last year's festival. They also match the color of his eyes. He is to ride in the joust at Canterbury this year. Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: What a question you ask me! No, Never, Ever. I have been locked away in a convent school for many years. Closest friends/How did you meet: I became close with the other students at the convent school. We vowed to write to each other. I have been welcome by Lady Caroline. I have met some lovely girls outside the convent at Canterbury but I am very shy and it is hard to find things to talk about after living in a silent world. One Pillow or two: Two pillows seems so decadent. I only had one but I gave it to a beggar man who was sleeping in the street. Pets: I once had a terrier named Jack. My uncle would not allow me to keep him after my parents died. Favorite Type of Music: I enjoy the Latin chants which are sung at church but I don't understand the words. I asked my uncle the Archbishop what it meant and he said that I did not need to understand for I was just a girl. I think that the muic sounds so grand and stately. Hobbies/Pastimes: I have never allowed a hobby. I think that I would like to write letters to my friends at the convent. I would like to take up a musical instrument maybe an organetto. I would have to get the approval of Princess Jane. Personal Hygiene: I dab rosewater behind my ears and knees every week and more often if needed. 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 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. 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 loved 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. Favorite Holy Day / Why: Easter is my favorite. I love attending church and listening to the music. I is so beautiful that it brings me to tears. Favorite Drink: I have been introduced to perry which I reserve for special occasions. There can be many special occasions in Canterbury. What's your bedtime: Whenever Princess Jane has bid me good night is when I lay my head down. There is no set time. 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. Are you married or single: I am indeed single and searching for the perfect husband but I am so shy and easily discouraged. Does anyone know of a perfect man in Canterbury? Do you have a family / who are they: My family is gone except for my uncle His Grace, Gregory Windham who is now an Archbishop. He is so busy with church matters that he doesn't have time for me. The only other family that I have known are the Sisters at the convent. My uncle has been called to Rome where he will be ordained as a Cardinal of the Holy Mother church. He will be even busier. 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. 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 one knight, Sir Oliver Billingford of Dorset. Most Humiliating Moment: I am blushing already and I have not even shared my calamity. When I worked for the Baroness, I was helping the cook bring in dessert for the dinner guests. I tripped and a bowl of pudding landed into the hair of Duchess of Kent who was visiting for a fortnight. The duchess was very gracious but I was mortified. Nevertheless, I never helped cook with serving again. Don't just tell you you don't want to talk about it. That takes no creativity. We want details. Proudest Moment: That would have to be being asked by Princess Jane to be her Lady in Waiting. I had been in the convent for so long and had been placed at the home of the Baroness when I left by my uncle and Mother Superior. I knew was not meant for the vows of chastity and silence. I was introduced to Princess Jane and she advised that she was in need of a Lady in Waiting and would I consider working for her. It was the first position that I had attained on my own without the influence of my uncle. 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. In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord" I serve Princess Jane. And how do you feel about that person: She is a fair and honest who gave me a chance. I hope that she can offer me guidance in the art of finding a proper suitor.Favorite Sport to watch: The Joust Do you remember your first kiss: I have not had one unless you count when my little dog kissed me. 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 my uncle has been chosen as a cardinal. His coronation will be in Rome, Italy. I have been invited to attend. I hope that Princess Jane will allow me to attend. Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: stone What is your bed made of: I sleep on a pallet on the floor made of cotton and wool. It is so much nicer than the sleeping on the floor at the convent How many people sleep in your bed: just one---for now 10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me
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