Bright days alternate with darker ones, both in real life and in fiction. Unsettling news from Bohemia heightens the general anxiety about the possibility of the war flaring up again. In late April 1757, the political and military landscape was about to shift once more.
As a general rule, in the 18th century military campaigns paused during the winter season. Supplying troops was far too complicated: the inadequate road network was often impassable in rain or snow, and transportation and logistics were poor.
After the Prussian invasion of Saxony in the autumn of 1756, the usual winter break in operations followed. The Empress used these months to secure her alliance with France and to prepare the Austrian forces for the expected renewal of hostilities. Frederick of Prussia resumed his campaign on 18 April 1757.
Despite her withdrawn lifestyle, Marianne — as a member of the Imperial family — stood close to the political and military spheres and was well aware of developments on the battlefield. Count Khevenhüller, her interlocutor, proved a reliable guide: earlier in his career, he had served as ambassador and diplomat at several courts, making him an expert on the international relations of the era.
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