No tale lasts forever. We leave Archduchess Marianne at the moment she closes the palace door behind her. Now that her investigation is over, what shall she occupy herself with in the evenings? Where might her curiosity and inquisitive mind lead her next? Shall we meet her again one day? Will The Archduchess Investigates project still be alive by then? Will Marianne, by that time, have become an experienced investigator with many fascinating mysteries solved? And will you, my readers, still be there, following her efforts and aspirations?
All these questions are, of course, rhetorical and remain open. Yet, for some very subtle reasons, I hold a rather optimistic view of the future.
One of the most telling portraits of Archduchess Marianne shows her standing beside a table laden with books, drawings, paintings, a globe, a map, and a box of pencils. In this still-life detail, I easily recognise my own desk (albeit with far less lace and embroidery). Marianne’s gesture towards these objects gently reveals her intellectual curiosity, her inner solitude, and her dedicated work ethic. Is she preparing for a new investigation? Very possibly — now that she has tasted the pleasure of intellectual effort.
Be that as it may, after years of research, I have no doubt that, in the long run, Marianne was able to experience a deep sense of self-realisation and fulfilment. As unexpected as it may sound, I am quite convinced that, among all of Maria Theresa’s daughters, she was the happiest — not through splendour or acclaim, but through her inner strength, curiosity, and peace of mind.
Thank you so much for reading her story!
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