Cihlar & Egeler - The Saint and her Fool

The Earl of Thorstein ambles unconcernedly through the entrance and knocks at the door. He must see how the child is. She has been bitterly disappointed, for she had so wished to be at the wedding. A wedding is said to be something wonderful; an event looked forward to for a long time, before it takes place. There is music, all the people are happy and beautiful and in festive moods. Her father had not wanted her to attend; she should wait in Brauneck until he arrives with the new mother. The fine child`s heart feels she is not wanted by her father, because the new mother had kindly invited her. And she is right; the Duke gets nervous just at the thought of the crowds, who would stare at his poor little girl and how her narrative way of speaking would be ridiculed afterwards. She might act inappropriate; from taking off her shoes up to the most impossible things. The child had felt disregarded and Frau von Hardenstein had been busy in comforting her wounded soul.

On this day, Saint Rose is wearing her golden shoes, a French rosary and her silver embroidered dress, designed by Harro. It is still not a genuine silver dress, yet effectively adorned as one. She stands on tiptoes and tugs impatiently at Harro’s arm.

„Look at me…. do you like what you see? „

Harro shakes his head in concern, more than ever before is he convinced of his inability as an educator of the Princess.

„It is rather peculiar, Harro” complains Frau von Hardenstein.

Her dress is made of Egyptian tulle which Harro had found; the material is interspersed with thinly hammered silver threads in a simple pattern. Yet, he now is abashed by the impression she makes. The dress seems to emphasize the mystery, that sacred sensitivity which always hovers over the child.

„My dear Harro,” Frau von Hardenstein whispers. „You have sculptured an antiquated angel; you can set her on any altar. You know how important the first impression is!”

„Well, then it will be just right that the new mother sees the child in a dress, which underlines her character. Nonetheless, I promise solemnly that I will never again intervene in matters of etiquette.”

Now, a distant cannon shot can be heard, the signal for their arrival, which indicates it is too late for any changes. She seems like a lucid white flame on an altar, this little Rose, are Harro’s pensive thoughts. The silver clings to her fine limbs, smooth and shiny like the skin of a snake, swaying to the rhythm of her moves and the rose wreath gives the silver and white appearance a touch of vibrancy.

Fräulein Klara had indeed paused dramatically in the third verse, but the Duchess’ beautiful brown eyes shine so cheerfully that she finds back to her poem. The horses, which have been previously trained for their current obligations by talented school boys, only become restless. The Duke and the Duchess exit their carriage and walk slowly towards the bridge, waving to the assembled people of the town, leading over the castle moat.

At the palace gate, where tapestries drape the entrance, the child stands there by herself and recites her greeting. „Welcome, Mama, welcome, Father“- just as the Duke had wished. The tail coated guardsmen step back and the Duchess answers a bit awkwardly: „Will you give me a kiss?”

The pretty, brown eyed stepmother bends down to the child, half-heartedly tilting one cheek towards her.

Little Rose has the feeling of having to speak out something special and promises:

„I will try to be a good girl as ever possible.”

The new Duchess straightens up again, glad that the uncomfortable moment is over, because all eyes are on her, especially this one moment of greeting. Saint Rose now may greet the Father and his eyes sparkle as he takes her by the hand and the three of them climb up the stairs into the large reception room.

There, the Lordships from the neighboring castles are anxiously awaiting them. The Pastor and the dignitaries of the village are also gathered and everyone mumbles a few appropriate words. The Duchess must respond and smile and speak a few words herself and it is noticeable that she does not always use the appropriate title. The Duke holds on tight to his daughter`s hand, as if to prevent her from escaping or doing something unsuitable. The eyes of the guests are fixed on the young Princess, as well as on the Duchess. Never has the child, of whom there is so much whispered about, been seen up so close. They had often caught a glimpse of her with her attendants, passing by in a carriage or in the park in her fenced off playing area. The corpulent Frau von Statten whispers to her neighbor:

„No one would have expected that a girl so lovely originates from the Brauneckers. Have you ever seen Princess Helen? No comparison! The appearance of the family tree is truly unimpressive; one must simply look at the paintings on the walls. The men, indeed, look quite reasonable, but the women…”

Rose behaves perfectly today, answering every question fairly correct and she even remembers to curtsy in front elderly ladies and the Pastor. The Duke beams with pride. He then discovers someone standing awkwardly aside all this royalty.

„Dear Charlotte, I must now introduce you to our nearest neighbor, the Earl of Thorstein; a man who is out to conquer the noble, aristocratic art.The Earl will surely be a famous painter one day and will glamorize our silent forest region with significance and a gloss of fame.”

The young Duchess looks at his imposing figure with decided pleasure. She even ventures a little joke: „He outshines us already now.”

„Surely not in your presence, Milady,” he answers and bows to kiss her hand. „Your most humble and grateful neighbor. The family of Castle Brauneck has been quite supportive to me, for which I cannot be grateful enough.”

„How nice of you,” replies the Duchess. „I understand you are here throughout the year; being neighbors, we will surely see each other frequently.”

Her eyes keep on turning back to the tall man; he is undoubtedly the most impressive of all those present in the room, where most of the men seem to be quite elderly. There is also a young prince and a cousin; both are draped in blue, silk sashes, which reflect their fresh young faces. Though this Thorsteiner...he is now avidly speaking to the child, which assures her that he is a kind neighbor. The guests are thinning out, some of them will return for dinner. The new Duchess has survived her first reception.

With a sigh of relief she sinks onto the divan. The Duke laughingly sits at her side.

„You have withstood with the necessary pride, my dear; what do you think of our little girl? How lovely she looks and she has not made one single faux pas. I am amazed. And her rosy cheeks! This Frau von Hardenstein is a jewel. Charlotte, please do find a few kind words for taking such good care of her, of how delighted you were by her behavior. Well, just look at you, my little one, you look so...”

„Beautiful, Papa?”

„Well, well...who has made you so vain?“

„No one said anything, but I saw it in Harro’s eyes.“

„Who is this Harro?“ Mama asks. „Whose gaze has been so full of admiration? Might it have been the prince?“

„No, the Thorsteiner, our daughter’s very special friend.“

„Oh, the future famous painter, or have you just been joking?“

„No, he is indeed a gifted painter and we must soon look at his painting of the child. I am sure, he is waiting for our approval and admiration of his talent.“

„Any more duties?“ pouts the young woman.

„Only the obligation to rest a bit and refresh yourself before dinner. I am sure, my dear, that you will also receive many glances of admiration, even more so than our little one. Come, child, let us show your Mama her room. I sincerely hope that everything is according to your wishes; the castle is of old structure, this cannot be denied. „