I asked the gamekeeper why swans are considered Royal Property. He gestured to a nearby marble bench and bade me to be seated. From beneath the delicate canopy of an ancient weeping willow, I watched the graceful creatures glide serenely across the lake while his unexpected and charming story transported me to a time long ago.

Lady Catherine was incensed, "But why must we return the swan to His Highness? And why must I make the journey?" Her father simply replied, "You know of the Royal Decree and as you are the only one able to approach the ill tempered beast, you shall see that it is returned whence it came." He paused, "And it will do you well to spend time at court. You are rusticating away here in the country." Thus, here she stood, waiting patiently at the entrance to the Royal Pavilion, the swan standing calmly at her side. Her hand trembled as she stroked its graceful white head. Catherine hid a smile. It had taken three burley lackeys to subdue the bird before she had stepped in and gently untangled the twisted reeds which had trapped the poor thing in the manor garden. Henceforth, only she could handle it. And now, due to some silly decree, she must hand it over to the Crown Prince. She was daydreaming of a time when that same Prince climbed her trees and tickled trout in her lake and teased and cajoled her into all manner of misdeeds. She had adored him. On the day he left, her broken heart departed as well. When a large hand cupped her chin and tilted her gaze upward, she must have appeared a simpleton. "I beg your pardon, Highness." She curtseyed rather awkwardly and glanced down at the bird to hide a sudden rush of tears. His voice was kind, "So! This is the errant pride of my flock. Twas a pity to lose him." Catherine arched an eyebrow, "It would be a greater pity to force him to stay, when he wishes to be elsewhere ." Those nearest to the couple gasped and the Prince stepped back, fully prepared to give this little country mouse a set down. She straightened to her full height and tightened her grip on the swan's chain. It hissed and lashed out at a Royally trousered leg. She pulled the bird back and soothed, "There, there. Dinna fash yourself little one." As recognition dawned in his eyes he reached for her hand and smiled. "Your Scottish grandmother said that to me whenever I had a Royal tantrum. And, dear Cat, you have her way with animals." She softened and sighed, "You remember." As he led her toward the terrace, he whispered, "How could I not. Your heart was in your eyes on the day I left. Just as it is now." Catherine smiled sadly and whispered back, "I have missed my heart." His eyes never left her face. "Shall I return it to you?" Softly she replied. "If you do, I shall never let it leave again." His reply was all she would ever want, "Then it shall be your captive forever." As they passed through the terrace doors she released the chain from about the swan's neck and with a graceful sweep of widespread wings and a call for a mate the magnificent creature glided across the lake. For once the young bird found its mate, the bond would last a lifetime

Charming as it was, I didn't understand how this story explained the Royalty of swans. The gamekeeper cleared his throat and shuffled his feet before speaking again. He told me I resembled my great grandmother and I might wish to find two books in the great library. One , a little book of fairy tales, where I would find the story of the "Wild Swans" and why they are considered Royal. The other, my great grandmother's diary.

For you see, he said, your great grandmother's name was Catherine.

If you wish to read an adaption of the fairy tale - The Wild Swans - Press The Castle.

The Gown - a soft, black and white striped pima cotton over dress. The deep ruffles are accented with lace scallops, tiny black and coral glass beads, coral silk roses and black tassels. Her underskirt panel is a lined, fluted white lace, draped with black glass beads and accented with tassels and silk roses. The pagoda sleeves are edged in delicate white cotton lace, beads and roses. The same lace, beads and roses accent the bodice and fluted "stomacher".

The Accessories - the fan is hand painted with roses on black and white lattice oval medallions, with black cord loop. Her coral "cameo" is attached to a black silk ribbon at her neck, with matching earrings. Her dark hair is adorned with white lace, beads, tiny silk rosebuds and white feathers.

The Swan - handcrafted by the artist in polymer clay. Painted and sealed with flocked neck, carefully applied body feathers and wearing a golden chain collar and lead with black glass bead loop for Catherine's wrist. He stands perfectly balanced on legs and feet which have been modeled over a wire armature.

Catherine has been completely re-painted. She now has soft blue eyes with soft sable shadows and dark feathered brows. Her delicately shadowed lips are a soft coral. Paint has been sealed. She has a natural manicure, new wig and applied silk lashes.

Album ~ Library ~ Tyler ~ Gene ~ Home