A SCANDAL AT THE PALACE
Gossip has broken out in the Miranian court after allegations were made claiming that Raphael Helston, Duc di Mirolani, had contracted a secret marriage with English pianist Jennifer Craddock. Ms Craddock, who attended the Collège des Musiciens with Tamara Helston, the Countess di Mirolani, is the mother of Teresita, whom she claims is the daughter of the Duke.
The Duke di Mirolani was recently embroiled in another scandal when he broke off his betrothal to Princess Elisaveta, the heir to the throne of our neighbouring Belsornia. The Princess has criticised the Duke as being "fickle," "ungrateful," and as having "no backbone." The Duke has made no official reply to these criticisms, but is understood by his closest friend, Maximilian Batiste, a member of the Miranian Privy Council, to be deeply hurt. He is also reported to have commented that Princess Elisaveta is "colder than an eskimo's underpants."
Her Royal Highness Queen Roxalanne has been deeply supportive of Princess Elisaveta during this troubled period, and rumours abound that the Privy Council will find grounds to annul the alleged marriage to Ms Craddock in order that the Duke join in marriage the houses of Mirania and Belsornia. M. Batiste however today commented that "the Duke will not be so easily led. He is a fine figure of a man, who will choose his own love. I admired him deeply for it."
Mme. Isabella Carravaggio