I
have been doing some research into the English Civil War, the
Commonwealth and the Restoration.
I
was looking for examples of the swing of the pendulum from one
extreme to the other and the way that some people reject one way of
life only to adopt one that is equally bad and damaging.
Reading
about the Restoration reminded me of a time when I read a lot of
historical novels, many of which featured the Merry Monarch King
Charles II. He seemed very glamorous to me and much more interesting
than most of England's kings. I was impressed by his involvement with
the Royal Society and his patronage of Sir Christopher Wren.
I
decided to refresh my memory about his life and reign when I got the
chance, in the light of all the things I had learned since I read
about him when I was just a schoolgirl.
I
took some time out to go and meet a former colleague. She put a book
into my hands; she said that when she told her husband she would be
seeing me, he took a book from his bookcase and said, “Give her
this.”
The book was about the life and times of King Charles II!
No
one knew that Charles II was very much on my mind. I have only met
her husband once, a few years ago, yet somehow he sensed what I was
thinking about.
Perhaps
it was just a coincidence, but the universe often ensures that I get
the books I want. I just wish that this would work for other
things...
