Despite Archduchess Marianne’s quiet life in Hetzendorf, the affairs of Realpolitik had not stood still. It was time, therefore, to learn what had been happening on the theatre of war.
The conflict that would come to be known as the Seven Years’ War still centred on Prague. Since the battle of 6 May, the city had been under siege by the victorious Prussian army. King Friedrich’s fame had risen to dazzling heights — throughout the liberal and Protestant circles of Europe, he was celebrated as a military genius.
At Schönbrunn, by contrast, uncertainty and indecision reigned. The King’s next move was far from clear, and the members of the war council wasted precious time in disputes and mutual recriminations. True, the worst-case scenario — that Friedrich might advance on Vienna — had not materialised. Yet it was perhaps this very hesitation that would soon cost him dearly.
In these anxious days, the Empress needed all her composure to keep a clear mind. Fortunately, she could rely on her most steadfast support — the experienced and down-to-earth Field Marshal Count Daun, who had gathered the reserve forces and was preparing to march towards Prague.
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