The Battle of the Braganzas Volume II: The Fall Out - Chapter 6 Succession Issues

João and Isabel had just finished a very pleasant dinner at the Hieronymites Monastery. They stood up from the table, profusely thanking their hosts, who in turn replied that there was no greater honour than dining with the King. They left the monastery, smiling and waving at the monks. But as soon as the doors were closed, João turned to his daughter: his expression was grave.

"I don't feel well", he said. "There's a funny feeling in my stomach."

"Why?", asked Isabel. "What could have happened?"

"I don't know", said João. "Maybe the food was a bit too rich, or maybe I ate a bit too much. But, anyway, let's get back to the palace, and see if I feel better then."

They climbed into the carriage that would take them back to Bemposta Palace. Suddenly, João vomited quite violently: the servant who was with them looked scandalised, Isabel looked alarmed.

"Are you all right, Papa?", she asked, more as a desperate attempt to reassure herself than in expectation of a positive answer.

"I have convulsions in my stomach", said João, "but I'm sure I'll be all right."

"I'm not sure about that", Isabel admitted. "This is serious."

She could see that her father's face looked deathly pale. An ominous feeling began to grow within her, despite her best efforts to dismiss it.

"You're only 59", she pointed out, "and you've always been in good health. So how . . ."

But before she could finish, João vomited again, and did so several times before reaching the palace. He then staggered out of the coach, aided by Isabel, who was now doing her best not to panic. Into the palace they went, where João vomited in front of the all the palace staff, who all turned their faces away in disgust and pity. Isabel had the servants take him to his bed, where she sat beside him, her face full of worry. He continued to vomit periodically, and he wheezed frequently. Isabel fervently prayed to God for her father's recovery.

By the next day, word had got round that the King was seriously ill. Palmela came to his bedside, with concern etched on his face.

"Your Majesty", he said, "I am very sorry to hear of your sad condition. Are you any better today?"

"I feel about the same as yesterday", groaned João. "But I think I'll be all right."

"May that be God's will", replied Palmela, but he did not feel so hopeful. He looks absolutely terrible, Palmela thought, he'll do well to survive this. And if the worst comes to the worst, the heir to the throne is an ocean away, and the younger son is hellbent of the complete extirpation of liberty in this country. Will Portugal be ruled by Brazil? Will there be civil war? Will all hope for a future based on liberty be crushed?

Two days passed, and João remained confined to his bed: Isabel remained by his side at all times. He seemed to be breathing a little easier now, she thought.

"Are you feeling better, now, Papa?", she asked hopefully.

"I don't know", groaned João. "I'm not getting any worse, but my stomach still doesn't feel right."

"Have you any idea what happened to you?", inquired Isabel. "I know Mama is saying that the Freemasons poisoned you, but . . ."

"Maybe . . . maybe", murmured João. "But what concerns me more is that she hasn't bothered to visit me."

There was an awkward silence, before Isabel spoke again:

"Do you think you will get better, Papa?"

"Well", said João, "just in case, you know . . . you shall be the Regent of Portugal and the Algarves until the legitimate heir shall return to the Kingdom."

He smiled at her, but Isabel did not look at all comforted by this announcement, and hastily began chatting about more cheerful matters.

After another three nights, João once again started coughing and wheezing violently. Isabel gripped his hand tightly. This is the end, she thought: instinctively she knew it.

"Farewell, Isabel", breathed João, his voice barely audible. "I am soon to meet my Maker."

Isabel bowed her head, and did not reply.

"I know you will be a good regent", said João, "and I hope that Pedro will once again unite this country with Brazil. Goodbye, my dearest daughter."

His breathing stopped, his head fell back on his pillow, and the hand that Isabel was holding became clammy. Isabel threw herself on her father's body and sobbed desperately.

"Papa . . . papa . . .", she cried.

Isabel stopped crying after about 10 minutes, and willed herself to stand upright. I have duties that must be attended to, she reminded herself. She gave orders for a proclamation to be read all over the country:

"Whereas it has pleased the Lord to call away His Majesty Dom João VI, of blessed and glorious memory, the crown of these kingdoms is now come to His Imperial Majesty Dom Pedro I, Emperor of Brazil, the true and undoubted heir to the throne; we therefore proclaim that the said Emperor of Brazil is now, by the demise of our late King, become His Imperial and Royal Majesty Dom Pedro IV, King of Portugal and the Algarves, to whom we all owe dutiful obedience. Long live the King!"

Isabel also summoned Palmela, and instructed him to lead a delegation to Brazil to inform Pedro of the news.

In Porto, Costa was walking through the street when he heard the proclamation. He had been briefly imprisoned after João had dissolved the Cortes, but had been released in an amnesty after six months. He involuntarily flinched when he heard the announcement that Pedro was now King of Portugal. What, that traitor, that rebel, is now our King? And are we going to be under Brazilian rule once more? But then he thought: better Dom Pedro than Dom Miguel.

"Dom Miguel is the rightful King!", shouted Oliveira when the proclamation reached his ears. He made his way home quickly, and wrote a letter to Miguel:

"Your Majesty,

It is with the greatest sadness and regret that I must inform you that your illustrious father, Dom João VI, is dead. My sincerest condolences I extend to you. It therefore follows that, by the Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom, Your Majesty is now the King of Portugal and the Algarves. Alas, however, Dom Pedro has been quite improperly proclaimed as King instead. As Your Majesty's humble and faithful subject, let it be known that I will wholeheartedly support Your Majesty in whatever actions you may take to recover your rights and save our country from the liberal scourge.

With humble affection,

Oliveira"

The Battle of the Braganzas Volume II: The Fall-Out - Chapter 5 Family Affairs

 Leopoldina frowned as she studied the text of the draft Treaty of Rio de Janeiro.

"This treaty is no good at all", she said.

"How?", asked Pedro. "It gives us what is vitally important, recognition by Portugal of our independence."

"In so many different ways", replied Leopoldina. "It states that your father 'yields and transfers from his free will' the sovereignty of Brazil to you and our heirs. His free will! Did all the blood sacrifices of the last three years not happen? Did not you yourself, in your great wisdom, guide this country to freedom?"

Pedro opened his mouth to argue, but Leopoldina continued:

"Furthermore, the Treaty says that your father 'takes and reserves for himself' the title of Emperor of Brazil, and that you consent to his use of the title that by rights is yours alone. Also, we are to pay Portugal 80 tons of gold in reparations. Reparations for what? For fighting for our rights? After all the depradations and insults that Portugal committed against us, yet it is we who are to compensate them? Should it not be the other way round? And last of all, Portugal is to have all her trading privileges restored."

Leopoldina put down the copy of the Treaty and looked at Pedro straight in the eye.

"The people will not accept this humiliation", she said. "There are already rumours afoot that you and your father are plotting together to reunite us with Portugal."

"Why, I have no such plans", said Pedro angrily. "How can you say so?"

"I did not say you had such plans", said Leopoldina calmly. "I would never suspect you of such a treacherous deed. But there are unfortunately many who believe so, and your father calling himself Emperor of Brazil - and your agreeing to this - is only fuelling them. The people will not like it if you agree to this disgrace of a treaty."

"I have to agree to it", replied Pedro. "The European powers have made it plain that they will not recognise our independence until Portugal does so."

"Shouldn't you at least wait until the General Assembly has convened?", asked Leopoldina. "Under the Constitution, it is they who are to ratify the Treaty."

"No", said Pedro, "I need to ratify it myself, while I still have that power. We need the countries of Europe to recognise us, so they will help promote immigration to this country, and thus aid our social and economic development - something we badly need. I also need to solve this issue quickly, to address the trouble in Cisplatina."

Although Pedro had succeeded in crushing the Confederation of the Equator, with 16 rebel leaders executed and the remainder pardoned, in Cisplatina matters were starting to come to a head. A group of 33 men had started a rebellion, proclaiming union with the United Provinces - the situation had proved to be more serious that Pedro had anticipated. In addition, Pedro thought, hadn't Domitilia already told him that ratifying the Treaty was the right thing to do?

Leopoldina opened her mouth to argue, but soon realised it was useless.

Pedro had informed Leopoldina that he was going to present a potential new lady-in-waiting to her, and hoped that she would be so gracious as to appoint this lady to the position. Leopoldina was sitting in her chambers, awaiting the new arrival. Maybe, she thought, this new lady-in-waiting would be a good friend, one in whom she could confide her growing concerns about what Pedro was doing.

The door to the room opened: Leopoldina stood up, and smiled, as Pedro came in, followed by a woman she had never seen before.

"Leopoldina, this is Domitilia de Castro, Baroness of Santos, whose father has done great service to me", said Pedro. "My lady Baroness, this is the Empress."

Domitilia curtsied and kissed Leopoldina's hand, as Pedro had instructed her to.

Leopoldina smiled again.

"Welcome to Boa Vista Palace, Domitilia", she said.

"Your Imperial Majesty", said Domitilia, "this is the greatest honour, and I promise to be your faithful servant."

"I have no doubt", answered Leopoldina, "and I willingly appoint you to my service."

Domitilia jumped up and laughed for joy: this disturbed Leopoldina, but not as much as what she glimpsed in Pedro's face. He was beaming, looking as happy as Leopoldina had ever seen him, and his eyes glanced at Domitilia: he quickly turned away, once he knew Leopoldina was staring at him, and stared awkwardly at the floor.

Leopoldina's eyes narrowed.

"Is there anything going on between the two of you?", she asked.

"Well . . . nothing, really . . ." spluttered Pedro.

"Don't lie to me", said Leopoldina: there was a rare note of sternness in her face.

"Pedro has been very good to me . . .", began Domitilia.

" 'Pedro'?," repeated Leopoldina.

Pedro strode forward and put his arm around Domitilia: she rested her head on his shoulder, and he caressed her.

"Well, yes, you are right", he said awkwardly to Leopoldina.

Domitilia smirked at the Empress.

Leopoldina bowed her head.

"But this doesn't mean I don't love you", said Pedro earnestly. "It's just that I love Domitilia as well, and she loves me."

"And I'm supposed to be happy with that?", demanded Leopoldina. "Happy that my husband, the man I love, sleeps with another woman? Happy that you are breaking your wedding vows? Happy that you are disobeying the Seventh Commandment?" She did her best to avoid Domitilia's gloating grin.

"I can love more than one woman", said Pedro, his voice rising

"I am your lawful wedded wife", said Leopoldina. "I am the one that you are pledged to, the mother of your children, the one who has always loved and been faithful to you."

She was on the verge of tears.

"Now, now", said Pedro, "it is quite improper for a wife to question her husband's actions like this."

"And it is improper for a husband to be unfaithful to his wife!", said Leopoldina. "It's immoral, it's against the law of God, it's . . ."

Distracted, she strode out of the chamber, as fast as her dignity and her pregnancy would allow, doing her best to hide her tears. She made her way to the nursery, where Maria, Januária and Paula were playing, joined by their nine month-old sister Francisca, known as Chica. The girls all ran to their mother and hugged her.

"What's wrong, Mama?", asked Maria.

"I can't tell you", answered Leopoldina.

"Is it something about Papa?", asked Januária, placing a consoling hand on Leopoldina's arm. Leopoldina smiled, despite herself.

"No", she said quickly.

Paula smiled shyly at her mother, while Chica danced around and pulled a few faces: eventually Leopoldina broke out into a laugh. Perhaps if my baby is a boy, Pedro will treat me better, she thought.

"It's a boy!", proclaimed the midwife.

"Hurrah! At last!", shouted Pedro, jumping for joy.

Leopoldina, thoroughly exhausted and breathing very heavily, smiled as broadly as she could. Weakly she stretched out her arms and gently caressed her newborn son.

"You are the future of Brazil", she told him proudly.

She beckoned to her four daughters to come to her bedside and say hello to their baby brother. Maria looked resentful, even though Leopoldina did her best to explain that the fact she was no longer the heir did not mean she was any less loved.

"What will you call him?", inquired the midwife.

"His name is Pedro, but we shall call him Pedrinho", the Emperor replied at once.

"Can I hold him?", asked Domitilia: she was holding Pedro's hand.

"Certainly not", said Leopoldina.

"That's so unfair of her", complained Domitilia, turning imploringly to Pedro.

"Hand him over", Pedro commanded.

"I shall not", insisted Leopoldina. "I am the Empress, I am his mother, and . . .

"And I am his father, the Emperor, and your husband", said Pedro: there was a slight but unmistakable angry tone in his voice. "I order you to hand him over to the Viscountess of Santos."

Leopoldina gave an exasperated sigh, and reluctantly allowed the midwife to pick the baby up and place him in Domitilia's arms. Leopoldina turned away, unable to bear the sneering look Domitilia was giving her. The four princesses turned away from the bed to stare in confusion at this strange scene: Maria glared at Domitilia.

The Battle of the Braganzas Volume II: The Fall-Out - Chapter 4 Father Versus Son

Pedro stood on the balcony of the Imperial Palace holding a copy of the newly ratified Political Constitution of the Empire of Brazil. A crowd had gathered.

"So", he proudly announced, "the great work is complete, and we now have a constitution to guarantee liberty in this empire for all time. Article I states that Brazil shall not enter any bond of union or federation with any other state contrary to her independence. The legislative power shall be vested in the General Assembly, which consists of two chambers, the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. Deputies shall serve a four-year term, and senators shall hold office for life. In each locality, the people shall vote for electors representing each province, and these electors shall choose the deputies, as well as three men for each vacancy in the Senate: I shall appoint one of those three to be a senator. In each chamber, representation shall be apportioned by the total population of each province, including slaves. The right to vote shall belong to all male citizens over the age of 25, or over 21 in the case of married men, with an annual income of at least 100,000 réis. Any amendments to the Constitution shall require the approval of two consecutive General Assemblies, either side of an election."

After taking a brief glance at the Constitution to refresh his memory, Pedro continued:

"The executive power shall be headed by me, and exercised by the Council of Ministers, whose members I shall appoint and dismiss. Treaties shall be signed by me, and ratified by the General Assembly. Each province shall be headed by a president chosen by me, and advised by provincial councils elected by the people. The judicial power shall be vested in the Supreme Court of Justice and any lower courts which may be established by the General Assembly."

Pedro was starting to feel excited: he had now come to what he thought was the most important part of the Constitution.

"There shall also be a fourth power, the moderating power, which is the key to all political organisation, and which I shall wield. This shall enable me to break deadlocks and ensure the functioning of government in accordance with the Constitution and in the interests of the nation. I shall have the power to convene the General Assembly in extraordinary sessions. I can also veto legislation: however, any veto shall be suspensive, lasting for two years only. I may dissolve the Chamber of Deputies and call new elections at my discretion, pardon criminals, and reduce but not increase sentences. There shall also be a Council of State, composed of 10 members appointed for life, with whom I must consult on a regular basis and prior to any exercise of the moderating power, but I shall have the final decision in such matters. The right of succession to the throne shall belong to my descendants born in lawful wedlock: the closer in degree of kinship over the more distant; among those of the same degree, the male line over the female line; among those of the same sex, the elder line over the younger line. If a future Emperor should accede before the age of 18, the nearest person in the line of succession who is above that age shall be the regent: if there is no one in the imperial family who is of age, the General Assembly shall elect a council of three men to exercise the regency. The Constitution sets out 34 inviolable personal and property rights. Slaves shall not be citizens and have no rights under the Constitution."

Pedro was very pleased with the Constitution, even if he had been forced to sacrifice his anti-slavery principles to win acceptance of it. He had also, he felt, lived up to his promise that the Constitution would be "twice as liberal" as the draft constitution that the Constituent Assembly had been debating. The draft had stipulated more restrictive voting rights than the final version, it would not have allowed freedom of worship for non-Catholics, had only set out six inviolable rights, and had denied citizenship to freed slaves. Overall, a very good piece of work, Pedro thought: he was disappointed when it was met with only polite applause. And what's more, the Constitution was not his only success: the last Portuguese troops had now left Brazil, and after the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly he had also been able to open negotiations with Portugal in London - he was confident that Portugal would soon recognise Brazilian independence. There was a bit of trouble in Pernambuco, where the provincial government had refused to accept the Constitution, or the president Pedro had appointed, and also the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata was now demanding the return of Cisplatina, the province that João had conquered from them four years earlier, but Pedro was confident these could easily be dealt with. Why were the people not more appreciative, he wondered.

"Men of Portugal", announced Miguel: he was on his horse addressing his troops, in his capacity of Generalissimo, and his mother was beside him, giving him an encouraging smile.

"The time has finally come to save the country we all love from the pestilential levy of the Freemasons", Miguel continued. "These evil men are threatening the life of the King: they must be stopped."

The soldiers cheered loudly: "Long live Dom Miguel!" and "Down with the Freemasons!", they shouted.

"Furthermore", said Miguel, "the Marquis of Palmela and other men who are misleading His Majesty will be arrested, and no mercy shall be shown to the liberal traitors."

The soldiers acclaimed him again: Miguel then beckoned them, with Carlota Joaquina patting him appreciatively on the shoulder, and they marched into Lisbon. They burst into Palmela's house and seized him, dragging him off to prison despite his protests and those of many others: Miguel ordered the soldiers to point their guns at all who protested. Once all the liberal leaders they could find had been arrested, Miguel ordered his men to march on Bemposta Palace.

Once the palace was surrounded, Miguel turned to his mother.

"You know what to do", he told her.

Carlota Joaquina marched purposefully inside the palace.

Inside, João was shaking: he had heard rumours that his son was leading a rebellion against him, but was not sure whether to believe them. Isabel was doing her best to calm her father. He was sitting down in a chair, trying to take the situation in, while Isabel had her hand on his shoulder. Both jumped up in surprise when they saw Carlota Joaquina enter the room.

"Why, Carlota", said João: he began to smile, but stopped when he saw the fanatical look on his wife's face. Isabel just looked confused.

"The time has come", said Carlota Joaquina resolutely. "For too long you have allowed the liberal subversives to spread their damnable and treasonous doctrines. The country needs to have a ruler who will deal sternly with threats to the Crown."

João opened his mouth to argue, but Carlota Joaquina went on:

"So I have come here to tell you that you must abdicate and pass the throne to Miguel. He's the only member of this family who knows who to act towards traitors."

"How can you, Mama?", cried Isabel. "Betray Papa - your husband who you swore to obey? Plot against your lord and King like this?"

Her response appeared to stiffen João's resolve.

"This throne was entrusted to me by God", he said. "Only death can remove me. Just as my poor mother - God rest her soul - continued as Queen even during her madness, so will I continue as King until the Lord calls me away."

"If you do not give up the throne, Portugal will not have a King at all!", insisted Carlota Joaquina. "Have you forgotten what happened in France 30 years ago! King Louis was too weak in the face of his enemies, and so are you!"

"Did I not take decisive action only a year ago to restore my rights?", demanded João, his voice beginning to harden. "As long as these men pose no active threat to the Crown, I see no harm in permitting them to put forth their erroneous doctrines. People in England say much worse things about their King than the liberals here say about me, and he allows them to do it, without his throne being under threat."

"And", added Isabel, "by the same divine laws that put Papa on the throne, Miguel is not even the heir to the throne: Pedro is, and he has children of his own."

"Miguel is the heir by the Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom, which very wisely do not permit foreign rulers to govern this country", replied Carlota Joaquina. "But, more importantly, it is only he who can eliminate the threat of liberalism. You must step aside for him, and do so right now."

"I will not", said João.

"If you will not do so voluntarily, you will soon be forced to", said Carlota Joaquina.

With that, she turned on her heel and stalked out of the room.

João and Isabel looked at each other: neither had any words.

After some hours, João received news that the diplomatic corps were wishing to gain access: he ordered that they be admitted. In came Lord Beresford, former commander of the Portuguese troops against Napoleon and now the British ambassador, and Baron Hyde de Neuville, the French ambassador.

"Your Majesty", said Beresford, "may I assure you that His Britannic Majesty's Government is greatly alarmed about the events in Portugal. We believe that Your Majesty's moderation and prudence is the right course of action for Portugal, and we are determined to prevent despotism from taking hold here."

"His Most Christian Majesty sends his support to Your Majesty", said Hyde de Neuville, "and wishes to assure you his desire for your restoration. We in France know all too well the consequences of rebelling against lawful authority."

"So", said Beresford, "we are proposing a compromise. We believe that Your Majesty should summon Dom Miguel, and tell him to send his troops back to the barracks, while those he has arrested shall remain imprisoned.

"If Your Majesty should take this action", said Hyde de Neuville, "we believe that some measure of order and stability will return to Portugal."

João hesitated.

"You should agree to this, Papa", said Isabel. "These are good proposals."

"Very well, then", said João. "I shall send for Miguel to come to me."

So Miguel was summoned: he came in full of defiance, but adopted a more respectful demeanour when faced with his father, and readily agreed to João's proposals.

Nine days passed, and Portugal remained in turmoil. Fear, uncertainty and anger stalked the land. Palmela had managed to escape captivity and take refuge on a British ship. Once again, the ambassadors paid a visit to Bemposta Palace.

"Your Majesty", said Beresford, "we propose to you that you announce that you are making a visit to Caixas, but instead make your way to the ship Windsor Castle, which is ready and waiting for you."

"Once Your Majesty is there", added Hyde de Neuville, "you will have the space you need to take the action you need to do."

"Very well", said João at once: already a plan was forming in his mind.

Once aboard Windsor Castle, João issued a proclamation:

"Whereas there is much discord and subversion in this kingdom, owing to the unlawful and unnatural actions of my second son, Infante Dom Miguel, I, Dom João VI, King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves, have seen fit to decree the following:

"Dom Miguel shall be stripped of his position as Generalissimo, having proved himself unworthy of the trust placed in him by me. My rebellious Queen shall be confined in Queluz Palace. All those detained by Dom Miguel in the present rebellion are to be set free. All those who have supported the revolt are to be arrested. Finally, I order Dom Miguel to present himself on board the ship Windsor Castle forthwith."

Miguel marched on board Windsor Castle furiously. What was his father doing? Hadn't he proved himself to be unworthy of the throne, just as Carlota Joaquina had always said. But I will show him, thought Miguel, I will show what a King behaves like.

But when Miguel set eyes on his father, he began to tremble, he cast down his eyes and he threw himself at João's feet.

"Forgive me, father", he pleaded. "I was foolish, I let myself be swayed by Mama, I promise I will not do it again."

João looked down at his son with a mixture of anger and sadness.

"Stand up", he commanded.

Miguel obeyed.

"Look me in the eyes", said João.

Miguel slowly raised his eyes.

"You have violated your duty of obedience to your father and your King", said João. "You have brought chaos and turmoil to the kingdom, and thrown many good men into prison."

Miguel had no answer.

"Guards!", announced João. "I order you to arrest Dom Miguel."

A stunned Miguel made only the feeblest protest as the guards seized him.

"You are to be dismissed from your command of the Army", said João. "You will be taken to the frigate Pearl, which shall take you to France, and from thence you shall be deported to Vienna."

Miguel finally found his voice.

"Can I . . . can I . . . please, be allowed to see Mama?", he begged.

"No", said João firmly. "You are to leave Portugal immediately. Take him away!"

Miguel spluttered as he was dragged off, but João turned his back and hung his head, doing his best to fight back the tears. I wish I hadn't had to do this, he thought. Isabel placed a consoling hand on her father's shoulder.

Well, thought Oliveira, it's a good thing that His Majesty is still on the throne, but what a pity that Dom Miguel - the great hope for this country's future - is now in exile. This makes it all the more likely that Dom Pedro, that odious liberal and traitor, will be the next King.

Carlota Joaquina was inwardly fuming. He is just as weak as his father, she thought: I never thought he would just give in like this. He needs me to give him backbone.

"Sire, your son is a traitor to his King and to his country", said Oliveira. "Your Majesty should assemble a great expedition - greater than any Portuguese King has ever mustered - to force him to surrender."

"With all due respect, my lord", said Palmela, "this would be a most unwise and impractical course. Brazil is far too large and powerful a country for us to subdue."

João's gaze switched between one man and then the other: it was so hard, he thought, to decide whose advice to accept.

"So we should just roll over and accept treason, should we?", spluttered Oliveira. "Let a rebel enjoy the fruits of his treachery?"

"Unfortunately", Palmela repeated calmly, "we have to accept that we cannot reconquer Brazil, any more than King George could enforce his will on the North American rebels, nor Bonaparte on the Negroes of St. Domingo, nor King Fernando on Spanish America."

"You liberals are all traitors!", shouted Oliveira. "You always talk this country down, you want to take our colonies from us! That's what Dom Pedro wants, and it's what you want as well!"

"When have you heard me say that?", said Palmela, with more of an edge to his voice now. "I want the best for my King and for Portugal, and that is not served by sending more men to die in a war that we cannot win. As for Dom Pedro, he was driven to his actions by the foolishness of the Cortes - surely you are agreed on that?"

He turned to face the King.

"Your Majesty", he said, "I respectfully advise you to consider what Senhor Dom Pedro has done under the most difficult of circumstances. He has managed to hold Brazil together, unlike what has happened in Spanish America. He has established a new country under the rule of the House of Braganza, at a time when subversive ideas are spreading like the plague in the Spanish colonies. He has also successfully devised a new constitution. Dom Pedro bears you no ill-will, and if you undermine him, I dread to think who will take power in Brazil."

João turned to his daughter.

"What do you think, Isabel?", he asked.

"I agree with Palmela", she replied. "Pedro wants to be friendly with us. You should continue the  negotiations with him."

"That I will", announced João.

Pedro had received some concerning news: Pernambuco and the other north-western provinces had rebelled, proclaiming themselves an independent republic under the name the Confederation of the Equator. He had been furious when he heard this, but he was still confident that the rebellion would be crushed. He was equally confident about the negotiations over Portuguese recognition of Brazilian independence. He had also been pleased to give Domitilia the title Baroness of Santos, while Leopoldina would soon bear him another child.

He had just learned the news of Miguel's rebellion in Portugal, and decided that he should write a letter to his father:

"Your Majesty,

I wish to sympathise with you over Miguel's treason. I would never have believed that he would act in such a way towards his own father: our mother sadly has far too much influence over him. I fear there are still enemies at your court who wish you ill: you should beware them.

I now come to the delicate situation between my empire and your kingdom. You must know that I took up arms not against you, but against the Cortes, and I wish for nothing more than reconciliation. To this end, I would hope that you will end the state of war that exists between our two countries by recognising the independence of the Empire of Brazil. Take this step, and we can go forward together in perfect amity.

Your ever affectionate son,

Pedro."

The Battle of the Braganzas Volume II: The Fall Out - Chapter 3 The Night of Agony

Pedro was riding back to Boa Vista Palace from a very satisfying visit to Domitilia. He was humming happily to himself, and looking up to the sky when suddenly he let go of the reins and fell to the ground.

"Fuck!", screamed Pedro.

The confused horse neighed and pawed the ground, and the badly hurt Emperor called out for help. Eventually, a carriage was provided, and Pedro was transported to the palace, where he lay down on the bed, doing his best to bear the pain of his broken bones.

The door to the room opened: Pedro turned his head and smiled as he saw Leopoldina enter with baby Paula in her arms, and Maria and Januária beside her. Leopoldina hurried over to her husband and, after putting Paula down, she embraced him.

"Thank God you're safe!", she gasped.

Pedro smiled.

"It could have been a lot worse", he said.

Leopoldina turned to the girls.

"Is there anything you would like to say to poor Papa?", she asked them.

"You'll get better, Papa", said Maria, in a determined voice.

"Please don't be silly, Papa", said Januária.

Pedro smiled at her indulgently.

"Don't worry, I won't", he said: Leopoldina did her best to smile at these words.

"Can you please leave the room, now?", she asked of her daughters. "I have something to say to Papa."

"Why can't we stay?", asked Maria.

"Because . . . well, it's something you shouldn't hear about", said Leopoldina awkwardly.

"But why?", said Maria.

"Do as Mama says", commanded Pedro.

Maria's face fell, but she could tell that resistance was useless. She and Januária made their way to the door, Januária holding Paula's hand. On reaching the door, Maria turned back briefly to look quizzically at her parents, before leaving the room.

After making sure the door was closed, Leopoldina drew up a chair and sat down next to the bed.

"Why were you out riding on your own?", she asked: her tone was gentle but firm.

"Why do you ask?", replied Pedro: the awkwardness in his voice was unmistakable.

"Because", said Leopoldina, "normally we ride together, or you ride out on official business. Were you on any official business?"

"Well . . . possibly . . .", said Pedro.

Leopoldina frowned.

"If it is official business, it's rather strange that you didn't tell me about what you were doing", she said. "And also, it's happened a few times lately, you've gone off somewhere without telling me or the girls where you are going. Is it something I should know about?"

"No, nothing like that", said Pedro hastily. Leopoldina eyed him, making him feel uncomfortable.

"Are you going to tell me what you are up to?", she asked.

"Well . . . I might do . . . but . . .", said Pedro.

"Well, obviously you're not going to tell me", said Leopoldina.

Privately, she decided that she would not try to find out what was going on.

A few days later, when Pedro was able to sit up in bed, he was informed that Senhor Sebastião Pinto was leading a delegation from the Constituent Assembly which desired to see him. Despite being warned about Pinto's republicanism, Pedro gave him permission to enter.

"Your Imperial Majesty", said Pinto, after doing the most convincing bow of which he was capable, "we are here, as good and loyal Brazilians, to raise grave concerns about the behaviour of the Andrada brothers."

He half-expected the Emperor to dismiss their complaints out of hand, but Pedro simply nodded and said:

"Go ahead."

"Sadly, sire", said Pinto, feeling more confident now, "these men have proven themselves totally unworthy of Your Imperial Majesty's confidence. They have shut down all newspapers that oppose them, and politicians who disagree with them have been deported or imprisoned. Even worse is the situation in São Paolo, where several of the most loyal subjects of Your Majesty have been charged with sedition. The Andradas are no friends of the liberty that we know Your Majesty espouses. We humbly call on Your Majesty to put a stop to these tyrannical persecutions, and to heal the wounds of our beloved country."

"All that you say is true", replied Pedro gravely: he had long disliked the Andradas' behaviour, but had felt unable to do without them. Now, however, he felt more confident to move against them. "I shall take the appropriate action to address your concerns."

As soon as Pedro was well enough to leave his bed, he summoned José Bonifácio to the palace.

"What great service can I render to Your Imperial Majesty?", asked José Bonifácio.

"I have three decrees to show to you", Pedro replied. "The first of them bestows freedom on all the men you have had imprisoned. The second of them annuls the deportation orders you have issued. And the last of them discontinues the investigation into supposed sedition in São Paolo and grants an amnesty to all who are under investigation there."

Pedro handed the three decrees to a visibly stunned José Bonifácio. As the chief minister was studying them, Pedro continued:

"You and your brothers have utterly betrayed the most sacred principles of liberty by persecuting all who oppose you. And what is with this recent speech by Antônio Carlos, saying that all Portuguese are enemies of Brazil? Was not I, the liberator and Emperor of this country, born in Portugal? Am I an enemy of Brazil as well? And finally, I should like to draw your attention to this bill you are proposing, allowing for the deportation of all Portuguese who you suspect of not supporting our independence. I did not put myself at the head of the fight for this country's liberty for this. It needs to stop immediately."

José Bonifácio looked up at his Emperor with a mixture of shock and defiance.

"Why have you turned like this?", he demanded. "Did that subversive Pinto poison your mind against me?"

"Never mind that", said Pedro. "You and your brothers have betrayed the trust I placed in you by acting in the way you have."

"You signed off on all those things", José Bonifácio pointed out.

"You knew perfectly well I did not like doing them, and had little choice", answered Pedro. "But things have changed, and I will not stand for any more attacks on liberty."

"If it wasn't for me, where would you be?", said José Bonifácio. "You would be back in Portugal, doing the bidding of the Cortes, and we would have been easy pickings for those vultures. It was I who persuaded you to stay, I who set this country on the road to freedom and I who guided you through the business of government."

"It was me who chose to stay, and to declare independence!" Pedro voice was rising. "You are only chief minister because I chose you, you need to remember that!"

"Not any more!", shouted José Bonifácio. "I hereby resign my post. You, Dom Pedro, will regret that you forced me out."

And he stormed out of the room.

"So, Palmela", have you finished the draft constitution?", asked João.

"Yes, Your Majesty", said Palmela, bowing as he handed a copy of the document to the King.

João quickly perused the document.

"No", he said, "I will not adopt this, it is far too liberal. I shall issue a Charter of Law restoring the traditional laws of the Portuguese Monarchy."

"So just like that, he rejected it?", inquired Terceira. "After you went to all that trouble?"

Palmela shrugged.

"The King always goes where the wind is blowing", he said, "and at the moment, sadly, it is blowing with Dom Miguel and the Queen."

Terceira struggled for a moment to think of a new topic of conversation.

"Did you discuss anything else with His Majesty?", he asked at length.

"Yes", replied Palmela. "His Majesty has sent a delegation to Dom Pedro, asking for reconciliation. I hope that happens: if Dom Pedro is able to establish a free government in Brazil, it could be of help to us in Portugal."

A crowd, invited in by the Andrada brothers, had packed into the Brazilian Constituent Assembly.

"The Emperor has committed a most terrible betrayal", claimed Martim Francisco. "He has turned against the three of us, the men who guided Brazil to her liberty, and forced my brother José Bonifácio -  the man who has done more than anyone else to throw off the Portuguese shackles - to resign as chief minister. We know all too well where this treachery originates: for are not all the men the Emperor surrounds himself with Portuguese? This is all a plot, by the Emperor and by his Portuguese friends, to destroy our hard-won liberty and reunite Brazil with Portugal!"

"Down with the Portuguese!", came the shout from the crowd.

"For has not the Emperor's father, Dom João, shut down the Cortes in Portugal?", demanded Antônio Carlos. "Has not the light of liberty in that country, however imperfect it was, been snuffed out? I tell you now: Dom João is planning to reconcile himself with the Emperor. We all know this - for did he not send a delegation to see Dom Pedro? If we do not act to prevent it, the King of Portugal will re-establish his sovereignty over Brazil, with the full support of the Emperor's Portuguese advisers. My brother's fall from power is nothing more than a Portuguese conspiracy, both in Portugal and in this country. But we will never let that happen! Brazil will be forever free and independent!"

The crowd shouted acclaim for the brothers: it hoisted them onto its shoulders and carried them out of the Cadeia Velha. José Bonifácio was waiting for them outside, and he heartily congratulated his younger brothers for their speeches.

Pedro watched all of this from his balcony at the Imperial Palace.

This cannot be allowed to continue, he thought. The Assembly had been debating for two months, and only 24 of the 272 clauses in the draft constitution had been voted on: at this rate, Pedro thought, it could drag on for months or even years, doing nothing but continue to stir up hatred of anyone born in Portugal. Indeed, when his father's envoys had arrived, offering peace and reconciliation, Pedro, with the greatest reluctance, had felt forced to tell them that he would not read João's letters, telling them that no negotiations between Brazil and Portugal should take place until João had immediately and unconditionally recognised Brazilian independence. The envoys had been treated as little better than prisoners of war. The demagoguery and the deadlock we are seeing, thought Pedro, shows that, in addition to the legislature, executive and judiciary, we need a fourth branch of government to regulate the other three - after all, has not experience shown that, in the absence of such a power, an existing institution will appoint itself to that role, like the Supreme Court in the United States or the armed forces in Spanish America? This fourth power should give the Emperor the ability to dissolve the legislature and call new elections: a power which is not in the draft constitution and is unlikely to be approved by the Constituent Assembly.

Pedro ordered ink and paper, and wrote the following decree:

"Whereas the Constituent and Legislative Assembly of the Empire of Brazil has proved itself to be incapable of the task which I set it, and has done nothing but incite hatred and division, I, Dom Pedro I, Constitutional Emperor and Perpetual Defender of Brazil, do hereby dissolve this perjured institution."

Pedro mobilised troops, ordering them to muster outside the palace. He had just finished his speech, and was setting off towards the Cadeia Velha, when Leopoldina ran up to him.

"Please, Pedro, do not do this", she said.

"I have no choice", Pedro insisted: earlier that day, he had visited Domitilia, and she had told him that his proposed course of action was exactly the right one.

"Please, I beg you, think again", said Leopoldina. She was feeling shocked and confused: never before had Pedro so abruptly rejected her advice. "José Bonifácio has been such a good friend and ally to us, please do something . . . anything, to reconcile with him."

"We are past that point now", answered Pedro. "He has turned against me, and is disturbing the peace of this city. Ride now!", he called to his soldiers, and they all rode off

Leopoldina stood there staring after her husband. Her suspicions about what Pedro was doing when he was away from the palace had only been increasing over recent weeks. It can't be, can it, she thought.

Soon Pedro and his men arrived just outside the Cadeia Velha, where the Andrada brothers were giving more speeches.

"Arrest them", he ordered: the brothers were quickly seized, their vociferous protests ignored.

"Now", said Pedro, "we go inside and tell the deputies to disperse."

He and the soldiers dismounted and marched inside the building, where, to a stunned silence, he read out his decree dissolving the Assembly.

"Why?", called out Pinto: he was shocked. Yes, he had wanted rid of the Andradas, but he had not expected this.

"For the reasons I have given in my decree", replied Pedro. "I command you to disperse at once."

"We will not leave this place", said Pinto: many other deputies murmured their assent.

Pedro signalled to his soldiers to raise their bayonets.

"Do you want to be expelled then?", he said.

The deputies filed out of the Cadeia Velha in a state of shock and fear: Pinto was shaking.

Pedro and the soldiers followed the deputies outside, where the Andrada brothers were being detained.

"Your Imperial Majesty", said Pinto nervously, "what will you do with those brothers? Will you consent to send them to Portugal?"

"No!, said Pedro firmly. "I do not consent because it is a perfidy. If they were sent there, they would be executed for their role in our independence. I shall send them to France instead, and I shall provide them with an annual pension paid by the Treasury. I will also appoint a Council of State, which shall work on the project of the constitution, that I shall soon present to you, which shall be twice as liberal as the extinct Assembly was."

Few appeared convinced.

"This is how my son treated my envoys?", exclaimed João, more in sadness than in anger.

"Yes, Your Majesty", replied the leader of the envoys.

"To be fair, Papa", said Isabel, "it seems that, given what was going on in Brazil then, it would have been political suicide for Pedro to do anything else. But now, it seems, that subversion has been dealt with, he might be more willing to treat with you. I think he does want a reconciliation."

"I hope so", answered João. "I shall ask His Britannic Majesty's Government to mediate between us."

"He is useless!", spat Carlota Joaquina. "He shut down the Cortes, yes, but what has he done since? Nothing! The traitors are still allowed to roam free and push their damnable and subversive doctrines. Where are the gallows?"

"As ever, you are right, Mama", answered Miguel. "We need to drive the scourge of liberalism out of Portugal once and for all."

"And there is only one way to achieve this", said Carlota Joaquina fervently. "You will have to become King."

Miguel looked eager at the prospect, but Oliveira shook his head.

"I though you were on our side!", exclaimed a furious Carlota Joaquina.

"I agree that His Majesty should take a firm hand with the traitors", said Oliveira. "And I also believe that, under the Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom, Dom Pedro and his descendants are excluded from the succession, so Dom Miguel is the rightful heir. But I can never, before God, support a rebellion against his anointed deputy. To do so is the repeat the same wickedness that broke out on 24th August 1820. How can we denounce the treacherous men who rebelled against the King that day, and then do as they did?"

"Can't you see that as long as these traitors go free, the throne will never be secure?", said Miguel. "King Louis allowed the French rebels to have what they asked for, and look what happened to him! These men will never be satisfied until we are all under the guillotine! They need to be dealt with!"

"I agree", said Oliveira, "and I most fervently hope and pray that His Majesty will see this one day. In the meantime, there are many loyal men who will protect him, and when it is Your Royal Highness's time to sit on the throne, I have no doubt you will deal with the traitors as they deserve. But my duty is and always has been to my King: treason is treason, whether it comes from revolutionaries, or from a King's son."

Oliveira got up and walked out of the room. Carlota Joaquina glared at him until he was out of sight.

"Another weakling", she muttered, once he was out of earshot. "But now, my son, time for us to start planning."

The Battle of the Braganzas Volume II: The Fall Out - Chapter 2 Murmurings

Pedro was feeling very happy and proud as he dismounted just outside the Cadeia Velha, or the Old Prison, where the Constituent and Legislative Assembly of the Empire of Brazil was about to convene. The Brazilian War of Independence was going well, Leopoldina had borne him another daughter who they had named Paula after the city where Brazil's independence had been declared, and best of all, he had found Domitilia a home in Mataporcos, halfway between the Imperial Palace and Boa Vista Palace.

He strode into the chamber, where he was welcomed by José Bonifácio who asked him about how the Empress and the princesses were faring. After receiving several minutes of acclaim from the deputies, Pedro sat on his throne, where he gave his speech:

"Today is the greatest day Brazil has known, a day on which it for the first time starts to show the world that it is an Empire and a free Empire."

The applause and the cheering was deafening, and it was several minutes before the Emperor was able to resume his speech:

"As Constitutional Emperor, as most especially as Perpetual Defender of this Empire, I said to the people on December 1st last year, when I was crowned and consecrated - that with my sword I would defend the Homeland, the Nation, and the Constitution, if it were worthy of Brazil and of me. A Constitution in which the three powers are well divided. A Constitution that, by placing inaccessible barriers to despotism, whether royal, aristocratic, or democratic, chases away anarchy and places the tree of liberty in whose shade should grow the union, tranquility and independence of this Empire, which will be the wonder of the old and new world."

Pedro took a quick glance at his notes, and then resumed:

"All the Constitutions, which in the manner of 1791 and 1792 have established their bases, and have wanted to organise themselves, experience has shown us that they are totally theoretical and metaphysical, and therefore unworkable: so proves France, Spain and, lately, Portugal. They have not, as they should, made the general happiness, but rather, after a licentious liberty, in some countries we see despotism is already appearing, and in others is soon to appear, in one, after having been exercised by many, the necessary consequence being that the peoples are reduced to the sad situation of witnessing and suffering all the horrors of anarchy."

There was a bit of murmuring at those words: some of the deputies were in full agreement with their Emperor, while others were unhappy at his warnings against "licentious liberty".

"So", Pedro concluded, "it is vital to prevent abuses not just by the Emperor but also by the political class and the general populace. I trust that the Constitution you are going to frame will merit my Imperial acceptance, being sufficiently wise, just and appropriate for the locality and civilisation of the Brazilian people. It is especially important not to enact laws that shall not be respected."

He then left the chamber, accompanied by applause, and made his way to a balcony on the Imperial Palace, next door to the Cadeia Velha, to watch the proceedings.

José Bonifácio now got to his feet.

"Honourable deputies", he announced, "having all heard and attended to the wise words of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor, it is now time for us to begin our great work. I would especially hope that you will concur with my own proposals for our Constitution, as it was I who guided His Imperial Majesty to declare our glorious liberty."

"Liberty for you, that is!", came a shout from across the chamber. "You call it liberty, sir, when those who disagree with you and your brothers are exiled or imprisoned? When newspapers you don't like are shut down?"

All eyes turned towards the speaker. He was a short, fat little man with wild dark hair: his name was Sebastião Pinto.

"Senhor Pinto!", laughed José Bonifácio. "That fat man who can't tidy his hair? Who thinks he knows more about running the country than I do? Than the Emperor does?"

"Listen, Senhor Andrada", replied Pinto, now standing up, his body shaking, "I am here to tell you your days of running this country are over. Brazil will be governed for the benefit of the people, not you and your brothers."

"And how do you think you can stop me?", mocked José Bonifácio. "I, who have the ear of the Emperor? How foolish to even think it! The Emperor will never listen to a subversive republican like you!"

"The Emperor is not your puppet!", shouted back Pinto. "I will demonstrate to him that you have given him very bad advice: once he sees that, you will be finished!"

Pinto sat down defiantly, while José Bonifácio laughed out loud: he apparently did not notice that so many of the other deputies were murmuring in agreement with his opponent.

The Battle of the Braganzas Volume II: The Fall-Out - Chapter 1 Counter-Revolution

"Faster! Faster!", Miguel urged his horse into a gallop. The horse duly picked up its speed. Sitting on one side of him, Carlota Joaquina gave him an encouraging smile: on the other side, Oliveira remained resolutely focused on the road.

They were travelling towards the town of Vila Franca, where they had heard that the 23rd Infantry Regiment had already begun a rebellion against the Cortes. The soldiers cheered when they saw the Infante, his mother and the Duke approaching: cries of "Long live Dom Miguel!" and "Down with liberalism!" could be heard. Miguel was both impressed and flattered by their support.

"See how loyal these good men are to you", said Carlota Joaquina. "They have as much faith as I have that you will do what your father should."

Feeling slightly nervous, Miguel edged his horse just ahead of his two companions, and the soldiers fell silent.

"Men of Portugal", he began, "it is time to break the iron yoke in which we live. The strength of national ills, already without limits, leaves me no choice. In place of the long-established national rights which they promised you would recover on August 24th 1820, they gave you ruin and the King has been reduced to mere ghost."

The soldiers shouted angrily in agreement. Feeling increasingly confident, Miguel continued:

"That to which you owe your glory in the lands of Africa and the seas of Asia, has been reduced to baseness and stripped of the brilliance that had once possessed from royal recognition; religion and its ministers, mocked and scorned; Brazil, under my brother Dom Pedro, driven to revolt."

Cries of "Down with the Cortes!" and "Hang the traitors!" were now heard. With an approving smile, Miguel concluded his speech:

"I find myself in the midst of valiant and brave Portuguese, determined as I am to die or to restore to His Majesty his freedom and authority. Do not hesitate, churchmen and citizens of all classes. Come and help the cause of religion, royalty and of you all, and swear not to kiss the royal hand again, until after His Majesty is restored to his authority."

The soldiers cheered lustily. Carlota Joaquina rode up and placed her hand on her son's shoulder.

"That was a brilliant speech", she said. "With the help of these good and brave men, we can do what His Most Christian Majesty did for your uncle in Spain."

Miguel smiled proudly at his mother, then turned back to face the soldiers.

"Is General Pampluna here?", he asked.

"Here, Your Royal Highness", said Pampluna, saluting and bowing.

"Will you lead these valiant men to destroy the traitors in Lisbon?", asked Miguel.

"I shall, Dom Miguel", replied Pampluna. "But I remain loyal and faithful to His Majesty, and humbly ask if Your Royal Highness will obey His Majesty when he summons you."

"This I agree to", said Miguel.

At Bemposta Palace, João was frantically pacing up and down. He had just heard the news of the rebellion.

"Are you all right, Papa?", asked Isabel.

"What am I supposed to do, Isabel?", asked João frantically. "I swore a sacred oath to abide by the constitution, but what will happen if I stand against this revolt? Oh, Isabel, I fear that if I try to put them down, the rebels will depose me! What should I do?"

"I don't know, Papa", she said. "Look deep into your heart, and it will tell you what you should do."

João smiled feebly, but before he could reply, he could hear shouts outside. He and Isabel made their way over to the window, where they saw the 18th Infantry Regiment.

The soldiers raised a huge cheer when they saw their King.

"All hail Dom João VI, absolute monarch of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves!", they cried. "Down with liberalism! God save the King!"

João's contorted face now relaxed.

"I now know what I must do", he said to Isabel.

In Vila Franca, Miguel was just issuing his final instructions to the rebellious troops when someone cried out:

"Here comes His Majesty!"

Miguel turned his horse round, and, sure enough, he saw his father riding into the barracks. Miguel jumped off the horse and bowed to his father. Oliveira and the soldiers all followed suit, and after a moment's hesitation, Carlota Joaquina curtseyed.

"Why are you here, Papa?", asked Miguel nervously.

"I am come to receive your submissions, and to lead you all to Lisbon", João answered.

"To destroy the Cortes?", asked Miguel, breathing a little easier now.

"Yes", said João: loud cheers went up.

João led the troops as they surged forward out of the barracks, Carlota Joaquina and Miguel riding alongside him, Oliveira slightly behind. As they marched through the countryside, the peasants who saw them stopped work, cheered and saluted their King and called out "Long live the King!", "Down with the Cortes!" and "Down with foreign ideas!".

On reaching the capital, they headed straight for Necessidades Palace, and burst in on the Cortes while it was debating a new law.

"Your Majesty!", exclaimed Costa. "What is happening?"

His face fell: he had just noticed Carlota Joaquina, with a grim smile on her face, and Miguel.

"The Cortes is dissolved with immediate effect", announced João.

"No! No! Please, Your Majesty", cried Costa, but two soldiers roughly seized him and pinned him to the ground.

There were loud, angry shouts from the deputies of "This is outrageous!" and "Treason against the people!", but it was no good: the soldiers pointed their guns at the deputies, who fell silent, seeing that any resistance would be futile.

"Senhor Costa and certain other leaders are to be arrested", said João. "Others are to be deported."

Noises could be heard from outside the palace. Cries of "Shame!" and "Long live the constitution!" could be heard. It was clear that a demonstration had formed: João sent certain of the soldiers to suppress the protest. Meanwhile, Costa and the other arrested deputies were escorted out of the building: Costa struggled hard against his captors, but they held him firm. Carlota Joaquina laughed out loud as she saw him taken away.

"The rights of my dearly beloved wife, Dona Carlota Joaquina, as Queen of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves, are restored", João announced. "The judiciary and other institutions are to be restored in line with the system that prevailed before 24th August 1820. I shall introduce a new law to safeguard personal security, property and jobs. And I shall create a commission, composed of moderate men, to draw up a new charter which shall replace the defunct constitution. I would like to invite the Marquis of Palmela to head that commission. Is he here?"

"I am, Your Majesty", said a slightly shaken Palmela, steeping forward from the shadows and bowing.

"Will you accept my invitation to head this new commission?", asked João.

"With all my heart, Your Majesty", Palmela replied.

João smiled approvingly.

"And last of all", he said, "my dear son Dom Miguel shall be the Generalissimo of our army."

"So I accepted this job", said Palmela, "in the hope that the new charter will provide a middle ground, between the despotism that we see in Russia or Spain, and the chaos that we saw in the Cortes, or in the French Revolution."

"Do you think His Majesty was justified, then?", asked Terceira, somewhat surprised.

"I cannot pretend I was happy with what was done", answered Palmela, "but I do feel we now have an opportunity to create a better system which balances liberty with order, as in England. However, I have my worries about Dom Miguel: he is far too easily influenced by the Queen, who is fanatical in her hatred of liberty of any kind."

"Do you think he can be made to see the benefits of moderation?", asked Terceira.

Palmela shook his head sadly.

"I doubt it", he said. "He lets his mother, and all who surround him, lead him by the nose. He is good when among good men, and when among bad, worse than they. It is a grave concern that he is now our Generalissimo."

Denial

Note - the following post is a response to a LinkedIn exchange I recently had with a woman who was a trainee at the Wordsworth Trust with me in 2013, and who now works as a nurse, after she reposted the following message from the Simon Wiesenthal Centre denying that Israel is starving the people of Gaza:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/simon-wiesenthal-center_hamas-activity-7354304202954711041-G7ah?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAWdMLIBFCkFJgREyKr_a_P31rHWGrPwYNE

How could she do it?

Does she not know that the Simon Wiesenthal Centre has a long history of misrepresentation and false claims?

Does she not know that the Centre's LinkedIn page contains a host of misleading posts about the provision of food aid to Gaza?

Does she not know that it falsely accused German journalist Jakob Augenstein of anti-Semitism over columns he had written that criticised Netanyahu and his policies?

Does she not know that it has even accused Michael Blume, the former commissioner of anti-Semitism in Baden-Württenberg, of being an anti-Semite?

Does she not know that it labelled the Obama administration's abstention on a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israel's illegal settlements as the worst anti-Semitic incident of 2016?

Does she not know that it supports Donald Trump, despite Trump's own history of anti-Semitic comments?

Does she not know that it promoted a hoax about Iran forcing minorities to wear certain clothing?

Does she not know that the Centre has been accused of having a political agenda that "includes public hate-mongering of Muslims, regular appeals to a neofascist form of Zionism, and relentless provocations to religious war in Israel/Palestine"?

Or does she not care?

Does she not care about the tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians in Gaza killed, burned or maimed by Israel's bombs?

Does she not care about the rampant spread of diseases in Gaza?

Does she not care about the destruction of nine out of every 10 homes?

Does she not care about the 90 per cent of Gaza's population that has been displaced?

Does she not care about the attacks on schools?

As a nurse, does she not care about the children who are being starved, or Israel's systematic destruction of Gaza's healthcare system?

Does she not care about the Palestinians being shot as they queue for food?

Does she not care about the Palestinian health workers who have been killed, imprisoned or tortured by Israel?

Does she not care about the at least three Palestinian health workers who have died in Israeli custody?

Why does she say that she is "proud" to support a state behaving like this?

Or is this all "Hamas propaganda"?

Does she not know about former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant calling Palestinians "human animals"?

Does she not know about Benjamin Netanyahu's comparison of the Palestinians to Amalek, a biblical nation that the Israelites are commanded to exterminate?

Does she not know about the true character of the current Israeli government?

Does she not know about the routine incitement to genocide made by public figures in Israel?

Does she not know that an increasing number of genocide scholars, including Israeli ones such as Omar Bartov, have concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza?

Does she not know that human rights organisations, including Israel's most prominent human rights groups, B'tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, have come to the same conclusion?

Or are these individuals and groups "Hamas propagandists"?

She says she wants the hostages freed - so why does she support continuing a war that puts their lives in danger?

She lectures me about Palestinians who oppose Hamas - is she unaware of the Israelis who oppose Netanyahu and his far-right government, or who want an end to the war?

She tells me she has Jewish ancestry and is concerned about rising anti-Semitism - does she not consider that the assertion that all Jews must support everything Israel does fuels anti-Semitism?

How could she do it?

Wouldn't you expect a former Wordsworth Trust trainee to embrace critical thinking?

To question a post that so clearly contradicts the reality in front of our eyes?

To not fall into a misinformation bubble?

To not insult her own and everybody else's intelligence?

How could she be like this?

Like Alex Jones calling the murdered children of Sandy Hook "crisis actors"?

Like Donald Trump supporters, fuelled by his lies about the 2020 election result, violently attacking the US Capitol Building on 6th January 2021?

Like Richard Hall secretly filming survivors of the Manchester Arena bombing?

And if she can fall for misinformation, is any of us immune?