Speech Thirteen: "I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married."

[someday_a_queen]

 [She'd been hesitant to open another package from the town, but curiosity wins out and soon Elizabeth is smiling again, spreading out her books on the table. Housemates feel free to notice her looking them over.

/Filtered away from Spain]

I know this may sound like an odd request. However the town does not supply many books on the history of other

Comments

[generose]

( She listens in on the call, but doesn't say anything at first. After all, she always did wonder how it would effect her original to know all the details of her life before it happened... becoming Queen was one thing, but...

Napoleon did say he didn't remember this place when he went back home, or rather he thought it all a dream. So perhaps it wouldn't matter? Elizabeth finds herself giving a sigh into the phone. Besides, the way this sounded she was going to find out something. Why not from someone that actually knew what they were talking about then? )

I recently got some of my books from home, a lot of them about... ( A pause. ) Well about you, so if you'd like to come over, I'd be happy to try and explain whatever it is you're wanting to know.

[someday_a_queen]

I would like that very much.

[And because she feels you deserve and explanation.]

You see Spain arrived recently and apparently thought I was a ghost come back to haunt him. I'm rather curious why.

[generose]

... I see. ( Elizabeth has to pull the phone away so the other won't hear just how loud she sighs hearing that. )

We have a lot to discuss then.

[someday_a_queen]

Very well. Do you mind if I come over now? Or would another time be better?

[generose]

Not at all, it's fine for you to come over now if you want.

[someday_a_queen]

I'll be over in a few moments then....thank you.

[And after a while there will be a knock on your door. Elizabeth has a bag with her own books in it as well.]

[generose]

( she'll open with a smile, stepping aside for the other to come in. she has tea set out in the living room, and a number of books sitting in the middle of the coffee table. )

Come on in, it's good to see you.

[someday_a_queen]

It's good to see you as well.

[Walks inside.]

...I brought some of the books I received back. I thought you might want to look at them. They're some of my lesson books.

[generose]

Oh, really? That would be really fascinating.

But feel free to sit and look through what I've laid out, or if you have any questions just... feel free to ask.

[someday_a_queen]

[She nods and sits down.]

.....Can you tell me why Spain seemed terrified of me?...or was it just because he thought I was supposed to be dead.

[generose]

Well, where should I start... ( She moves to sit herself, picking at her skirt. )

At the time of your reign, Spain was the most powerful country in the world and was never very happy with you on the throne. Philip talked for years of dethroning you for years and when you sent support to the Protestant causes in the Netherlands and France, and Sir Francis Drake launched attacks against Spanish merchants in the Caribbean and the Pacific, along with a particularly aggressive attack on the port of Cadiz and... ( She isn't sure she wants to mention Mary. ) Anyway Spain sent its Armada against England but superior tactics, ship design, and extremely good fortune allowed England to win.

There a number of other things, of course, but that's probably one of the bigger reasons if not the biggest.

[someday_a_queen]

[Listening very closely.]

I see.

Yes, that would explain his actions.

[generose]

I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour and my blood even, in the dust.

I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to which rather than any dishonour shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field...

( she gives a sigh as she finishes, offering a smile. ) Probably one of my more favorite speeches I had to memorize, the one you gave to your soldiers at Tilbury.

But in my honest opinion, it would perhaps be best to keep your distance from him for the time being.

[someday_a_queen]

....I said that.

[Oh. A small smile. That was quite a good speech.]

It probably would be for the best.

[generose]

I would certainly help put me at ease anyway, probably England too. ( a sigh there. ) Do you have any other questions though?

[someday_a_queen]

That was all I really wanted to know. But I thought it best to make my question rather vague.

[She does not trust Spain not to be like Mary.]

Would you like to see my books now?