Researching Prince Schwarzenberg’s death and the Princess’s alleged role in it, Archduchess Marianne — although reluctantly — has to delve into their marital relations. After more than a decade of living apart, the House of Schwarzenberg stood on the brink of extinction. Then, as if out of the blue, the long-estranged couple — both already of rather mature age — produced a son, the long-awaited heir. Such a miracle, as their contemporaries sincerely called it, could hardly escape Marianne’s inquisitive attention. And who could be a more fitting partner in such a discussion than Doctor van Swieten?
In the narrative, I let the two engage in an animated and vigorous conversation about the supposed power of prayer to bring about conception. Alongside this serious topic, they find themselves drawn into another, quite unexpected yet equally delightful activity — one that brings them both immediate enjoyment and beneficial consequences for the future. Call me cruel, but I haven’t the heart to reveal what exactly they are doing together — I shall leave that pleasure for readers to discover. 😊
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