Despite being one of the central figures in the narrative, my knowledge of Father Franz (1712–1788) comes only from reference books. In 1748, he was appointed confessor for Marianne and Maria Christina. The House of Habsburg had traditionally close ties with the Jesuits who, among other functions, were responsible for the education of the Imperial children. The Empress herself had a Jesuit upbringing; though, since the early 1750s, she had been slowly but steadily reducing their authority.
Soon after appointment to the post, Father Franz published the two-volume Geistliche Übungen (Spiritual Exercises). This fact made me suggest that it was written with the spiritual guidance of his Imperial pupils in mind, which is why I allowed Marianne to have the book in her cabinet.
Nothing is known about Father Franz’s personality, thus his portrayal in the narrative remains completely fictional. I recognised that Marianne needed a confidant for her spiritual and emotional growth and, of course, her intellectual pursuits. This is why I depict the Father’s character as mild, open-minded and patient – a pleasant companion and a trustworthy mentor to Marianne.
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