The Spanish Party (Thursday Evening 12/30)- Xmas 1677

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia was pleased that the guests liked the meal and she basked in the compliments it received. She had chosen most of the dishes herself, having sampled them in all in Madrid. Perhaps she had a flair for selecting courses that went well together, a good trait for a hostess to possess. She hoped that Esteban, seated at the far end of the table, had taken note of the praise as well. Entertaining guests was one of her duties as the wife of an Ambassador, and she wanted him to think of her as an asset rather than a liability.

 

She became a bit nervous when the cloaked and hooded actors entered the room and disappeared behind the stage. Would everyone like the show? Sophia had asked the performers that they had hired in Spain and brought back with them to to act out a Spanish folktale and she thought they had done really well at coming up with a full production in two months time. Not all of them spoke English, but those who had speaking and singing roles were easily understandable. The troupe consisted of five men and five women and most of them played several different roles. One of the men accompanied them on guitar while one of the women played a tambourine.

 

When it seemed as if everyone was finished with dessert, Sophia signaled for the rest of the sweets and the plates to be taken away. New drink glasses were provided and filled with the guests' beverages of choice. From behind the stage, the guitarist brought out a chair and sat down, beginning to play softly.

 

The entertainment was about to begin.

 

 

(OOC: The performance will be described in my next two replies. The first will probably be posted either Wednesday or Thursday).

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Pushing back her chair, Sophia rose, strolled over to the stage, and stood in front of the curtain.

“Tonight I would like to present a new type of entertainment for your enjoyment. “When I was in Madrid, I watched a zarauela, a uniquely Spanish form of theatre that consists of arias like an opera and spoken dialogue like a play. I was so entranced that my lord husband and I brought a zarzuela troupe back with us to entertain tonight. This evening's performance is based on a Spanish folktale.” She waved her hand dramatically toward the curtain. “Please enjoy 'A Sprig of Rosemary.'

 

The tambourine player joined the guitarist and as Sophia stepped down and returned to her seat, they began to play. The curtain rose, revealing a backdrop that had been draped with a cloth painted to represent a forest. A young woman wearing peasant clothes entered, gathering up the pieces of wood scattered across the stage and singing about how hard her father made her work all day.

 

When the song ended, she was on the other side of the stage where there was a large fake plant. Exclaiming over how much she loved rosemary, she picked a sprig and sniffed it. At that moment, a finely dressed and handsome young man entered and asked her why she was stealing his firewood. She told him that her name was Adelita and that her father sent her and would be angry if she returned empty-handed.

 

The man introduced himself as Eduardo and said that he owned the land. He sang of love at first sight and how he wanted to take Adelita to his castle and marry her. Adelita joined in, singing that she loved him too and would be honored to be his wife. As they kissed, four dancers dressed in colorful capes changed the scenery while performing an intricately choreographed routine.

 

From the doorway, there was a commotion and an actor dressed as a nobleman ran in, pursued by a big bearded man wearing a woman's gown and a crown upon his head. They circled the table once and then disappeared backstage.

 

Now the painted cloth backdrop represented a castle and there were gilded objects set around the stage. A door stood to one side behind which sat a large chest. A middle-aged woman dressed as a servant walked onstage, followed by Adelita, now attired in sumptuous finery. The woman told her that she could go anywhere she wanted as long as she didn't open that one door. If she did, the castle would cease to exist and so would her new life.

 

The woman left and Adelita inched toward the door, singing about how happy she was with her marriage but that she didn't want any secrets between herself and her husband. She opened the door and cautiously moved to the chest. Opening it, she gasped and lifted out a snakeskin. A loud sound like thunder was heard offstage and the curtain fell.

 

Only a moment later, it rose again. The backdrop was now painted with grass and sky and Adelita stood alone in the middle of it, looking confused. She bemoaned her foolishness and how everything she loved was gone. The only other object on the stage was the same plant from earlier. She picked another sprig of rosemary, but when she tried to put it into her pocket, she pulled out the snakeskin and vowed to find her husband again, no matter what it took.

 

The dancers leapt onstage and changed the backdrop again. It now represented the interior of a different castle. A middle-aged man dressed as a king entered in front of the curtain with two richly attired young men. He proclaimed that if they were lucky, his daughter the Princess Rosalia would choose one of them to marry. Each man extolled his own virtues in song and claimed that they would marry the princess. A voice from backstage announced the princess' entrance, and the big bearded man, still wearing a gown and a crown, sauntered in and held up both of his hairy hands to be kissed. The horrified suitors ran offstage. The king followed, begging them to stop.

 

The 'princess' then sang a comical song in a falsetto voice about how 'she' was so beautiful that no one could stand it and lamented ever finding a husband. As 'she' finished, Eduardo stumbled in, holding out his hands as if blind. Rosalia smiled and winked at the audience, took him by one hand, and led him offstage.

 

Again, the dancers whirled around the stage, changing the scenery and bringing in a bench. The backdrop showed a street scene painted on the cloth. When the dancers exited, Adelita was sitting on the bench in the center of the stage, her head in her hands. Two men and two women danced by as they performed various tasks, looking toward her and shaking their heads sadly. Finally, an old woman hobbled up to her and asked her why she looked so sad. She sang that she had been looking for her husband for months but had not yet found him. The old woman told her that if anyone knew where he was, it would the Sun, the Moon, or the Wind because they see everything. Cheering up again, Adelita rose, promising to seek them out.

 

The curtain fell and the musicians disappeared behind the stage. “There will be a short break,” Sophia announced, “and then the second act will begin.”

 

 

(OOC: You can find the tale that the zarzuela was based on here. Artistic license was employed to make it more theatrical and workable on a small stage. The second act will probably be posted on Sunday or Monday, so there is time for conversation, if you wish).

[Robert Saint-Leger]

Beverleys, George, Rupert, Peg

 

"You are a saviour in such circumstances," Beverley whispered to George, taking his advise on foods and only sampling very little of other things.

 

The entertainment would hopefully drown out any unhappy sounds from his stomach. Even English sorts of foods did not agree with him a lot of the time.

 

"What did she say this was?" Beverley whispered to George. Whatever that word was sounded positively demonic in a way. Too many Zs and Vs.

 

Leaning in to his wife, he said, "Zarwhatsis does not sound very friendly, does it? I hope it is a happy sort of thing."

 

It was an intriguing combination of singing, dancing, and spoken lines.

[Davina Wellsley]

Francis, Bristol, Davina, Baintree and Frances

 

Davina caught the undertone words and couldn't help but smile as she too watched the figures disappear. She caught her brothers eye and quirked a brow then passed him the platter filled with something she hoped was spicy and hot ...

 

A lone figure came out and with a guitar began to play and then Lady Toledo rose and walked towards the closed drapery and Davina hoped she didn't plan of another exhibition of her prowess as a Singer but then all the assembled Men would be sure to approve no doubt and she looked about seeing some straighten in their seats and one or two nudge the other as if in anticipation of just that.

 

Ah. So it was to be a musical entertainment after all and she was curious as she listened to the description.

 

"If tis all in Spanish the I have not a hope of understanding." She quielty said as she reached for her goblet of wine prepared to be entertained at least by the unusualness of it all.

[Charles Audley]

Caroline, Charles and Duncan

 

Charles shrugged carelessly at Duncan's questioning.

 

"I was at Maastricht, yes, and a colonel under Turenne later, but I can't answer for what they might have called me in Heidelburg," he laughed. Charles did not remember doing anything particularly scandalous while serving under French arms, but that campaign had been a proper chevauchée and those bred bad blood. Who knew what sort of rumours might have attached themselves to his name?

 

"But you were with Dumbarton's? A fine regiment. Are you still with them?" he inquired.

 

He switched his attention away as Sophia introduced the performers, feeling a trifle frustrated at not having had any opportunity to speak with her. He sipped at his wine, concealing his irritation.

 

Charles watched the entertainment with a jaundiced eye. It was technically proficient enough, he supposed, and the music was good, but the performance failed to stir him for whatever reason.

 

The thwarted passions souring in your stomach?

 

Temporarily thwarted.

 

"A little... busy, no?" he asked his companions quietly. "The whole is somewhat less than the sum of its parts, or so it seems to me."

[Caroline Despanay]

Caroline was the good guest and gave the Spanish troupe her eyes and ears. Perhaps she would have thought better of the performance if it had not been Spanish, her soldier father had so thoroughly poisoned her against Spain and anything Spanish. It did not help either she had taken an instant dislike of Sophia's husband and, though she had decided to attend this night because Sophia had invited her and she felt a certain loyalty to a friend, in truth she was still more than a bit peeved at the German girl.

 

She would have rather simply continued eating the Spanish food, which even she had to admit was quite delicious despite its country of origin. And enjoying conversation with Duncan and Charles, both fascinating men each in their own very different ways. But entertainment was required, she understood. Personally she believed Sophia's fine voice and singing accompanied by her cello playing would have gone over just as well if not better.

 

Audley leaned in to give his own critique, it was lukewarm at best. Caroline nodded then whispered her own assessment to the others, "What do you expect from the Spanish? They are more...pretense than accomplishment."

 

And then with a grin toward Charles she added, "Sophia could have sang instead...or shown her pair, least the menfolk would have approved, correct?"

[Sophia de la Cerda]

The musicians returned and began to play. The curtain rose. A golden cloth was draped over the backdrop and a throne sat in the center of the stage. On it sat the Sun, a man dressed in golden robes and wearing a golden sun mask. Adelita entered and asked for the his help in locating her husband. He sang that he didn't know where he was but gave her a nut to use in a time of great need. She thanked him and left.

 

Back came the dancers, artfully portraying the passage of time as Adeltia trudged in front of the stage on her way to the Moon's palace. As she left, they draped the backdrop in silver and a woman tossed off her cape and sat on the throne, She was attired in a silver gown and wore a crescent-moon headdress. When Adelita entered and asked for her assistance, she sang that she also couldn't help her but gave her an almond to use in a time of need. Adelita thanked her and then the dancers returned, showing more time passing as she trudged across the stage again.

 

The backdrop was draped in white cloth and this time it was a man who threw off his cape. As the Wind, he wore white robes and had a long white beard. After he took the throne, Adelita walked in and asked for his help. He said he would see what he could do and exited the stage, returning only moments later with news that Eduardo was being held in the palace of a king and was going to marry his daughter the next day, which was delivered in song. Adelita joined him in a duet asking him to do something to postpone the wedding for a few days until she could get to the castle. He promised that he would do what he could and gave her a walnut to use in a time of great need.

 

When the dancers took the stage again, they were dressed in wispy white cloaks. After two of them changed the backdrop to the castle scene, the bearded princess strolled out, wearing a sparkling white wedding gown. The dancers surrounded 'her,' twirling and tossing ribbons and lace and beads onto the floor. As they spun away, Rosalia was standing in the center of the stage, 'her' gown ragged and ruined. 'She' sobbed hilariously and ran offstage.

 

Dressed again in the costumes that indicated the passage of time, the dancers pranced in the background while Adeltia trudged across the stage for the fourth time. When they retreated, Eduardo was alone on the stage, sitting in a chair, his shoulders slumped. The backdrop was painted to resemble the interior of a tower. He sang about how he didn't want to marry the princess, that he felt as if he loved somebody else, but he couldn't leave because of his blindness.

 

An absurd shriek split the air and Rosalia entered in 'her' tattered wedding dress, sobbing hilariously. 'She' told Eduardo that their wedding would have to be postponed for a few days because a sudden gust of wind ripped 'her' gown apart. He turned away from 'her' and gave a great sigh of relief.

 

For the next scene, the dancers moved the backdrop to one side of the stage, changed the cloth back to the castle, and set the door in the middle. Adelita entered from the far side and knocked on the door. A servant answered and turned her away. Going to the side of the stage, she tossed it into the wings. A cracking noise could be heard, and a beautiful cloak was thrown back. She did this with the other nuts and received some petticoats and a gorgeous gown.

 

Knocking on the door again, she asked to see the princess. When Rosalia looked upon the finery, 'she' let Adelita in. In a lively duet, Adelita sold' her' the cloak and then the petticoats for a large amount of gold but refused to sell 'her' the gown unless 'she' let her see the man 'she' planned to marry. Rosalia really wanted the gown to wear at 'her' wedding and so 'she' agreed.

 

The dancers draped the tower scene on the backdrop and then twirled offstage. Eduardo sat on the floor, staring blankly ahead of him. Adelita and Rosalia entered from the other side. Bending toward Eduardo, Adelita reached into her pocket, bringing out both the sprig of rosemary and the snakeskin. As soon as she touched Eduardo with the rosemary, he stood up and announced that his memory and his sight had returned. He grabbed the snakeskin and ran offstage.

 

About a second later, a fake snake was thrown in. Rosalia screamed and started jumping up and down hysterically and Adelita said that she would catch the snake for an even greater sum of gold. The bearded princess agreed to this too, and Adelita scooped up the fake serpent and tucked it into her pocket.

 

This time the dancers performed a bit longer and when they withdrew, the street scene was draped on the backdrop. Adelita, wearing fine clothes, entered followed by three men bearing heavy ornate chests. When she got close to the other side, she took the snake out of her pocket and threw it offstage. Immediately, Eduardo walked out, tossing a large snakeskin cape over his shoulder. He was also dressed sumptuously The two of them then sung a love song about finding each other again and how they will live a good life with the gold Adelita got from the princess. As they kissed, the curtain fell for the final time.

 

After the actors and actresses stepped in front of the curtain and took their bows, Sophia stood up. “Thank you so much for watching the show. I hope that you enjoyed it.”

[George Hardwick III]

Beverleys, George, Rupert, Peg

 

Chichester smiled in reply, it pleased him to assist his young friend thus.

 

Yet conversation was by necessity cut short as a theatre experience commenced. George had not known that the nights entertainment would be so elaborate, the actors were accomplished and the play novel. It was plainly not the hand of the reserved Ambassador Toledo behind it, but rather his vivacious young wife with her flair for the dramatic.

 

George applauded at the end of the show, then took to his feet and applauded the hostess with a further nod of head recognition of her accomplishment. "Bravo Lady Toldeo, Bravo."

 

While he might hope that others at the table would join him in his acknowledgement it mattered little to him if they did not. Sophia had supported him at a time when he needed it - it was his pleasure to, in his own way, repay her. Further, he deemed her to fully deserve it.

[Davina Wellsley]

Davina and Company

 

It had been an interesting thing but was still too much like the Opera had been so she did not care enough. One could and did applaud for effort naturally and so her own was added to those about her. That Lord Chichester had seemed to want to lead others' to stand puzzled her.

 

She had no idea that there was a closeness between those two and for some reason it bothered. Sophia of old was still Sophia of old simply disguised as Lady Toledo now and yes in a position of Rank but only a Baroness and a Spanish one at that.

 

Attention would always follow because she was easy on the eye but then so were many at Court, herself amongst them, so it suited that there must be another thing that was the draw.

 

She sat up suddenly her gaze going to Chichester then to Sophia and then back to him. Was it possible they were or had been lovers? Sophia was after all an actress and fully capable of playing a rolé to steer any watching eyes away!

 

The idea of them together, naked fleah pressed to naked flesh made her feel sick and she pressed a hand to her mouth the feeling of a sudden all too real.

[Robert Saint-Leger]

Beverleys, George, Rupert, Peg, Etc

 

Beverley smiled at Lord Chichester's 'Bravos' for the lady of the house. He clapped, not having that sort of ostentatious streak to follow George's exuberance.

 

He exchanged a few words with his wife about the entertainment. His mind briefly went to thinking about what sort of entertainments they might have when they could have their own parties.

 

"One day, we shall have our own entertainments," he promised her.

 

Then he turned his attention back to the rest of the evening's conversation.

[Hope]

Alas at that moment Lord Melville felt a need to lift one hand in a staying motion, silently excusing himself from his table companions...

 

Indeed he removed himself not only from the table but the room also. Beyond the doors a fit of coughing ensued. A servant followed to the hallway taking him a glass of water, no doubt he would presently return - but for now any reply he could have made was lost.

 

OOC: please do carry on without Duncan, who is still free to return to pick up conversation if he gets back in time.

[Duncan Melville]

Caroline, Charles, and Duncan

Having relieved himself after asking the closest servant for the nearest privy, Duncan wondered what could have unsettled his stomach so. The food was exquisite! Could it be that I am getting old and peppers have begun to hit my stomach harder than they used to? It could be, but it was unlikely. Duncan had been a soldier most of his adult life, and peppers were not the nastiest thing he had had to eat.

 

Getting back to his previous company, the Lowlander resumed their conversation. “Rumours were that you were a capable officer at Heidelburg, Chatham”. In military parlance, capable meant you had not made a fool of yourself, either by panicking or by issuing orders that had gotten your men killed. “As for Dumbarton’s, no. Alas, I had to resign mi commission on health grounds”. That he had almost died was left unmentioned.

 

Entertainment was top-rate, but it was Spanish entertainment. Thus, although Duncan appreciated it, many would probably not. Charles’ and Caroline’s comments afterwards were proof of that.

 

“It is wholly Spanish, yes. This is the Spanish Embassy, after all, so I guess it had to be. I do know artists of much higher caliber, however, that I would have enjoyed a lot more”. The way he looked at Caroline indicated she was one of those. “An acquired taste, I concede, but not bad”. Truth be told, the viscount had enjoyed the zarzuela, even though his companions had not.

 

Yet, ever the gentleman, he took his cue from George, stood up, and applauded heartily at Sophia’s words ending the performance. I will not say it out loud, but between the French and the Spanish, I will take the Spanish side any time. I just don’t dare state it openly in front of Lady Kendishall or Mademoiselle Nicolette, but Spain could become a friend, while France is most certainly not one. Perhaps the basket-hilt rapier he wore often was a hint of that.

[Caroline Despanay]

Now Caroline certainly would have strongly disagreed with her Scottish friend's assessment of the nationalities but as a sop to her friend, Sophia, she too joined in the applause though God knows no one could make her cry 'encore'. Fortunately no one else did either. Oh she was still mad at Sophia alright for more than one reason, both of them justified at least in her view. Caroline realized though that she did not wish to end her friendship with the German girl because when they did get along, they got along wonderfully.

 

Duncan's remarks included a thinly veiled compliment of her - at least given his look she certainly thought she was the one being referred to and Caroline smiled back at him as she gave him a nod of acknowledgement. This was why she so liked the kind Scotsman.

 

As everyone ceased their applause and went back to the food and drink, Caroline raised her glass as she looked around at those seated around her.

 

"To our good King Charles and to the upcoming new year!"

 

Anything so she didn't have to drink to whatever warped toad was sitting on the Spanish throne currently.

[Sophia de la Cerda]

As the applause swelled around her, Sophia smiled triumphantly at her husband sitting at the other end of the table. The zarzuela had been well-received and he should thank her for suggesting they bring a troupe with them from Spain. Their guests seemed to be in excellent spirits, which was one of the signs of a successful party. Maybe he would be proud of her at last and forget about what had happened at the opera.

 

She smiled warmly at Lord Chichester and tried not to look at Lord Chatham, although her gaze strayed briefly in his direction. Once again, she touched her cheek while pretending to brush back an errant strand of hair, hoping that he would notice.

 

When Lady Kendishall proposed a toast, the petite blonde, still standing, lifted her glass as well. “Yes,” she agreed, smiling at her friend. Maybe Caroline had forgiven her for not attending her own festivities. She'd had a valid excuse, even though the real reason she had not gone was because Esteban had forbidden it. “To our King and a prosperous New Year.” To show that this was not an entirely Spanish affair, she added a lyrical “Prost!”

[Charles Audley]

Caroline, Charles, and Duncan

 

Politely, Charles made no mention of Duncan's sudden attack as the Scotsman returned to the table. Instead, he merely smiled thinly as they took their conversation up again.

 

"I flatter myself that I did not blot my copybook too outrageously," he said lightly. "On the whole I think I had a good war, obvious exception apart." He tapped a fingertip to his eye patch and laughed.

 

The entertainment ended, and Charles applauded with a deal more enthusiasm than he felt.

 

"On that we are agreed sir," he told Melville, mirroring the older man's look towards Caroline. He would have much preferred to listen to Lady Kendishall's cello than this... farce.

 

He joined the toast with more genuine vim, one hand fiddling with his cravat pin as he caught Sophia touching her cheek from the corner of his eye.

 

"And to King Charles of Spain, may his reign be long, happy and prosperous, and see a new flowering of friendship between our two kingdoms," he added cheerily.

 

The former half of that benediction, at least, was supremely unlikely. Charles 'the Bewitched' had a family tree with far too few branches, and was a living illustration as to why that was a bad idea.

[Caroline Despanay]

Caroline caught Audley's addition to Melville's veiled compliment then his glance also and smiled in his direction, voicing but not saying aloud, "Thank you."

 

He was no doubt a rascal and schemer but he was also a soldier and she usually tended to like soldiers ...well except for that pathetic excuse of a soldier, Jailor Langdon. Plus Audley was just damn fun to be with.

 

Her toast to the King, the English one that is, got a good response but wouldn't you know it, her very own Audley had to go ruin it with a follow up toast to the Spanish royal Charles. Then he topped it off with a wish for better relations between the two countries. Caroline did not join the toast but instead pretended to cough a bit while setting her glass back down onto the table and reaching for her handkerchief to stifle her faked throat annoyance.

[George Hardwick III]

Amidst the cheer George felt eyes acutely upon him, his attention was pulled by a look upon Davina's face (across the way). There was very plainly something wrong. But what? George frowned the question towards her - and then there was toasts to this King and that.

 

George was lifting his glass to each, though he was rattled, looking away and then back towards Davina. Damn that woman who insidiously got under his skin every time. She looked like she’d seen a ghost, or worse, she looked like she might pass out, she looked… like he needed to help her!

 

But if he helped her, then… well it would end up bad. That was the only certainty when it came to anything between he and she.

 

Dragging his attention away from her he looked down the table to Toledo and rose his toasting glass to the Ambassador. "Let us not forget out fine host, who mediates the new golden age between Spain and England."

[Caroline Despanay]

Well, her sudden coughing spell managed to get her out of that toast without it looking like a rude outright refusal but then wouldn't you know it yet another nobleman, she knew him somewhat and what she had been told about the fellow did not endear him to her, proposed yet another lickspittle toast to these Spaniards. The Welsh composer, her symphony mentor, had told her things about Chichester and Caroline had no reason to disbelieve them. Indeed it even involved Sophia.

 

What was it this time? Oh honoring the Spanish ambassador and some rot about a golden age between Spain and England?

 

"Merde," she issued a barely audible mutter with a roll of her eyes, falling back on a favorite expression of her soldier father, then put the glass up to her lips but did not drink.

 

Any more of these toasts and she was going to have to go out for some fresh air.

[Davina Wellsley]

Davina

 

It would seem that Fate still intended to bring them together despite both of them declaring that nothing was farther from the Truth.

 

She had her eyes fastened upon his person and he had caught her his frown indicating as much but then attention was drawn away and toast and glasses were raised ....

 

She did not bother to hold up her own glass but drank deeply draining the glass that had been half full. She had to get herself together or run the risk of others' noticing as well - for if Chichester's eyes could see then so could anyone else that happened to look. The last thing she wanted was having to answer.

 

So her smile was once again in place but it never reached her eyes and that sick feeling in her stomach did not retreat either and she knew that she needed to get away. Needed air. Needed to erase the picture she had been painting of Sophia and George together. What he did or did not do was none of her business - so then why did it hurt her heart to think it true?

[Aria]

Frances whispering to Francis

 

The Duchess of Richmond had thought that the story the actors had performed was enchanting, but she had found the music less so. Apparently, the Spanish liked opera as much as the Italians. Since the King was fond of it as well, she supposed that she would have to get used to it.

 

Then the toasts began and she drank a sip to each one, even though she didn't agree with some of them. Leaning toward Francis, she whispered: “If they keep making toasts, I fear I shall get drunk and you'll have to carry me out.”

[Sophia de la Cerda]

Sophia smiled when she saw Lord Chatham toy with his cravat pin, but she made it seem as if she was pleased that toasts had been made to the Spanish King, whom she had only seen from a distance and had not liked, and then to her husband. She wanted to talk to the charming Earl before the party was over, as well as to the other guests she had not yet greeted.

 

She looked over to her husband, wondering if he planned on adding another toast or if he would rather bring the entertainment portion of their party to an end.

[Blackguard]

The Ambassador made other toasts to English subjects and was joined by others. Rupert's leg began to hurt and he excused himself early. Peg hughes joined him, thanking the hosts. Beverley and Mary were free to do as they wished. Montagu chose that moment to take his leave as well, and others rose, sensing that it was a good time to say farewell. It was a pleasant time but the foul weather and slush upon the roads caused many to think of returning home.

 

OOC~ You can all make a farewell post if you wish and then the thread will be closed.

[Defiance]

Enough time has passed since the last post, even with the board booming, so I'm going to close this thread now!