The stage is set for the final scene. Everyone who has been involved in or contributed to solving the case of Princess Schwarzenberg is present – the Emperor, Father Franz, Count Khevenhüller, and Doctor van Swieten as the invited guests, together with Archduchess Marianne’s small court in corpore. It makes for an impressive mise-en-scène indeed, as Marianne sees it: “The Emperor, the Priest, the Majordomo, the Scholar — four strong pieces — and the ladies like a row of seconds, all waiting for the Queen’s opening move.” Oh, and there is, of course, the naughty Archduchess Amalia, the spark that set everything in motion and is thus perfectly suited to the role of the Trickster.
Unlike a game or a play, however, no fixed rules govern this Saturday-night entertainment. The lively party has made itself comfortable in the Mirror Gallery, with delicious snacks and excellent Hungarian Tokaji wine. For the few remaining chapters, I heartily recommend that readers make the same preparations! 😊
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