This tale relates the exploits of an elderly Princess and her passionate love affair with a young twenty-five-year-old nobleman, Count Albrecht von Thalfingen. The Princess, the victim of an arranged marriage, had a husband whose obsession with the military and affairs of state leaves him little time for his marital responsibilities, not that he considers time spent with his spouse a worthwhile pursuit. In this recipe for disaster, passion and logic are strange bedfellows.
The Princess struggles every day to find joy and happiness in her life. No matter what endeavours she pursues, she’s always left with an emptiness in her life. She craves for male companionship; she has everything and yet she has nothing.
Tonight finds Her Grace at the ball of Lord and Lady Ashworthy, whose extravaganzas are all the rage of the aristocracy. At the moment, to her chagrin, she finds herself standing like a wallflower at the side of the floor, wishing it would swallow her up. To her absolute delight, a young nobleman appears and with the gallantry of a knight errant, asks if he may have this dance. Princess Margaret, overwhelmed by the gesture, gladly consents and off they go to enjoy the waltz. As they dance around the floor, each is smitten by the other. They have several dances together, trying not to attract too much attention to themselves. At length the Count asks, ”Would you like to take a stroll in the gardens?”
“I’d love to.” replies the Princess.
It was the beginning of summer, conducive to such a jaunt. The Princess was the first to speak, “We have to be discrete. I wouldn’t want my husband to learn of our encounter. At the moment he’s in Scotland chasing game and will be there for the month.”
“My name is Count Albrecht von Thalfingen, at your service, my lady. My family are originally from Germany and then made our home in England.”
“Yes, I think I’ve met your mother and father at court. What are your interests?”
“O. I love to paint and I travel all over Europe for inspiration,” answered the Count. “How about you?”
“Well, I’m left alone so much I’ve found quite a few pursuits, gardening being the chief among them, and playing the forte piano.” replied the Princess.
“I’m also an aficionado with the sword, I’ve won two medals in Paris for fencing against heavy competition, I may add.”
“You’re my type of man. I love gallant men,” laughed the Princess.
“Would you like to come and visit me tomorrow?”
“I’d love to. At what time?”
“Say, at two o’clock, and please use the back entrance. I’ll inform the butler of your arrival. We better be getting back. I don’t want to attract unnecessary attention.” said the Princess.
Off they went, back to the ball. Once they were back in the ballroom, Albrecht led the Princess to her table and made a discreet adieu.
