Stormy Weather

Thunder and Lightning - I

"At last," Theresia sighed happily as she entered her room in the Viennese family home. The journey had been a long one; it had taken them two days instead of the usual one. The Baroness, weakened by the summer heat, had been unable to go through a longer journey, but had not wanted to stay in Hertenberg for longer than usual, either. So Joseph, kind and considerate as always, had determined that they should travel only half the way and stop and spend the night at an inn in Leopoldsdorf -- a place right in the middle of nowhere. The next day they had continued their journey early in the morning and had arrived at Palais Hertenberg in the early afternoon.

The Baroness, exhausted after the journey, had retired to her bedroom to have a rest, and had advised the girls to do likewise. Theresia, however, did not feel like sleeping in the middle of the day -- not today, at least. Being back in Vienna filled her with new, restless energy, and she would have walked out of the house straightaway, had she not known that her aunt would certainly disapprove. Walking by herself was out of the question, anyway, and Marie, the ever-obedient daughter, had retired to her bedroom and was therefore unable to keep Theresia company.

Their first dinner in Vienna was a quiet affair. The Hardeggs, though pressed by the Baroness to stay and dine with them, had decided to spend their first evening in Vienna at their home. So Carl, happy to escape barracks life for an evening, was the only addition to their party, and the only one in a mood to be entertaining. He informed them of all the news he had heard since his arrival in Vienna a month earlier, and amused them with several anecdotes about his man Novacek.

"We had a letter from Mrs. Horvàth, your friend's mother," the Baroness remarked. "She has invited the entire family to a ball at her house. This is rather strange, is it not? I cannot remember Mrs. Horvàth ever giving a ball."

"You are right, Mother, it is not a habit of hers," Carl replied. "But the reason for this ball calls for an exception. Miss Horvàth is engaged to be married, and the ball will be a fitting opportunity for her to announce the engagement."

"Engagement," the Baroness exclaimed eagerly. "But tell me Carl, who..."

"It is Bàthory," Joseph answered his mother's question before she had even had time to finish it. "He wrote to me when I was still in Baden, but at that time he asked me to keep quiet about it until the engagement would be known officially."

"Amazing," the Baroness said. "I have to admit, Joseph, that Count Bàthory did not look like the marrying kind to me."

"Every man is the marrying kind, Mother," Joseph said with a smile. "Once he meets the right woman."

The Baroness, being of the same mind as her son, did not dispute the matter any more. She, too, had heard about his acquaintance with a certain young lady in Baden, and strongly suspected that Joseph, like his friend, was on his way to being "the marrying kind".

Neither Marie nor Theresia took part in this conversation. Theresia had her own opinion on the subject of Miss Horvàth's marriage. She had never been too fond of Miss Horvàth, but she was afraid that Count Bàthory was the wrong man for her and would only make her unhappy. Much as Theresia disliked her, this was not what she wished to happen to Miss Horvàth. On the other hand, Miss Horvàth was old enough to know what she was about, and it was not Theresia's place to worry about her.

She was looking forward to the ball -- her first ball after her return to Vienna. The dull life she had led in the country was finally at an end.

******

The next morning, Theresia and Marie set out on a shopping expedition. Marie was not very fond of shopping for clothes -- this was one thing she would rather have left to her mother -- but she had been baited with the prospect of looking in at her favourite bookshop and considered the clothes-shopping part of the scheme a necessary evil.

So, after Theresia had searched the shops for "something to wear", Marie had only flicked through the latest fashion magazines and waited until Theresia was finished. At the book shop, it was the other way round -- Marie was taking her time, having a look at several new editions, while Theresia, silently lamenting that there was no music section in this particular shop, waited for her, occasionally looking out into the street to see what was going on outside.

The doorbell rang as another customer entered the shop, and his appearance took Theresia's breath away. It was Mr. Capellari. Theresia had to resist the urge to throw herself into his arms, which might have puzzled the gentleman to no end, without doubt. So she stood next to the window, not daring to address him, but not able to take her eyes off him either. She could distinctly hear every word he said to the shop assistant, he ordered some books Theresia had never heard of, but which he obviously needed for his studies. Only when the shop assistant had gone to get the books Mr. Capellari had ordered, Mr. Capellari was at leisure to look around and notice Theresia.

"Miss von Laudeck," he exclaimed, breaking into a wide smile and approaching her, his hand extended to greet her. "What a pleasant surprise! You are finally back in town! You were sorely missed here, Miss von Laudeck, let me assure you."

Theresia shook hands with Mr. Capellari, who held her hand for just a moment too long -- but Theresia did not mind, on the contrary.

"The country has done you good, Miss von Laudeck," he continued eagerly. "You do look like a rose in full bloom."

He is certainly right there, Theresia thought. My face is undoubtedly just as red at the moment.

"Have you been back in town for long," she managed to ask him.

"No, not really. I came back from Graz last week," he answered.

"How is your uncle, Mr. Capellari?"

"My uncle is in excellent health, Miss von Laudeck, thank you," he said. "One cannot help but envy him in that respect. Not many people can reach his age and still live without anything ailing them. Unfortunately, his ill temper has not changed either. It has been a most gloomy summer, I admit. What about the Hertenbergs? The Baroness and your cousins? Are they all in good health?"

"They are, thank you very much for asking," Theresia said. "My aunt is still a little unwell because of the long journey here, but she is getting better rapidly."

"What about the Baron? Did he benefit from his stay in Baden?"

"Very much so, I believe. He came back saying that his arm was as good as new, and I think he did enjoy the company there. There was one family he associated with quite often, and I sometimes believe he cannot praise them enough. -- Now before you ask me about my cousin Marie," Theresia added with a smile, "here she comes."

Mr. Capellari turned to Marie and greeted her with the same warmth as he had greeted Theresia, which did not please Theresia too much, but she did her best to hide her feelings. His offer to escort them home was gladly accepted by both of the girls, and so they walked back to Palais Hertenberg, where he left them, promising to call on the Baron and Baroness the next day.

The girls entered the house, and Marie said, "Admit it, Theresia. You are rather fond of Mr. Capellari."

Theresia shook her head. "No, Marie," she answered. "I am very fond of him." With a smile, she left Marie behind and went to the music room to play and indulge in some sweet dreams.

******

The next morning, nothing would have got Theresia out of the house. She was determined to stay and wait for Mr. Capellari's visit. The Baroness, suspecting the reason for Theresia's refusal to go out, did not oppose her too much. Mr. Capellari was a respectable young man, after all, and if her niece had taken a liking to him, so much the better, provided that the young man felt the same. To pass her time, Theresia retreated to the music room again, this time to practise some singing -- Signora Giovanelli would not be too pleased if she knew that her model student had hardly ever practised all summer. After about half an hour of practising -- Theresia had just finished her warming-up exercises and was about to start on one or two arias -- a servant entered the room and told her that "there was a gentleman to see her". Theresia felt how she blushed. Could it be possible that Mr. Capellari...

"Who is it," she asked, as calmly as she could manage.

"I am not to tell you, Miss," the servant answered. "It is supposed to be a surprise."

A surprise. Was Mr. Capellari someone who would want to "surprise" her? It did not sound like him. Hesitantly, Theresia went to the mirror, straightened her handkerchief and put some stray hairs in place. Then she followed the servant to the drawing room. There was no one there except a young man standing at the window, looking out into the street. Theresia recognised him at once.

"Martin!" she exclaimed, unconsciously falling back on the idiom she had used during her childhood at home. "What the heck are you doing here?"

Her brother turned round and looked at her with an amused smile.

"Someone told me you'd become quite a lady," he said with a grin. "I guess they're wrong. You're as much a lady as I am a gentleman."

"Not much of one, you mean," Theresia answered. "But tell me, what are you doing here?"

"Can't a man, after years of separation, suddenly feel such a longing to see his sister again that he goes and pays her a visit?"

"A man perhaps, Martin, but not you. I know you won't mind if I say so, but you've never been the over-affectionate kind."

"I see that years of training in Viennese society haven't made you lose your good sense, Thres. Good to see you're still using your head, sister. No, the real reason why I came here is some business I've to attend to."

"Business?"

"Right. My business, not yours."

Theresia knew her brother well enough to know that any further attempt at finding out why he was here was fruitless. He had made up his mind not to tell her, so he would not tell her, no matter how often she asked him. Yet it was strange. Why did he not want to talk about this business of his?

"How is Mama?" Theresia asked, hoping that her brother would be more communicative in that respect. "Is she feeling better?"

"She says she is, so I suppose it's so," Martin answered. "You know Mother, she doesn't fuss. Especially not about herself."

"Was her illness something serious, then?" Theresia asked anxiously.

"No, don't think so. She was feeling a bit weak, and went to see the doctor, and the doctor sent her back home and ordered her to stay in bed, that was all."

"Did she tell you what illness she was suffering from?" Theresia asked. "She did not tell me, you know."

"Didn't tell me anything, either, and I didn't ask her. But you needn't worry, Thres, she was up and about in no time. Once she heard I was going to Vienna, she went and packed a huge selection of presents for me to bring you. I'll bring them around tomorrow, if you don't mind. Now let me have a good look at you ... you do look quite pretty, do you know that? For a sister of mine, I mean."

"Thank you Martin," Theresia said, ironically. "You do know how to compliment a lady."

"I'm your brother," Martin protested. "I'm not supposed to find you attractive -- I'd have a serious problem if I did."

Theresia had to laugh despite herself. He was still the old Martin -- careful not to praise her too much. They sat down next to each other and shared all the family news Theresia had missed. Martin was no longer a student -- his university had been closed down, it had been one of the first acts of the Bavarian government, and Martin had not wished to continue his studies in Munich or Regensburg. So he had passed his time in a more useful manner, as he chose to express himself, with hunting and shooting and an occasional evening at the taverns with his friends. As far as serious employment in his father's business was concerned, Martin had no taste for that.

"And he doesn't want me there either," he said to Theresia. "He thinks I'm no good."

"You have striven to demonstrate that for too long," Theresia said. "So you cannot blame him for thinking so. All those stories about drunkenness and worthless women..."

"You do not say that someone informed you of all that, Thres?" Martin asked in bewilderment. "This is not the sort of thing a young lady should discuss."

"Was it not you who said some minutes ago that I was not much of a lady anyway?" Theresia retorted.

Martin laughed, and said, "I'm glad to see that some things never change. You're still a bit of a wildcat, aren't you?"

"I have to be something, since I'm not a lady."

The door opened, and Joseph entered the drawing room, welcoming his cousin whom he had grown to like very much, despite the great differences in their characters, and whom he was glad to see. For a while, Theresia was not required to say anything, the two men being much too busy discussing their own matters, and so she took her workbasket and started working on a fichu for her aunt. However, she did listen to what her brother told Joseph. Things at home were very bad, it seemed. The new government had closed down monasteries and nunneries, even those that had been running hospitals and schools. They had forbidden any kind of processions and pilgrimages, and even the Midnight Mass at Christmas was now illegal. Priests who held on to the old traditions were either arrested or driven away. But that was not the worst bit -- even though the new government had promised to respect the ancient rights of the Tyroleans, they did not. Their old right of not having to join the army unless their own borders were in danger was gone. The Bavarians were pressing young men into the army -- Napoleon's army, of course. Theresia could see in Martin's eyes that this upset him very much. Martin was not the sort of man to accept things as they were ... what was he doing in Vienna?

"I'm not a coward, Joseph, and you know that," she heard him say. "If I have to fight, I will -- but not on Napoleon's side."

Had Martin come to join the Austrian army? Why was he so secretive, then? What did all that mean?

Half an hour later, Martin left them, but not before accepting the Baroness's invitation to join the Hertenbergs at dinner. He did decline her invitation to consider Palais Hertenberg his home during his stay, however, saying that he had already promised a friend to stay with him. Theresia did not believe a word of it. Whatever business had taken Martin to Vienna, there was something wrong with it, and he obviously did not want to involve the Hertenbergs -- or her -- into whatever it was that he was going to do.

Part II

He is up to no good," Theresia said, when Martin was gone.

"You sound pretty convinced, Theresia," Carl said.

"When I was little it was vital for me to know when my brother was up to no good," Theresia said and smiled. "In order to survive childhood."

Carl laughed. "I wish I had seen the both of you."

"Be careful what you wish for," Theresia said. "Martin has not changed much, and neither have I. We are most likely to resume our acquaintance where it ended."

"I had better go and hide then," Carl said, grinning. "Or I shall go and find a good place to sit back and watch."

"Do as you will, but mark my words. Martin is up to no good, and no good will come of it. Anyway, I am going to find out what it is, and I may try to stop him."

"That would be like trying to stop a glacier, Theresia," Joseph said. "Once he has decided on something, Martin will go ahead with it without considering anyone. You know that."

"Do you know why he came here, Joseph?" Theresia asked worriedly.

"He did not tell me, but I have my suspicions," Joseph said. "I am not going to talk about them, however, in case I am wrong."

This statement did nothing to reassure Theresia, on the contrary. Her anxiety concerning her family became worse. What had Martin got himself into?

Theresia's worries about her brother did not go on for long, however. Mr. Capellari had promised to call on them this morning, and he had not come. Something was wrong there -- he was not usually the unreliable kind. Theresia kept waiting, and hoped that Mr. Capellari would come in the afternoon, but he did not. There was nothing to be seen of him all day, and Theresia began to wonder if she had done anything to offend Mr. Capellari.

She kept worrying, while the Baroness's seamstress arrived and took the measures for Theresia's new ball gown and tried to persuade her to choose white silk for this dress. Theresia did not mind what she would wear. What was the point in dressing up if Mr. Capellari did not care for her? Then, Theresia drew herself up to her full height. If Mr. Capellari did not care for her, fine. But she would show him what he was going to miss. She ordered the white silk. Theresia intended to be dazzling at the Horvàths' ball. At least as dazzling as one could be, in Miss Horvàth's presence.

******

For the rest of the week, the ladies were getting their garments for the first ball of the season, while the gentlemen went about their business without paying too much attention to them.

Martin called on Theresia again the next day, bringing her mother's presents -- among them two spectacular sets of jewellery, garnets and emeralds, and an ornamental silver comb for her hair. Theresia knew these things -- they had been her mother's, and had been in the family for several generations. Martin also accepted Mrs. Horvàth's invitation to the ball, but otherwise he did not associate much with the Hertenbergs. He attended to his mysterious business, whatever it was, and only dined with them occasionally.

Mr. Capellari did not come to see them on any of the following days, but Mrs. Horvàth assured Theresia that he had accepted her invitation. First, Theresia had worried if she had been guilty of any offence towards Mr. Capellari, but now she was furious. He had promised a visit, and he had not come. There was no excuse whatsoever for such behaviour. Still, she missed him, and when she was not angry with him, she was sad. What had she done to deserve such treatment?

Carl was training a unit of new recruits -- or at least overseeing the sergeants who were training them, which, in Theresia's opinion, was simply another word for idleness.

"Does this new occupation of yours require you to spend most of your time in coffee houses?" she asked him one evening, when they were sitting in the drawing room after dinner. There was a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"It is not required," Carl replied calmly, "but it helps a great deal."

"Whom does it help? The recruits, the sergeants or you?"

"All of us, I hope," Carl said with a grin.

"True," his friend Captain Horvàth said. "Both the recruits and Sergeant Navratil will be happy to have you out of their way. - You may not believe it, Miss von Laudeck, but your cousin can be pretty tough."

"So are you, Horvàth," Carl said.

"No. I am tougher," Horvàth said dryly.

Theresia laughed. "I would dearly like to see you with your soldiers, sir," she said.

"You are most welcome to call on me at the barracks at any time, Miss von Laudeck," Horvàth said. "Though I have to warn you -- it might not be the best thing for your reputation if you did. I would, of course, do my best to prevent gossip, but I cannot be everywhere."

Theresia laughed. "Then I will have to defer my visit until it is acceptable for young ladies to visit officers in their quarters."

"In that case I am afraid I will not have the pleasure of receiving your visit very soon," Horvàth said.

"No planning will be required of you in the near future, sir," Theresia answered, laughingly.

"Never mind me," Carl said sourly. "Just ignore I am here, will you?"

"I will," Theresia said, grinning. Carl gave her a furious look and turned away.

"That was not very nice, Miss von Laudeck," Horvàth said.

"I know," Theresia said. "But he got what he deserved. I do not know why he is so grumpy sometimes."

"I am sure he has got his reasons," Horvàth said, and laughed. "Though I do not know them. -- Will you play for us this evening, Miss von Laudeck?"

"I might," Theresia answered. "My brother might want to see whether my stay in Vienna has been a success." Captain Horvàth had made Martin von Laudeck's acquaintance that evening.

"I quite like your brother," he said. "We have one or two things in common, I believe."

"Hardly," Theresia said.

"Do you know me well enough to say so, Miss von Laudeck?" Horvàth asked.

"Not really, but I do know my brother, and that is enough," Theresia replied. "He is quite unique, which is most fortunate for mankind."

Horvàth laughed. "These are not very kind words, Miss von Laudeck, considering that you are his sister."

"Oh, but this is the way sisters are supposed to talk about their brothers. Everyone does."

"Really? I shall have to ask my sister about that, then."

"Do not trouble yourself to ask her, Captain. She would not tell you." With these words, Theresia headed to the pianoforte. She needed time to think, and music usually cleared her mind. There were many things that occupied her, the purpose of her brother's visit to Vienna as well as Mr. Capellari's behaviour -- being pleasant one day, and not showing up to visit them despite his promise the other day. Theresia decided not to dwell on the topic for too long, but to corner Mr. Capellari at the Horvàths' ball and ask him why he had not come. He owed her an explanation, and she would not leave him alone until he had given her what she wanted. An explanation, and an apology -- or she would never talk to him again.

******

Martin had been invited to go to the Horvàths in the Hertenbergs' carriage, and therefore he arrived in Palais Hertenberg in time to see his sister and cousin make their appearance. He gave a sharp whistle when he saw Theresia.

"You look even tolerable in that dress, Thres," he said, grinning. "If you weren't my sister I'd ask you for a dance."

"Luckily I am your sister," Theresia said. "My feet are not up to the challenge. Marie, if my brother should happen to ask you to dance with him, borrow Joseph's riding boots first. You will need them."

Martin laughed, along with the others, and said, "But really, Thres, you do look good. Mother's garnets suit you."

"Thank you. I thought I'd wear them tonight -- they match my new dress, don't you think?"

Martin nodded, and turned to Marie. "Whatever my sister may have said, Cousin Marie, I am not so bad a dancer as she has made you think. Would you mind my proving it by dancing with you?"

Marie smiled. "Not at all, cousin," she said.

"I promise you will not need Joseph's riding boots," Martin said, grinning.

"I am very glad to hear it," Marie answered. "They do not go well with my gown, I am afraid. Besides, they would not fit."

Though the Hertenbergs arrived at the ball quite early, they were by no means the first ones to be there. Others had arrived before them, most of them being friends of Bàthory's. Captain Horvàth looked as if he was attending his best friend's funeral instead of his sister's engagement. One could notice that relations were not the best between the brothers-to-be. Horvàth treated Bàthory with courtesy, but took no trouble to be friendly with him. Miss Horvàth looked radiant. She was obviously very happy, and wanted everyone to rejoice along with her.

It was hard to determine what her fiancé might think or feel. He was standing next to Miss Horvàth, imperturbable and self-assured, but there was not one smile too much. Neither did he talk a great deal with his bride -- Theresia assumed they were still pretending not to be engaged, at least until Count Bàthory would announce the engagement. It seemed silly to her, after all he was already greeting the guests along with his future family.

They were introduced to Captain and Miss Horvàth's aunt and uncle from Hungary, who had decided to lengthen their stay in Vienna until the wedding took place -- much to the Captain's dismay, who had said that this was the only reason for him to look forward to the wedding.

The Hardeggs arrived several minutes after the Hertenbergs, and joined them immediately. Theresia could not help noticing that Alexander Hardegg, after politely greeting her, immediately joined Marie to ask her for the first two dances, and was bitterly disappointed when Marie told him that she had already promised to dance with Martin. He sulked, Theresia thought, but after a few minutes he seemed to have recovered sufficiently to ask her instead. Theresia had just consented to dance with him when Mr. Capellari was announced. Despite herself, Theresia turned to look at him. He was handsome, so handsome that on her seeing Mr. Capellari, Theresia's heart missed a beat. But why had he not come to see them although he had promised? It would be very difficult not to talk to him, but Theresia felt that she owed it to herself and her pride. Then she saw Joseph moving towards him and address him. Mr. Capellari answered his questions, curtly and rather distantly, but seemed to warm to his companion after a few minutes.

The music began to play, and Mr. Hardegg came to claim his dance. In order to join the set, they had to pass Mr. Capellari, but he pretended not to see them. Theresia was hurt. Had she known why he was suddenly acting this way, she might have been able to accept his reasons, but as it was... Had it not been for all the people around her, Theresia would have cried, but being where she was, she gave Mr. Hardegg a cheerful smile and started to dance with him. No one should see how she felt, even though she had never been so miserable before. Theresia decided that she would not, as she had planned, try to talk to Mr. Capellari. He was obviously not interested in talking to her, and Theresia did not want to be humiliated by his refusing to answer her questions.

The dance seemed to last an eternity. Instead of going home, locking herself up in her room and crying herself to sleep, Theresia found herself forced to act as if she amused herself immensely -- she had to smile, talk, laugh even.

When Mr. Hardegg took her back to her seat, Captain Horvàth was already waiting for her to ask her for the next two dances. Even though he had not looked very happy before, he managed to amuse Theresia, and even made her laugh once or twice. Theresia danced the following two dances with Carl, and it was Carl who led her to the dinner table afterwards. He gave Theresia an intent look, but did not say anything. Theresia suspected that he knew how she felt, and that made her feel better. Yet, she was glad that Carl did not approach the subject. Things were bad enough as they were, without Carl prying into her business.

She noticed Mr. Capellari sitting next to Miss Horvàth and talking to her. He seemed to be highly amused, while she was sitting here, feeling unhappy. How could he be so cruel? What had she done to deserve this?

******

Marie watched Theresia anxiously. She knew that Theresia was not happy, and she knew why.

"I am worried about Theresia," she said to Alexander Hardegg, who was sitting next to her at the dining table.

"Are you, Miss von Hertenberg? Why?"

"Look at her," Marie said.

"I cannot recognize anything uncommon in her behaviour, Miss von Hertenberg," he said.

"You do not know her as well as I do, Mr. Hardegg," Marie said. "Theresia is like a sister to me, I can read her like a book. Believe me, she acts as if nothing had happened, but she is very unhappy just now."

Alexander Hardegg gave her an admiring look. "You do care a great deal about your friends," he said.

"Of course I do," Marie replied. "I would not be a good friend if I did not, would I?"

He smiled. "Your affection for your friends is one of your greatest charms, Miss von Hertenberg."

Marie blushed. Lately, Alexander Hardegg had complimented her a bit too often for her taste. Hopefully he did not have any feelings for her other than friendship. She knew she could not return them -- Alexander Hardegg was a good friend, but nothing more. If he had any romantic feelings for her, the disappointment for him would be great, no doubt, and Marie liked him too much to feel comfortable about having to hurt him.

"How do you like this ball, Miss von Hertenberg," he asked her, changing the subject.

"I would like it even more if Theresia enjoyed herself," Marie said. "But it is a delightful evening, nonetheless. Miss Horvàth looks very happy, does she not?"

"Must be the occasion," Alexander said, smiling.

"Yet, I suppose I would be very nervous on an evening like this," Marie said, quietly.

"Nervous? Why, Miss von Hertenberg? Certainly there would not be a reason for you to be nervous?"

"I do not really like to be the centre of attention," Marie said. "This is more like Theresia. She would feel at ease in such a situation, but I would not. I would be quite happy once it was over, but I would die a thousand deaths during the evening. -- Luckily, such an event is still somewhere far ahead in the future, if it is to happen at all."

"I have no doubt that it will happen, Miss von Hertenberg -- one day."

The subject was getting too dangerous for Marie's taste, and so she tried to change it.

"How do you like my cousin Martin?"

"I have not seen much of him yet, Miss von Hertenberg, but he seems pleasant enough."

"I am afraid I do not really know what to think of him. Theresia has told me so much about him, but his behaviour does not seem to fit her description. If one looks at him tonight, one can hardly imagine him as the uncontrollable youth that he is, according to his sister."

"True, he is behaving like a perfect gentleman. But do not forget that Miss von Laudeck has not seen her brother for a very long time. Her idea of her brother might originate from those days when they were both younger -- and everyone changes as they are growing older."

"Still, some things do not change at all," Marie said. "We will see how he turns out. I am inclined to like him -- he is Theresia's brother, after all."

Theresia... Marie looked in her direction, and realised that she was gone.

******

Of all the bad evenings I have ever had, Theresia thought, this is certainly the worst. In passing her, Miss Horvàth had bumped into the table, Theresia's wine glass had tumbled over, and its contents had stained Theresia's gloves. Luckily her dress had been spared, red wine stains were impossible to get rid of. Theresia looked up at Miss Horvàth, not trusting herself to say anything, while Miss Horvàth made her apologies.

"Dear me, what an awkward thing I am! I am so sorry, Miss von Laudeck...look at your gloves, I have ruined them!"

"Never mind, Miss Horvàth, it was not your fault," Theresia said quietly.

"Oh yes, it was. I should have looked where I was going. I tell you something, Miss von Laudeck, I will let you have a pair of mine for the rest of the evening -- they will not be a perfect fit, but they will look better than the soiled ones, for certain. Follow me to my room, Berta will see to it."

Hesitantly, Theresia got up and followed Miss Horvàth out of the dining room. She did not really want Miss Horvàth to lend her any gloves, but on the other hand, she did not want to spend all evenings with wine stains on her gloves, either.

"I will buy you a pair of new gloves first thing tomorrow morning," Miss Horvàth said. "I am afraid these are beyond repair -- though Berta can do miracles, sometimes."

They entered Miss Horvàth's dressing room, and Miss Horvàth's lady's maid came at once to attend to them. She took Theresia's gloves, and after a few minutes returned with a pair of Miss Horvàth's "that might fit". Theresia tried them on -- they were a bit tight, as Theresia's hands were a bit plumper and her fingers shorter than Miss Horvàth's, but on the whole they would do for the rest of the evening. Theresia thanked Miss Horvàth, and together they went back downstairs to join the guests.

All in all, their excursion had not taken more than five minutes, and Theresia doubted that anyone had noticed their absence, but Count Bàthory was waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs, fuming. He told Miss Horvàth off -- even though Theresia did not understand what he said, his anger and Miss Horvàth's shock were evident. Count Bàthory turned abruptly and left them alone. Miss Horvàth was nearly in tears.

"I am sorry to have caused you such distress, Miss Horvàth," Theresia said feelingly. She felt sorry for Miss Horvàth -- no one had a right to treat her like that.

"Oh, it is nothing," Miss Horvàth said, with a forced smile. "He was right, you know. I should not have left him behind without telling him where I was going."

Theresia shook her head. She did not know much about love affairs, but one thing was certain. No woman had to ask permission for every trifling thing she did. She would certainly not do so. She followed Miss Horvàth into the salon, where the guests were already waiting for them, and did not notice that someone else had witnessed the scene between Miss Horvàth and Count Bàthory.

******

"Get me a drink, will you," Horvàth hissed at a servant and went over to Carl. "If you do not want to see your best friend hanged for murder," he said, "keep me away from Bàthory tonight."

"Why? What has he done this time," Carl asked, and listened patiently to his friend's story of how Bàthory had treated Miss Horvàth.

"He cannot care a bit for her," Horvàth concluded. "But I can tell you one thing -- if I meet him alone one of these days, his face might collide with one of my fists, or both of them. Quite accidentally, of course. Can you tell me what she sees in that man? He treats her like dirt, and whatever he does to her, he can be sure of her affection. It is pathetic. Is there no way to get rid of him?"

Horvàth took a glass of wine from the servant's tray, drained it and took another one.

"Getting drunk will not take you anywhere, Horvàth," Carl said.

"I know," Horvàth said darkly. "But there is no reason for me to celebrate tonight. My sister is going to make herself unhappy, and there is nothing I can do about it."

"Perhaps she will find out soon," Carl said soothingly. "She is not married yet. If you can find proof for Bàthory's misbehaviour, she might change her mind."

"Ilona change her mind? You might as well ask a charging bull to change his mind, von Hertenberg. Really, how can anyone be so...I will not say stupid, she is my sister after all. Besotted, that is the word. Promise me one thing, von Hertenberg. If I ever start acting like that, hit me on the head with a hammer, will you?"

******

Theresia was sitting next to Baroness von Hertenberg, hoping that the evening would be over soon, when she saw Mr. Capellari come towards her. He moved slowly, and he looked solemn. When he had reached her, he asked her for the last two dances.

"I am very tired," Theresia replied coldly. "I do not mean to dance any more tonight, sir."

"Please, Miss von Laudeck," Mr. Capellari said, entreatingly, and Theresia's heart melted. She rose, and he offered her his arm to lead her to the set.

"I know you are angry with me," he said quietly, "and you have every reason to be so."

"Indeed?"

"The way I behaved tonight was unpardonable, Miss von Laudeck. I am very sorry for it."

"So am I."

"If you will listen, Miss von Laudeck, I will explain it to you."

Theresia did not say anything.

"Miss von Laudeck?"

"You asked me to listen, sir. I am listening."

The music started, and they were waiting for their turn.

"When I wanted to call on the Hertenbergs the other day -- the day after I had met you in the bookshop -- I saw a gentleman at the door and heard him expressly demand to see you, Miss von Laudeck. That was when I thought that my visit might, perhaps, be unwelcome. It was only tonight that I met this gentleman again, and he was introduced to me as your brother."

Suddenly it dawned on Theresia why Mr. Capellari had kept away. He had been jealous. That had been the reason for his cold behaviour towards her. Now that he knew that his jealousy had been unfounded, he had come back to her to tell her how sorry he was. This knowledge made Theresia feel almost light-headed. So Mr. Capellari did care for her. No one was jealous without reason.

"Why did you not come on any of the following days, sir," she asked him.

"For the same reason, really," he said, with a sheepish smile. "I am sorry, Miss von Laudeck, that is all I can say, but I would understand if you never forgave me."

Theresia nodded. "It was a misunderstanding that might have been sorted out quite easily," she said.

"Nevertheless, it was a misunderstanding, Miss von Laudeck. I will try to make up for it, I promise. Shall we be friends again?"

"I shall try," Theresia said with a smile. Suddenly, all her previous misery was forgotten.

"I am glad," Mr. Capellari said. Meanwhile, it was their turn to dance, and so they did not get the chance to talk very much.

Perhaps this evening was not so bad after all, Theresia thought as Mr. Capellari led her back to her seat. Now she knew that Mr. Capellari loved her -- that outweighed all the misery she had felt on his account.

Part III

It had not been the best of days, Carl thought as he was leaving the barracks heading towards home. Something was afoot. Even if he had not been in the army for very long, he knew when something was wrong. An experienced officer could measure the imminence of a war by the number of new recruits. Judging by them, a war would start any day now -- and the recruits were not ready yet. Most of them would not survive their first fight, Carl believed. The army had a word for people like them. Cannon fodder. That term should probably make officers like him forget that they were talking about humans, but Carl had not been in the Army for long enough to make him disregard that fact. They were people, and he was responsible for them. He wanted them to survive, but did not know how to teach them. All he could hope for was that the Emperor might, perhaps, change his mind. He was said to be a thrifty man, and Austria could not afford a war. That was Carl's only comfort at the moment.

Passing the Imperial Palace, Carl noticed his cousin Martin coming out of the building, accompanied by a man Carl knew very well. It was Archduke John's aide. What on Earth was Martin doing in the Imperial palace? And what business did he have with Archduke John? Carl quickened his pace and caught up with Martin just before he turned around the corner.

"Good afternoon, cousin," he said with a pleasant smile. "Fancy meeting you here."

"What's so special about that," Martin asked him.

"I was just wondering what you were doing in the Palace."

"Visiting a friend of mine," Martin said.

"A friend of yours. You know, one thing makes me wonder, Martin. You seem to have quite a few friends in Vienna, yet I have not met any. Who are they?"

"I don't think I have to tell you," Martin said angrily.

"Why are you so secretive, Martin? Is there anything wrong with your friends? Are you ashamed of them?"

"There's nothing wrong with them, except that they don't want to be connected with me. Not at the moment. They support my plans, but what would they say if everyone knew about it?"

"I do not know. What are your plans, Martin?" Carl said, dryly.

"That's none of your business," Martin said.

"Yes, it is. What are you up to, Martin? No one believes your longing for your sister has driven you here. It is something illegal, am I right? At least something that might be disapproved in certain circles."

"Is it illegal to defend one's country? In that case I could have you hanged, Carl," Martin said slyly.

"Defend your country, Martin? Against whom? You are asking the wrong people to help you if that is what you want. You should have gone to Munich, not Vienna."

"Hardly. It's them I have to defend it against. Them and their allies, the French. Maximilian Joseph, by Napoleon's Grace King of Bavaria -- fine, but he's not my king."

"Do not tell me Archduke John would take part in a rebellion," Carl said, shocked. "I know he would not."

"You're right, he wouldn't." Martin said and grinned. "But he's a soldier, like you, and will take part in a war if there is one. And there will be one. Soon. Just you wait. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got work to do. See you in the evening, I've promised your mother to dine at your place. And one more thing -- one single word to Theresia and I'll cut your throat. I mean it. I can't have my sister babbling about my business, that would spoil it all."

"I do not think I shall need to tell her," Carl said. "Theresia will be well able to find out for herself, Martin, and she will not be pleased."

"It's not as if I'm asking for her permission, am I? What would the world come to if women were to govern it?"

With these words, Martin left. Carl sighed. Hopefully, Martin would either change his mind -- which was not very likely -- or his plans would come to nothing. A rebellion against the French was madness. Others had tried that before, and not succeeded. Theresia would be inconsolable if anything happened to her brother. Martin had been right about one thing. Ignorance was bliss, and Carl was not going to deprive Theresia of that happiness. He would certainly deserve a cut throat if he did.

******

Theresia entered the breakfast room and found Joseph reading a letter, smiling happily. He bade her good-morning absent-mindedly, and went on reading. Theresia had not seen Joseph like that for ages, and wanted to know what the letter was about -- although she could make a pretty accurate guess.

"A letter from Baden, Joseph," she asked, while helping herself to some bread and jam.

"From Klosterneuburg, actually," Joseph replied. "The von Puchingers returned there two weeks ago."

"How are they?"

"Arthur von Puchinger is not very well, he says," Joseph said and, for a moment, looked concerned for his friend. "He is afraid he will not be able to join his mother and sisters on their trip to Vienna. But they will come here next week."

"This is excellent news, Joseph," Theresia said, taking her seat at the table. "Although I am sorry for your friend, Mr. von Puchinger. He is not seriously ill, I hope."

"I am afraid he is, Theresia, but he does not like to talk about it," Joseph said. "Nevertheless, his letter sounds very cheerful, and I suppose his state of health cannot be that bad if his mother and sisters have decided to go to Vienna despite his illness."

Theresia agreed with her cousin, and then turned her full attention to her breakfast. A few minutes later, Marie joined them, followed by the Baroness.

Baroness von Hertenberg, too, read her letters and had a surprise for the girls. Count Hardegg had invited the whole family to an outing into the country. He had "neglected his property in the country", and wanted to "repay the kindness Baroness von Hertenberg" had shown him. At that time of the year, the area surrounding his estate would be "especially beautiful", and he would be "happy to show them around, as would be his son".

"I think I am going to accept the invitation," the Baroness announced.

"But we have only just returned to Vienna," Theresia protested. She did not feel like leaving town in such a hurry, not now that her problems with Mr. Capellari were sorted out.

"It will only be for a few days," the Baroness said. "Besides, I know this will be most entertaining. Count Hardegg has always been an extremely generous host, and his parties are usually very large. I would not be surprised if he had invited everyone in his acquaintance."

"In which case we need not go, I am sure," Theresia murmured, quiet enough for her aunt not to hear it. Sometimes opposition was just fruitless.

Joseph told his mother that he would not join them on the outing, he "had enough work to do in Vienna to last him years". Hypocrite, Theresia thought. He wants to be here when Miss von Puchinger arrives, that is all.

She wished it were as easy for her to stay behind, but unfortunately she could not claim any duties that kept her in Vienna. Not even her brother could serve as an excuse -- Martin had been included in the invitation.

Theresia's depressed mood lifted the moment she realised that Mr Capellari, too, was part of the scheme. Count Hardegg had, perhaps, not invited everyone in his acquaintance, but only few people had been left out. Carl, like his brother, had referred to duty as an excuse to stay in Vienna, but in his case this had not worked. Count Hardegg, being a General, had enough influence to obtain leave of absence for anyone whose presence he required. Carl was to join them, whether he wanted to or not.

******

Hardegg was a grand place -- even more so than Hertenberg. The mansion was a large renaissance building with a graffito-ornamented inner court. There were arcades on the upper floors, with doors leading to the different rooms. They reminded Theresia of home -- there were similar ones in her family's castle.

"This is beautiful," she said to Marie, who was standing next to her.

Marie agreed. "I had nearly forgotten how beautiful it was," she said, quietly. Yet, Alexander Hardegg seemed to have overheard her comment and looked well pleased with it.

Theresia and Marie's rooms were on the second floor next to each other, connected with a door. They left it open while unpacking their trunks, and chattered away cheerfully while doing their work. Then Theresia sat down to write a letter to her mother, while Marie settled on the window seat and gazed dreamily at the beautiful scenery.

"I should have brought along more than just my sketchbook," she said. "I should like to do some pictures here."

Theresia laughed. "I am quite certain that there is an ample supply of drawing utensils in this house, should you wish to have any," she said. "All you have to do is ask Mr Hardegg, and you will get anything you want."

There was a knock at the door, and a maidservant came in, asking if the young ladies were satisfied with their lodgings of if they still needed anything. They both assured the girl that they had everything they could have wished for. Then Marie rose from the window seat and went over to her desk, where she had put her sketchbook.

"I am going out to take some sketches, as long as the weather is so fine," she said. "Are you coming along, Theresia?"

Theresia shook her head. "That letter of mine will still take me some time to finish," she answered, "and after that I suppose we will have to get dressed for dinner. But never mind me, Marie. Enjoy yourself."

Marie stepped out into the garden, following the path down to the river, where she knew one had a charming view of the mansion in front of dark woodland that formed a perfect background. She found a stone bench under one of the trees and sat down, starting her sketch of the house. The sun was still warm, but here in the shade it was getting rather cool. It was autumn, definitely, and here in the country one became more aware of it than in town. Marie decided to finish her sketch as quickly as possible and to walk back to the house -- she had forgotten her shawl and began to feel cold.

The setting sun added a warm glow to the walls of the house, and Marie was busy sketching the scene, not realising that Alexander Hardegg was coming towards her from the direction of the village.

"Already suffering for Art's sake," he asked her, smilingly. Marie started.

"I did not see you come, Mr Hardegg," she said. "You gave me such a fright!"

"I am very sorry to hear it, it was not my intention to upset you," he answered, sitting down next to her and looking at her sketchbook. "This is excellent work," he said. "You have greatly improved since spring."

"Thank you," Marie said, blushing. "Where have you been? I thought you were in the house?"

"I was not, obviously." He smiled. "I went to village to ask some of the peasants to act as beaters tomorrow, as your brother and cousin have expressed their wish to go hunting."

"I sometimes wonder what the point in hunting is," Marie said. "I know my brothers like it -- and my father used to enjoy it, too -- but still I cannot understand their enthusiasm."

"You are not alone, Miss von Hertenberg," Alexander laughed. "Most ladies I know seem to share your opinion."

Marie shivered. Now that the sun was gone, a chilly wind had begun to blow.

"Are you cold, Miss von Hertenberg?" Alexander asked her softly. Marie rose.

"I am -- a bit," she said. "I had better go back to the house and dress for dinner."

Unbuttoning his overcoat, Alexander got up as well. He took off the coat and put it around Marie's shoulders. "There you are," he said. "I cannot have you catch a cold. Hold still, there is something in your hair..."

He reached out and picked a yellow leaf from her brown curls. His touch was ever so gentle, and yet Marie suddenly felt confused and nervous.

"I had better..." she started, but stopped in mid-sentence when she noticed Alexander's gaze resting on her.

"Certainly," he said, quietly, and offered her his arm. They walked towards the house, and Marie wondered what everybody would think if they saw them arrive, Marie holding on to Alexander Hardegg's arm and wearing his overcoat -- but nobody did see them. She hastily bade Alexander a good evening, gave him back his coat and nearly ran up the stairs to her room. There, she closed the door behind her and felt safe, for the time being.

******

Marie was glad that the gentlemen had gone hunting the next day. The encounter with Alexander Hardegg still occupied her thoughts. She had not been able to forget his behaviour all evening, and thoughts of him had kept her awake at night. She was worried, however she did not seek fault with Alexander Hardegg, but with herself. How could it be that a perfectly decent, handsome, gentle young man showed such interest in her and was not welcome? What was wrong with her? Marie knew more than one woman who would gladly take her place. If she were to ask for her mother's -- or anyone else's -- advice, she already knew their answer. Take this man and thank your Creator on your knees every single day of your life, for you could not find a better one, the advice would be.

At least, today no one would ask her for a decision, Marie was certain. The men were gone, and she and the other ladies were left behind. Theresia had, with the help of her unfailing instinct, found the music room and was practising, and Marie was sitting with the other female guests, pretending to read a book, and occasionally answering their questions. Thus, she spent her day rather pleasantly, even if it was boring at times, but Marie needed this to recover her usual good spirits.

Towards evening, loud laughter in the courtyard announced the arrival of the gentlemen. Their hunt had been successful, apparently, and they were in excellent spirits. Count Hardegg was the first one to join them, making sure that his female guests had not been neglected in his absence. Carl followed soon afterwards, and took a seat next to his sister.

"Would you like to go for a walk with me, Marie," he asked her, quietly.

"A walk?"

"I bet you have not been out all day," he said.

"True. I have not," Marie said.

"There, I knew it. Now, are you going to join me?"

"Did you not get enough exercise today," Marie asked Carl, smiling.

"I did, but you did not. Come, get your coat and hat and let us get outside. There is something ... something I want to ask you."

Marie went to her room and fetched her coat and bonnet. Carl was already waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs when she came down. Without saying any more, he took her arm and led her outside.

"What is it you wanted to ask me," Marie asked, although she had a suspicion as far as his intentions were concerned.

Carl sighed. "Give me some time, will you?" he asked. "It is not that easy." For a while, they walked on without speaking. Then, finally, Carl said, "Alexander Hardegg spoke to me today."

"About what?"

"Can you not imagine?" Carl stopped and gave Marie a searching look. "He is in love with you, Marie, and he has asked for my permission to make you an offer of marriage."

"Oh, please, Carl, you cannot let him..." Marie started and broke off. How was she to explain how she felt? "I do not want to disappoint him, if I can help it," she finally said, quietly.

"Will your answer be a disappointment," Carl asked.

"I am afraid so. I cannot marry him, Carl. I like him, but...I suppose you do not understand me."

"Make me understand you then." Carl looked at Marie earnestly.

"I will try," Marie said. "Alexander Hardegg is a good friend, and I really love him -- but the way I love you, or Joseph, like a sister, not the way a wife should. The whole idea of marrying him sounds...absurd. It is as if..." Marie searched for an appropriate expression. "As if you were to marry Theresia," she finally said.

"I see," Carl said quietly. "Now, there is one problem. You will have to tell him."

"I do not see why," Marie said. "He has not asked me, has he?"

"We are just on our way to meet him. I did not mean to trick you into that meeting, Marie, I want you to know this. But I gave Alexander my word I would allow him one opportunity to talk to you alone."

"Carl, how could you?" Marie exclaimed.

"You should have seen him, Marie. He is a good friend, after all, and the way he talked about you... I really wish you would consider him, Marie. He is not the worst husband you could find."

"Certainly not, Carl, but is he the best?" They walked on in silence, until they reached the river that separated the garden from the surrounding meadows. There, Alexander Hardegg joined them, looking pale, but determined, and offered Marie his arm. Hesitatingly, she accepted it, and walked ahead with him, while Carl stayed behind, wondering if he had done the right thing.

******

"Your brother has told you what this meeting is about," Alexander asked Marie. She nodded, feeling miserable.

"Everyone kept telling me that it was too early -- that we were both too young, or even that you did not love me, Marie. Yet, I have to know. I cannot live with this uncertainty, you know." He put both his hands on Marie's shoulders. "Will you marry me?"

The look in his eyes nearly broke Marie's heart. "I cannot," she said quietly, nearly whispering, but he had understood her nevertheless. Suddenly, on hearing her words, he looked extremely vulnerable -- and wounded. He took his hands off her shoulders, breathed deeply, and then said, quietly, "Why not?"

"It is hard to explain," Marie said, sadly. "I am afraid you would not understand it."

"Try me. You will be surprised at how much I can understand, Marie. Why are you refusing me?" He gave her a pleading look.

"I am very sorry," Marie said. "I do not want to hurt you..."

"Whatever you say, it will hurt me all the same, but it will hurt even more if you leave it unsaid," he said.

"I do not love you," Marie said, quietly. "I like you, but I do not love you."

He nodded. "I should have known," he said, gloomily. "Why should I just once get what I want most? That has never worked so far. Whenever I set my heart on something, I was almost certain to lose it. It is no fault of yours, Marie. Blame it on the stars." He tried to smile, but it only made him look sad.

"Are you angry with me," Marie asked. He shook his head. "No," he said. "How could I blame you? At least you have been decent enough to tell me the truth -- I really appreciate that. Some other woman would have led me on for a while, I suppose. But you have always been special, Marie, that is why I love you. I love you even more for not trying to fool me."

"Do not, I beg you," Marie exclaimed. Alexander laughed, bitterly. "As if it were that easy," he said.

Then he took her arm and led her to the path back to the house. "I will stay away from dinner tonight," he said, quietly. "You do not expect me to sit next to you all evening and act as if nothing had happened, do you?"

Marie shook her head. "But you will be missed," she said. "Your father will ask questions. What will you tell him?"

"Frankly, I am not in the state to answer questions right now," he said. "I will tell him the truth, eventually, but not tonight. Tonight I shall stay in my room and dress my wounds." He said it lightly, but Marie was certain that he was in earnest. She felt like the worst person that had ever lived.

At the door, Alexander released her arm, but took her hand for one moment. "Good night, Miss von Hertenberg," he said, sadly, and kissed her hand. Then he walked away from the house, towards the village, and left her standing there. Marie watched him until he was out of sight. Then she ran into the house, upstairs, and threw herself on her bed to release the tears that had almost been choking her for the last half hour.

© 2002, 2003 Copyright held by the author.

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