(CHAPTER 18)
To seek solace for his disappointments in Madrid, Rizal took a vacation in theresort city of Biarritz on the fabulous French Riviera. He was a guest of the richBoustead family at its winter residence- Villa Eliada. He had befriended Mr.Boustead and his wife and the two charming daughters Adelina and Nellie. Hewas used to fence with the Boustead sisters at the studio of Juan Luna. It was inBiarritz where he had a serious romance with Nellie and finished the last chapter of his novel, El Filibusterismo.
With the Bousteads in Biarritz.
February 1891 - Rizal arrived in Biarritz.He was warmly welcomed by the Bousteads, particularly Mr. Boustead whohad taken a great liking for him because of his remarkable talents. As a familyguest, he was treated with friendliness and hospitality by Mrs. Boustead, Adelina, Nellie, and Aunt Isabel.The one-month vacation in Biarritz worked wonders for Rizal. His sorrowingheat began to sing once more with joy and his health improved withremarkable swiftness.Writing from Biarritz to Mariano Ponce on February 11, 1891 he said: “I have put on much weight since I arrived here; my cheeks are no longer shrunken as before for the reason that I go to bed early and I have no cares” Romance with Nellie Boustead.
Biarritz, with its romantic gardens, delightful villas, and panoramic beauties, isan ideal setting for romance. Rizal having lost his beloved Leonor came toentertain considerable affection for Nellie, the prettier and younger daughter of his host. He found her a real Filipina, highly intelligent, vivacious intemperament and morally upright. He wrote to his intimate friends, exceptProf. Blumentritt, of his love for Nellie, also called Nelly, and his intention topropose marriage to her. As early as on February 4, 1891, M.H. del Pilar teased him about changing the “o” in Noli to an “e”, which means Noli to Nelly.
Antonio Luna, who had previously loved and lost Nelly,