After being moved, Simon became even more dedicated to training the soldiers. It was easy to imagine that the soldiers, who suddenly had their training methods changed, would, for a long time, “remember” the mysterious person who caused the Duke to make those changes.

While Simon was busy training the troops, Maria was equally busy expanding her business.

The essential oils that had been bought by the noble ladies impressed them. The evidence was in the endless stream of letters praising Maria's generosity and the miraculous effects of the oils, arriving at Andalusia Castle ten days after their departure. Of course, at the end of each letter, they all expressed...