Teddi Dianne's Diary

by Teddi Dianne Seibert-Aldoennetti

© 2003

 

(The innocent (?) years)

chapter IX

As we drive the few minutes to the Residence I explain to Margaret that I have instructed the Aldoennetti's staff I am on holiday and do not wish to be treated as royalty then did the same with their Royal Guard. It was for me refreshing to be treated as a young woman and not some Royal Creature. If she so desires she might do the same and then only the Queen shall be treated Regally. "It is such a nice holiday to be simply a young woman." Margaret says she will speak with Elizabeth about it and if she approves then it could be the same for her. Charles and several other retainers are present and awaiting us as we arrive. When Jerry simply walks on into the home, I take it upon myself to speak with Charles. I first introduce Her Highness, Princess Margaret, and then arrange for the new members of the 'Guard'. As Catherine has previously informed Charles of their impending arrival, he has made allowances for them and rooms have been prepared. I have no doubt that a structure as large as this one could house a small army without difficulty. "Which is Margaret's room?" I ask of him, receiving the reply that hers is the first (of the two we had examined previously) reached from the left staircase. "Margaret please come with me and I shall show you your room." We girls hurry upstairs, whereupon the 'Guard' nearest us come smartly to attention as we pass by and on into her room. She examines what is to be her sanctuary for a week or perhaps two, and after a few minutes is ready once more to go down to explore the Residence. Before we depart the room I explain to her that as the 'Guard' has previously had instructions regarding being completely at ease with me at all times, the act of coming to attention and the Royal protocols are for her rather than myself and if she did not want the 'Guard' members to constantly be saluting and saying 'Your Royal Highness' especially after the Queen is gone then she must make her desires known to them. "I believe John is in charge, unless his commander arrived on the airplane with us. Excellent, here is your luggage. Shall I ask Charles to have someone unpack for you?" "When you arrived, who unpacked your luggage, Teddi?" "I found it had been unpacked for me, but would have preferred to accomplish it on my own. But then I tend to do many things for myself which would be done by others if I were not on holiday." "I am on holiday also, so I shall unpack myself." Margaret replys. "Very well, may I assist you?" We both begin to giggle as young women may. Shortly after noon we have completed unpacking and I lead her to my room. There I show her my riding clothes but select one of my culottes, boots and a blue & green print silk blouse. I ask her to select from her clothing something which she could wear comfortably in which to ride and once changed we shall go down to lunch, then to the stables to obtain our mounts. She will have the opportunity to see Sultan before he is transported to the arena in Milan in preparation for the Competition. She hurries back to her room. I change, placing a pistol and holster on a belt at my waist, then go out onto the landing to await her. Charles comes by just then and I ask where the 'Guard' are quartered. He replies there are now two to a room in three of the four original rooms, one in a fifth room on this level, two each in three more rooms downstairs and two each in three rooms on the floor above. This gives John and his superior each a room on this level to themselves. As the Villa is equipped with communications equipment, the Royal Party needs bring only that specialized communication equipment specific to their wants. I just thought of something, I believe I shall ask the Signore what weaponry, if any, the Vatican Guard use when they are protecting the Pope during his many tours of the world. "Biretta, the weapon of choice for the Vatican Guard," sounds good does it not?

Margaret and I meet once again on the landing and go down to see what is available for luncheon. I open the door to the dining room and we begin to enter only to find all of the remaining 'Guard' in a discussion as they are having lunch. They promptly stand and the most senior (John) says, "Good Afternoon, Your Highnesses." "John," I remonstrated, "I have told you my feelings about this. Have you not told your men?" "Yes, Miss Winchester. In that case my greeting of 'Your Highness' shall be for Princess Margaret." "John," she requests,"If I were to also request to simply be called Margaret or Miss would you all do that for me so long as we are here upon the Estate?" "By your leave, Princess, we would require the approval of the Queen before doing this. As we have no access to the Monarchy from which Miss Winchester has come we must accept her word as authority in her case. I'm sorry Princess, but for now we must still call you by official titles." "I see," she said crestfallen, "Thank-you anyway, I shall ask Elizabeth if she may speak with you allowing you to drop the titles." "Thank-you, Princess." Oh well, a partial victory for now. "John, you and your men appear to be in a conference of sorts so Margaret and I shall go to the breakfast nook to take lunch. Afterward we are going to the stables and the training ring. Would you like to be notified when we are about to do so?" "Yes, thank-you, Miss Winchester.." Margaret and I exit going on to the breakfast nook where she sits and I make my way toward the kitchen. On our way to the nook, while passing the second set of doors leading into the dining room I overhear the question, "Sir John, what do we know of this Miss Winchester? I see she is wearing a sidearm. May she be trusted?" I hope the answer was 'yes', but did not stop to listen continuing to the kitchen to arrange for our lunch then returning to the breakfast nook. A few minutes later our lunch is delivered and a selection of beverages are placed on the counter or in the ice tray. We eat while discussing the world in general, ourselves in greater detail, and finally resting upon Dressage, Steeplechase, and horses in particular. As it is now nearly two, my usual training time, and we have both finished lunch, I ask if she would like to go to her room to freshen a little before we go to the stables. She hurries off as I seek out John (they have completed their meeting and are no longer in the dining room or any of the other main rooms of the first floor). I am unable to locate him so I give the message to both Charles and to the 'Guard' at the Royal Quarters to be delivered to John notifying him of at which we have departed. Walking the trail out to the Stables we pause slightly to allow her the opportunity to see the grounds and to see the path to return to the Villa. At the stables we meet Mr. Johnson. "Mr. Johnson, this is Princess Margaret," and then more quietly,"but if you would be so kind as to simply call her 'Miss' when there is no one else around we would appreciate it." "I see, I am pleased to meet you Miss Margaret. Perhaps you would like a horse to ride today?" "Not too spirited, please Mr. Johnson." I answer, "At least until we learn how well she may ride. And if I could have Sultan, without the bridle and bit please." "Your normal riding tack otherwise?" "Yes please." Reaching for his telephone, he places a call within the Estate's exchange (a simple 3 digit number) telling the person he reaches that which he desires. "You know you must return him soon, for he will be going to Milan later this afternoon so he may rest from his journey before the competition tomorrow." "No. I was not aware of this. I must accompany him. I will stay in Milan with him tonight." "That is not necessary, Miss. The Grooms will care for him." "But if I were going away from my home, I would like to have someone with me whom I trusted very much. I will speak with Catherine. I should accompany him. Thank-you for informing me." Our horses are brought to us and we lead 'Sweetheart' over to the mounting blocks so Margaret may mount the saddle, then the stirrups are adjusted for her. My saddle's stirrups have been set days ago so all I need is several attempts to rise into the saddle. "Where are your reins?" Margaret asks of me. "In the Events much of our request to the horse is through leg and body movement. I am not to use the reins so I may more rapidly learn to use those commands. Don't worry, I usually use reins when riding. Here, watch." Sultan and I trot about fifty feet away and turn. Side-step left, side-step right, rise and paw the air, drop and kick. Margaret squeals and then rides over next to me. I turn and we ride together to the training ring. Time goes by quickly, suddenly a groom is calling to us. He gives me a note from Mr. Johnson. "Cia, Cia, Grazie. Margaret, we must return. They must give Sultan a good rub-down and clean my tack for the trip to Milan." We return to the stables and dismount. I give two sugar cubes to Margaret for her to give to 'Sweetheart' and offer two others to Sultan, hugging him and saying; "Have a good trip to Milan, big fellow. I'll be there with you as soon as I am able. Tomorrow we shall win first place in the Beginners Event."

As Margaret and I walk back to the Villa, our conversation filled with to the Events, we detour to the kennels so she might have a look at the puppies. "There are so many. I wish I could have one, but even if I did someone else would care for it." "I know Margaret. That was how I felt when I first saw them all. Then I realised that with my practice in Horsemanship six or eight hours each day, plus my practice time on the range four days a week, and then the time I must spend learning to command a home such as this one and all the people and food and other supplies I must learn to coordinate, I have no time to spend with a puppy to make him feel loved and needed. It is a sad comment but it would be unfair to him if I were to take him to my home." "I understand." Replied Margaret, "Sometimes I wish I were a commoner so I need not be concerned with all these things. It would be so nice just to be able to talk with people and do things they do without being a Princess." "Yes, I have recently come to understand that myself. But Margaret, I have found something which seems to help. I treat everyone the way I would wish to be treated by them. I don't stand there as if to say 'look at me, I am a princess and you are a commoner'. True or not, I try to make everyone feel as my equal and some as even my betters. I say 'thank-you' to them, and 'please'. Even here I act as though I am in the home of the servants and truly try to determine if they would mind doing something for me. Sometimes I even help carry the dirty dishes to be washed. Little things which require little or no effort on my part but are still appreciated. Once I was going to the stables and Charles had a message for Mr. Johnson, the trainer, so I carried it down with me. It was no extra effort for me but saved Charles or one of the others some time. I do not mean you should begin to assist everyone who comes along but those who most directly aid you will appreciate your concern for their feelings and time. Mother is quite correct, I am subverting you. I talk too much, come let us return to the Villa. I have heard the airplane fly over several times so the Queen is probably here." We walk back entering through the door which leads past the breakfast nook. We stop for a moment and I show her the nook, reminding her this was where we had lunch, then we walk into the entrance hall where she recognises the grand staircases and goes on up to her room to change once again.

I surmise from the presence of the 'Guard' outside the study that the Queen is likely there and walk over. As I was about to enter, however, the 'Guard' bar my path. "How dare you impede the passage of this Personage?" I say to them, as immediately a voice comes out of the study: "Allow Her to pass." I glower at them as I think Royalty scorned might and go on to enter the study. I curtsey to the Queen who immediately tells me to dispense with that so long as we are in the 'house' and then I say hello to Mother and Sophia, who are there with her. "Margaret shall be down promptly, we went riding in the training ring and then visited the puppies. She wanted to change before greeting You, Your Majesty... Oh mother, I have learned Sultan is going today to Milan. I should like to accompany him and remain with him tonight so he will not be upset tomorrow." "No, Teddi. You also will need rest. You shall fly into Milan tomorrow morning and be with Satan most of the day. There will be plenty of time to calm him, especially if you take his favorite sugar cubes with you," she said smiling. Still concerned, I continue to ask: "Do you really believe he will be fine?" "Yes Daughter, he has friends there, as he has been there many times. Besides, he knows our grooms and there shall be two of them accompanying him in addition to Mr. Johnson. All shall be well. Now go change and prepare your clothes for the program tomorrow. Oh yes, before I forget. Your part in the competition shall occur about ten. Presentation of awards for your event shall begin about eleven-thirty. This will allow you between half and one hour to change before you give your presentation. Once your presentation is finished then the awards shall be given and the Intermediate entries shall commence. As this is not a complete event but a trial of only Dressage, there shall be no cross-country riding. You may change your clothing in the room next to Sultan's stall. One of our bodyguards will be there to prevent others access to the room." "Thank-you, Mother. I believe I shall take a little time to bring my diary up to date before returning for supper. Are we formal this evening?" "No Teddi. As are you, Her Majesty would like to take a holiday from her crown while at the Estate." "Thank-you mother. Bye Your Majesty, I'll see you at supper." "Good Day, Teddi. She is very sweet Catherine, but a little impetuous, is she not..." I was out past the 'Guard' and on my way up the stairs passing John who is coming down. I am pleased to note he is wearing the automatic as well as his revolver. He greets me as we pass: "Good afternoon, Your High, I mean, Miss Winchester." "Good Afternoon, John. The Queen is in the study," and I am up and into my room closing the door. I shower, putting on fresh clothing. Then I spend the next two hours writing. I have caught up to this afternoon and am now ready to go back downstairs.

Opening the door to the landing, I notice a little red ribbon attached to the frame. I had not noticed this when I entered, therefore I remove it. I then walk around the landing toward the 'Guard' nearest to me. He was one of the new ones as I do not recognize him and he is not wearing an automatic. "Excuse me, have you noticed... Yes, there is one on Her Majesties' doorjamb as well. Could you tell me where I might find John?" "Yes Miss, he is downstairs in a conference." "I see, then could you possibly tell me if you happened to see who placed this ribbon upon my doorway and another upon that of the Queen? Excuse me," I called to the other 'Guard' member, "would you please check the door to the Princess' room and determine if a red ribbon has been placed upon either it or the molding around it?" "Pardon Miss, but by what authority do you..." "By my authority as a Royal Personage, Princess Teddi Winchester." "Here now, Jeffrey, check the Princess' doorway for a small red ribbon, would you now?" The guardsman turned to the doorway and replied, "Yes there is one here." "Remove it and give it to me." I command as I walk over removing the one from the Queen's doorway. "I shall learn if this is something we should be concerned about. Thank-you gentlemen for your cooperation." "Here Miss is that a weapon you are wearing?" I glance at my pistol and say; "It certainly is not a watch fob. Of course it is a weapon, and a very fine weapon at that." "Oh beg your pardon Your Highness... I was told you were here but had no description." I sigh and ask, "Were you not also told I prefer not to be called 'Your highness' while in the Villa?" "Ah... Yes, Your... eh... Yes Miss. I beg your pardon, Miss." "Quite all right, I presume you will both recognize me in the future?" "Given a little time, Miss." "Fair enough, God Bless you gentlemen." I turn and walk downstairs taking the ribbons with me.

As the doors are closed leading into the study and two men are standing guard outside those doors, I ask if John is in the study. They say he is but may not be disturbed. "Would you give him a message for me. Please tell him I must see him as soon as this meeting is concluded. Thank-you." "And who may we say needs to see him Miss?" "Princess Teddi, and I shall be in the breakfast nook for a short while, thank-you. Tell him it could be rather important." I walk to the nook and find a cold pitcher of milk. Pouring a half a glass, I sit and slowly sip at it as I formulate my day tomorrow. I hope I may travel to Milan sufficiently early to ride Sultan a little and learn the location of the competition as compared with Sultan's stall. As time shall be so short, it will not do to become lost. Now this is amazing, I am totally calm. I hope this does not mean I shall be a disaster tomorrow. My only nemesis is that one routine. I must remember to sit back and not lean forward and all shall be well. I know now! That is the reason I am having difficulty.

During my performance I am essentially doing that routine but I have made a jump and kick causing me to lean forward, the routine does not have either a jump or a kick. Good I shall sleep well tonight. I hear Mother, ah, they are coming in the back. Probably they had gone to the kennels, that's a fine show with all those litters totaling about sixty puppies. All delivered within a week and now eight weeks old... sixty explorers. "Hello, Your Majesty." "Hello, my dear. What do you think of all those puppies?" "Oh... I would love to have one but that would be unfair to the puppy as I have no time to spend with it." "Yes, it is a challenge at times. Margaret would like to have one but the same problem exists. Then, soon enough she shall have no time for herself. I must tell you, I did not think this would be good for her, but now I believe a week or two here may help her to remove some rough edges." "You do not believe I am subversive in my views, Your Majesty?" "No... No, Not at all. A little impetuous perhaps, and rather self-assured, but then so was I at your age. No young lady, I believe you may be a positive influence upon Margaret." And then more quietly: "So long, of course, as you stop 'picking' upon the Captains of my... 'Yard and Guard', I believe you called them." "I shall endeavor to be a bit more restrained your Majesty." "Thank-you, I am certain they shall appreciate that." "Your Majesty, is Sir Oliver here, you may have seen I asked the Aldoennetti's for some weapons which I provided to several of your 'Guard' and some training to go along with them. I have another for Sir Oliver, should he be here." "We thank you for that, Teddi. I understand you are quite a sharpshooter." "I give it an effort, your Majesty. Those whom I have taught are now quite good. I would have a difficult time should I happen to go up against them collectively. They could probably succeed in out shooting me." "And if you went up against them singly?" "Truthfully? I would probably come away scathed but alive. I don't know that I could say the same for them."

"I understand you are obtaining permits from the European community to teach people in the use of these weapons." "That is true, Your Majesty." "Excellent! There is a range on the property?" "Yes, Your Majesty." "Good, Teach me Friday." "Your Majesty?" "You heard me, didn't you? I didn't stutter. I said 'Teach'... No, please excuse me Teddi. Would you teach me to shoot, Friday, Teddi?" "Yes, Your Highness and Sir Oliver also if you wish." "No, It is Our... my... desire that you and I go to the range alone and there you shall teach me in the use of one of these... weapons." "Yes Your Majesty. I shall do that and I shall give to you one of MY personal automatics which I know functions well." "Catherine, you are quite correct, she is indeed a charmer. Thank-you Teddi, and I shall expect you to perform well in the competition tomorrow." "Thank-you Your Majesty, I have been practicing diligently. By your leave Your Majesty, I would like to see Sultan before he departs for Milan." "Oh Teddi," says mother, "he is gone. They departed about an hour past." "Oh... When may I go tomorrow? May I leave early so I might ride him a little in the morning and have time to dry and brush him before the competition?" "That may be arranged, Teddi. We shall speak of this a little later. Her Majesty desires to go to her room for a short while before supper." "We don't mind this, Catherine. She is like a breath of fresh air, using the titles carefully so as not to offend but treating me equally with others. If everyone did that, this truly would be a holiday. Teddi, I shall have my chancellor contact the Aldoennetti's some time in the future, perhaps we may arrange for your Royal visit to England and possibly to our residence in Wales." "Thank-you, Your Majesty. I suppose the entire event shall be all Pomp and Circumstance?" I ask. "I suppose it shall, Teddi. But then do you know a better way for our two countries to become friends once again?" "Do you mean England and Italy? I suppose I should become accustomed to Italy being my country as I shall be living most of my life here." "My dear, you are not Italian? I was under the impression you were." "Oh no. Actually I was born in the United States. However, most of my life has been spent in Europe since I was but a little girl. My title is not hereditary but conferred by those who became as my mother and father." "Yes, I recall now. My dear, you carry it well. I should not be surprised should you someday become a queen." I curtsied saying: "Thank-you, Your Majesty." She went out and off to her room. "Mother did you ask her to tell me that?" "Teddi, No. I did no such thing. One does not tell a Queen what to say. I am, however, very pleased she has said that to you. I have tried to tell you that you are a princess and you have not believed me. Now, perhaps?" "Perhaps, mother. But I don't want to be a queen, I want to marry Jerry." "A princess may not always have that which she wants, Teddi." "Mother..?!" now more frightened than ever before.

"Excuse me, Your Highness, Signora. I believe you sent for me Your Highness?" "John... Oh! Yes I did. I found these ribbons attached to the door-frames of the Queens', Margaret's, and my bedrooms. The 'Guard' on duty at the rooms could not explain them, is there some significance to these or are they unknown to you?" "Thank-you Your Highness but, yes these belong where you found them. I had only placed them a short while ago. They are to allow my men to learn where the Royal Rooms are located. We shall remove them before this night is over." "I suppose if they will be removed soon. I must say I shall sleep with a pistol in my hand tonight for they are a wonderful way for an assassin to find the royalty. Here are the ribbons, you may place them back upon the door frames." "Thank-you, Your... Miss Winchester." "You're welcome, John. I'm sorry I ruined your plans." "Quite all right, Miss Winchester. We're becoming accustomed to your checking up on us, Almost like being in training again." He comments, waving as he exits through the doorway. "Well mother, I suppose I should go up and wash again before supper. Oh yes, do we have a map of the competition area? I would like to learn where I am and where I am going so I do not become lost. As I do not speak Italian I may have a problem finding anyone who may direct me." "Do not worry daughter. You shall be escorted every step of the way, and even if you were not, almost everyone there speaks passable English. Even the competition's announcements shall be in French, Italian, and English. Occasionally in other languages as well, depending upon the entries nationalities." "Oh good! Thank-you mother, that's another concern removed from my mind. The only other major concern had been the two elements I had been confusing with those which I used in your present, but now I have them understood also." She asked which and we spoke of them for a short time. I remember them correctly now.

As supper is only half an hour away and I still need to wash it is back up to my room I go, passing yet two more men whom I do not recognize. This may require a little time for me as well as for them. "Good Evening, Miss." "Good Evening, Gentlemen. Relaxing, or do you all travel in pairs now?" "In pairs, Miss. When it begins to become dark one could easily be overpowered." "I hadn't given that any thought before. Is the 'Guard' patrolling the grounds as well? And, if so, would it help to have the tree-line lights turned on? This would have the effect of rendering anyone coming out of the trees toward the Villa to either be illuminated or be a dark shadow against the lighted trees." "You're the instructor aren't you Miss?" "Whatever do you mean?" "Well Miss, we've heard there is a Royal staying here who is pretty good at security and a frightening accurate shot. You wouldn't happen to be her now would you Miss." "And what if I were? Would that make a difference in my question or your answer?" "No Miss, it's just been a while since an instructor was sent to check up on us. I guess we were about due. How are we doing so far?" "Allow me to put it this way, If I were an assassin, you and the three gentlemen watching us from above would all be dead. The four others in the upstairs rooms would probably follow you very closely with the only remaining protection coming from below and far above. Both of these would be covered for in an attack such as this I hardly believe I would have entered the Villa alone." "Yes Miss, and if we were armed?" "As you may now see that would not have made much difference." Producing my two pistols from behind my back and placing them into their pockets as I continue: "I am sufficiently accurate that even with all of us running, at a distance under 50 feet with either hand I could have placed two out of two into your heads such that if you were wearing armor you would still have died." "I told you she is good." "John! Must you continue to test me?" "No your High... forgive me, Miss Winchester. Some of my men just don't believe that which they are told. They didn't see the targets. They also didn't see you shoot your target with the machine pistol while watching us and not the target. That's something I would like to learn." "Sir John, you also did not tell us that she may palm a weapon without detection and has the will to shoot." "I told you she has killed before, and that she may,.. nay, will hit a

shilling every shot at fifty feet." "Gentlemen, please! Inform everyone to stop this probing of my determination. Someone may become seriously hurt as a result. Having been successfully targeted once by an assassin, I shall not permit that to occur again without exterminating as many of the perpetrators as is possible. This is not a game to me. I will kill to protect myself. That will be all gentlemen, you may go." "Yes, Your Highness." I continue to my rooms closing the landing door. Then, drawing the automatics from their pockets, I search the rooms. Finding them to be clear, I remove my blouse to freshen myself a little. Returning from the bathroom I tug the blouse to it's place upon my body and the pistols to their pockets. I then lay back upon the bed and am instantly asleep.

It seems only seconds have gone by when a knock at the landing door awakens me. I enter the sitting room and call, "Who is it?" "Teddi, it is Jerry. It is time for supper are you coming down?" "Jerry, please come in." As he was entering, I walk over to him and close the door behind him. Wrapping my arms around him I stand on my toes and kiss him hungrily, pressing my body against his. He returns my kisses and we stand in passions embrace. "Oh Jerry, I wish we could be like this forever. I wish we could go to bed as husband and wife and mate to produce our children. I hunger for the feel of you, for the love of you. I need to feel your passion driving inside me and the life we may make within my body. I love you more than you may ever imagine. I thank God you desire me to be your wife." "Teddi, Teddi. You do not know how I have wished to hear this from a woman. You shall be the one who shall feel me and bear our children. You shall be my wife and my love." We continue to hold each other close for a few more precious moments as we both realise now could not be the time. "Come, my dearest love, come to supper." "Yes Jerry, please allow me a moment to put on a little perfume, and I shall be with you." As I retreat to the bedroom and my dresser to find my perfume, he once again opens the landing door, standing there waiting for my return. We walk out to the landing, closing the door behind us and arm in arm take the stairs down and go on to the dining room.

Upon reaching the dining room, we find everyone present save the queen, whom I know is on her way as we have heard the 'Guard' upstairs 'snap to' just as we enter the dining room. We are guided to seats but do not sit together, Margaret is to the right of a central seat and I am seated to the left. Obviously that seat is for the Queen. We all stand as she enters but no one bows or curtsies for we have all received dispensation during her stay at the Villa. I will be happy when I may sit next to Jerry again. Sophia & Alphonso are here tonight so we have eight at supper.

Conversation remains somewhat light with little reference to politics. Any such that did occur were more those one would hear over any supper table and not directed at England or Italy from the other. The meal is good as usual and conversation pleasant. "My Dear," the Queen directed at me, "tell me a little of your competition tomorrow. I have been informed of the principles of Dressage and some elements which may come into play. There is more to this than just Dressage. Within Dressage how are the elements you are to demonstrate decided?" "Your Majesty, I believe the judge shall decide the elements for which I shall be responsible. How well each is performed and I suppose how well I may integrate the selected elements will decide my overall standing. Then, of course, there are the jumps and the cross country event which, by the way, has been eliminated from the beginners competition . At our arena I have been judged only for each individual Dressage element and not how well I may integrate them. Although after the judging of my elements and the jumps and all those in the First Level field, I hope to demonstrate in a special presentation how they may be integrated by using them descriptively along with music as the medium to tell a story." "I shall look forward to seeing this, my dear. Would any of you care to go for an evening walk? I find a short walk after supper aids in the digestion." "Of course, Your Majesty. A walk may help me to remain trim. I am loath to say I tend to overeat when on holiday and Sultan may not want me to continue to ride him if I should become too heavy." "Teddi, I know exactly what you mean. But the food is quite good isn't it." "Yes your Majesty," I replied quietly as if whispering, "but I hesitate to tell the cooks because they may then conspire to come up with even more scrumptious meals, and even higher calorie content which I simply could not pass without at least sampling three or four times." This had the desired effect of bringing laughter to everyone's lips. We excuse ourselves from the table and walk to the front door. As we exit, the 'Guard' begin to scramble to provide protection/ surveillance for us. I note the tree-line lights have indeed been illuminated, providing a moat of light out at a distance several hundred feet around the Villa.

As we speak quietly, we walk along the paths Catherine and I had taken on a previous day. The Queen seems quite at ease as though walking in strange surroundings is an everyday occurrence. "You are never allowed the opportunity to simply be a woman for a few hours are you, Your Majesty? There are always people like myself reminding you, or different surroundings, or the 'Yard or Guard' present to remind you of your duties which preclude any opportunities there may be." I asked. "That is true, Teddi. Although it is not so dismal as you imagine. With time, one becomes accustomed to the changing surroundings and to the constant companions. Enough such that I am able to forget far more often than you may suppose. That is a portion of my reasoning allowing Margaret this brief period of escape. She is high upon the list of successors and should she become the queen she may never know the luxury of being a young woman without a Title. I am trusting you to protect her during this escapade and to return her to me with the knowledge you have acquired." "Knowledge I have acquired?" "Certainly! You are a Princess. You carry yourself well, you are knowledgeable, more importantly you have had contact with the more pedestrian of those occupying this world with us. You have learned to allow them their views and to continue to strive for the betterment of all. This is something which must be learned. It is far easier to learn it by making contact with those people than it is to read about it. You have learned the secret of allowing everyone to feel as though they are royalty. This gives everyone the impression you truly care about their problems while suppressing your own. Eventually, you are actually attempting to solve their problems and better their lives without forcing your methods down their collective throats. I know you will not have Margaret with you for enough time to teach her all this but there is also next year and the next. Hopefully, the two of you may become good friends and shall continue to communicate for years to come. My dear, will you be riding for the Colonies or will you ride for Italy in the competition tomorrow?" "For Italy, Your Highness. Most specifically for the Aldoennetti Family." "I see. When do you expect to marry?" "The wedding has been tentatively scheduled for next summer, as Jerry will be studying at Cambridge beginning in October." "Cambridge? Well, Well... We of course will be invited?" "Oh yes! Would you attend? I would love to have you here." "I believe once you know the date, I shall schedule it into my calendar. I should very much like Margaret to witness a royal wedding for one of her friends. How old are you my dear?" "I shall be twenty in December, Your Majesty." "Still quite young. Are you certain of this course of action?" "As certain as love allows one to be, Your Majesty." "Yes, I understand." "Your Majesty?" "Yes, my dear?" "You said, just moments ago, I am one of Margaret's friends. We have only recently met. How could we be friends so soon?" "It is, I suppose, like being in love. One cannot be certain about it, it simply exists. I believe a portion of friendship is trust, and you have her trust for you have demonstrated more than once that you are concerned for her welfare without being smothering. You wish her to be able to make her own decisions, be they correct or not, while you are close enough to protect her from the results of incorrect decisions as best you may. One may not ask for more in a friend." "It is not always possible to protect someone, Your Majesty, however diligently one may attempt to do so." "That is true, Teddi, but part of that protection is the prevention of impetuous decisions." "Your Majesty, I shall endeavor to protect Princess Margaret and return her to you well and whole." "Thank-you, one may not ask for more."

We pause to look at some of the flowers present along the path and begin to discuss these and the other beauty present all around us. She decides she will ask Catherine for a few plants to transfer to England for their garden. There are a number of beautiful varieties around us, of which some she has not seen in the garden she walks so often. "Is it terribly lonely, Your Majesty?" "Sometimes, Teddi, sometimes. One may be surrounded by people and still it is lonely. It is the price one must pay." "Has it been lonely for Margaret also?" "I suppose, although she has greater freedoms than I. These shall begin to diminish as she grows older." "Until two weeks past, my freedoms had not been infringed. But with the attempt upon my life I began to rapidly learn that to be recognized is not always a good thing. I have become more reclusive in my ways, observing all those about me when out in public. Where I was once a young woman just two weeks ago, I have overnight become a woman who watches for potential attackers. I do not want to teach this to Margaret. She deserves the innocence for as long as is possible. Does she not, Your Majesty?" "That is precisely why you shall protect her, Teddi, much as you did a few nights ago in England. She was completely unaware that you were doing so, because you turned it into a game. You are a Princess of the people and shall allow my Princess to remain an innocent young woman for a little longer. She deserves the illusion of freedom even for a short period, and I know of no one whom I would trust more to provide her that illusion. You have overpowered my 'Guard' and worked your way into trust. You have continued to teach them and have entreated them to provide a more diligent protection for their sovereign. You have accomplished these things by once again creating a 'game', a competition between them and yourself. Each of you must provide the greatest protection. It is by protecting me that they may prove their worth to you. That you have provided the means to them makes it doubly important to them. Someone, unbidden, has said to them 'I do not believe you are doing all that you might do.' and they are trying to prove you wrong. When we go to the range Friday, we shall go alone. There shall be no 'Guard' to protect us." "Your Majesty, do you think that wise? What would it hurt to allow them to attend and to observe?" "Oh they shall, we shall not allow them to be with us, but they shall surround us very quietly and unobtrusively to allow me my illusion of freedom. They must, for the competition shall become stronger for the fact I feel protected with you alone accompanying me. They shall needs be near." I smile at her: "I think Your Majesty knows well how to play the games also." "One attempts to do so, Teddi. Politics is an excellent training field for the games."

We continue walking along the pathway when I suddenly think to ask: "Your Majesty, have you any background in the use of firearms? I ask, that I may plan a course of action for us to provide you the greatest and safest training possible in the use of the semiautomatic pistol." "Yes, Teddi. I have fired skeet and some revolver. No particular safety concerns were shown to me." "I see, I believe you must understand some cautions regarding the handling of the weapons. It is possible, however unlikely, to unintentionally discharge a weapon when taking it up or even while simply handling it. Therefore safety is always an issue... even with a revolver or shotgun. What time do you wish to begin Friday, would eight in the morning be too early? For then we could possibly be finished by noon." "Teddi, you are the instructor. Eight it shall be." That settled, all I need do now is inform Giorani such that he may provide targets, ammunition, and hearing protectors for us to take out to the range. In addition he may bring one of the machine pistols and a few hundred rounds of ammunition to me that the Queen may also try her hand at firing a fully automatic weapon. "Oh, Your Majesty, one more thing. Do you wish Margaret to receive training in the use and handling of a pistol? I was slightly younger when I began to learn." "That I shall decide Friday after we have been to the range. Should I say yes, then there shall be plenty of opportunity for you to begin teaching her during the following week. We do not, however, wish her to have her own firearm." "I am in complete agreement your Majesty. I did not have my own weapon until some years later. But at least I did have sufficient training to be safe with one should emergency dictate." "It is beginning to cool, We believe We shall return to the Villa." "As you wish, Your Majesty." Turning to another path which would take us to the final path back to the Villa we see several of the 'Guard' fade back along that path where they had been paralleling and in some areas passing us to clear a way. They really are quite good and most of the time it is very difficult to hear them. I must be certain to praise them on their efforts before they depart.

Daylight remains, even after our return to the Villa although the time is past seven. During the summer, dawn occurs shortly after five and dusk occurs a little before eight allowing for an extended day and the ability for me to accomplish a great deal. I have gone up to my room and am carefully selecting my clothes for the competition and presentation tomorrow. Although the four riding outfits are supposedly identical, use has altered them slightly. This has allowed certain items to fit better than those which have been used slightly less. I carefully select my primary pair for the competition, the most comfortable backup pair for an emergency. That completed, I take out my culottes, blouse, belt and holster. I then decide I will not wear my holster and sidearm during the competition, nor during the presentation. I bring out my sash, Royal Star, and tiara which I shall wear immediately after my presentation. In the event I do take an award during the competition it would be necessary that I receive it while wearing my culottes, therefore the pistol, sash, star, and tiara will be worn at the time of the acceptance of such an award. I no longer am concerned about placing first. All that matters is my ability to communicate with Sultan and to remain his friend. He has tried to please me many times and has learned little tricks like that flick of his tail during that certain beat of the music. I indicate to him that it is time to do it but he remembers the music as well as do I. We are even prepared to bow to the Judge. It is becoming late and I must rest. I have written all this now for tomorrow morning will be too hectic for me to accomplish everything and take the time to write.

I PLACED FIRST!

As we are returning, the Queen congratulates me, and Margaret is so excited she may hardly wait to begin Events and Dressage when she goes home. I am forgetting the details. The morning started innocuously enough. I dress and partake of a roll and milk. Upstairs once again, I gather my changes of clothing, the pistol, tiara, etc., into a case for transport. We fly out at seven and arrive at the arena by eight. One bodyguard and I travel from the airport to the arena in a separate vehicle from that of everyone else as we go directly to the stables while everyone else is going to the stands. Several bodyguards and eight of the 'Guard' have flown in earlier, securing a location at the airport and the arena box as well as the path to the box. I have an opportunity to brush Sultan for a short while and then we ride around for a few minutes. As I check everything once again, a man arrives to guide Sultan and myself to the arena where we await our turn in the competition. In my case, I have been tested at the Estate for my knowledge of Dressage and have proven knowledgeable. Now my knowledge is being compared to that of others who have been similarly tested and proven. Our ability to demonstrate our knowledge and to combine elements is now to be put to the test. Control over our horse is ever paramount, if that should fail then all else is inconsequential. The others are extraordinary, I have some very good competition. Most are a little younger than I, perhaps fifteen or sixteen, with a few younger or older than that. At nineteen, I am the oldest participant. The youngest a mere twelve. I present myself to the judge and receive my instructions. We then wheel and trot off to the starting location. The jumps are first for me. None is so high as those we surmounted at the villa, but for some reason these seem more difficult, perhaps it is because it is a test. Sultan performs flawlessly, every step an art form, however my act could use a great deal of polish. I nearly forget portions of some simple routines, I am so excited. I have tried very hard not to place any commands upon the reins as this is the most noticeable area of control. When we finish we are once again before the judge. There we bow, wheel, and depart the arena. My bodyguard collects me and leads us back to the stable where I change to my culottes and request the other items to be carried to the ring where I may collect and wear them after my demonstration which follows soon after the completion of this competition. All too soon, the competition ends and the jumps and barriers are being placed. A diagram of the pattern used at the Estate dictates the placement and height or spacing to each item. Fifteen minutes later all is ready and the announcement of the demonstration begins.

Moments after the voice dies away, Sultan and I walk into the arena and the music begins. We advance through the presentation just as we had for Catherine back at the Estate. The arena is quiet save for the music. When we finally jump the chasm and escaped our pursuers the arena breaks into applause and we gallop out. Once outside we rapidly turn and wait for the second selection to begin. Quietly it starts and we reenter. Those present suddenly hush as they realise the music once again is playing. During the second selection, Sultan twitches his tail to the music at precisely the correct time eliciting a collective laugh from the audience. We continue through the routines, many of which are dressage elements demonstrated directly but to music. When we finish our dancing we depart the arena once more to thunderous applause. Many who had departed for a brief period and missed all or part of the first selection, had heard the music and returned to witness all of the second. Outside the arena, I retrieve my sidearm, sash, Star, and tiara and have carefully positioned them with the help of the bodyguard. I check my pistol and it's spare magazines and may now only await the award ceremony for the Beginners competition. As the jumps and barriers are disassembled the speakers begin to announce: "Third place,.." she rides in to applause and receives her ribbon. "Second place,.." yet another young woman with victory in her grasp. I cannot have placed first so that means I did not practice enough. I hope Catherine will not be too upset with me. Finally "First place,.." They call me! I shriek and bounce into Sultan's saddle. We prance into the arena and over to the judge, bowing low to him. He smiles at us and hands me the ribbon which I hold up for everyone to see, most especially Catherine, Mr. Johnson, the Queen and Margaret. The applause had been polite at the announcement of First place but when I ride in the crowd goes wild. It is frightening and exciting. The announcer is down near the judge who is attempting to say something. Finally everyone is controlled and quiet and the judge speaks in French to the announcer who is nodding his head. Finally finished, the judge waits for the announcer to tell everyone what he has said. It was repeated, first in French, then Italian, and finally in English. "It is the pleasure of a judge once or twice in his lifetime to witness a truly extraordinary performance of Dressage in the beginners class. Seldom does the true bonding of horse and rider become as evident as it has here today. We are fortunate to have not one, but three such skilled competitors for the first place ribbon. The span between first and second place was just one point, with third place trailing by only two. The winner lost only two points in her performance, the second place lost three, the third losing five. I thank you all for permitting me to witness your truly extraordinary horsemanship." The three of us applaud the judge, I ask Sultan to once again bow to him, and we three wheel about and ride out of the arena together.

I dismount, then the bodyguard, Sultan, and I walk back to the stable. Once there, I remove his saddle and blanket, give him his two sugar cubes and begin to dry and brush him talking to him all the while. Finally Mr. Johnson arrives, "Don't relax too much young lady. You have two more performances to give." "I beg your pardon? I thought there was only one competition for me." "That is correct. You had only one competition, but the judge enjoyed your musical performance so well that he requested you also perform during the tally intervals for the other competitions as well. He noted your tiara and thought you were one of the British royalty and so sent word to the Queen. Catherine then went to see him and explained it all to him. If you will consent we shall need to notify the chairman now, such that the arrangements may be made to set the jumps and prepare your music again." "What did Catherine say?" "I quote, 'The decision is yours, Your Highness.'" "I see. She tells me her decision without telling me her decision. Very well! How much warning will I have to prepare?" Just enough that I shall saddle Satan while you may find two sugar cubes in the truck there. Then I shall walk you back to the arena. There will be more time between this and the next presentation as the last group is much larger." I removed my sash, star, and tiara upon arriving at the stall. Now I place them into my bag with my other clothing and the bag goes into the truck which may be locked securely. Off we go once again to the arena. Practice makes perfect. Or in this case we gradually became an invincible team which could nearly take each jump and barrier in our sleep. The second demonstration has gone as easily as the first. If there have been fewer participants in the intermediate category, it certainly is not evident by observing the number of people in the audience. It seems there are at least half again as many present watching our performance. Possibly this means there shall be a marked increase again late this afternoon. I suppose that would be logical, more people would watch the more advanced riders. As Sultan and I finish our performance we receive a standing ovation, with the judge watching our performance carefully. I suppose he has not had the opportunity to completely view it before, having been busy with his preparations for the First Level award ceremony. This time I ride Sultan back to his stall and remove the saddle and blanket. He is wiped down thoroughly, given his sugar and I begin to brush him once again. Mr. Johnson comes by and I say "so soon?" but he tells me it shall be nearly two more hours. He has come to make arraignments for Satan to be fed after the next performance and to be certain I find my way to the restaurant here on the grounds that I also might have a meal. He places the First Place ribbon onto the stall door, saying it is only the first of many I shall earn for the family collection. He is about to take me to the restaurant when I tell him I do not have any Lire for my meal, but I have my Eurocard if they accept it. So we are off and I purchase a meal for each of us.

There are a great many people here and it is a minute or so before we may locate a table at which we might sit. Two gentlemen are seated there, both of whom are speaking Italian, so Mr. Johnson speaks with them and secures permission for us to join them. Soon they are engaged in conversation and eventually our orders arrive. I did not realise how hungry I have become until I fairly devour my meal. I am considering a dessert as I realise one of the gentlemen is speaking to me. Mr. Johnson immediately translates and then the gentleman switches to English. "I am sorry, I did not realise you do not speak Italian. I was asking if that is a pistol on your belt?" I had actually forgotten I was wearing it and look down with surprise upon my face, "Yes, it is. I have forgotten to remove it." "I see, then you are here with the Queen from England?" "No, actually we are both guests of the Aldoennetti family." Mr. Johnson comes to my rescue saying, "It is nearly time for your performance, Your Highness. We had best be off." I say goodbye to the gentlemen, thanking them for allowing us to sit at the table and Mr. Johnson says something in Italian then we depart with them still sitting at the table sipping their drinks (all that remains of their meal). Once more we return to the stall, there we relax a little before preparing Sultan and going again to the arena. One last performance to an even larger crowd of people. This time they are a little more restrained in their expression of enjoyment and most clap their hands with only a few standing. Sultan and I return to the stables and once again I unsaddle him, wipe him down, and brush him thoroughly as I give him more sugar. I understand he likes carrots and apple slices, therefore I shall switch to them as they are much better for him than all this sugar. Finished with the brushing, I wait for someone to return who may unlock the truck that I might collect my things that I may go find Catherine. Finally Mr. Johnson and the two grooms return and we pack everything in preparation for their drive to the Estate.

One of our bodyguards finally comes for me, he retrieves my bag from the truck as I remove the First Place ribbon from the door. We then walk back toward the arena. A small knot of people are outside one of the many offices which have been built into the back of the viewing stands. The bodyguard and I enter through another door several offices down from that one busy office. Once inside, we walk down a short hallway to yet another door and enter. There I find the Queen, Catherine, and the gentlemen who are the members of the Italian competition committee. I curtsey to Her Majesty and listen to that which is being said, understanding none of it. Shortly Catherine comes over taking me into the hall where she explains. During the competition, the judge apparently misjudged me in my performance. For whatever reason, he has removed two points from my score when in fact the points removed were not a part of the First Level scoring. My score should have been recorded as flawless. Apparently for some reason the judge felt I was more advanced than a beginner. Upon learning that I had begun my training only a few months earlier ("He would not have believed us if we told him you have been riding only two weeks, so we shall say you have been practicing for four months"), he then questioned the lack of a bridle and reins during my presentation. "He may not change your score, but he shall place an explanation of the error into your score-book and the copies which go back to France. If that committee allows the explanation then your score shall be changed to perfect. This will place you with a select few of less than perhaps fifty. Should you continue with perfect scores through your next three levels you shall become one with less than ten who have demonstrated this ability." "Catherine, when might we learn of the decision?" "I do not believe it shall be too long, Teddi. You were riding for Italy, and so our presentation committee shall press the matter, for this will make you the third such perfect score for Italy. It was for this reason they examined your score so thoroughly and happily found the error." "What does this mean to me, mother? It does not change my placing First!" "It means you study all the more, Teddi. We have an opportunity to bring a little prestige to Italy. Come, the judge may need to question you." We reenter the room and are conducted to another where the judge is talking into a telephone. As we wait, Catherine translates for me that which he is saying and surmises he is speaking with a member of the French committee. As the conversation continues, she says there may be several members speaking with the judge. He finally puts the handset back on it's cradle and turns to another gentleman. It is decided. I and Sultan must travel to France where we shall be tested once again 'au rigueur' by the French committee. If I am to pass with a perfect score before them then the score shall be recorded as perfect with 'flourish' whatever that may be. It must be good because Catherine is terribly excited. The judge is speaking with her now, and is smiling at me. Catherine turns and tells me I will face a trial in France Tuesday morning. Two young women from another country are also undergoing the trials but they are experts who are attempting to break a deadlock which has continued now for more than three years. "He has also requested you take with you your music and the charts for the jumps and barriers. You will be tested and then you shall present your entertainment for the committee before they shall decide. Teddi, when you receive 'flourishes' you shall be the first for Italy and the fourteenth in Europe in the First Level." Now, I am frightened! This seems to be so important, and everyone, just everyone expects me to accomplish it. I shall be chaperoned by Catherine (and several bodyguards, of course). The judge takes my hand and wishes me good fortune. He seems to believe I may accomplish this feat of magic. What does 'au rigueur' mean? How much time will the trial require? Ten minutes seemed forever, I cannot imagine how long a committee may test my knowledge, they may have an hour or more available to them.

As my mind continues to spin in confusion, excitement, and terror, we ferret out our party members (the Queen, Margaret, Father and Jerry) and proceed together to a restaurant for supper. This must drive the 'Guard' absolutely mad. It is a celebration of sorts. I have placed First and may become the first representative for Italy to obtain a perfect score with 'flourishes'. I haven't the faintest idea what significance that may hold. Supper is delicious, Margaret and I spend a great deal of time looking at the Ribbon and score-book, especially the sheet with the explanation (in French). Catherine has translated it for us (several times) as I try to make sense of it all. I suppose all that matters is Tuesday morning, when I present myself and Sultan before the French Committee. The owner of the restarante stops at our table and speaks with the signore and Catherine. Then he takes my hand leading me up to the little stage where the musicians play and gestures to everyone for silence. Catherine accompanies me and translates as he tell his assemblage that Italy is sending a representative to France for further testing in eventing and that Italy may earn it's third ever beginners ribbon with flourishes. Everyone cheers and applauds. Why does everyone know what this means? I ask Catherine what "au rigueur" means and she tells me she will explain later. We return to our table and are soon ready to depart, once again to applause.

I am beginning to become very tired. Fortunately we are going back to the Villa after supper. Finally we return to the aircraft and depart for the Estate. I awaken as the aircraft lands, to find my head on Jerry's shoulder, the score-book and ribbon still clutched tightly in my hand. I need to sleep, tomorrow I will be training the Queen in the use of a semi-automatic pistol and a machine pistol, and more practice, practice, practice with Sultan. I awaken shortly after six, sleepyhead again. Dressing in my clean pastel blue culottes and a dark blue print blouse, I place my pistol belt at my waist and check my ammunition and weapons. Then wipe down the weapon which has collected a little dust due to the ride yesterday. Gathering the 9mm equipment and selecting the boxes of 7mm match ammunition Giorani brought for me yesterday, I place it all together with my third pistol, it's holster, and magazines. Giorani has provided four boxes of 9mm ammunition in addition to that already in the magazines. The extra 7mm boxes mean when we finish the training and I provide the Queen with four boxes of ammunition to take to England I shall not be diminishing my own stockpile. On second thought, I decide to lock the pistols in the cabinet provided for that purpose. I remove the key from the night table and unlock the cabinet. When I open the doors I discover an arsenal. Here are many boxes of ammunition, two bolt action hunting rifles (7mm), a shotgun, two 11mm pistols, and a rifle similar to the one I had fired at the demonstration in the States. As I check the ammunition I find at least two boxes for each weapon. I am an army. I also place the machine pistol into the cabinet with the other weapons before again locking it's door. The key goes into my pocket and I depart for the breakfast nook (I am starving, that usually means I am nervous). I wave to the 'Guard' as I walk out and turn toward the stairs. They wave back and I continue on my way. Downstairs there are two more 'Guard', one at the foot of each of the stairways. "Good Morning, Miss Winchester." "Good Morning, it is Tom isn't it?" "Yes, Miss." "Good Morning, Tom. Has the Queen been down as yet?" "Oh, yes Miss. She is having breakfast with Signora Aldoennetti." "Thank-you Tom." "You're welcome, Miss."

I continue to the nook and curtsey to the Queen as I enter, rising again even as she is telling me to do so. "Good Morning." I say to both of them and walk to the bar to find a roll and perhaps a piece of meat. As I move down to the cold items I pour myself a little milk and discover carrot sticks. Turning, I smile at Catherine, "I'm afraid I will not be able to give any to Sultan this morning. The Queen and I are going to the range this morning." "You may not see him again until Monday, Teddi. He will be leaving this morning for France so he may arrive in time to become accustomed to those smells." "Perhaps then I may take a few to him before he departs, if I finish my breakfast quickly?" "All right, Teddi; but not too many. And do not wolf your food down, remember one of your guests is present, be polite." "I'm sorry, Mother. Please forgive me, Your Majesty." "Of course, Teddi. Catherine, I have been meaning to ask, why does she call you 'mother' when addressing you?" Catherine answers: "I do not have a daughter and she is so much a member of the family I have asked her to so address me, for she seems like the daughter I have not had." "And you Teddi, are you simply being polite or is Catherine the mother you wish you had?" "Oh yes, Your Majesty. She is a wonderful Mother. I am learning so much and she is so kind, yet firm. She is the Mother I need in order to learn to be a proper young woman. OH! Mother, with whom do I speak to arrange for a car for the queen and I to go out to the range? There will be just we two... and the equipment of course." "And who will drive the car and provide for your protection?" "Her Majesty said she just wanted the two of us to go, Mother. Do you believe that will be sufficient?" "Catherine, it is our desire that just Teddi and I go to the range. We shall learn to shoot and we shall talk without all the trappings and circumstance of day to day government." "Teddi, I have never asked." mother turned to me, "Do you know how to drive?" "Yes mother, I have a license from the United States, and have driven to and from work (well, in my mind anyway) and frequently (twice on the La Jolla property) when Jerry and I have gone somewhere which did not require a chauffeur or limousine. I have been watching how people drive here and it is not all that different." "Very well, if Her Majesty feels safe about it I shall have the Land Rover brought about to the front for you." "Thank-you mother. I have finished my breakfast, if you both will excuse me I shall go say goodbye to Sultan and then come back and load the car." as I rise, I curtsey, "Your Majesty" and rise once more going to the bar, placing ten or fifteen carrot sticks (they are small!!) into a napkin, then am out the door, down the hallway, and on my way to the stables. I find Sultan at his stall and slowly present the carrot sticks to him lest he try to wolf them all down at once. He happily munches away on them as I occasionally sneak a small slice of apple into the tidbits I am feeding him. I hug him, and begin to brush him. Soon I absolutely must return to the Villa for it is very nearly eight. I tell him goodbye and say I shall see him again very soon, just as the grooms come in to prepare to take him to France. Upon reaching the Villa I see the Land Rover out front. I enter the building and go to my room to retrieve the weaponry. It is necessary for me to take two trips in order to bring it all down. During the first trip I secure the keys for the vehicle from the ignition and note the vehicle uses a clutch, not my favorite choice but at least I have driven a clutch vehicle in the past. My second trip down I carry my third automatic (which I am giving to the Queen) and the fully automatic pistol and it's three spare magazines, which Giorani provided packed in a shoulder bag. I locate the Queen in the study and we walk together out to the Land Rover. As she surmised, the members of the 'Guard' are not pleased but may say very little as she is in my company (and I am obviously armed to the teeth).

We drive to the range (moderately successfully) and I check the range shed finding plenty of targets and the hearing protectors. Also present is a machine pistol, three magazines and six boxes of ammunition in another shoulder bag. I place these into the rear of the rover not to be used as I do not know the source of these items and cannot vouch as to their pedigree. The weapon may be faulty, or the ammunition explosive due to tampering or any of a number of other scenarios. Explaining this to Her Majesty, we decide not to use any of it. I unload our equipment from the vehicle and carry it out to the cleaning tables, then we remove targets, four initially, and carry them out to the ten meter distance. I explain this is the shortest distance at which we shall be shooting and we will increase the distance as she progresses in accuracy. We return to the firing line where she is presented my and now her automatic, and a cleaning kit (which was placed on the bench) whereby we may clean the weapons. Basically today shall be a repeat that which occurred with the Guard's training. We spend perhaps forty minutes learning safety, aiming, chambering and removing a 'live' round from the weapon. Then the actual shooting begins. Initially a magazine with two bullets is handed to her and I ask her to hold her weapon pointed in a safe direction (downrange) while placing the magazine into the weapon. The weapon on safe, she then chambers a bullet, aims at target number one and removes the safety. I ask her to fire one shot in the manner in which we had practiced, which she does. Now I ask her to fire the second shot at the same place on the target. Her weapon empty, she places it on safety without my request and removes the magazine. I pick up the machine pistol and shoulder bag and we walk out to the target to see where her shots have landed. She is a surprisingly good shot. Returning to the firing line we load all of her magazines and go through the ritual again and again. By eleven she is as capable as her 'Guard'. "Your Majesty, you have been shooting much more than you have told me for you are as good as any of your 'Guard' at this distance. Are you now willing to try rapid fire?" "Whatever you believe should be proper, Teddi." Again we load her magazines and I demonstrate one magazine in my pistol at the rapid fire rate. I had her shooting at a different target with the slow fire group on the left and the rapid fire group on the right much as in the manner I have demonstrated. I reload my magazine before I allow her to commence. This I explain is necessary for if we were suddenly to need to protect ourselves, the number of fully loaded magazines could make a significant difference to our successful defense. "If we are more than one, we do not allow both to have empty weapons at the same time. The ability to maintain a near steady rate of fire at an enemy will make the difference between life and death." After she has produced four sets of slow and rapid fire groupings we again load all magazines, insert one into the weapon and while on safety, chamber a round. The weapon is placed into it's holster (belted to her waist), then I take up the machine pistol and the shoulder bag and we stroll out to the targets. Her groupings are quite good, but she is intrigued with my groupings. My slow fire group is about one and a quarter inch, my rapid fire group is about two inches. Both are about one half the size of hers. "The difference, Your Majesty, is simply practice. The technique is what matters most and that is what you need to know. A few hours each month should be sufficient to maintain your capability at this accuracy."

We return to the firing line and I demonstrate the machine pistol, switching to single fire before giving it to her such that she may become accustomed to it's kick and action. After most of the magazine has been spent, it was switched to three shots so she may learn about the climb and begin to counter it. Changing magazines we continue until she masters the climb at three rounds. Loading ten bullets in an empty magazine, we change magazines and switch to full automatic. All of the bullets hit the target, a good start. We reload the two empty magazines each with twenty this time and she tries control twice more, becoming a little better. The purpose of a fully automatic weapon is to spray the enemy rather than pick them off one at a time. Therefore it may have a sloppy group. "Five poorly placed shots do not make up for one well placed shot. However the enemy has still been hit, just not necessarily out of action. It is simply easier to use all your ammunition quickly, however with a large enemy force you have an excellent chance of removing a large number of them from the battle." I parrot most of that which Giorani has been teaching me. We reload once more and expend another fifty bullets before we have completed shooting for the day. She places a full magazine into the machine pistol then we reload the empty magazines once more and place them into the shoulder bag. I pick up the pistol and bag and we walk out to the targets. After examining that which remains of the targets we return them to the shed and the weapons to the Land Rover after I indicate to her how to clean and care for the automatic. We clean hers first, and then she cleans mine. It was done in this manner as I had the machine pistol available to me during the cleaning of the smaller weapons. Completed, we return everything to the Land Rover and drive back to the Villa, just a little more successfully than the drive out. As we return we remark that we have seen only two of the 'Guard' during our excursion and that was a roving patrol which passed us twice during our practice. I am certain there were others around, although they probably held their distance as the machine pistol was never more than a very few feet from me at any time. Back at the Villa we exit the vehicle and are met by 'Guard' who could only have known of our impending return if they had been told by radio. They are kind enough to remove the equipment from the Rover and carry it to my room. The Queen returns to her room to wash and prepare for lunch. We have had a very busy but productive day. Her Majesty has a pistol and a little over 200 rounds of match ammunition. The 'Guard' still has not discovered my little deceit. My use of the match ammunition which allows for slightly improved accuracy round to round versus the ammunition which they have been using. But then, a girl must have some secrets.

Undressing and quickly showering, a selection of a light Camel short sleeved turtleneck sweater and Black/Brown Houndstooth trousers, with dark brown suede pumps is made. The jacket I place on the bed in the event I may need it later. Then I put my hair up in a 'pony tail' making me look a little younger. After looking in the mirror, I decide it makes me look a little too young (like about the 12 years I really am) and allow it once again to fall straight down my back. This must be a heavy work day for Jerry as I have not seen him at all today. He certainly was correct in his observation that we now see less of each other than we did before coming to Europe. Perhaps somehow we may take a few days soon and just be two lovers touring parts of Europe together. We may be able to act like American tourists and travel alone. We could possibly sleep together in the same bed as though we were already married. I have those pretty negligees I could wear. That would be wonderful, to be able to sleep next to my 'husband'. To be able to lay against and to touch his beautiful body at night and know I am protected and loved; awakening in the morning to a kiss and the comfort of his embrace. I am daydreaming, I must go down to the meal. Everyone will have finished without me.

No one is here, nor in the breakfast nook, the 'Guard are still on the landing and stairs so there has been no trouble. Even so, I do not imagine even for an instant that my single pistol and three magazines of ammunition would stand for a moment against an armed group of intruders. Going out to the kitchen I see the staff working to finish preparations for the meal so perhaps everyone is outside... Yes, here they are. No wonder, it is a beautiful day. "Ah Teddi, we were just speaking of you. I wish again to thank you for your patience in assisting me to improve my marksmanship." "You are more than welcome, Your Majesty." "All the same it is much appreciated. Catherine you have a delightful daughter and I wish for you both to visit us in England. My chancellor shall contact you in a few weeks to make the arrangements." Turning to me she continues, "You may bring your weapons with you my dear. I shall see to it that there shall be no hindrance to your carrying them with you." "Thank-you Your Majesty." Catherine appeared to have remembered something: "Teddi, Margaret will be going riding about two and could use some company. You may tell Mr. Johnson to saddle Sweetheart for her and you shall ride Desarei, however with reins and caution. You may find he is not as forgiving as Satan. Satan likes you and you have ridden Desarei only once." "Yes mother, I shall call down now and inform him we should be there about two." Entering the Villa I go to the breakfast nook telephone and dial 332 which is Mr. Johnson's office. It rings five times with no answer, so I return the handset to the cradle as I decide what I may do now. Then I try again by calling 399, which is the paging system in the stable and training areas. "Mr. Johnson, would you please call Teddi at 226; Mr. Johnson, please call Teddi at 226. Thank-you." and I once again cradle the handset. A minute or two pass before the extension rings. I answer and it is Mr. Johnson (this is fun), I tell him of our plans and the names of the horses mother has recommended. He said it is not a problem and the horses will be ready by two. I say also mother has recommended I use reins on Desarei, and thank him both for returning my call and for preparing the horses. He has agreed with her completely. Although Desarei is an excellent horse he is not Sultan.

 

chapter X

As I return to the hallway I notice Margaret walking down the staircase so I walk to the entry to wait for her. When she reaches the bottom of the stairs she sees me and smiles, walking over to me where we greet each other as friends and not as representatives of differing royal houses. I tell her the horses will be ready at two for us to go riding. "There are some beautiful trails to follow if you feel like seeing the countryside. They are entirely on the Estate but may require two or three hours before we shall be able to return." "Without the 'Guard'? Yes, I would like that." "I shall be a few moments as I must resolve some small problems," I tell her. "Mother and Her Majesty are outside through the door at the end of this hallway and we will partake of our meal outdoors. I shall join you in just a few minutes." We hug and she goes on out to join them as I walk to the staircase where one of the 'Guard' stands silently. "Could you please tell me where I may find John or someone in charge at the moment?" I believe they have gone to the stables Miss." "I see, thank-you." "You're welcome Miss." Once again returning to the phone, I dial: "John please call Teddi at 226. John, please call Teddi at 226." After a few minutes with no return call, I try again: "Would any member of the Royal Guard presently at the stables please call Princess Teddi at 226, thank-you." Soon the extension rings, "Hello, this is Teddi with whom am I speaking please?" "This is Sir Oliver." "Oh, Sir Oliver, before I tell you more I wish to apologize to you for waving my pistols about while at the Red Cross funds-raising. It was very shameful of me and you did nothing to warrant my actions. Please accept my apologies. Additionally, I am calling because Margaret and I are going cross country riding this afternoon and will be out three or four hours. I want to provide you a map so you shall know about where we should be at any given time should you needs be able to watch over us. We will not be leaving the Estate. Just a moment, please. Oh Charles, Charles. May I have a map showing the riding trails which lead to the village and back and the roads on the Estate which parallel them?" "Of course Miss, I shall have it for you presently." "Thank-you, Charles. Sir Oliver, I shall have a map for you and we may arrange for vehicles for your detail. Additionally, I shall be armed with both a semi-automatic and a machine pistol. Oh yes, did John remember to give you the gift I left for you?" "Gift Your Highness?" "Yes, a 9mm automatic, holster and cleaning kit along with a box of fifty bullets." "No, he seems to have forgotten.." "Please remind him, I didn't know if you were to be here or not but would like you to have it. If you are unfamiliar with the operation of the automatic, John may demonstrate for you. He is a very apt pupil." "I see. It seems to have slipped his mind Princess, my men told me they had received weapons and training from a royal but failed to mention the royal was you. I thank-you for your gift but we may not accept them." "I have cleared that little problem with the Queen who has accepted them and allowed that I may direct their placement, the weapon is, therefore, yours. Wear it in good health. Thank-you for returning my call Sir Oliver, I must go out to the terrace now for we are taking our meal outdoors. Bye." "Good-day Your Highness", he sighs.

Returning outside just as our luncheon is being served, I take my place at the table. It is just we four girls, Mother, Her Majesty, Margaret, and myself. I must say although they are very nice company, especially Mother, I still miss the times Jerry and I have spent together alone. I love his arm around me and his kiss upon my lips, his hand in mine as we walk along the beach or in a park much as that one time here when we walked alone (or nearly) on the grounds surrounding the Villa. Oh! I have finished my lunch and the queen is saying something to me: "I'm sorry Your Majesty, I'm afraid I was daydreaming. What did you say?" "Teddi, you will have ample time to be with your young man after we have returned to England, must you also fantasize about him during the day?" "Your Majesty, how did you know I was thinking of Jerry?" "What else would put a smile upon a young girl's lips and cause her to drift starry eyed through the world? Tell us of your daydream." "Your Majesty," my face turning beet red. "I... I was just..." "Yes, we are waiting." "I... I was just thinking, Your Majesty, that I have seen very little of Jerry since coming to the Villa and how I miss our walks upon the beach or through the parks. The times we have spent watching a stage show or the opera while sitting side-by-side and holding hands. I have been spending so much time practicing my marksmanship or for the Events that by the time I may go to see a program I am so tired I would go to sleep during the performance." "There Catherine, you see! I am always able to determine when a young woman needs her young man. Teddi, I simply said I shall be departing tomorrow morning for home and Margaret shall remain here for a week. You are to be entrusted with her care, for I shall have all of the Royal Guard returning home with me. Additionally, Catherine has told me of your 'subversion of the Royal House' and I am trusting you not to lead her too far astray. And Margaret, I am trusting you to listen to Teddi. If she says you may not do something or it is too dangerous then you will pay heed and not go off exploring on your own like you do in your own home. Remember you are a guest in this house." "Yes, I shall." I could scarcely believe my ears, we would have no 'Guard' present and Margaret shall simply be a young woman and my guest for a week. "Your Majesty, I shall endeavor to allow her the freedom to be a young woman without infringing upon that freedom unless necessary for her protection." "Thank-you Teddi. More than that one cannot ask. Well now, I must go learn what insanity England has been taken to in my absence today. Even when on holiday I must arbitrate day to day circumstances. Please, don't rise... Good Day." A chorus of 'Good Day, Your Majesty' returned to her as she turns and walks into the Villa. In moments we also go inside as I explain to Catherine where Margaret and I will be riding and the paths we intend to take. I have not yet seen Sir Oliver and entreat mother to give him the map and information. Margaret and I then go upstairs where we prepare for our ride. I collect my jacket, as I place my pistol-belt around my waist, pick up the backpack with the loaded magazines and machine pistol and carry it all out to the landing. Margaret also has her jacket and we walk together down to the kitchen where we stop long enough to obtain some carrot sticks before we are off to the stables. Walking along the path as I explain we shall be riding to the village and back. This shall require three or four hours at a gentle pace since we do not want to harm the horses. I also tell her she will once again be riding 'Sweetheart' (she seems to like that horse). We arrive at the stables and the horses are brought to us. Again, the path we intend is divulged to Mr. Johnson along with our estimated arrival time at the village. We will check-in with him from the village. He tells us we may call from the general store. He will call ahead to let them know to expect us. "It is a part of the Estate's telephone system so all you need dial is 332; that is my number here." "Mr. Johnson," Margaret asks, "does that mean I may call the Royal Guard by dialing 276?" "If that is their number on the Estate, Yes." "Thank-you." "You are quite welcome, Margaret." he said, emphasizing her name and not her title. She smiles, "He remembered." "Yes, Mr. Johnson is very good at keeping secrets and remembering things," I remark to her. Our jackets are placed into tie loops at the back of the saddles, then we mount our horses and I receive assistance from Mr. Johnson in securing the backpack to the saddle within my easy reach. Finally, we are off alone through 'the untamed countryside' (we may pretend, may we not? It is almost untamed- well, maybe a century past). Margaret giggles at my comment about untamed countryside and our ride becomes an adventure.

Riding at a leisurely trot will prevent our horses from tiring and allow us to reach our destination in a timely manner, despite the few pauses we may make to gaze upon and appreciate that which is around us. The weather is warm, but not hot, and riding in the trees allows us to smell the delicious scent of the leaves and of the flowers located in the fields along the way. At first we simply concentrate on riding and talk about her ability to control a horse but gradually our conversation becomes one of enjoyment of the beauty surrounding us. When we finally reach the village, I recognize the streets. Catherine and I came here when we visited Giorani's wife. They live in a house back toward the hills a few blocks off of this, the primary street. I would go visit but I still cannot speak Italian sufficient to be able to carry a conversation. I know she does not speak English.

Margaret and I ride down to the general store and dismount, tying the horses to the pillars. Upon entering the store I walk over to the counter and ask if we might obtain some water for the horses and place a call to Mr. Johnson at 332. The gentleman behind the counter speaks English (quite well actually) and is overjoyed to assist two young Princesses (Mr. Johnson) with the watering of their horses. As the other patrons of the store stare at the English speaking young women who have arrived via the unconventional means of horseback, Margaret finds some drinks for us and I purchase them using a little of the money exchanged through the 'Bank of Jerry' a few days previously. $ 75.00 American for which he has given me hundreds of Lire such that I might have some for incidental purchases. We walk outside and consume our drinks as we look at all that is about us, then return the empty bottles to the store. Leading our horses, we walk through the village pausing to look at the items in the shop windows as we go. Margaret sees a blouse in one window and asks if we may go in to look. Again we find a place to tie the reins and we enter. This time no one speaks English so we require no little time to make ourselves understood. Finally succeeding in our communication of the style and colour which has caught Margaret's eye we find a blouse to be available in her size. Then the matter of payment rears it's ugly head and finally we have completed the transaction. Upon returning to the horses we remove her jacket from the straps, place the blouse inside and roll it once again. With the jacket safely secured behind the saddle, we mount and slowly ride back past the general store onto the trails. We will go back the way we have come about a kilometer's distance before branching across the road to complete our journey back along the trail we had seen from across and above the meadow during our approach to the village. We enjoy the ride, seeing a lot of beautiful scenery. I must remember this and do it again soon with Jerry. How I miss his caress upon my face or his great powerful arms holding me close to him. We see the stables ahead of us, I have been daydreaming again. Somehow we have crossed the road and I did not notice. No matter. We are safe, returning unscathed from our journey to the wilderness. We remove our things from the saddles with the help of the grooms. The horses are being led away even as we begin our trek back to the Villa. I had not remembered to check the time at either the general store or the stables, so I still do not know if we are ahead or behind my estimated schedule. The most important thing happens to be that Margaret enjoyed the ride and all without the 'Guard' surrounding her. Tomorrow morning the Queen shall return to England and Margaret shall remain 'alone' with us. I will speak with mother to arrange some protection for her, although I desire she not realise it is present, if possible.

"There you are. It is about time you have returned. Go now, dress for supper, tonight it is formal. You also Margaret, the Queen is waiting for you in her quarters." "Mother, have my gowns arrived from England?" "No Teddi, they are not due here until early next week." "Then I suppose I shall wear my white gown. Are we eating here on the Estate or going to town?" "It shall be here Teddi but we have many important guests arriving. Hurry now and change, you are a hostess as much as am I." "Yes mother, I shan't be long." We hurry upstairs where I quickly shower and dress. I raise and circle my long hair into a bouffant and mount my tiara. Then the emerald necklace and earrings (I must have a pair of pierced emerald earrings made to match these beautiful jewels), finally my gold heart looped on a gold bracelet worn on my left wrist and the emerald bracelet worn on the right. I have never removed the heart since the time the Signore presented to me, except when bathing or transferring it to the bracelet or necklace. My two most important pieces of jewelry are that heart and the engagement ring Jerry has given to me; then the emeralds and the tiara. Now a little lipstick, my pistols and spare magazines. One last check, then out the door and downstairs to mother.

"Teddi... you are beautiful." says mother (she looks very nice herself, wearing a shimmering red gown and deep red rubies), "Come, Jerry is here somewhere, the two of you shall remain together this evening." Finally, I may remain with Jerry at supper and... there he is, he is so handsome in a tuxedo. "Ah Teddi, the love of my life has arrived." He comes over reaching for my hand and kissing me lightly on the lips as I try hungrily for more. "Now, now my love." He whispers, "We must be a little more restrained when in public. We are ever more in the spotlight as people come to accept us as a married couple." "Then as a married couple we have the right to kiss each other, and do... other things." "Teddi... now behave yourself or I shall find it necessary to tell MaMa you are becoming too forward in your old age." "Old age!!!? Jerry..." "Hush now, my love, people are staring." Smiling at him, I continue to whisper to him, "Old age indeed. I'm not yet twenty and may still be intimate with my boy friend before I am twenty-one. May we have a child before I am twenty-five? I would like to have one a year until I am thirty and then I shall raise them to be proper Aldoennettii." "You would take all my energy before I age?" "No, I just want you to be intimate with me, in bed, every night." Jerry is able to blush very red. "I think I shall be married to a wildcat. But she is my wildcat." "If I could purr on your shoulder I would do so."

The night has not been very exciting, it is of course more than just a formal supper, before the meal there is the usual introduction to the Queen and Princess. This time I do not curtsey as I am theoretically on my home soil and a hostess. We do, however, greet each other warmly as near equals. When supper is served I marvel at the extra servants before remembering I had seen five or six extra cooks who had been in the kitchen as we were departing for our ride. I remember this as several cooks were not happy at our intrusion asking for carrot sticks until they learned we were royalty and for some reason that made everything right. After supper there is a prolonged period of mixing, more political than social. Jerry and I utilize our time promoting the Aldoennetti businesses, representing the weapons side of the Empire. Most everyone at the banquet is either a politician or the wife, husband, consort, or mistress of a politician. A few are military, with whom Jerry and I spend most of our time. Either they, or the few politicians who as their financial watchdogs, are responsible for their budgeting. I believe it was a bit of a problem for some of them to accept me as the person to whom Jerry referred concerning specifics about the Biretta weapons. Then again, some of them spent most of their time speaking of weapon specifics and finally accepted me as an authority concerning the Biretta weapons. When I found it necessary to refer them to Jerry concerning manufacturing times and delivery capabilities they seemed almost reluctant to leave me. We actually completed two sales this night (with the exception of the paperwork - Jerry's duties). The Vatican has been represented and directed to us by the Signore to discuss the contacts made (at my suggestion) by the company to them. I believe they must have thought me to be a magician when I produced my little automatic while their backs were turned talking to Jerry. I quickly removed the magazine and bullet from the chamber. Hearing me cycle the action, ejecting the bullet into the air, they turn just in time to see me catch the bullet as it begins to fall. I hand the automatic to Jerry who allows them to examine it before returning it to me. Two military officers also see us handling the weapon and come over to look at it. Several ladies have come by in the hallway just outside the open doors, and upon seeing Jerry and I speaking with Military and Political personages, they are about to pass by. I excuse myself for a moment, going over to them.

"Do you need to speak with someone? I noticed you have walked by several times." "We don't mean to intrude, Your Highness. We may come back when you are not busy." "Nonsense. Your time is as valuable as is mine." Leading them across to the library I continue, "Besides we are all ladies and are expected to prefer speaking with each other rather than with a collection of stuffy politicians and Generals." They laugh at that and introduce themselves. "Your Highness, my daughter and I were present at the competition in Milan and watched your presentation. I believe it was quite good. Whatever gave you the idea to combine Hunter-Jumper, Dressage, and music?" Now it was my turn to laugh, "My views are the bane of the Aldoennetti family. Catherine enjoys my little presentations but finds my combining of them to be somewhat disconcerting as she is far more enthusiastic concerning Dressage. I believe Dressage to be the finesse of the control of a horse in a combat situation. The jumps reflect an artificial and judged rendering of a cross-country ride. The combination of the two allows one to control the horse during a cross-country ride while the hands remain free for combat. Or in my case, free to depict certain portions of ballet or dance during the ride." I reach over and gently grasp the nearest hand of each of them, continuing; "More important than my presentation is your interpretation and enjoyment." "We did enjoy your presentation, Your Highness. Now my daughter is trying to practice the art such that she may also combine them. You may have invented a new competition." "Possibly, I had not thought of that. I enjoy using it as a means to express oneself as entertainers may with an art form. I am pleased you enjoyed my presentation and I thank-you for your kind words." Hopefully not appearing abrupt, "I'm afraid I must return to the meetings. Thank-you, ladies, for coming by and speaking of this with me. This conversation has made my efforts worthwhile." "You're welcome, Your Highness. Thank-you for seeing us." "You're quite welcome, if you should happen to see me again in the future please don't hesitate to say hello. I enjoy speaking with other ladies." I hoped they felt I really appreciated their kind words. In a way I do, but I had developed my presentation for Catherine. I suppose there is no harm in allowing others to believe it was developed for everyone to enjoy and that I appreciate their enjoyment. They give me small curtsies as I leave the room to return to the meetings in time to have Jerry hand me yet another General with whom to discuss firepower.

"Yes, General, the company has the ability to mate either the 9mm or 11mm machine pistol with a longer barrel and mufflers if necessary. The state of the art in report mufflers is not sufficient to continue to mute the report should a full burst be fired through it. The life of a muffler is relatively short and lends itself far more to single or triple bursts of limited numbers. The muffler is not of a Biretta design and at the present we have no plans to construct one although this may change in the future should demand warrant the expense of development. We are not interested in producing an inferior product simply to open a market." The evening continues to drag on until the Queen decides to retire and then it begins to draw to a close. By that time the few remaining officers have been unable to come to an agreement satisfactory to them and further negotiations will be necessary at some mutually agreeable time in the future.

The final guests depart and the four of us retire to the study where the Signore pours us each a nightcap. I am apprehensive about it because it smells so powerful and I don't drink. I begin to sip at it in the manner Catherine has shown me with the Sherry, but it is simply too strong for me to drink it like that. I watch the others as they calmly consume their drinks. They don't seem to allow it to remain in the mouth very long, swallowing it nearly as quickly as it enters the mouth. I try a small amount in that manner and it is a little easier, liquid fire. Jerry meanwhile is relating our method of dealing with the military and the politicians who are their watchdogs. "Teddi actually caused one of the politicians to increase the size of the order from that which was originally requested. She says to him with a straight face, 'Now that you have purchased the firearms, you will need cleaning supplies, ammunition, and spare parts. The ratio is normally one to five for the spare parts, one to one for the cleaning kits, and five thousand rounds to one weapon. Did you want to change this?' It caught him completely unaware and he just stammered and signed the papers to draw the order. They purchased ten thousand weapons, two thousand replacements, fifty million rounds of ammunition over one year and ten thousand cleaning kits. Then she said we would provide another five million rounds and one thousand cleaning kits for free that they might have additional training ammunition if they purchased our training package." he explains to them as he laughs: "When the poor man asks the price of the training package, she tells him a price which covers twice the ammunition and cleaning kits plus two hundred hours of her time, 'but I am feeling generous', she said, so she reduced the price by forty percent and he purchased it. I am glad I am not to be the one to bargain with her. All I need do now is prepare the final agreements, but we have signatures on all of the commitment documents." "Bravo, Teddi. You have invented a new product and sold it at a profit all in one evening." comments the Signore. I give a little nod of my head from the comfort of the large chair upon which I have curled and glance at Catherine who quickly looks away from me. "Forgive me, but I am very tired and I shall be up early tomorrow. Margaret and I are going to the training ring immediately after the Queen's departure so we might practice Dressage patterns. I must continue to follow the patterns so I shall not forget them, and Margaret is beginning the first five. Perhaps if my mind clears I may think of some music which will help her to learn. At the moment my mind is continuing to wander. I'm sorry, I am too exhausted to drink much of this, thank-you anyway," returning the nearly full glass to the tray. Rising, I put on my shoes and walk over to Jerry, kissing him good-night. Then wishing Mother and Father good-night as well, I walk out of the room and upstairs to bed, waving to the 'Guard' at the upstairs doors as I entered my own. Before my head touches the pillows my world goes dark.

No... NO! You can't rise, you're dead. I shot you. help me,.. Someone (help me!) Giorani... Jerry... Jerry! A dream, Ohh,. I was dreaming again. The door, someone... where is my automatic? "What? Who?" "Your Highness, are you all right? It is the Guard, Your Highness, may we come in?" They are standing at my bedroom doorway. "I... I am fine, thank-you. I just had a nightmare again." "Teddi, what has happened? Let me pass." "Allow him to enter." Jerry comes hurrying over to me, sits on the bed and holds me close. "What is it, Teddi. Are you all right?" "Jerry, I shot him but he would stand again. I shot again and again and he would stand." I related to him as I cried on his shoulder, "It was my nightmare. I suppose I was screaming. It seems to reoccur when I am least expecting it." "That's right sir. When we heard her screaming, we entered her drawing room and came to her bedchamber door." "Who," I asked, "is protecting the Queen, if I had been used as a diversion?" "That has been attended to, Your Highness. When we heard the screaming we mobilized. There are at least ten of us up here at the moment, with others watching the other floors until the all clear." "Thank-you! Thank-you for coming to my assistance," I say to them. "All in a day's work, Your Highness. Good night." "Good night and please tell everyone I appreciate the concern." "That I shall." Jerry was still holding me but not as tightly as he had at first. "Will you be able to sleep? Do you want me to spend the rest of the night here?" "Yes, I want that very much, but your parents would not understand. Everything shall be all right. You need sleep as much as do I. Thank-you for coming to my rescue, I love you." "I love you too. Good night Teddi, until morning." "Good night, 'my husband', some day soon we may remain together." When morning finally arrives I feel as though I have been standing upon a busy street dodging automobiles all through the night.

Catherine opens my bedroom door as she knocks on it; "May I come in? I see we are a sleepyhead again this morning." "I'm sorry. I am simply exhausted. My nightmare takes a lot out of me." "I heard you had been screaming in the night once again. I have faith it will not continue with the rigor it seems to possess at present. Time heals all, Teddi. Come now, dress and come down to the dining room. We shall be taking breakfast in forty minutes and you must say good-bye to your Guest." I somehow manage to put on a dress, brush my hair, and add makeup all in forty minutes as mother and I talk. She has become concerned about something she has been noticing and wants to talk about it but is having some difficulty broaching the subject. "We seem to think much alike, Teddi. It is almost as if you had been born my daughter. There are many gifts granted by God and some are passed only to women. How well we may use those gifts depends on the nature of the gift and our acceptance and practice of it. I have noticed you possess some of these gifts but you seem to have difficulty with them. Perhaps with a little time we, you and I, may be able to improve your mastery of those which He has bestowed upon you." She departs my room leaving me a little confused, but with the certainty that she was not afraid of my 'gifts' and would later help me understand them.

Completing my preparations, I depart my room discovering Her Majesty and Princess Margaret have stepped out onto the landing at the same time as have I. Going down separate stairways, I greet them at the bottom. "Good Morning, Your Majesty. The day seems to be developing very nicely. Breakfast shall be in the Dining Room this morning." "Good morning, Teddi. Yes, I was looking out the windows earlier. It is very pretty here, I shall be sorry to be going home. Perhaps you may invite me again sometime soon?" "I should be pleased, Your Majesty. So long as I live in Italy you and Margaret shall have a sanctuary here." "That is very kind of you, thank-you." As We enter the dining room we hear the sound of the family plane flying out from the Estate airstrip, the first of the 'Guard' to return to the airport at Milan with some of the luggage. The Queen shall be with us only an hour or two more. Margaret and I shall accompany her to the small airstrip here on the Estate but will not be returning to Milan with her. This is intentional as it is possible no one noted Margaret as Royalty and will not miss her when the Queen returns to England. With no 'Guard' remaining here, everyone will assume the royal party has departed and not suspect a young girl at the Estate is a Royal Princess of England.

Breakfast is wonderful, I am very fortunate the normal breakfast routine is not so lavish, I would gain so much weight I would look like a pumpkin. I have watched Catherine and discover she does not take much food, just a bite of each item, but she eats it all. Even still, with those small quantities I would gain a pound for each bite. I notice The Queen and Princess also take their food much in Catherine's manner. I shall try that, perhaps there is something to European food that the very small portions will not cause a weight gain. Breakfast over, we four go outside while Jerry and Alphonse prepare to drive in to work. They have a special project occurring which will occupy their time today. The Signore travels a lot and spends much time with Jerry's brother in England where the brother oversees three or four different businesses. As he also happens to be a financial wizard, he has made much money for the family and himself in the stock markets. I am not so capable as is nearly every other member of the family and sometimes wonder why Jerry has seemingly come under my 'spell'.

We girls are taking a little stroll along the pathways of the garden, an after meals custom we have cultivated since the arrival of the Queen. I rather like it. We may chat about anything that strikes our fancy or stop to study a particular flower or plant which has for one reason or another interested one of us as we pass by. I have learned much about the garden and discovered only yesterday there are three small fields (about 50 acres) of grapes which are used to make a family wine. We return slowly to the Villa, the walk considerably longer today. Once back, Margaret and I go upstairs to change to riding clothes and when we have returned we learn the Queen has not yet come down from her room. We chat with Catherine until the Queen arrives. She seems reluctant to go, perhaps concerned about Margaret as well as finally enjoying her own 'escape' from her day to day affairs. Soon, however, the needs of England surface and she makes ready to depart for Milan and England. Several vehicles take us all to the airstrip where we say our good-byes to the Queen. Catherine shall accompany her to Milan and act as interpreter where necessary. "Teddi, You must go to the training ring, for Tuesday you shall be reexamined and needs pass perfectly." "Yes Mother, Margaret and I are both going to the ring. She is continuing to practice the first five elements." Mother and I kiss good-bye and she boards the airplane with the Queen, the last of the Guard flying out with them. Margaret and I return to one of the vehicles after waving at the aircraft as it lifts from the runway, then we travel to the stables. There we find our horses are being prepared and in a few minutes we are riding to the ring. "Teddi, did you remember to bring any sugar cubes? I forgot to go to the nook before we departed the Villa." "Yes, I have enough for both. I obtained some before going to my room to change. Here, put these in your pocket."

The next three hours were spent in serious concentration with few interruptions which Margaret needed in order to be shown a correction to her routines or when Mr. Johnson came by to see how we were doing. He is very gentle with his corrections to Margaret's techniques. I do not remember him being quite so kind with me and mentioned this to him. "If I had been more gentle with you, would you have been ready to ride in the competition last week?" "Probably not. I understand, thank-you." "Now young lady, speaking of competitions, show me..." Drudgery! Margaret has taken her horse over by the stands and is just watching as Mr. Johnson drills me. After perhaps half an hour he says, "Very good. That is enough for today. Teddi, tomorrow you must show Margaret how to make a request of her horse without using the reins to formulate it. But only the walk and halt, mind you." "Yes, Mr. Johnson." We ride to the stable and give up our horses to the grooms. As we walk the path back to the Villa we are talking about the practice and her opportunity to learn to guide a horse trained in the Dressage. "Monday afternoon, I go to France so I might rest before the trial. We must ask Catherine when we are to depart so we shall not stay at the training arena too long. You do have your passport?"

Our early morning practice finds me on Desarei once again, as Sultan should be arriving at the presentation arena stables by now. Catherine and I fly in on Monday afternoon staying at a hotel in Lyon not far from the arena, and we go over to check on Sultan and to allow me the opportunity to see where I shall be tested. Margaret, it was decided, was to remain at the Villa because of the difficulty in providing her with adequate protection without drawing attention to her presence. I was allowed to visit with Sultan and give him a sugar cube (I must ask Catherine about obtaining some carrots), and brush him for a short while. I am shaking with anticipation. Catherine tells me that they cannot take away my First Place should I do poorly. She herself had once gone before the committee and it is not that difficult. "They are not trying to fail you Teddi. They want you to pass and do well. You will have an advantage in that there are seven who shall judge and each point removed from a category must be removed by at least four before it shall be considered. Please just be a young woman with your wonderful horse and simply ride. You have already shown me what I need to see. If you accomplish this you may do it for yourself." Later, we take supper within the hotel and retire early. We awaken at Four and, unable to sleep, I dress for riding then we go downstairs together to an early breakfast. I am all nerves and am barely able to eat a roll, a glass of warm (yuck) milk, and a small piece of meat. Catherine is able to eat a little more; she is so fortunate, she may eat more than I without putting on weight. Mine turns to instant fat, especially if I am nervous. About six we depart for the stables. Once there I begin to brush Sultan and talk with him. He seems excited as though he knows this is different. Catherine has gone to the offices to notify them of our stall number so they may send for me. It is calming to brush Sultan and talk to him. I had forgotten how he seems to understand, making comments every now and again at the appropriate places in my chatter.

Soon Catherine returns, watching me brushing Sultan. I suppose she has been standing there for a few moments before I notice her. The first I realise she is behind me is when I make some comment and Sultan laughs, then I said, "That does not seem to help, I am still nervous," to him and Mother begins to laugh. "Now you add talking with horses to your list of accomplishments?" "Mother!! I didn't hear you arrive." "Obviously." "I,.. I was just telling Sultan about the trial this morning so it wouldn't be a surprise. When I told him I was nervous, he laughed at me." "But of course, Teddi. He knows you have both succeeded. What else is there?" I finish brushing him and check the tack carefully then place the blanket upon him and carry the saddle over. Mother helps me place it on his back and we fasten the cinch. This requires no little time before Sultan relaxes and allows us to bring it that notch or two tighter which always seems so difficult to obtain. I check everything once more and lead Sultan out of the stall, mounting the saddle then walking him down to the end of the stables and back. We try a side-step (each way), prance, and a few of the short routines. By then a young man has come to collect us and Mother hands him my music, the papers showing the placement of the jumps and barriers and, of course, my score book. I follow him toward the arena where he gives me a list of instructions, in French. I explain I speak only English and I think he has told me he shall send someone who speaks English. I wait to be collected once more. Finally someone comes out, speaking in Italian. I notify him also that I speak only English and he departs soon to be replaced by someone speaking English. "Is true you are Princess?" "Yes I am." "Would you come with me, Your Highness?" "Yes, thank-you." Sultan and I follow him through a maze of stalls, down a short tunnel, and halt at the entryway to a large arena. I am able to see jumps being prepared at the far end. This arena is much larger than any I have been in before and I see a number of gentlemen across the width of this huge expanse. "When the gentlemen call your name on the Vox, ride over and present yourself to the one in middle, he is the... chairman. Listen to him, if others ask you to do something wait until he tells you to do it. Believe he is judge. I smile at him, "I understand, Thank-you very much." "Good Luck Your Highness." Sultan and I remain standing there for several minutes, in the shade fortunately although it is not all that warm as yet. I don't know where Catherine could be, possibly she is in the stands where she may sit and watch. "Her Highness Teddi Diane Winchester." I wish I could ride away. Here we go. Sultan begins his easy pace-devouring trot over to that line of judges and upon reaching a central point before them we bow to the chairman. Drudgery begins. They test me in every routine. Then they give me combinations and I must provide a smooth transition between each of them. This is very difficult, I have not done this before. We have finally finished. Now the judge tells me we shall go down to the jumps. They have me doing routines in combination with jumps. I have never done this before. Catherine has not prepared me for this. I hope I am doing well. They are dismissing me. I have not performed my music, I ask Sultan to bow and we wheel and trot out again. The young man who brought me to the arena is guiding me back to the stable. When we reach Sultan's Stall I thank him and dismount as he is leaving. Catherine is here, she did not see my performance. I began apologizing to her, "I'm sorry, Mother. I was not prepared for the things they had me do. They wanted me to do EVERY routine which went very well but then gave me combinations I must smoothly blend together, I think I did well but know I made a few mistakes. The worst was the jumps. I have never done the routines over jumps except to my music. It was so difficult, I know I failed. I made so many errors with the jumps I know I did not perform flawlessly. I shall not receive 'flourishes'. She listens to me and says: "Teddi, wait here, something is wrong. This is not the examination you should have been given. I shall return shortly." She and a bodyguard stalk away.

I remove Sultan's saddle and blanket, tears building all the while. Even he knows I have done something terribly wrong and continues to try to cheer me. I find his brush and comb and start on him, beginning to outwardly cry, rubbing my tears away on my sleeves. I have finished brushing him and am still crying, my tears soaking the blouse and jacket while streaking my face. I know I cannot face all those people who have placed their hopes in my abilities. I don't belong here. I'm not a princess, nor even completely a woman. I... I am a failure, a freak. I take out my lipstick and write 'I'm sorry, Catherine' on the wall. Perhaps somehow I may remain Teddi and find work. I could pay them back for all they have spent on me. I find my purse and quietly let myself out of the stall. Sultan comes to the doors, where I hold his neck gently and tell him how sorry I am. "I hope you find someone better who will properly use your talents." I find another sugar cube and give it to him, my tears soaking the velvet of his neck. I leave him there and begin to walk back the way we drove in earlier this morning. I am lost, I don't remember the road out. I cannot find anyone who speaks English. I am wandering, soon I must recognize something. I have been walking for nearly an hour because I still may occasionally see the clock tower. Drat! I have come in a circle, Suddenly Catherine is here holding me close. I begin to cry even more. "You see what you have done? You see how you have crushed a young girl's spirit? You explain to her your error, you explain what it is to have a dream and have it smashed to pieces because you gentlemen do not care enough to administer to her the proper examination." She turns me toward some men whom I just realise are also standing here, I recognize two of the judges. "Your Highness. Please forgive us. We have another Princess also to be tested today and placed the wrong name with her test. You were given a test for someone with far greater experience than yourself. You have passed, not well, but you are far from reaching that level of expertise. You have easily taken First Place with 'flourishes' in your entry level. I am truly sorry, Your Highness. My own daughter rides the Dressage, I know how difficult it may be and then for this to happen. Please, Your Highness. Please forgive us." "I... I... ", blinking back tears, "I did it, Mother?" and then back asking him, "We... We made FFFirss... Firss... First, without an error?" "And more, Your Highness." I went over and hug him, "Thank-you... Thank-you." I am shaking. "Catherine, I... I did... did it. With 'Flourishes'?" "Yes Teddi. I knew you could." "What... What of my music? What of... of my birthday present?" Catherine explains to them as I continue to try to stop crying. Finally, my tears have nearly halted. I once more am able to begin acting like a Princess. "I must look a sight. Is there somewhere I may cleanse my face a little?" "Please, Your Highness. Before you go I wish to give something to you," as he hands me a new score book and Ribbon. The Red Ribbon has a jeweled star in the middle and says "Entry Level, First with Flourish" on it in French (Catherine reads it to me). The score book also reflects the new First Place status. "Thank-you, Thank-you so very much." "It is definitely my pleasure, Your Highness. Perhaps if you would, we might see your musical presentation. Andre' has said it is quite worth seeing." "Ye... Yes, but perhaps a little later?" "Thank-you, we shall await breathless. Au revoir." I smile for a moment at his comment, "Au revoir, thank-you... Mother... I need somewhere to wash my face. I definitely don't look like a Princess right now." "And how should a princess look when her hopes have been destroyed? After all a Princess is still a young woman and young women do cry when things are very bad or very good." I look at her, she has tears in her eyes also. "Sultan's sugar... Mother do you think we could find some carrots or apple slices rather than sugar? I didn't finish brushing him, I'm so sorry. I... I need to care for him." Laughing she answers, "The grooms are doing that, Teddi. He shall be fine." Catherine and I find a ladies room where we cleanse our faces (mine looks as though it needs a bucket of cream). It was then we look at the score book and Ribbon to which I have held tight ever since Catherine handed them to me after the translation. I put them down only while cleansing my face . "I'm hungry. Could we go back to the hotel and I will purchase lunch. I always become hungry after I cry a lot." "Of course, and we may even have dessert." she remarked, "Perhaps even before the meal, just to celebrate." I laugh a little at that. We walk to the offices to obtain a taxi ride back to the hotel. I don't recommend this for the faint of heart. We take lunch after which we go to our rooms where I wash, change to the culottes and another blouse, put my pistol belt at my waist and my sash across the blouse, then notify Mother we may return to the arena whenever she is ready.

Upon out return we stop at the office to notify them we shall be ready whenever they may set the jumps that we may check their placement. We walk to the tunnel and look quietly into the arena to see another young woman riding down at the jumps. Turning back, we proceed to Sultan's stall where I give him a carrot stick (which I have removed from my luncheon plate). He happily munches on it so I give him a second which he also consumes. For a short time I may brush him before the groom places the blanket and saddle upon his back. Another ten or perhaps fifteen minutes pass before a young man comes to guide us to the arena. He seems a little flustered that I am not wearing the traditional riding outfit and Sultan has no bridle or reins. I hope this does not turn out to be a mistake. Catherine explains I am not being tested but am providing a demonstration for the gentlemen. When we enter the arena the judges have moved down in a group to the stands closest to the jumps. Catherine joins them, as I check the jumps against our diagram for proper placement. My starting point needs to change as the jumps are not near an entrance, but this is a minor change. I ride Sultan back to the possible location of my new starting place and ride in with the music playing in my head. Yes, that is a good place to start. Returning to it, I wave my hand to Catherine who turns saying something to one of the gentlemen. I notice also perhaps two dozen others, men and women, seated near the jumps where they may watch. This is a much smaller group than that to which we have played at the Milan arena, but I believe these may be far more critical of my performance. As the music starts playing we begin. There is no further opportunity to be nervous. Everything occurs exactly as it had in Italy and we finish the piece by Rossini. After 'departing' the jump area, Sultan and I return to our starting point to await the second piece. Finally, the music begins and we dance our way through the arena, prancing and kicking, side-steps and thrusts... until the second piece is also completed. Turning back we trot over to the viewing stands and bow to the judges before I dismount. Sultan receives another carrot stick and we walk to the fence with him following me. The judge who has given me the new score book and ribbon comes over and tells me, "Your presentation shows us you do indeed merit 'flourishes' on your ribbon. Each year one rider in each category who has earned a perfect score may attempt 'flourishes'. This year you have taken your category. We shall look forward to your entry into the International Competitions in the Intermediate categories next year. Thank-you for the presentation, Your Highness" he says offering a small bow to me. "Merci," I give him a quick curtsey and, upon rising, turn to Sultan giving him a hug and another carrot stick. Bouncing into the saddle (I think I have finally learned the manner by which it becomes easy) Sultan and I depart for the stable at a walk. We go the long way around (the path I discovered when I became lost) to cool him, eventually arriving at the stable. The groom removes his saddle and blanket and I begin brushing him, this time certainly happier than that of my last departure from the arena. It was now I happen to notice the lipstick has been cleaned off of the wall. Soon Catherine returns and hands me another red ribbon. "What is this?" I ask her. "What does it appear to be, Teddi?" I sigh, "I know it is another red ribbon but what does it signify?" "It is evidence, Teddi, that you have entered an International Competition for Second Level Beginner just by coming here. You placed first at the Entry level in Italy, but by coming to France you have been compared to others who have competed during the year past. These judges have upheld the change in your score made by the judge of the event in Milan. Now, in testing you more severely than should have been, you have passed with 'flourish' at a far more difficult level than that which would have been presented to you at the International Competition. You have become the 'first with flourish' for the International Second Level Beginners. There are now two titles in your score book." She opens the book showing me the second stamp and scoring. "But that isn't fair to the people who were at the competition. I have taken a title away from someone." "Not at all, no one had received 'flourishes' as no one had a perfect score and could not compete for 'flourishes'. Everyone who earned first place had points missing. There is only one perfect score with 'Flourishes' and you have received it." "Did you cause them, no... Did you convince them to do this because of the error they made during my testing?" "No Teddi, they have decided themselves to do this. After they saw your performance they were completely convinced. It was fortunate you decided to remove the bridle and reins for this convinced them. We telephoned the stable and your score book was obtained even as you were riding to return to the stables. After they had your score book and made the entries they returned them to me to bring to you." I scream: "This is a real title?! One I have earned?!" and hug Mother, "I think I am ready for a dessert now." I pick up my things that we may walk to the offices to receive a ride back to the hotel, the grooms are beginning to prepare to bed Sultan for the night and then will start the return trip with him tomorrow morning. "Mother, does this mean Italy has now a title recorded for them?" "Indeed, Teddi... It means they have two. A local first level title confirmed 'with flourish' at the International Level, and a second International title, 'with flourish' at the second Level. And you have earned them both." "Will they also be Aldoennetti titles?" "They are your titles, Teddi. If you choose to place them in the Aldoennetti display that is up to you." "Oh yes Mother, please." She smiles and hugs me, "Daughter, you are everything for which I had hoped." Our taxi appears and we return to the hotel in silence, I need to think. I suppose Mother does also. I drag her to the restaurant and we each have a scrumptious dessert to celebrate, hers considerably smaller than my hot fudge Sunday cake (This took some explanation as they do not have it on the menu). I know I won't be able to eat supper, but how often does a girl place first (with flourish) twice in one day? Once back in our suite, Mother calls the Villa and lets everyone know the news, then Margaret and I chat for a few minutes (nearly thirty) and I tell her we shall return tomorrow morning flying in directly from France.

We returned to the Villa Wednesday last, Margaret and I then spend most of the week either riding, accompanying Catherine to Milan, or talking and listening to music. We go out to the range just once as I need to continue my practice. Although I permit her to shoot a little, I do not spend time providing training per the wishes of the Queen. This afternoon she departs for England. We say our good-byes at the airstrip on the Estate and promise to talk soon. She will be flying in the family jet which has arrived from it's berth in England specifically to transport her home. I am sad to see her go for it has been very comforting to have her riding while I practice. The occasional interruptions to assist her are also helping me remember the routines. After she departs I return to the Villa and then go up to my room. I have just changed my clothes when a knock comes at the door. Opening it, I find one of the servants who asks if I would be so kind as to come down at my convenience to the study to see the Signore and Signora. I say "Thank-you, I shall be down presently." Checking my hair, I then add a little perfume before going down.

When I reach the study they are both waiting and the Signore closes the doors so we might all speak privately. Catherine looks very concerned, and the Signore is unreadable as usual. He begins the conversation saying how they had been very happy to find their son had finally found the kind of woman they wished for him, and ended it with my birth name and the 'fact' that I was born a boy. I tell him that is not completely true, that at the time of my birth they accepted me as a 'boy' simply because I had a penis. My birth certificate describes both sexes as present. Later when my breasts begin to develop, tests were made which confirmed that which Mary, GrandMother, and I already knew. The doctors determined I am a complete and fertile female with an additional organ, a penis. I undergo menstrual cramps, I have a discharge of blood each month through the vagina below the penis and it has been determined that I am more a woman than I am a boy. He tells me the evidence does not support that statement and I inform him that I have my doctor's statement upstairs in my purse which does support my claims. Additionally, I am to have surgery to allow female to be the sole sex of this body and then will be safely able to bear children. He snorts that papers may be forged and doctors bought, that they prove nothing. "But I am now taking medications to aid in the coming surgery. I will soon be a complete woman for my Jerry." "Not for Jerry. He will not have you." It was then I realise Jerry must have continued to follow his mad scheme and all this wonderful fairy tale has been a charade carefully orchestrated to develop sympathy for him from his father. He was the son who was duped by a boy whom he thought was a girl or so his father believes. "Giorani knows, he was told by both myself and by Jerry. He has seen the... papers... Catherine! Please, it is true, all of it. Please!" She just sits there looking very sad and starts to speak but the Signore overwhelms her saying once again that: "Papers mean nothing". Tears have been slowly running down my face by now and they begin to flow more rapidly. I look around the room trying to collect my thoughts. Trying to think of any argument which would preserve my relationship with Jerry and the Aldoennetti family. When I am unable to do so, I say simply, "You have decided my fate regardless of truth..." "Truth, what do you know of truth?" he interrupts. "A great deal more than do you, apparently." I respond. With that statement he slaps me so hard it knocks me to the floor. Crying openly, I rise and stand directly in front of him saying, "You have, this day, secured your place in hell." I turn and run out, still crying, up to my room. After closing the door, I know I cannot remain. I begin to collect a few things and then decide against taking anything. Picking up my purse, the weight of the automatic causing it to be heavy in my hand, I open the purse, accidentally dropping the automatic which I fumble at but fail to catch, the safety clicking off with one of my attempts. It strikes the floor and discharges into the wooden bed frame. "Teddi!" I hear Jerry yell from downstairs, even through the thick wooden door. Seconds later he bursts through the entry door almost without opening it and runs to the doorway of my bedroom to see me retrieving the pistol from under the bed. Moments afterward Catherine also enters the room. "Teddi, you are all right?" Jerry asked. "What do you care? You followed your plan, you gave your father heartache, you have destroyed me. Here, take your precious ring." I throw it across the room at him, "and here is the heart you were so pleased to see." I tear it from my neck and throw it also. "Get out, get out!" He looks at me with what I now realise was a hurt expression but which I interpreted at the time as being one of satisfaction. In a split second I cross the room and slap his face. "You are Aldoennetti most certainly. You make a decision and then carry it through to the bitter end, lying to anyone to make them follow your scheme. You have no concern as to the welfare of anyone else." "But, Teddi I..." "Shut up! I do not wish to hear it." It was then that I notice Catherine standing there, "Catherine, I am deeply sorry. I told you the truth, if I had a fiancee and not a liar I would be returning to complete the surgery and could have children. If I do not have the surgery soon then I must begin the treatments which will make a boy of me. You have been so kind, I wish I could have remained as your daughter. I would have loved to give you grandchildren. I... I..." am crying once again. "Please, out... Go, leave me alone. I need to decide what to do with my future now that I am no longer welcome here. Please, go." Catherine stands at the door tears slowly tracing down her face, trying to say something but unable to do so. Finally she hangs her head and turns walking slowly out the door and down the landing toward the stairs, Jerry remains standing in the middle of the room unmoving since I had slapped him. I turn and look at him; "All I wanted was to be your wife, to give you children and help you throughout life. Was that too much to ask? I did not need money or notoriety. All I wanted was you. But that didn't fit with your plans did it? I..." "Teddi shut up. Now you will listen to me. I did not do this. I, too, want you to be my wife. I did not lie, I am not lying now. Please, please Teddi. I... I love you." "Jerry, I don't know what to think anymore. I don't know that I may trust anything you say for there may be another hidden agenda. Please just leave me alone for a little while. Please." I see tears on his face as he removes the automatic from my hand and turns, leaving the room. I walk over closing the door then go to the bed and lay down. I awaken to my telephone. "Pronto?", answering it I hear Charles say the car is ready to take me to the airport. This is it then, they are sending me away as has been done to so many other young women. Sadly I thank him: "Grazie, Charles. I shall be only a few minutes." Placing the handset on the receiver, I go to the bathroom and wash my face. A little makeup and lipstick, my money and purse. I still have the Eurocard so I may purchase tickets to go back to the States. I check to be certain I have all my papers and passport. I pack just a few clothes in a small case, I look once around this room where I had been so happy and am now so devastated, then I walk downstairs and out to the car, passing the study where I hear Catherine, the Signore, and Jerry in discussion. I would have liked to have said goodbye to Catherine but do not want to see Jerry or the Signore. I ask Charles to thank her for being a wonderful Mother to me while I was here, but please to wait until she is alone.

I was taken to the airport in Milan where I lease a flight to London, boarding, as the only passenger, a plane only slightly smaller than the one owned by the family. Arrival in England occurs shortly after midnight where a commercial flight for America will be available in a few short hours. I am on my way home. Home... my home was to have been behind me with Jerry. My world is changing once again, fairy tales never, ever come true. I see a money changer's booth and walk over to ask if they accept the Eurocard. They do and I obtain $3000.00 (US) for the trip. Adding most of it to that which is in the hidden compartment of my purse.

I have been flying for an eternity. My protector and all links to Jerry and his family vanished in moments. Despite his assurances, he has gone ahead with his plans and told his father my birth name and that I am a boy. He does not seem to care I am far more female than male nor that I have taken so many steps toward those minor changes to be his wife and give him children. The aircraft touches down outside New York somewhere. Here I am to change planes. Now I find it necessary to spend a little of my cash for a meal while I am waiting because the Eurocard is unusable in the States. Most of the costs incurred for the trip I billed against the card back in Milan and London. First class, all the way home, however, I suppose they do not serve meals on the night flights. Soon I am able to board the flight which will go to Los Angeles where I am to change airplanes once again for the San Diego flight. I should have taken the emeralds, which could have been sold to obtain a little more money and perhaps become and remain a woman the rest of my life. Counting my cash while in the lavatory, I discover there is a goodly amount here, nearly $ 4,800.00, unfortunately not enough to make the transformation and to have funds on which to live during my search for work. Anyway, who would hire an out of work weapons demonstrator/ secretary? I suppose I shall go to the Estate and change to the clothing I placed in the cottage when mom delivered me to the estate, then go back to the family home. Home, that may never be my home, my heart is where my home should be and that was with Jerry but now is nowhere. All those weeks. All that time, Jerry told me he had come to love me when he was still following his plan. He even asked me to marry him and never meant it. I had so enjoyed my time with Catherine. I think the revelation hurt her most, of all those involved. And of course nothing ever hurts the Signore or Jerry. They are well matched. Jerry is as ruthless as the Signore but in different ways. I guess all men are like that, I remember my biological father would make a decision right or wrong and stick by it without swerving even to the brink of disaster. My fairy tale was very nice while it lasted. I wish it had just been a fairy tale and I could put down the book and say 'that was nice' knowing nothing ever works out that way. In this world it is how ruthless you may be, and how willing you are to hurt people which takes you ahead. Fairy tales do not exist as reality, regardless of however nice it might be to have them become reality. I have been crying again. Leaving my seat I go to the lavatory and clean my face. Again applying a little makeup before returning. I will arrive in San Diego at a little past six this evening. The keys to the gate and the cottage are still in my purse so I shall stay there tonight. Perhaps if I may continue to use it for a few weeks, I may look for work and somehow remain female. I will think about it, but I don't believe I could do so without Jerry as my husband. Why have I fallen in love with such a... a... blackguard? And what do I do if Jerry or the Signore comes and finds me living in the cottage? I simply could not go through this again. So it is decided, I shall die and Ted shall live. The rest of the flight is quiet, my thoughts subdued with sadness. Sultan, that great horse, a wonderful companion of whom I have so many fond memories. Catherine, I am so sorry for her. She treated me as she would her own daughter, and I wanted so badly to be that daughter for her. Sophia, Giorani, Charles, all the others, they treated me so nicely and as we became more acquainted we were able to greet one another as friends rather than servants or family or royalty. I am in Los Angeles and have changed to the final flight. We shall be landing in San Diego in just forty minutes. I am so tired. I have hardly slept for what seems to be an eternity. Soon I shall be in a taxi, spending money on the final journey to the Estate. There is an old, old song, 'Fairy tales may come true, it could happen to you, if you're young at heart.' I must be over ten thousand years old.

The airplane has landed, I am in no hurry. There is no one waiting to sweep me into their arms, to hug me, to kiss me, to tell me how much they love and care about me. I collect the few things I brought with me, go out through the terminal to the roadside. Accepting the assistance on the way of a porter who hails a taxi for me and loads my meager luggage. I tip him well, thanking him and he smiles and says thank-you very much, Miss. The driver holds the door open for me as I enter the taxi then he comes around and asks for the destination. I give him directions and we go out, eventually turning around and proceeding on our way up 101 to Torrey Pines. I tell him there is no hurry and I am willing to pay a little extra just to relax. "Miss, Miss, please wake up. Where do I go from here?" I am momentarily disoriented from sleep and once I realise where we are, I give him directions to the Estate. I ask him to leave me outside the gate as I check again for the keys and pay him for the ride, giving him a large tip for allowing me a chance to rest. He, also, thanks me liberally as I take my small case to the gate and withdraw the keys from my purse. After he sees me unlock the gate and enter the Estate he then drives away. The light on the top of his taxi eventually fading away in the thickening fog. Walking to the cottage I unlock the door and enter, locking it again behind me. Everything is as it had been weeks ago when a young woman had gone to the main house deeply in love with her man and so desirous of giving everything of herself to him. It seems like it was yesterday, it seems like it was a million years ago. I was Cinderella but the clock has struck midnight and no glass slipper was left behind to be picked up and used to invite me back to the castle. The King has decreed that I should depart and return no more and the prince has decided not to search.

Examining the cottage shows nothing has changed in my absence. Using the adhesive thinners I am able to remove the wig. After cleaning it I return it to its just place in the closet. Looking at myself in the mirror I find my own long hair has, as I had surmised, grown even longer. That had been part of the problem in removing the wig, as my own hair had woven through it. Actually with a careful cut, my hair could pass for that of a girl's short cut. If I allow it to grow for another three or four months it shall be able to be cut to an excellent page-boy. Picking up the receiver of the telephone I dial nine and am rewarded with an outside dial tone. If I choose to remain here for a short while, I shall be able to call a taxi and go shopping for food which I may prepare here in the cottage if the water, and gas are still connected as is the electricity. I check and find all is in order so I shall, at least, have lights. The refrigerator is turned off, I twist the dial and am rewarded with a hum. If, in the morning, the refrigerator is cold, I shall go purchase food, perhaps enough for a week and then I may simply sit here and think. Sooner or later I must decide if I shall be a woman and what I may do for income should I decide to become Teddi Winchester on a permanent basis. I am so tired. Going to the bedroom I lay back on the bed and, still fully clothed, fall asleep not to waken until the next morning.

As light is beginning to find it's way into the room, the telephone rings. Without thinking I pick up the receiver, "Pronto? Mi Scusi? I'm sorry, I am still asleep. Who is this, please?... William! William who?!!.. OH!," I hang up quickly. They know I am here. I must go. Rapidly I gather my things, I have no choice as I am still fully clothed as Teddi so I take my purse... yes everything is still in it, and I am out the door and running down toward the gate. It won't unlock. Drat, every time I must hurry, something... Grabs me from behind. I scream and try to fight, but the arms holding me are too strong. Finally I give in and stop struggling. "Will you promise not to run, if I release you, Miss?" I nod my head, yes. He relaxes his grip and allows me to turn around. "The Signora called and said you might return here." He called, I should have thought of that. What else does he want from me now? "Have you nothing to say, Miss?" What was there to say? I am trespassing, the Signore has thrown me out, I have nowhere to go. I gently shake my head no. "Please come inside the great house, I imagine you could use some breakfast. Come on, no one will hurt you." "What... What do you want?" "Ah, the Sphinx speaks. Nothing, Miss. Just to offer the hospitality of the Aldoennetti family." "I have had quite enough of the hospitality of the Signore and of Jerry." "It was the Signora who called. She said you were confused and frightened and to help you if we could." "Mother... I mean, Catherine said that?" "She said a lot more. Would you please come inside?" "I might imagine. And what did Jerry say?" "He was not on the phone. I have the impression that the Signora made the call without the knowledge of the Signore or of the young master." "What did she say to you?" "Might we please go inside, my wife will prepare some breakfast for you and we may talk in a more comfortable setting." "Are you to detain me to give them time to arrive for some reason? Or report back to them that I have been here so they might prosecute me for trespass? I think I had best go." "As you wish, I shall tell her you did not wish to speak with her and have departed." I step over to the gate, watching him. The key turns easily and the gate opens. Stepping outside I continue to hold the gate in one hand and the key and my purse in my other hand. Watching him, the gate slowly closing until it clicks again. When I release my hold on the gate he sighs and softly says, "Good-bye Miss. I wish you would have come back with me. I shall call a taxi for you. Good Luck." He slowly turns and begins to walk away as I call out, "Wait... Please wait." I unlock the gate and reenter the Estate. Closing the gate behind me I walk up to him: "All right, we may talk. Perhaps I may eat a cinnamon roll and a small glass of cold milk?" "Of course, my wife and I will not harm you. The Signora has told us of the breakup and asked us to help in every way. Even now, she is trying to reconcile on your behalf. She said if you wish to live here in the cottage, it is yours for as long as you need it." I now have somewhere to stay without spending my meager funds. I am crying again! "She asks one thing only of you, please call and speak with her. You need not talk with anyone else, but she asks that you call." I suppose I could, but only with Catherine. "Yes. I will speak with her." "Good, we must call now for it is afternoon there and may be evening before we are able to reach her. Come eat some breakfast." He was wrong, you know, it was only thirty minutes before we finally made the connection and she came to the phone. "Catherine, I'm sorry." "Teddi, I am so pleased you would call. Has William told you that you may remain in the cottage for as long as you wish?" "Yes Catherine. Thank-you." "Good. I wish you had remained here. Why did you run away like that?" "I didn't run away, the Signore sent Charles and a car and I was taken to Milan. I had nowhere to go so I returned here." "Now I understand. Teddi, if I ask you to return here as my guest would you come?" I need to think about that. "Teddi are you still there?" "Yes Catherine, I'm here. I don't know. I would like to say yes but being close to Jerry and the Signore would make me feel like it was a prison." "What has Jerry done to you?" "He told his father and caused all this just like he planed so long ago before I fell in love with him." "NO Teddi, he did not! Alphonse had detectives find the information and they obviously missed the doctors. Jerry, Alphonse, and I had a terrible argument at the time you left... were sent away, I will talk with him again about that! Jerry is very upset and has gone away. We don't know where he is but I believe he is coming there to find you. If he arrives, would you see him?" "He didn't tell his father?" "No Teddi, he did not. He said some terrible things to Alphonse and when he discovered you were gone he nearly went out of his mind. Please return, you will be welcome by at least two of the family Aldoennetti." "All right, if he comes here I will talk with him and decide then." "Thank-you daughter. I... do you mind if I still want you to be my daughter?" "I don't mind at all, if you would still be my Mother." "Then it is settled, please one more thing." "And what might that be?" "Suggest to Jerry when he arrives, just suggest mind you, that it might help if the two of you were married before you return." "I cannot do that to Jerry, Mother. If the Signore learns of it he would throw Jerry out of the Villa and his job and then all he has worked for would be for naught. I would die before I will allow that rift to come between them." "Teddi, that rift, as you say, has already come between them many times. But it will clear once more just as it always has. Moreover, your job with the factory still exists and you must be here to perform your duties." I had forgotten that. "Mother, I will speak with Jerry when he arrives. And I will tell him your suggestion." "Splendid. I shall be looking forward to you both returning together, a married couple." I don't know about this. We said warm good-byes and I now have a lot to think about.

 

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