"...I praise the Almighty Lord for sending such a lovely person to me...If I have the opportunity, I am willing to listen to her playing music all the time. It will be one of the most precious enjoyments in my life."
Theresa sat on a chair in the study and softly read the interview published in the newspaper.
The fire burning quietly in the fireplace isolated the room from the cold wind outside, making it as warm as spring.
The scent of incense spreads throughout the room with the warm air, making people feel relaxed and happy.
Perhaps it was because the incense was too strong, her face seemed to be burning and her head was a little dizzy.
"Teresa, it's about time you put down the newspaper, right?" While she was still intoxicated, her mother, Grand Duchess Henrietta, walked into the study and sat in front of her, "I have a few words. I want to tell you something——"
Teresa woke up, looked at her mother, and then took the initiative to hand the newspaper to her, wanting to share her joy with her, "Mom, look! Your Highness praised me..."
"I know, I have read this newspaper a long time ago." Henrietta sighed helplessly, "Besides, my poor daughter, this is the third time you have read it."
"Because, it is indeed beautiful..." Teresa replied matter-of-factly, and then looked at her mother with a smile on her face, "His Highness is openly praising me. I guess he must have blushed when he said this!"
There was so much joy in this smile that my mother couldn't help but find it funny.
"It's not okay for you to be satisfied too easily. Girls should be more reserved, only then will they be cherished."
"It's not that I don't know about the little tricks you mentioned, but mom, if you don't even show your true feelings, then what fun is there in staying together?" Teresa disagreed with her mother's warning. "Rather than being reluctant to show your true feelings because you are afraid of being looked down upon, I think it is better to be honest from the beginning so as not to regret it later."
"It's not unreasonable to say that." Mother frowned slightly, "However, I always feel that Franz's current attitude is still a bit ambiguous, as if he is hesitating... I'm not saying that he doesn't have this right, but since everything is now It’s not clear yet, so you’d better not put too much expectation into it, lest you regret it if something unexpected happens.”
"He can't run away, mother." Teresa replied with full confidence, and then shook the newspaper in her hand, "He is now openly showing his love in the newspaper, and the whole of Europe will see it! Now that he has It’s too late to regret it.”
"Silly boy, a man can break his oath, let alone just a paragraph published in a newspaper!" Henrietta couldn't help but smile bitterly, "I'm not pouring cold water on you, I just want to tell you everything. Everything is not fine yet, you still have to be careful."
"That's natural! I will continue to work hard to impress His Highness and let him know that I am the only person in the world who is most suitable to live with him... because we deserve each other."
Then, she finally put down the newspaper, stood up from her seat, and waved her hands as if she were performing on stage, swaying the lace sleeves on her skirt. "As long as I am sincere, I can be moved even if His Highness is hard-hearted, because... this is destined. I can help His Highness, and Your Highness can use his talents to fulfill my wishes... We can create things for each other. Happy man, isn’t he?”
"Alas..." Henrietta could only sigh. Seeing her daughter like this, she gave up trying to persuade her in vain.
My daughter has grown up and her heart has wandered outside. What can I do as a parent?
I can only try my best to make more plans for her, so that she can live a more comfortable and prosperous life in the future.
When she heard His Majesty the Emperor's marriage plan at first, she was surprised and a little doubtful. After all, the young man's identity was really special. She didn't expect that her originally arrogant daughter would be so in love with the young man from the moment they met. In the end, Instead, with the push of her daughter, the marriage plan was quickly solidified.
She didn't know whether it was good or bad that things had come to this point, but since it had come to this point, she had no choice but to keep going.
After all, His Highness Franz is indeed good-looking and talented. If he can really become his son-in-law, what can he say about it?
Moreover, if my daughter marries this His Highness, she can stay in Austria instead of marrying in a foreign country. She can stay with her parents forever, which is very ideal when she thinks about it.
So... I hope God will lead everything to the best outcome and make all her vague worries come to nothing. Don’t let any more accidents happen, just let it blossom and bear fruit!
After all, everyone is waiting to bless them.
When she thought of this, Henrietta cheered up again, and then began to return to the previous topic. "Okay, let's not go too far, Teresa, I have something to ask your opinion-"
"What's going on?" Teresa asked doubtfully.
"About the date." Henrietta didn't intend to tease her daughter anymore and said it directly, "His Royal Highness was born on March 20, 1811, which means he will be sixteen years old on March 20 next year. , it can also be regarded as an adult by then. Metternich and His Majesty the Emperor think this day is quite good and commemorative. So the palace asked us what our opinions are - Teresa, what do you think? If you have no objections , the engagement was officially concluded on this day——"
It is said to be March next year, but it is already the end of the year and Christmas is approaching. In fact, it is only three months away. Henrietta felt a little rushed, but wanted to see her daughter's opinion.
"It's a good day..." Theresa blinked.
As far as her true feelings are concerned, of course she hopes to confirm the engagement as soon as possible, but she has already promised in front of Aigron that she will wait for him to settle everything. If she urges him so quickly now, she is afraid that it will arouse His Highness's rebellion. psychology.
After thinking for a moment, he replied, "Three months seems a bit too fast... So, mom, I was born on June 12th of the same year, can it be on the day of my birthday?"
Henrietta certainly had no objection to Teresa's words.
"Well...since you think so, I will reply to the palace with your opinions. If His Highness doesn't have any opinions, then I think this will be the decision."
"I will let His Highness have no objection..." Teresa narrowed her eyes slightly, and then replied in a low voice.
Half a year would be enough. She believed that with her sincerity and fervent love, she could finally melt His Highness's heart and abandon the evil fate that had become an obstacle.
The absurdity that young people once went astray will eventually become a thing of the past, and they will usher in a new stage of life - this is what she firmly believes.
"Okay, I don't have anything else to do. You can continue working on your books." Mother stood up from her seat. "You'd better clean up recently. We are moving to the Albertina Palace for Christmas. Festival."
The Albertina Palace was originally the winter palace of the Habsburg family, located in the southwest corner of the old palace in Hofburg. It was acquired by the previous generation Cieshen from the late emperor.
The Duke of Cieszyn was also an avid collector. He carefully purchased a large number of paintings from all over Europe, including masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael. He put these paintings into this palace.
Because he had no heirs, he adopted Archduke Karl as his adopted son. After his death, Archduke Karl and his wife naturally inherited the Albertina Palace and all the art collections in it from the Duke of Cieszyn.
They wanted to turn this place into a destination for art, so they invited well-known architects to redecorate the entire palace in a royal style. After spending a lot of money and time, their efforts paid off, and the Albertina Palace became A treasure trove of imperial architecture and art.
By the way, after the collapse of the Habsburg family, the Albertina Palace was taken back by the new Austrian government and turned into the Albertina Museum, becoming a witness to Austria's long art history.
Although they enjoy a peaceful life in the countryside on weekdays, as important festivals such as Christmas and New Year approach, Archduke Carl and his family will move into this luxurious palace to celebrate the holidays with people from all walks of life, hold grand banquets, and maintain the family's love for each other. huge influence from the outside world.
And this year, there will be one more family member going to this palace to spend time.
Just when Aiglon visited the manor last time, Henrietta had already extended an invitation to the young man. If there were no accidents, Duke Leichstadt would also be the protagonist of the banquet.
The Grand Duke and his wife are also very happy to let him and Theresa play the role of receptionists together, so that people from all walks of life in Austria can accept His Highness's presence earlier.
She and her husband are convinced that as long as the couple continues to work hard and spend some time cultivating, the future son-in-law will eventually be able to enter the palace, get rid of the current embarrassing situation, and become an authentic Habsburg royal family in the eyes of the Austrians. member's.
As long as the Austrians accepted this, the rest would be easy.
For the happiness of their eldest daughter, the couple can try their best to do everything they can, and then it depends on the newlyweds' own efforts.
Henrietta believed that with the talents of these two children, no matter what they wanted to do, they would achieve it.
And his and Teresa's future children will also become a symbol of the combination of two great surnames, enjoying the attention of the world from the moment they are born.
Maybe this is Teresa’s ideal future life? Looking at her daughter, the Grand Duchess secretly thought to herself.
Don't worry, all difficulties can be solved.
After sending her mother away, Teresa returned to the desk and sat down. She calmed down her excitement and began to take out a pen and paper to write a letter to the young man.
"Aegron, my dear friend:
Since the last time I said goodbye, I've missed you a lot. How are you lately? I heard from my father that you behaved solemnly and appropriately when you attended the funeral, and even took the initiative to hold the coffin for your teacher. I feel sincerely proud of your magnanimity, and I also hope that you can get rid of the grief.
I saw your interview in the newspaper. To be honest, I didn't expect you to say so many compliments to me...I must admit that I was very happy after seeing it, but I was just a little afraid that I was not worthy of your exaggerated praise. ——Of course, I will continue to work hard to become the Teresa in your mind.
The time is approaching Christmas, and I remind you again with anticipation that our family is very much looking forward to your visit - my father and mother also hope to take the opportunity to make you famous among the upper class. We in Austria are a conservative and hierarchical country. Since you want to prosper in this country, this is very important for your future, so please do not take it lightly.
Of course, I will try my best to help you. I believe that as long as you show your normal demeanor, it will be enough to impress the outside world. After all, even those harsh soldiers have a good impression of you. But, in the final analysis...who dares to say how much awe is left in this era? We can only walk on eggshells and play our due roles, and the rest is just acting on occasion. Fortunately, we still have family members who can treat each other sincerely.
To be honest, my parents are very enthusiastic about you. They are trying their best to create better conditions for you to join the world. I dare not say that this is entirely due to my influence. They themselves believe that you do have this talent - I and You promise that as long as you truly believe in them and rely on them, your future journey in this country will be much easier.
By the way, there is news from the palace that they seem to be planning to officially announce the engagement in June. This is the decision of His Majesty the Emperor. I have tried my best to delay the time... I am sorry that I can only send my personal My influence ends here, I hope you can understand me.
But I also believe that half a year is enough for you to think clearly and make the appropriate decision...Aiglon, I beg you, don't be confused by temporary emotions! Make good plans for the future. Aren't my parents and I combined not as important as His Highness? Isn't our enthusiasm and goodwill enough to touch your heart?
I look forward to you coming to us on Christmas Day, looking forward to you getting rid of entanglements as soon as possible, looking forward to you shining in the future, and looking forward to the day when you say you love me...
Maybe I've said a little too much, but please believe that every word I say comes from my heart.
I love you so much, Teresa. "
In the silence, Teresa finished writing the letter and then carefully put it into the envelope.
This letter will be delivered to His Highness soon. How should he feel? Theresa was looking forward to it but also a little nervous.
Then, she walked back to the seat where she had just been, picked up the newspaper on it and read it again, silently reciting the young man's brief interview words again. The words above seemed to give her great encouragement and courage. .
It would be great if His Highness could say this to himself once in person...
She believed she could do it.
Then, she picked up the scissors, skillfully cut out the fragments containing these words from the newspaper, and put them into her favorites.
