THE FOREIGN TSARINA

To my mum, dad, my brother Robert and sister-in-law Ariana

Jennifer Packer

THE FOREIGN TSARINA

Copyright Jennifer Packer The right of Jennifer Packer to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with section 77 and 7 of the Copyright, !esigns and Patents Act "# $ All rights reser%ed$ &o part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrie%al system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers$ Any person who commits any unauthori'ed act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and ci%il claims for damages$ A C(P catalogue record for this title is a%ailable from the )ritish *ibrary$ (+)& #7 " ,#-. ,," / www$austinmacauley$com 0irst Published 12/",3 Austin 4acauley Publishers *td$ 25 Canada +6uare Canary 7harf *ondon 8", 5*)

Printed and bound in 9reat )ritain

Part 1

November 1741
St. Petersburg, Russia
The sleigh was si: %ersts from the palace and whispering rapidly o%er the freshly fallen snow$ !elicate ice crystals sprayed into the air, glinting in the sun and falling as if they were the dust of diamonds$ Along the fro'en &e%a Ri%er, elegant houses and 6uiet canals decei%ed the eye into thinking this city belonged to (taly or Austria$ 8li'abeth proudly acknowledged to her companion this city belonged to Russia and to her father, Peter the 9reat$ ;+o$$$<= pressed her companion, a man of widening girth and shorting of life if 8li'abeth refused to acknowledge the current danger$ >e e:pelled a large gasp of frustration before continuing his protest$ ;The guards ha%e orders to mo%e to 4oscow, my arrest warrant is soon to be signed and you shall end your days in a nunnery surrounded by the frigid, the prudish and the %irtuous$ 0orgi%e me, but these 6ualities ha%e always been lacking in your nature$ ?ou shall surely perish in misery$= ;*estoc6,= spoke the princess to her old friend$ ;(f my will had been to reign, ( would ha%e sei'ed it$= The tears gathered in her eyes$ ;?et ( stand accused regardless of truth$ The 8mpress forces my hand, yet shall 9od forgi%e the blood that will be spilt in my name<= ;Princess, leadership re6uires blood@ perhaps it will be yoursA= he shouted in frustration$ ;(t is soA ( cannot plead innocence, she will still imagine guilt$ ?et our time to plot is fading and we shall surely be caught and put on a noose$= 8li'abeth began to cry, the cold wind fro'e her tears and she appeared to *estoc6 as a marble beauty$ ;The army will defend your life$= ;They cannot defend my soul,= she sobbed$ ;The murder of my cousin and her son shall condemn me in 9od=s lo%e$= ;This empire belongs to your name$ 9od granted it, >is will is known to usA= *estoc6 took the opportunity to %oice his plan$ ;( shall inform +hu%alo% and Borontso% later today of our

undertakings$ At midnight a sleigh shall be waiting to take us to the barracks$ Cnce the guards swear allegiance, the arrests can be made$= >e placed his hand on hers to re-establish her focus$ ;Princess, the interest of the Russian empire relies on you@ if you do not sei'e your chance this country will continue to be the instrument of 9erman interests$= ;Regarding foreign matters,= her mind settled upon an important thought, ;)estu'he% will need to be brought immediately to me, ( shall need his guidance$= ;Princess, he is not to be trusted$ >e was educated in )ritain and will possess their cunning methods$ Ding *ouis has been gracious in his pri%ate support@ it is unwise to seek ad%ice from the enemies of 0rance$= ;)estu'he% ser%ed my father faithfully, his grasp of foreign affairs and the 8uropean courts is %aluable, and it would be foolish to dismiss him$ Rest assured, my lo%e of 0rance shall remain strong, yet bloodshed must be a%oided$ Animosity between nations has far reaching implications and$$$ it brings death$= +he glanced across the glassy ice of the ri%er and felt the chill per%ading from the surface$ )eyond, high in the sky loomed a slender spire, its white walls reflected the sunlight@ +t$ Peter and Paul 0ortress, a dwelling of torture and death$ *estoc6 sensed her apprehension yet pressed to persuade her$ ;( gi%e you my word, tomorrow Russia shall awake to an 8mpress of the blood$ The army are keen to throw off their 9erman masters$= The horses slowed as they arri%ed at the gates of the +ummer Palace and 8li'abeth ga%e a final look at the city her father had en%isioned long ago$ ;9od grant me courage,= she breathed, her breath misted with the cold$ ;Tonight we sei'e the throne$= ;Regardless of the conclusion,= she huddled in her furs, unable to protect herself from the foreboding thoughts$ ;( shall be condemned$=

Jan ar! 174"

Stettin, Pomerania
The children of +tettin played with restless sa%ageness, running wild and carefree in a walled garden@ they climbed trees and threw berries$ +ophie the most sa%age of the children had scraped her bare legs upon the bark causing indignation from her go%erness$ ?et +ophie and her friends had little care for politeness or cleanliness$ They played until limbs had been e:hausted and %oices had been lost and no amount of light scratches or disappro%ing looks could deter +ophie from acting any other way$ Cr so her resolute spirit belie%ed, for while +ophie li%ed out another carefree day in the company of children from the local town, the guardian of her future fiancE had Fust arri%ed with two companions, a number of ser%ants and some important news$ 0riedrich, )ishop of *Gbeck, threw his fine leather glo%es before his sister=s eyes$ They reached the table with a slap and Johanna felt the impact as though it had been to her face, but her pride surpassed her disappointment and she %eiled her resentment with skill$ Alas, dismissing humiliation was an ability often performed$ As one of many children her parents sired, she had to be adopted by her childless aunt$ Johanna was taken and brought up in a glorious court, a good marriage was e:pected$ >owe%er her husband had been the start of her disappointment, being much older than her fifteen years and as the years passed the age difference became highly noticeable, Christian was thrifty, prudent and religious, she was not$ A few months ago her humbling status and lack of ad%enture was tolerated, for her eldest son kept her in hope of change$ ?et a cruel illness had taken him and thoughts of fleeing isolation and boredom were concluded$ 0riedrich=s first companion was Count 9yllenburg from +weden, an old family friend and a man obser%ant enough to deduce he had arri%ed in an unhappy household@ paying Johanna

great courtesy, he kissed her hand and flattered her %anity, his diplomatic %ocation ne%er ceasing, while the second man bowed and %anished with a ser%ant without introduction$ This went unnoticed by Johanna, as her attention was still elsewhere@ she ga'ed around her modest drawing room and felt a long sigh needing to be suppressed$ The small palace with its dark furniture was forced upon her, she longed for elegant decoration and a chance to impress her good taste but her accommodation, like her marriage, had all been prearranged$ 0riedrich meanwhile ignored his sister=s distress and greeted her in an informal manner$ ;( congratulate you on the birth of your daughter, and are you both well<= ;As well as one can be when one has gi%en birth to a daughter$ ( ha%e yet to name her@ the loss of our son still causes us great pain$ Christian spirits ha%e not rekindled since his illness and this birth has cheered no one$= +he made her low spirits e%ident, yet 0riedrich shrugged$ ;4ay ( suggest the name 8li'abeth<= >e smiled with e:citement, uninterested in her tears, for he knew what brought them forth$ >er son had been lame and likely to die@ it had not surprised him and so dismissed his sister=s disappointment and grief$ ;8li'abeth<= Johanna stared at her brother with anger still aggrie%ed at his lack of concern for her$ ;( trust you ha%e heard the news<= he asked, locking her strong stare to distract her melancholy$ +he looked away and changed to another subFect of disappointment$ ;Put away here< People forget ( e:istA And those few who do, write often of nothing$$$= 0riedrich interrupted$ ;Two months ago, 8li'abeth Petro%na became 8mpress of Russia$ +he e:iled the regent and her son to +iberia and is now sitting upon her father=s throne$ An e:citing de%ol%ement and one filled with opportunity$= ;( fail in achie%ing your enthusiasm, this can hardly benefit us$= Johanna flapped her fan@ it had become a habit out of boredom$ ;(f we had not suffered the loss of our brother then ( would be keen to see ad%antages$ As it stands, she did not marry him and ( see no hope of furthering oursel%es$= 0riedrich blue eyes glistened with intrigue$ ;Johanna, she ne%er married and is too old to make it worth her while$ An heir will be

called for and ( possess the grandson of Peter the 9reat$ +he will be keen to promote her blood ties to stabili'e herself on the throne$= ;And your rich reward for her nephew will be$$$<= ;+weden$ Peter of >olstein will become heir to Russia, %acating his claim to the throne of +weden$= Count 9yllenburg nodded his appro%al$ ;Congratulations, dear brother, ( applaud your cunning$= +he flapped her fan again this time out of irritation$ ;These e%ents change nothing in my life and Russia is at war with +weden$= ;4adam you fail to see the importanceA (f Peter were to become heir, he would be in need of his intended fiancEe, a little gentle encouragement to the 8mpress and she may look upon +ophie kindly$ Remember Peter will need something familiar in a land so different$ Therefore +ophie who has long been attached to him will be a perfect solution and we ha%e our own emotional ties to the 8mpress$ ( belie%e the chance for us to rise is now and it will be through +ophie$= ;The 8mpress is not interested in our humble e:istence, we ha%e nothing to offer$ 8specially as there are so many other princesses$ ( ha%e taken +ophie to court and princess after princess ha%e followed, with refined attributes and distinguished manners, none of which +ophie can boast$ ( too held hopes of a marriage between them but with this change of e%ents, it now seems$$$ fanciful$= ;(t is not so fanciful and if$$$= ;(f, if, if$ 0riedrich, take a look at the girl you wish to ele%ate onto the stage of 8urope, the notion is preposterous$= ;Princess Johanna ( 6uestion why you wish to do your daughter such a disser%ice<= Count 9yllenburg interceded$ ;Princess Augusta married Ding 9eorge$ +he lacks all those 6ualities, nor is she beautiful, nor has she much wit and yet there she is Hueen of 8nglandA Just imagine with a little persuasion, where little +ophie can take you$= ;+ister,= 0riedrich urged, ;write to the 8mpress@ e:press your delight and congratulations$ Remind her of our support, she may still look upon us as family$= Johanna brooded on the letter for a further two days but the day before 0riedrich=s departure, he stood o%er his sister=s shoulder and witnessed the ink glide with compliments, shared sorrow and the

happy news, of naming her daughter after the 8mpress$ A tug on the heart strings could dislodge forgotten sentiments and renew bonds$ ?et Johanna=s pondering did not abate once her brother had absented@ two years ago there was talk of Peter and +ophie marrying$ +he was only a year younger than him and they had a similar background, both religiously and culturally$ ?et the boy had been orphaned from the age of ele%en$ >e had ne%er known his mother as she had died in childbirth and had pestered Johanna for attention, while ignoring +ophie and though his nature pro%ed gentle his manner was awkward$ Peter was to ha%e his father=s principality of >olstein when he reached his maturity though and that was not all$ Peter had been born to many opportunities@ the throne of Russia or +weden could also be claimed by him$ Another sigh yearned to escape from Johanna=s heartache$ >er dress, once %ibrant, now faded almost completely into the beige background$ Christian refused to indulge her lo%e of clothes and company$ >is e:istence was content in reading, careful accounting and when in health being an e:ample to his Prussian soldiers of which he was employed and stationed near their garrison$ Johanna drifted through her memories, the happiest being when she was sent to her childless aunt at the court of )runswick$ Refined and respected, she adored the scandal, gossip, balls and entertainment$ The Russian court was said to ri%al Bersailles and she longed to return to court life$ To ha%e her beauty, conduct and intellect appreciated once more$ +ophie=s opportunity could potentially be hers$ Returning Johanna back into a world of riches and e:citement she longed to reli%e$ Johanna stared out of the castle window imagining the life that could await but was awakened when she caught her daughter daggling from a tree$ A small cry of frustration ricocheted in her salon$ The 8mpress would take one glance at +ophie and reFect the %ery notion of her becoming regent to the Russian (mperial 8mpire$ Though Johanna fought hard to remain optimistic, +ophie was still young and life had not presented them with an opportunity, only a possibility$ +he breathed a little more calmly, for, until a clear direction could be followed, decisions could not be made$ +ophie would ac6uire the skills in tempering her conduct and

controlling her energetic urges$ Johanna knew the time had come to ac6uaint herself with her daughter$ +he asked her maid to bring +ophie=s go%erness 8li'abeth Cardel 1)abet to the family3 to her but as if on cue she entered into the salon staring into the face of Johanna$ ;4adam, Princess +ophie needs her toys$ The three puppets ( had hidden in her casket ha%e gone$ ( feel ( must implore you yet again to let her ha%e some small play things to keep her mind acti%e$= ;)abet, she is too old for toys, what is she, twel%e< Deep her mind acti%e with study, music and religion$ >ow are her studies coming along<= )abet=s eyes searched Princess Johanna=s face@ ne%er had such a subFect arisen$ 7ith some confusion she answered, ;4y charge has a 6uick intake of knowledge, is curious and obser%ant$ +he is fluent in 9erman and 0rench$ Religion is studied seriously at her father=s re6uest though ( fear not to heart$ 4usic is rarely taught without an argument, though she is gracious in dance$= ;)ring +ophie here ( would like to take a look at her$= After some minutes the small girl was shown to her mother, no fear or re%erence changed the child=s e:pression$ 4ud spray dotted her face like freckles, arms and elbows were scratched and bruised, the girl lacked restraint and femininity$ A closer study of features re%ealed a symmetrical face, though slightly too long and narrow decreasing some of the perfection$ ?et her eyes were pretty, possessing a hue of deep blue and thick luscious dark brown hair, at this present moment accommodating a twig$ ;Ade6uate,= spoke Johanna$ ;?ou may both lea%e and )abet, no toys, she is to become a young lady$ At breakfast tomorrow +ophie is to be cleaned, dressed smart and to sit with me$ +ophie will ha%e to be painted at some point, it would be wise to get her used to beha%ing well$= ;8arly ( was painted$$$= ;And do not speak unless you ha%e been spoken to,= her mother cautioned$ The attention was not unwelcomed on this neglected girl$ After lessons, +ophie would Foin her mother but it confused her in6uisiti%e mind$ After some months of her mother=s interferences, +ophie grew annoyed$ (n a bid to achie%e some reward, +ophie doubled her

efforts to impress her mother, yet this only encouraged Johanna=s criticism and her friends soon ga%e up re6uesting her time$ )abet=s gentle face smiled wearily at her from the looking glass where she was brushing +ophie=s hair$ ;)abet, is 4ama well< 7hy do ( ha%e to spend so much time with her<= 4ademoiselle Cardel could not hide her suspicions and knowing +ophie=s cunning ability to read her she made no effort to conceal these worries$ ;( belie%e Princess Johanna is looking to your future, ( ask you once again to pay attention to her and obey her wishes$= The go%erness bit her lip, the concern she felt for her charge e:ceeded those feelings of loyalty to her employer$ )abet had witnessed Johanna=s young brother 9eorge becoming close and familiar with +ophie$ The truth of his intentions scared )abet$ 7ith some cunning of her own she whispered to +ophie, ;?et if you were to tell me what your mother speaks of, ( could e:plain it better$= ;( am so bored in her company, she talks of nothing and is angered when ( tell her so, apparently it is rude to look uninterested, and she orders me to sit up straight and to put my shoulders back and )abet, she e:pects me to do that all dayA= ;Come along let us not keep her waiting$= They made their way through the palace corridors to the adFacent wing$ Johanna was placed in the salon, at a battered old writing desk, papers and letters scattered in disarray o%er the worn furniture$ ;4adam, do we disrupt<= ;As you can see, )abetA +ophie, shoulders backA 0ind some good subFect to occupy her, ( must continue with some important correspondence, %ery importantA= ;4adam, may ( ask, does this regard Princess +ophie<= ;(ndeed it does$ &ews had come from my brother but ( cannot deliberate now, ( must write for his instruction$= ;4adam please, ( must inter%ene on +ophie=s behalf, she is far too young to think of marriage$= ;)e away, shoo, do not trouble me with your trifles$= (n a flurry of emotion )abet turned sharply with her charge close beside her$ ;9o back to your room, ( shall be along soon$= +he cared little for Princess Johanna=s wrath or any punishment she could think up$ As +ophie=s go%erness she was obliged to care for the girl=s welfare and since this was being threatened by secreti%e

means she would need to disclose it$ +he hurried to Prince Christian$ ;+ir, forgi%e my sudden intrusion, my %oice will speak from my conscience and ( plead you to caution your wife on ac6uiring a husband for +ophie$= )abet blustered after cautiously entering his office$ ;Proceed$= The prince wa%ed with slow mo%ement, holding tight to his %el%et cobalt gown and clutching the *utheran )ible$ )abet prayed his authority would be clearly articulated and obeyed$ ;The unsettling truth is Princess Johanna plans to marry your daughter to her brother 9eorge$ ( ha%e witnessed disturbing inclinations to suggest +ophie=s uncle has drawn an attachment to her and ( beg for your interception$= >is eyes widened with the re%elation but %oiced not a syllable of reproach to the go%erness$ )abet had been in their ser%ice since +ophie was fi%e and was the only woman she had taken to$ Christian ga%e a nod of comprehension and agreed to disco%er the truth of the situation, though he trusted it to be a misunderstanding$ ;+ebastian,= Prince Christian called for his manser%ant, while dismissing the go%erness, ;( re6uest my wife=s appearance$= Johanna emerged in his office after a short time and knelt before him, taking his hand and gripping it tightly$ Though he had reco%ered well from his illness, his actions were still slow and hesitant$ ;!earest, you asked for me<= Johanna spoke while holding his hand$ ;Johanna there are a number of important things we need to con%erse on$= >e let go of her hand and mo%ed slowly towards his bureau to retrie%e some papers$ ;A letter came some days ago from my brother@ my cousin has died without issue and my brother re6uests a Foint so%ereignty$= ;7e are to mo%e from +tettin<= ;(ndeed, to Ierbst but it shall mean a resignation from the Prussian army$= +orrow could be heard in his %oice$ ;To a better e:istence, my dear$= Johanna attempted to comfort$ ;7e will ha%e our own principality to ruleA= ;( do not see it so$= >e sighed$ ;Pity has been taken upon my weakening body@ ( can no longer be a field marshal, a rank my body, ner%es and soul ha%e endured for the honour$=

;8:actlyA Cur blood was not heated for battle but for command$= ;As ( fearedA The importance of my rank and the effort and dangers ( ha%e e:perienced are lost on your understanding$= >e fi:ed her with a strong ga'e but sighed to reduce his anger$ ;?ou may dream of a future but ( can only dream of the past$= ;There are still many things to be settled and your in%ol%ement is essential for the interests of our family$ +ophie is soon to be of marriageable age and though it pains me, she lacks e%ery 6uality one would need to succeed$= ;4y angel$= >e smiled while thinking of his daughter$ ;+he has 6ualities some would not recogni'e and appreciate$= ;Christian, ( will take +ophie with me to )runswick to !uchess 8li'abeth +ophie 4arie@ her wise condescension will benefit her greatly as it once did me$= A momentary strain caused a pause of reflection from Christian, he had been unsure when marriage was forced upon him$ The bride was but a child, spoilt, insensiti%e and unhappy$ Though he had attempted, many times, to educate her beyond the first human instinct of selfish need, she had only grown to resent it and desired to lea%e his company$ ;4y dear your dedication to our children does you credit, yet perhaps +ophie would be better to stay here with her friends$= ;!arling, the princess is ardently waiting our arri%al and while we stay at court the mo%e to Ierbst will be an easier process$= ;Johanna, the conscientious effort to pro%ide our daughter with a happy future is one ( much encourage@ nonetheless +ophie does possess many good 6ualities and these charming childish characteristics could be misconstrued$= ;7hat is the significance of these words<= ;( will ne%er allow +ophie to marry 9eorge@ it would not rest contently on my soul$= ;9eorgeA 4y dear ( ha%e no intention of +ophie marrying my brother$= ;4ademoiselle Cardel spoke of some concern o%er his beha%iour towards our daughter$= ;4y brother=s beha%iour had been nothing but honourable, ( will not tolerate disloyalty$ >ow dare )abet trouble you with such trifling issues<= ;+he shows concern for +ophie, we cannot punish her for that$=

;+he is neglectful of our daughter$ )efore my guidance ( witnessed +ophie hanging upside down from a tree and communicating with street childrenA The trust has long been broken$ ( will take +ophie to )runswick and )abet is not to accompany us$ +he can assist you with the baby for relocation$= ;+ophie must continue with her de%out studies, ( fear if she neglects her *utheran reading for corrupting amusements and distractions of the court, it may do untold damage$= ;!o you think me incapable of guiding our daughter to a 9odly e:istence<= ;(ndeed not,= he urged but Johanna was already departing$ As she had grown into womanhood her nature became forceful, resisting e%ery word of his good council, their inter%iew was at an end$

Sa#$%a&# m Pa#ace
The country retreat of the Duchy of Brunswick
The carriage trundled along the dry earth, heading towards the hectic daily life of the %illage and those who dwelled in it on an afternoon$ The aroma of spiced bread and beer lingered upon the earth, scenting the air with its constant creation$ As their carriage tra%elled through the open gates, Johanna ga%e a gasp of pleasure as they came into a grand courtyard$ 7indows lined the cream stone walls, the lower ones being tall and arched at the top, +ophie thought the palace possessed all the characteristics of a noble residence$ The appearance of the carriage brought a hasty response from the ser%ants, each one neatly attired in bright li%ery and high stockings$ ;A magnificent scene, is it not<= Johanna e:claimed$ ;(ndeed, 4ama,= agreed +ophie$ ;+uch an e:istence is attainable, if your bearing and demeanour is correct$$$ +ophie while you reside at court@ assemble in your mind an insightful obser%ation on conduct$ )abet is not here to guide you this time, so follow form$ !o not %olunteer your thoughts, do not speak unless spoken to, do not moan or demand attention$ As these months pass, ( desire you to see sensibility as an instrument of accomplishment, which will in%ite you to the highest of places$= ;7here are these places<= ;Ch, places where one can be admired, respected, %alued and en%ied$ !ays are filled with operas and concerts, while the e%enings ha%e balls and gambling$ The entertainment is continuous and we need not think to amuse oursel%esA (t is all presented before you$= +he placed her arm out of the carriage while a ser%ant aided her descent$ +ophie followed, emulating each step and gesture her mother had made, causing Johanna to feel a sense of pride in her daughter ne%er before e:perienced$

Johanna hastily proceeded through the halls and galleries@ she recognised the composition entertaining the many listeners and e:citedly hurried herself and +ophie towards the music room$ Though +ophie held back, when %iewing a passing glimpse of the library and she willed herself to be in the company of print rather than sound$ ;Ah, )ach, hear the music, +ophie< Cur ears will recei%e the finest notes$= Johanna hurried onwards, grabbing +ophie=s hand and stopping before the double white doors, edged with gold and guarded by smart li%ery men who stood prepared to throw them open to her$ )efore her eyes the court and its entertainers were in attendance$ The heat of music filled her senses and she soared in appreciation, she had awakened from the slumbers of +tettin$ +ophie soon became tired@ the elegant, long bewitching notes could not hold her attention like it did her mother and she stared around the room looking for some distraction$ As her eyes glided o%er the faces of those sitting close to her, she saw her uncle also looking away from the orchestra and towards her$ >e smiled, causing a slight heat to reach +ophie=s cheeks and the colouring caused him great satisfaction$ 9eorge *udwig was blue eyed and faired haired, his sly smile held a look of an inner secret$ >is mind was pleasantly engaged once his niece had arri%ed$ >e noted her long dark hair among a room full of wigs, and her warm, curious manner, currently aimed towards him, only heightening his interest$ ;4ama, may ( greet my uncle<= +ophie whispered$ ;+oon,= replied Johanna in a rapid hiss$ The deep response of strings and keys pained +ophie deeply@ she yearned to be away from the polite endurance of e%eryone else and hoped her uncle would accompany her$ +he stared at him in anticipation of his reaction but he responded only briefly to her glance and returned his attention to the final arrangement of music$ Coffee was ser%ed after the performance@ +ophie declined, preferring the cool beer to satisfy her thirst$ +he had been reluctant to lose sight of her uncle but once the music had ended she felt afraid to approach him$ +he lingered near to him, absorbing his masculine aura and the ladies apparent e:citement to his military

uniform$ This furthered her own desire to be seen speaking with him but he now appeared uninterested by her attention$ +lightly abashed, +ophie retreated to the library, Johanna was now fully distracted and +ophie returned to the place she was happiest$ The neat shel%es were stacked high with leather bound books and gold titles$ 8ach one engaged her mind and brought en%ious thoughts of those who knew the knowledge that lay within them$ ;To read is to escape the tutor=s will and to reason without the %oice of dissent$ !o you wish to gain an independent mind, niece<= 9eorge swaggered through the library, careful to keep a smile upon his lips and his eyes low upon her$ ;4y studies are directed by my go%erness but she has always encouraged me to e:perience life for myself, regardless of how others percei%e it$= ;There are many good things to e:perience and more interesting things that not e%en a book can describe$= >e sat close to her, placing his hand at the back of her neck and caressing her gently$ ;!o you enFoy learning<= ;(f the subFect engages my interest$ 4y tutor !octor 7agner often complains of my distracted mind and when ( participate by asking 6uestions, he informs me they are the wrong ones$= ;Jnder my tutorage ( shall neglect little, you shall be informed of e%erything$= >e smiled coolly, as his eyes darkened$ ;0or now ( must return to the drawing-room but perhaps tomorrow we will read together, as we used to do<= +ophie agreed willingly, she still retained fond memories of 9eorge reciting poems and tickling her$ Though )abet had shown displeasure, +ophie had enFoyed e%ery moment spent in his company and longed to do so again$ The e%ening candles were lit as darkness slowly crept into the %ast hall of )runswick=s elegant drawing room$ Barnish from can%asses reflected the glowing warmth of the light as indi%iduals promenaded among each other in richly attired costume$ Johanna and +ophie Foined the array of dignitaries$ Their dresses were borrowed from the duchess but Johanna illustrated little of the shame she felt for she had perfected the look of indifference$

+till it did not stop other people commenting upon her$ ;Ch, ( so admired that gown on the !uchess 8li'abeth, ne%ertheless the colour compliments your comple:ion, Princess,= spoke one woman who felt in need of %indicating her own low status by publicly insulting Johanna=s po%erty$ ;)eing royal does ha%e its ad%antages, yet if ( were married to a merchant, ( would seek to dress in all the lace one could find, so as to disguise my true origins$ Thankfully my blood guarantees the finest lace without bartering,= Johanna retaliated$ Johanna did not stop to acknowledge the woman=s pride being shattered for she could hear the talk of 8urope being echoed across the room with concerned %oices$ (t was not only Russia who had a new ruler, both Austria and Prussia had had a change and with it a need to establish themsel%es on their thrones$ The new Prussian king had gone to war with Austria and in doing so had shattered the contented peace$ 4aria Theresa had come to the Austrian >apsburg throne lacking one necessary 6uality, to be male$ Though Austria was hers, the >oly Roman 8mpire of her father=s had to be passed to a male heir$ This was ne%er achie%ed, and power was being disputed within her territories$ Charles Albert of )a%aria had married into the >apsburg dynasty and had forwarded his claim to succeed her father$ 4aria Theresa pressed her support for her husband@ unfortunately no one else did and so Charles Albert supported by 0rance and Prussia, became the new (mperial ruler$ ?et after a few months Ding 0redrick of Prussia e:ploited the weakened 4aria Theresa by offering her a treaty of peace in which he kept his con6uest of her territory, +ilesia$ +he agreed but remained deeply aggrie%ed by Charles Albert=s treachery and so marched her army into )a%aria and had him e:iled from his own lands$ )ritain took up arms in support of her, fearing 0rance would take this opportunity to declare war in Charles Albert=s name and while their army marched around 8urope, they would attempt to wound the )ritish by in%ading Ding 9eorge=s >ano%er$ ?et the 0rench were further angered by their long standing ally, Prussia and his peace with Austria$ 8urope was close to a maFor dispute and so much rested upon alliances and family$ &o one knew this better than Johanna@ the unfortunate situation of 8urope benefited her prospects greatly$

;Austrian pride shall not be abandoned for peace,= spoke !uke Darl of )runswick before losing his thoughts in the fine beauty of his gardens, indifferent to the war and his brother-in-law=s audacious con6uering of +ilesia$ ;4y brother possesses all the skill and intellect our father had$ Austria shall learn we are first 9erman@ neither our blood nor our lands shall be uniform for the >apsburg=s benefits,= the !uchess Philippine Charlotte continued on from her husband$ ;A break between the north principalities and Austria will only ser%e to benefit the 0rench$ )ritain has shown her support for Austria and Russia and will most likely aid anyone who threatens +weden or the Turks$ &o doubt Ding *ouis will oblige$= ;Ch )ritain can be persuaded, >ano%er is closer to Prussia than to Austria and therefore she will seek 0redrick=s help,= %oiced another man, who wiped away some sweat with a frilly slee%e$ ;Ah but the might of Prussia is not so great against the might of Austria and it is the 0rench that pro%oke these nightmares the )ritish fear so much, their only hope is to ad%ance their empire$= A roar of laughter heated the room$ ;Jnlikely from a country who belie%es their luck relies on the weather$= ;0redrick would ha%e done better to stay with the 0rench@ this treaty for +ilesia pro%ides time for Austria to re-establish military strength,= the !uke=s brother 0rancis put in@ being in the Prussian army he was eager to show their military capabilities$ ;These tactical alliances are growing tiresome, gi%e us a battle and we shall win,= spoke 9eorge, knowing little of the situation but confident of the army he ser%ed$ ;(f Prussia wishes to become more powerful they need an ally they can depend on, Russia would be a good compromise, as the trust has been broken both with 0rance and Austria$= ;+till Russia has not much of a %oice when dealing with these disputes, had Regent Anna maintained the throne, 4aria Therese would hardly ha%e snee'edA= ;7ell Peter the 9reat=s daughter has succeeded and if she is anything like her father, Russia=s %oice shall soon be heard$= ;(t is a happy chance that 8mpress 8li'abeth has re6uested her nephew to become her heir and as we shall see Peter is 9erman through and through$ ( met the young lad not long ago and he possessed e%ery good 9erman 6uality$=

+ophie listened intensely@ she could remember her cousin Peter, skinny and 6uiet with floppy blond hair$ >e seemed lonely and small beside his tutors and guards, so much rested on his small shoulders$ >e was to rule Russia and yet still maintain loyalties to his father=s lands$ All of a sudden she felt compelled to befriend him and hoped an opportunity would arise for her to do so, this poor boy needed some guidance$ ;7ell if Prussia desires greater riches, 0redrick needs to find himself an ally and fast$ 4ark my words, Austria will march for Prussian blood$= After the night of re%elation Johanna=s mind had a new e:perience, the employment of useful thought beyond her own worries$ +he pondered the mo%ing armies and thought herself a %aluable ad%antage to Prussia$ (f she had the ear of the 8mpress of Russia she could persuade her to turn against Austria and aid the 0rench$ )y doing so, perhaps, e%en war could be a%erted and by her negotiating skillsA Johanna=s laugh was gleeful, the respect and recognition would welcome her not only to the tables of )erlin but BersaillesA >er head was spinning at the imagined honour$ >ad she been encouraged to %oice her thoughts, many would not doubt her skills at recognising the solutions to 8urope=s occurring problems$ And it came with some satisfaction later while entertaining these ideas to some ladies of the court 1while they scoffed and sniggered3, that a letter arri%ed with urgency from Russia$ Johanna played her part well recei%ing the light letter with an air of indifference while her company, once so dismissi%e of her, searched for an answer to their curiosity$ As Johanna eyed the handwriting she knew the letter to be from her brother, 0riedrich and with haste made for her pri%ate rooms$ Sister, Our arrival in Russia has been greeted with warm e !ressions. The "m!ress has asked after you and thanks you graciously for the kind congratulations received. # also took the liberty of !resenting a miniature !ortrait of So!hie, as the "m!ress was so curious to see your daughter. #f you $uestion how # ac$uired it, the man with %ount &yllenburg was a !ainter and sketched So!hie. # thought to give it to Peter as a lasting memory of a lost love between them but

the "m!ress was keen to look u!on the sweet child's face and so # obliged. # believe the artist caught well So!hie's soft tem!erament and easy nature yet !erha!s another !ortrait should be !resented. The "m!ress is most keen to ac$uaint herself with So!hie's likeness, as # have s!oken so often of my niece and her love and sadness at losing her cousin. (er #m!erial )a*esty, the "m!ress has been most generous and # leave Peter in nurturing hands. (er guidance is a blessing to any child lucky enough to receive it. Once again my mind turns to So!hie and the benefits she would attain if she knew such a brilliant !erson. #t is unfortunate it is not to be, but our young lady will at least have an e cellent role model to guide her in life, though from a distance. # bid you adieu as # return to "utin. +riedrich, Bisho! of ,-beck. The temptation to immediately re%eal the contents of the letter was an effort not to indulge in$ ?et as Johanna entered the ballroom that e%ening, a coy smile played on her lips, she noticed the in6uisiti%e glances and people gathering closer to her$ As she negotiated around the room, crammed with ladies and their %i%id coloured gowns, she recognised the interest her letter had created and the moment became e%en more relishing to prolong$ Johanna took her daughter=s hand and Foined her brother 9eorge and !uke Darl=s brother, 0rancis, both dressed in their na%y blue Prussian uniforms$ ;Princess +ophie, would you dance tonight<= 0rancis asked and +ophie responded with a gleeful smile in acceptance, lea%ing her mother and uncle to speak$ ;!ear brother, how ( regret our lack of communication since ( ha%e been here but one cannot ignore the compliments my person seems to entice$= ;+ister, ( ha%e spent many a pleasant hour with +ophie, your absence has not been too cruelly felt$ Though inform me on these rumours, all are in deep suspense as to the contents of your letter, apparently it was sent from Russia$= ;9eorge,= Johanna hissed, ;it is still unclear if the coin will land on our side, howe%er things are looking encouraging$= ;( am at a lost< 7hat is deemed encouraging<= ;+ophie=s marriage,= Johanna breathed$ ;+he dances well, does she not< ( see more of myself in her e%ery day$=

;Are you so willing to part from your daughter< To bind her to a culture, religion and husband wholly strange and what if the Russians should not take to +ophie< The dangers are too great@ she is far too young to sur%i%e the hidden eti6uette of court life$= ;7hat can be done< The 8mpress has taken keen interest in her$= ;4arriage would be the only answer,= he breathed, irritated$ ;)ut you said$$$= ;&ot to Peter, to me$= ;9eorge, perhaps you speak in haste$$$= ;7ould you deny me my choice of bride< 4y position in the Prussian army is a good one and it has always pro%ided enough for your family,= he stated, referring to her husband, Prince Christian=s, long military ser%ice$ ;Jnless you care nothing for your daughter and dispatch her to a cold, distant, lonely death$ ?et ( speak ahead of time, first the 8mpress has to agree to +ophie and if not, our family shall be humiliated and mocked$= Johanna felt a chill cooling her blood$ ;( will consider your words with care,= she promised$ A night of deep thinking brought about a morning of clear direction$ +ophie was of marriageable age and 9eorge would not delay, he would propose to her$ Johanna would take some further persuading but once he reminded her of the uncertainty of +ophie=s Russian engagement, her opinion would change$ +he had let her imaginati%e delusions con%ince her of the impossible$ +ophie was plain, skinny and prone to boredom$ >er intellect was lacking@ she possessed no sharp obser%ations or repartee$ +he was a selfindulgent character, which would be con6uered, if ac6uainted with a dominant regime$ ?es she could be moulded into a suitable wife for a man of his standing but not of a future emperor$ >e smiled to himself knowing that he would be sa%ing their family the humiliation of public reFection and ridicule o%er conceited ambition$ The most promising solution, did not only benefit him@ Johanna had undoubtedly become attached to +ophie, it would be hurtful to send her too far away$ Jnaware of the dilemma being created, +ophie sat staring out of the window$ +he wanted to play or run or anything to escape the retiring boredom she was feeling, trapped in this stifling court$ +he

sprawled herself onto the sofa reminding herself of )abet=s disciplinary words$ 7ith a giggle she sprawled further@ being alone meant she could be disobedient$ +oon her laughter was Foined by a deeper %oice$ 0inding her childish mirth infectious, 9eorge laughed along with her$ ;Continue little one, ( will not scold you$= +he straightened herself upright and ga%e a curtsey before sitting again$ ;( beg your pardon, uncle, ( will not misbeha%e$= ;Ch, sweet niece, it is natural that youthful energy must be e:pressed$ ( am myself merely twenty-four and still ha%e such surges of uncontrollable e:citement$ ( too need outlets to e:tinguish my e:uberance$= >e took her hand and kissed it with %igour along her wrist, the length of her arm, upon her neck and finally her cheek$ ;Court life is filled with monotony, not suitable for the young who wish to e:plore$= >er eyes widened with e:citement$ ;?es that is what ( want, to e:plore$= ;Then you must come to stay with me, we will share all the delights this world has to offer$= ;4ama will not consent@ ( must go where she beckons$= ;>ow %ery disappointing for us both, howe%er there is a way in which you could make your own decisions$ (t means me confessing the %ery depth of my heart$ (f ( knew my hopes were welcome, ( would re%eal all$= +ophie stared openly, con%eying a 6uestioning manner, causing 9eorge to confess his plan so as not to further her confusion$ ;( desire your hand in marriage$ !o not gi%e your answer yet$ 4y admission may come as a shock to you but ( ha%e admired you for 6uite some time$ (f you were to agree to my re6uest you will ha%e all the respectability of your title and none of the responsibility$ ( fear for you, +ophie$ ?ou should be surrounded by only the most pleasing things in life, the prettiest garments and the most sumptuous of rooms, without the need to engage in any hea%y contemplation$ ( can pro%ide you with this, life with me would be so much more enFoyable$= These lies fell so easily from his lips as a girl of fourteen would not think to 6uery his position in life$ ;Jncle, what responsibility do you refer to<= 9eorge rubbed the back of his neck$ ;+ophie there is no other proposal but mine$ Courtship is filled with hidden compliments, meaning one thing but implying another$ 7hat ( infer is that though ( see your many 6ualities, it is unlikely

anyone else would$= >e confirmed the little girl=s worst premonitions, she was plain$ ;Jncle ( ha%e no obFection to your proposal, with my parents= consent ( shall marry you$= ;!elightful$= >e clapped his hands then abruptly turned upon +ophie and pressed many kisses onto her lips$ As 9eorge bid +ophie farewell the morning after the proposal, she already regretted her answer$ +he e:pected more from her future and her mood had not impro%ed by the e%ening$ +ombrely she Foined her mother for the e%ening=s entertainments$ Johanna patted her daughter=s shoulder, not noticing +ophie=s melancholy tone$ ;There is a wise woman, she will tell us our futures$= Johanna a%oided others as she brought her daughter e%er closer to the psychic$ A small crowd had gathered around the small woman, dressed in a dark gown and her face co%ered by a mesh of black muslin$ +ophie could feel her ner%es trembling inside, yet her curiosity would not abate$ +he witnessed men and women laughing at the readings as if unperturbed by the forecasts$ The pull of mystic surrounding this woman brought +ophie to the %ery edge of the wise woman=s table$ ;Ah$$$ little one,= the wise one whined$ ;7ell gi%e me your hand if you desire to know your future$= +ophie placed her hand in the woman=s and turned it to re%eal her palm$ ;4mm$$$ an interesting path, you will walk$= >er %oice held a warmth as she spoke her knowledge$ ;?ou ha%e courage and are bold, perhaps you are more ruthless,= she decided$ ;Ch such a fleshy handA ?ou shall be a woman of great desires$= +he ga%e a laugh, roaring and mischie%ous$ ;*ittle can be done to temper this desire, though some may see it as your weakness, it shall be your strength$= ;7hat of my future<= +ophie interrupted$ ;(mpatient little one, be content, as it will be a long wait until you achie%e the skills to strike$ &ow let me read@ ( can see three crowns upon your palm$ Cne has greater power@ the dominant crown will command your future$ &othing can be done to change the course of e%ents, it has already begun$ Take care, betrayal could abandon you to your death, a test of character will challenge you$ The sword is yours but not the shield, when prompted, you must

strike to sur%i%e, though if you miss the target, nothing shall protect you$= +ophie was ushered away by another lady as disappointment stung within her chest$ >er secret hope that an impressi%e destiny awaited had died within the cryptic words of an old woman speaking nonsense$ +ophie=s future had begun, and it was to be with her uncle$