#read Nicholas' dialogue with the sexiest French accent you can imagine

[greatbritishsimchallenge]

"Sir Nicholas."

"Lady Isabeau, welcome back. I was so sorry to hear of Lady Elisaria's death. She will be mourned across England and Europe for many seasons to come. In my own home country, Champs le Sims, she and Lady Ursula were renowned for their beauty and grace. It is a great loss for us all."

"Thank you, my mother would have loved to think of so many mourning her, I am sure. While I, too, must mourn, I want also to return to my work. I understand you have a new collection to show me?"

"Please, this way."

"I wanted to create a set that would muse on the two sides to the Crusades: the national and the individual. While the national picture is one of united power and chivalry, the individual picture is much more conflicted, torn between the love and duty for one's country and the love and duty for one's family."

Isabeau took her time to silently study each piece.

"Are you not concerned about making the failed Crusade a subject?" She asked.

"No. I believe history is written by the artists. These paintings do not tell a story of defeat or revolt. They tell a story of strength and bravery."

"Rewriting history with art... a bold claim," smiled Isabeau, impressed.

Nicholas noticed the way Isabeau had gravitated back to the painting of the lover's embrace.

"This one is my favourite," he said softly.

"You have an impressive ability to capture the emotion of the subject."

"It is always easier when one has real emotion to draw on. While I myself have never gone off to battle, I know what it means to long for someone - to want to hold them and never let go."

Isabeau felt his body just behind hers and it felt as if his entire energy were transferring to her body and rippling through her. She didn't reply, but held her position for a few seconds.

"I'm sorry, Sir Nicholas, I do not think I can support this collection," Isabeau said, turning to him. "The Crusades is still a very sensitive topic for many at court and there will be some who will be offended by any mention of them. I suspect that a collection being created by a Frenchmen on an English defeat will only pour more salt into the wound."

"I understand," Nicholas replied, "But I will not deny my disappointment."

Nicholas took Isabeau's hand then added, "There is no greater tragedy than when fear and caution deny us from beauty... or love. I have always admired those with the courage to live and love boldly."

Isabeau looked intently at Nicholas as she replied, "I would say the greater tragedy is when beauty and love blind us to the importance of fear and caution, leading us to peril. There is nothing admirable about being so absorbed in one's own feelings that you disregard those of everyone around you. Excuse me, I must be going."

As Isabeau turned to leave, she said to Nicholas, "Write to me when you produce something I can support."

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