His Majesty's Attache in Vienna...

[ChristopherMaxwell]

OOC:

Congress of Vienna, 1814.....

Captain Andrew Magill set his luggage down rather briskly at his billet in Vienna, not far from the Congress that had begun its session to determine the fate of Europe. When he was not engaged in his labours, however, he had to wonder what he would do with his time. He had chosen to accept his present assignment to get his mind over the loss of his beloved Maude, who had succumbed to cholera of late.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Ebba Oxenstierna

OOC

Countess Ebba Oxenstierna aged 22. Daughter of Count Erik Oxenstierna member of King Charles XIII Privy Council, and Baroness Kristina Ramsay, formerly of Åbo, Finland.

Count Oxenstierna is on the staff of the Duke of Sodermannia, Prince Oscar who represents Sweden at the Congress of Vienna. Her mother had recently passed away and she had convinced her father to take her with him to the metropolitan city as the peace agreement was brokered.

Intelligent and witty although a shade naive about the workings of the world. Ebba had the privilige of receiving a proper education and is further an ardent supporter of the Crown Prince Charles John, formerly known as Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte. The French Marshal who became Prince of Sweden and engineered the defeat of his former comrade in arms at Leipzig and Dennewitz.

She shares her father's politics namely that Finland must revert from being a Russian Grandduchy to it's former status as an integrated part of Sweden, but she is also partial to the Crown Prince's ideas to put Norway under Swedish domain. Ebba has not exactly worked with her father but she's informed enough to know about the Swedish position. She is well connected at Court and is on friendly terms with the Duke of Sodermannia.

 

[ChristopherMaxwell]

Captain Andrew Magill

He had to shake the reputation of being a morose fellow. Ever since Maude had gone to be with her Heavenly Father, Andrew had felt alone and truly bereaved, in a way that most husbands never would be. She wasn't just his wife, she was a wife that he had defied a few conventions to acquire, since she was a simple vicar's daughter and he was the second son of a hereditary peer. Even though he would likely never inherit the title, most of his family frowned very much upon their marriage. He had sacrificed a great deal to wed her indeed.

He had accepted a very restrictive courtship demanded by her father as well, including strict supervision to avoid even the slightest risk of premarital coupling. He had distracted himself from the frustration by going to war in Spain under Wellesley. When he returned after being severely wounded in the left thigh and wed Maude at last, he had a short time of bliss, before she suffered an outbreak of cholera and died suddenly, before he had the chance to truly enjoy life with her. Just a few months of conjugal pleasures, but quite the experience, despite her lack thereof.

He had just managed to initiate her into fellatio, though that was about the most outrageous act that he could ever expect of her and he knew it. Anything more had to be relegated to his memory, but it was worth the price. He even had no trouble with being faithful to her (as anything else would have caused this vicar's sheltered daughter great offence), despite the offers that he frequently received from maids (and would have received from serving wenches, had he been to enough taverns during their marriage to create the opportunity). Yes, he was madly in love with her, and her death caused him more than a little grief (which was not shared by his relations, as they never approve of his romantic attachment to her, let alone their marriage).

At his father's suggestion (which seemed suspiciously like a command), he had accepted this appointment to be an attache to His Majesty's legation to the Congress of Vienna, the great body of princes and notables who were set to decide the fate of the Continent. Evidently, the new commission (he had resigned his old one) and resumption of his military career were meant to break his despair and morbid solitude. Well, he would try. He couldn't promise anything.

But now that he was here, and it had been over a year, shouldn't he give it a chance? Yes, he would delve into a little harmless debauchery, since he didn't have the woman that he loved. Best to console himself with some dalliance or another. Maybe a tavern girl, a shopkeeper's daughter, or even one of the few ladies accompanying the royal legations from across Europe. Yes, preferably a woman with some of the good qualities of Maude, but maybe not all, and certainly one that didn't resemble Maude. He couldn't take a reminder of Maude. He certainly couldn't relax with his bride's ghost. He was here to escape from her, the haunting of his spirit by what his father-in-law so accurately and biblically called the wife of his youth.

A little deviant tryst wouldn't be so bad, would it? One rule, however, he gave himself. No married women. He wanted a reasonable chance of joining Maude in Heaven, and he didn't want to hazard that by imperiling his eternal soul. He was no saint, but he was no libertine, either. Certainly no infidel. He was a good, baptised Christian from the Church of England. Fornication was acceptable, but adultery was out of the question, no matter how lightly his father and elder brother might treat their marriage vows.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Countess Ebba Oxenstierna

It as all very exciting Ebba thought as she sat by the open window at the palace put at the disposal of his Royal Highness Oscar of Sweden. Of course being the smallest and weakest, comparatively speaking, of the allies of the Fifth Coalition, the envoyes from Sweden had to make do with less lavish accomodation than the British or Prussians.

She knew that Papa had been fussing about it, especially since the Russian delegation had been treated in such a princely manner. Had it not been Crown Prince Charles John who had led the poorly trained Russians to victory? And was it not the sheer presence of His Royal Highness that had made the Saxons defect to the allied lines. Of course it was, but the more powerful of the Allies didn't take to Charles John.

Ebba sighed as she rung the small bell calling for a refill of her chocolate. Now that was something she must have delivered to Stockholm. It would be expensive of course, but Papa was making a fortune acting as an emissary, of that Ebba was certain.

Frowning as her mind returned to the political manouverings at hand. Yes had not His Royal Highness been instrumental for winning the Battle of Nations? Knowing intimately the strategies of Napoleon and also how to defeat the monster? Even so the Prussians and the Austrians kept protesting against the Swedish demands for compensation for the loss of Finland. Well the Allies could stuff it. Here Ebba blushed at her unladylike thoughts. It was not the British or the Austrians who had lost a third of their country to the Russian barbarians. And now they made trouble when the Crown Prince had incorporated Norway.

She reclined in her seat and looked out across the busy plaza. Good thing she wasn't a diplomat though, she supposed there would be a lot of angry emissaries if she told them her heart's truth. Oh well tonight was the big ball and she would be in the company of HRH Prince Oscar. Now that was something at least. Prince Oscar was bound to get the foreign dignitaries to listen to the Swedish demands. Wasn't he one of the few that had struck up an accord with the Britisher, Wellington? And if Britain acceeded then the Prussians would have to follow suit.

She thought for a moment, trying to decide which dress to wear. Simple cut was still the height of fashion in mainland Europe and she had had a dress made as soon as she and Papa arrived in Vienna. She'd even been given an ostrich feather to wear in her hair as had the Crown Princess Desideria used to do when she had resided in Stockholm. Yes that would do it.

 

[ChristopherMaxwell]

Captain Andrew Magill

Captain Magill looked forward to only two things during that initial ball, as he hurried through his labours for His Majesty and the Prince Regent. He would get to meet the Duke of Wellington in person, whom he hadn't seen since serving in the Peninsular War in Spain.

He would also get the chance to encounter some fine ladies, possibly some of a more sensual turn of mind. He didn't mind deflowering a virgin or two, as he was convinced that it wouldn't do them any harm. He just didn't approve of violating the 7th Commandment, by engaging in adultery with another man's wife.

He knew that his father, Lord Thomas Magill, and his brother, Sir Henry Magill, didn't agree with him there, but his father was a hypocrite and his brother a secret admirer of Napoleon (though not to the extent of betraying his country). Well, there went "honour thy father and mother", but he couldn't help that. He did honour his mother, but she was a bit of the other extreme, probably so priggish that she drove his father into other women's arms half of the time. Even so, he had to respect that she had piety and devotion to principle. The two were a complete mismatch, the very thing that he had sought to avoid when he wed Maude.

He straightened up his uniform very carefully, as he prepared to encounter the ladies of Vienna and those few noblewomen who had attended the delegations. He would also have to watch out for disenchanted mistresses seeking to exchange their lovers for new ones. Half of them were married and completely forgot their wedding vows ages before, while the rest were likely to seek to their liaison even after he wed a lady.

Well, that was a laugh. Who was he telling that? Himself? Would he ever truly find another woman that he wished to wed? He avoided adultery during marriage because she was the woman that he loved and chose. He feared that any new bride would be calculated by his father and brother to tempt him toward affairs, not to mention to ensure that she had affairs of her own. Arranged marriages were the scourge of the nobility. What's more, he couldn't put it past his father or brother not to set him up with one of their mistresses, just to cuckold him and have a laugh at his expense.

And what were the odds that he would find a woman that he loved and chose of his own volition again? Practically nil, as far as he could see. Honestly, he would probably have a long series of affairs with women, provided that they were unmarried, and then they would move on to new men (and probably new husbands). Most of them were likely to be of the lower classes, too.

That didn't bother him. What bothered him was that he had already married and lost the woman that he cherished most of all. He still hated the idea of solitude, but he refused to wed a woman until he was sure that he could happily be faithful to her. No loveless, arranged marriages with paramours for him. As much as he was teased for it, Andrew was a passionate man, a romantic, poetic sort of fellow. Such was the nature and brand of his intensity, which was quite different from the wild, virile passions of his father and brother.

As he entered the ballroom that night, he particularly noted the arrival of the Swedish legation with curiosity. They were whispered about as the "malcontents" of the Congress, being disgruntled with their prises in the victory over Bonaparte. Metternich and Alexander were scheming to rob them of their rightful claims, and Magill could understand their resentment. There was no gratitude in the House of Hapsburg these days. It was a long way down from Joseph II and his mother, Maria Theresa.

And the Romanoffs were no more Romanoff than he was a Hannoverian or a Stuart. They were the issue of Catherine's adulterous affair with Orlov. They just called themselves Romanoffs, but they were just as treacherous as Catherine was to her buffoon of a husband, Tsar Peter III. Rather unfortunate allies, but needed against the Napoleonic scheme to dominate and conquer the entire world.

Ironically, he admired Bernadotte more, a former Marshal of France, than the other potentates and statesmen who had helped bring Napoleon down. At least Bernadotte favoured a free parliament. If France had such a parliament in 1789, there wouldn't be such dreadful wars and the Terror's victims would still be alive. Louis would still be on his throne and ready to pass his throne on to the Dauphin. A good parliament had proven a surety for many a wise monarch, a hedge against the wrath of the mob. With any luck, other nations could learn in time and avoid France's tragic fate.

Speaking of tragedy, he saw much that was sad on a particular young lady's face as she entered the ballroom in the company of Crown Prince Oscar and Count Oxenstierna.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Countess Ebba Oxenstierna

Ebba felt very vulnerable as the delegation headed by Prince Oscar entered the ballroom. She could almost feel the disapproval of the Austrians and Prussians, as the Swedish delegation was anounced my the steward.

Holding on to Papa's arm as Prince Oscar was greeted by Prince Metternich in a very cameradery way which belied the general air of the room. Ebba found herself blushing, not due to any embarresment but rather surpressed anger. Who were they to treat the delegation from one of the oldest kingdoms in Europe this way? It was further unacceptable that Crown Prince Carl Johan, the name under wich Bernadotte had assumed the position as Regent, was not allowed to represent his country at the Congress, seeing as it may irritate the French.

She risked a glance at Papa as he spoke to a Prussian delegate, complementing the champagne they were being served as well as the extraordinary weather that had graced the proceedings. It didn't make sense to her at all. The Prussians had been firmly against the demands of Carl Johan's to be given Norway as compensation for the loss of Finland, surely seeing it as a hindrance to their own imperial ambitions.

Turning to Papa and excusing herself with due formality and offering a curtsey to Prince Oscar who looked her way. She'd be damned if she would curtsey to the Prussians be he a baron or not. Offering His Royal Highness a shy smile as she quietly withdrew from the huddle of dignitaries and moving towards the balcony.

She hoped fervently that Prince Oscar would be able to sway Metternich, even though it was unlikely, but perhaps his amiable charachter and sincerity would make the British support her country's aspirations. It was not Empire building, had not Norway been given the most liberal constitution in Europe? It was Carl Johan's desire to further liberty, although not the kind that had plunged Europe into war that lay behind the incorporation of Norway with Sweden.

Looking to her side she saw that she had company. A Britisher by the look of his scarlet uniform. Ebba kept staring out through the windows not in the mood for conversation. She guessed that it would be platitudes anyway and in her current state she wasn't sure if she would be able to act as protocoll demanded.

 

[ChristopherMaxwell]

Captain Andrew Magill

Ebba felt very vulnerable as the delegation headed by Prince Oscar entered the ballroom. She could almost feel the disapproval of the Austrians and Prussians, as the Swedish delegation was anounced my the steward.

Holding on to Papa's arm as Prince Oscar was greeted by Prince Metternich in a very cameradery way which belied the general air of the room. Ebba found herself blushing, not due to any embarresment but rather surpressed anger. Who were they to treat the delegation from one of the oldest kingdoms in Europe this way? It was further unacceptable that Crown Prince Carl Johan, the name under wich Bernadotte had assumed the position as Regent, was not allowed to represent his country at the Congress, seeing as it may irritate the French.

She risked a glance at Papa as he spoke to a Prussian delegate, complementing the champagne they were being served as well as the extraordinary weather that had graced the proceedings. It didn't make sense to her at all. The Prussians had been firmly against the demands of Carl Johan's to be given Norway as compensation for the loss of Finland, surely seeing it as a hindrance to their own imperial ambitions.

Turning to Papa and excusing herself with due formality and offering a curtsey to Prince Oscar who looked her way. She'd be damned if she would curtsey to the Prussians be he a baron or not. Offering His Royal Highness a shy smile as she quietly withdrew from the huddle of dignitaries and moving towards the balcony.

She hoped fervently that Prince Oscar would be able to sway Metternich, even though it was unlikely, but perhaps his amiable charachter and sincerity would make the British support her country's aspirations. It was not Empire building, had not Norway been given the most liberal constitution in Europe? It was Carl Johan's desire to further liberty, although not the kind that had plunged Europe into war that lay behind the incorporation of Norway with Sweden.

Looking to her side she saw that she had company. A Britisher by the look of his scarlet uniform. Ebba kept staring out through the windows not in the mood for conversation. She guessed that it would be platitudes anyway and in her current state she wasn't sure if she would be able to act as protocoll demanded.

Seeing the rather upset young Swedish lady stare at the window instead of enjoying herself, Andrew guessed that she must be reacting to the terrible snub that he had just witnessed. It was truly horrid, seeing how ungrateful Metternich and the Prussians had proven. Even worse than he thought. Well, that was another lot. The Hohenzollerns...a very long way down from Frederick William and Frederick the Great. No greatness to the present King of Prussia. All that he shared with the first Frederick William and the Great Elector was his Christian name.

"Excuse me, but do we have any language in common, fraulein?" Magill attempted in his rather pathetic German, which he had brushed up on a bit lately since being assigned to Vienna. He hoped that she spoke English, but it might have to be German, and his was something to dread. He didn't know a word of Swedish, otherwise he would have at least tried. It couldn't be worse than his butchering of the Teutonic language of his hosts.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Countess Ebba Oxenstierina

Ebba turned to look at the Britisher who had taken up position next to her, making his introductions in heavily fractured German. She offered him a non-commitant smile as she replied in English.

"Guessing that neither French, Finnish or Italian would be to your liking, I belive that we are stuck with English."

She turned back to staring out the window, not really in the mood to be civil to just another gloating representative of her country's allies. Even though the British had been more accomodating to the union with Norway, they still had made an awfull lot of protestations over the issue. Ebba knew she was being awfully rude and knowing that it would reflect poorly on Papa and the rest of the delegation she willed herself to smile to the Britisher.

"I do not believe I caught your name Sir."

She held out her hand for him to kiss it, although she kept her gaze firmly trained on Papa who was shadowing Prince Oscar. Metternich was hovering like a bird of prey around HRH. Once again she felt the colour rise on her cheeks as she watched the Austrian's antics.

Knowing it was likely to cause scandal and that the Britisher was not the one responsiblie she still lashed out, her voice level yet very firm as she spoke.

"So Sir it seems that it pleases our Imperial hosts here to treat us like the poor cousins allowed on a sufferance to play with the big four. I think that perhaps it had been more honest had you banned us alll in all from the Congress, especially since your country as well as our esteemed Prussian and Austrian allies have declared that our Crown Prince Carl Johan is not welcome here."

Seeing the look that he bestowed on her she turned away again, but on a second thought she smiled apologetcal as she extended her hand again.

"I'm sorry my manners are not the best today it seems. I'm Countess Oxenstierna."

 

[ChristopherMaxwell]

Captain Andrew Magill

Ebba turned to look at the Britisher who had taken up position next to her, making his introductions in heavily fractured German. She offered him a non-commitant smile as she replied in English.

"Guessing that neither French, Finnish or Italian would be to your liking, I belive that we are stuck with English."

She turned back to staring out the window, not really in the mood to be civil to just another gloating representative of her country's allies. Even though the British had been more accomodating to the union with Norway, they still had made an awfull lot of protestations over the issue. Ebba knew she was being awfully rude and knowing that it would reflect poorly on Papa and the rest of the delegation she willed herself to smile to the Britisher.

"I do not believe I caught your name Sir."

She held out her hand for him to kiss it, although she kept her gaze firmly trained on Papa who was shadowing Prince Oscar. Metternich was hovering like a bird of prey around HRH. Once again she felt the colour rise on her cheeks as she watched the Austrian's antics.

Knowing it was likely to cause scandal and that the Britisher was not the one responsiblie she still lashed out, her voice level yet very firm as she spoke.

"So Sir it seems that it pleases our Imperial hosts here to treat us like the poor cousins allowed on a sufferance to play with the big four. I think that perhaps it had been more honest had you banned us alll in all from the Congress, especially since your country as well as our esteemed Prussian and Austrian allies have declared that our Crown Prince Carl Johan is not welcome here."

Seeing the look that he bestowed on her she turned away again, but on a second thought she smiled apologetcal as she extended her hand again.

"I'm sorry my manners are not the best today it seems. I'm Countess Oxenstierna."

A bit flustered at the Countess's remarks, Andrew kissed the proffered hand, and then bravely delved into the stormy ocean of Continental politics.

"My dear Countess, you have me at a distinct disadvantage, I'm afraid. I am merely an attache to His Majesty's legation here at the Congress. I am a Captain in the British Army, and only the second son of a hereditary peer in the House of Lords. Captain Andrew Magill, to be precise, at your service. My father is Lord Thomas Magill. Not a Duke, Earl, or Marquess. Merely an ordinary peer. My brother is Sir Henry Magill.

"I have been assigned here because of my father's influence with certain officers and diplomats, and I was urged to accept, because they were tired of my grief over my late wife's passing. I have no personal animosity toward the Kingdom of Sweden and Norway, I assure you. On the contrary, I admire Bernadotte more than Bonaparte or any of his other marshals. I have no particular love for the Russians and their confederates, I can tell you that much. If anything, I suspect that both Russia and Prussia shall be troublemakers in the due course of time.

" I am just glad that I am in your company and the Duke's. I naturally favour the company of a young lady more, I admit, however. By Jove, I am rambling. By the way, I was in the Peninsular War under Wellington, just in case you think that I'm just some privileged dandy who has never stained his uniform on a field of honour. I shall have to admit to not knowing much of the aforementioned languages, however. Your English puts my German to shame. Too bad that I don't speak any Swedish, but then I'd probably make a hash of that, too," Magill nervously kept his voice low enough that Metternich and the others couldn't hear him, so as not to insult his hosts.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Countess Ebba Oxenstierna

"You needn't worry about my feelings Captain Magill. Apparently it is the theme of the day, to slight the lesser members of the Alliance."

She turned to give him a mirthless smile as a waiter approached, balancing a tray of champagne glasses. Ebba nodded, almost imperceptively, prompting Magill to hand her one of them.

"Papa is not best pleased with me drinking too much. He's afraid that I shall make a scandal, but seeing as we're about to be thrown out anyway I don't see what harm it could do?"

Ebba took a swig from the glass in a manner that did not befit a lady, but she was past caring. The constant insults that had been hurled at the delgation making her fume.

"To be honest Captain Magill I do not know why I'm bothering to speak to you about it. Surely you have no objection to Britain gaining influence in Spain and Portugal, as well as the Low Countries, but your government still refuse to support Prince Carl Johan's attempts to further liberty and parliamentarism to Norway."

She downed the glass and put it down hard on the windowsill. "It's none of my business but I wonder if anyone cares to even look at our position never mind trying to give us a bit of leverage?"

Ebba felt the blush colouring her cheeks again as she realised that she had spoken a bit too loud and on cue she could see Papa striding across the room, surely he had seen her and was going to chastise her. He looked magnificent, she had to give him that, his features composed and as oppose to the Austrian and Prussian delegates he wore only one decoration, the Order of the Seraphim on his chest. She nodded meekly as Count Oxenstierna silently inquired by staring at her. She knew he would be irritated with her antics but then again, she had never assumed to be a trained diplomat. Knowing she must do something she took his arm as she introduced Magill.

"Papa I'd like you to meet Captain Magill who belongs to the Duke of Wellington's staff. Captain this is my fatherCount Erik Oxenstierna of His Majesty Charles XIII Privy Council."

She noticed how her father offered the briefest of nods to Magill but before he could continue Ebba intervened. "Papa, Captain Magill offered me the first dance and I was just about to accept. Surely we can discuss the matters that needs addressing afterwards?"

 

[ChristopherMaxwell]

Captain Magill

"You needn't worry about my feelings Captain Magill. Apparently it is the theme of the day, to slight the lesser members of the Alliance."

She turned to give him a mirthless smile as a waiter approached, balancing a tray of champagne glasses. Ebba nodded, almost imperceptively, prompting Magill to hand her one of them.

"Papa is not best pleased with me drinking too much. He's afraid that I shall make a scandal, but seeing as we're about to be thrown out anyway I don't see what harm it could do?"

Ebba took a swig from the glass in a manner that did not befit a lady, but she was past caring. The constant insults that had been hurled at the delgation making her fume.

"To be honest Captain Magill I do not know why I'm bothering to speak to you about it. Surely you have no objection to Britain gaining influence in Spain and Portugal, as well as the Low Countries, but your government still refuse to support Prince Carl Johan's attempts to further liberty and parliamentarism to Norway."

She downed the glass and put it down hard on the windowsill. "It's none of my business but I wonder if anyone cares to even look at our position never mind trying to give us a bit of leverage?"

Ebba felt the blush colouring her cheeks again as she realised that she had spoken a bit too loud and on cue she could see Papa striding across the room, surely he had seen her and was going to chastise her. He looked magnificent, she had to give him that, his features composed and as oppose to the Austrian and Prussian delegates he wore only one decoration, the Order of the Seraphim on his chest. She nodded meekly as Count Oxenstierna silently inquired by staring at her. She knew he would be irritated with her antics but then again, she had never assumed to be a trained diplomat. Knowing she must do something she took his arm as she introduced Magill.

"Papa I'd like you to meet Captain Magill who belongs to the Duke of Wellington's staff. Captain this is my fatherCount Erik Oxenstierna of His Majesty Charles XIII Privy Council."

She noticed how her father offered the briefest of nods to Magill but before he could continue Ebba intervened. "Papa, Captain Magill offered me the first dance and I was just about to accept. Surely we can discuss the matters that needs addressing afterwards?"

Captain Magill smiled at the idea that he was being given an offer to dance, even if the lady used him to avoid being lectured by her father.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, my lord. If you do not mind my imposition in seeking the company of your lovely daughter in a dance, sir, I shall gladly join her," Andrew responded, curtsying to the Count, and then taking the lead with Ebba.

"So, tell me, my lady, do you often know the desires of the gentlemen whom you have just scolded over their nation's foreign policies?" he smiled mischievously at her while asking such a loaded question and dancing with the young Swedish woman.

Perhaps he could take her mind off everything that troubled her. He wasn't certain, but it was worth an effort.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Countess Ebba Oxenstierna

Ebba didn't reply directly to Magill's question as the first intricate turns of the dance were being negotiated. She was a skilled dancer, as was the British captain, so her refusal to answer had less to do with inablilty to focus and more to prove a point. She met his smile with a rather impassive look of her own before turning her head as they spun, before replying.

"I'm certain I don't, but it seemed prudent to assume that you wanted to dance, seeing as we did not share much of a conversation."

She kept her face turned to the side, focusing on the other couples that filled the dancefloor. It was some consolation that while Metternich had to make do with some old bat from the Imperial Court, Prince Oscar had managed to find himself a rather more decorative partner. Ebba knew that in the great scheme of things it did not matter, but it was at least a small victory. She returned her attention to Magill as the dance drew to an end and curtseyed ot him.

"I will continue to underline what I think is less than amiable a treatment of one's allies Captain Magill. You must understand that while I hold the British in high regard, Wellington in particular, I do not think that the people we call our friends slight us. Do I need to remind you that while the rest of Europe were upholding the Continental Blockade, we kept our ports open for trade with Britain."

She let him escort her of the dancefloor and accepted another glass of champagne from the livery clad waiter. "It is rather interesting to know that our arch enemy Russia have been more accomodating to our fair demands than our so called friends. But then again I assume that it is easy to be magnaniomous when they hold all the aces."

Ebba knew that she was being petty not to mention very rude to the British captain, but she was in no mind to stop her berating. The champagne had made her cheeks blush with the first stages of inebriation and coupled with the lack of sleep that she had experienced since her arrival in Vienna made her more outspoken than she would otherwise be.

 

[ChristopherMaxwell]

Captain Andrew Magill

Ebba didn't reply directly to Magill's question as the first intricate turns of the dance were being negotiated. She was a skilled dancer, as was the British captain, so her refusal to answer had less to do with inablilty to focus and more to prove a point. She met his smile with a rather impassive look of her own before turning her head as they spun, before replying.

"I'm certain I don't, but it seemed prudent to assume that you wanted to dance, seeing as we did not share much of a conversation."

She kept her face turned to the side, focusing on the other couples that filled the dancefloor. It was some consolation that while Metternich had to make do with some old bat from the Imperial Court, Prince Oscar had managed to find himself a rather more decorative partner. Ebba knew that in the great scheme of things it did not matter, but it was at least a small victory. She returned her attention to Magill as the dance drew to an end and curtseyed ot him.

"I will continue to underline what I think is less than amiable a treatment of one's allies Captain Magill. You must understand that while I hold the British in high regard, Wellington in particular, I do not think that the people we call our friends slight us. Do I need to remind you that while the rest of Europe were upholding the Continental Blockade, we kept our ports open for trade with Britain."

She let him escort her of the dancefloor and accepted another glass of champagne from the livery clad waiter. "It is rather interesting to know that our arch enemy Russia have been more accomodating to our fair demands than our so called friends. But then again I assume that it is easy to be magnaniomous when they hold all the aces."

Ebba knew that she was being petty not to mention very rude to the British captain, but she was in no mind to stop her berating. The champagne had made her cheeks blush with the first stages of inebriation and coupled with the lack of sleep that she had experienced since her arrival in Vienna made her more outspoken than she would otherwise be.

"As I can not make foreign policy for His Majesty's Government, I don't see where that much has to do with me. I told my own opinions, at the risk of being falsely accused of treason or sedition by some in my own country. I am only a soldier and an officer in His Majesty's service. You could perhaps address such issues to the Duke of Wellington, though he might possibly think you impertinent for doing so. I have nothing personal against you or your country, but I do wonder if you have perhaps a reason for berating me. Is this is your modus operandi with all young gentlemen who escort you in a ballroom?

"Perhaps Anglo-Swedish relations are not the best topic for the moment, eh? Maybe we can discuss the poor taste Prince Metternich shows in his dancing partners or the illegitimate origins of the Tsar's father, as everyone knows that Peter of Holstein was not his actual sire. Apparently, madness runs in the Orlov family, wouldn't you say, given how Tsar Paul turned out? Hopefully, none of the Russian legation know enough English to understand me at this volume.

"Then there is also the bankruptcy of the Prussian treasury under the present Frederick William, whose namesake went to such pains to fill it. One Frederick William was a parsimonious old fool, but at least an effective ruler. I can not say the same for the current occupant of the Prussian throne.

"Not to mention how awkward it must be for the poor son of Napoleon, to have his father and grandfather on opposing sides of a war? I am no admirer of Bonaparte's, but I do not envy his son, the first Bonaparte to have actual purple in his veins. Odd how quickly the liberal Emperor turned dynastic when it suited him, isn't it? Just proves that Napoleon thought of himself first, and only considered his revolutionary principles when it suited him. It sounds as if your country got the better general there.

"On a different matter, I take it that you're a distant relation of Count Axel Oxenstierna, the capable chancellor to Gustavus Adolphus. I've always admired that man, especially since it's a rare chancellor that can collaborate so effectively with a powerful monarch. Usually, it's either the monarch or the chancellor who wields power, not both.

"So, you see, there are much more entertaining matters upon which to reflect. I have had to distract myself with new developments whenever I've been in an unfavourable mood, as with the past year or so of mourning for my Maude. That way, I didn't sink completely into a morose and depressed mood. I've been accused of that a great deal of late as it is. Say, you seem a bit morbid yourself, so I can assume that you have lost family of late, too, have you not? I see you with your father, but no wife at his side. Your mother, perhaps?" Magill inquired, both empathetic and wishing to divert the conversation from the uncomfortable issues of Anglo-Swedish friction.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Countess Ebba Oxenstierna

Ebba retained her impassive stare as captain Magill ticked of more appropriate topics for conversation. Normally she would have found it amusing to say the least, especially the comments about Prince Metternich and the nature of the Royal families of their other allies. It was impudent of him, a mere captain to even comment on such issues, but refreshing nonetheless. The mention of this Maude, who Ebba guessed must have been his wife did however dampen her spirits again.

Captain Magill escorted her from the dancefloor, and they ended up on the side of the same. She made it a point to be in plain view should Papa begin to raise questions about her behaviour. It seemed however that Count Oxenstierna was being too busy with the demands of protocoll and she was left with Magill in relative peace. She got her third refill of champagne and politely declined the offer to dance with an Austrian Colonel of the Hussars before addressing the Englishman again.

"I'm sorry to hear about your wife Captain Magill, I'm sure she was a remarkable woman. For what it's worth I'm sure she would not want you to be mourn her for too long though"

She had not looked at him as she addressed the issue, Ebba was not very good with handling other people's grief as such. The Swedish language did not have enough expressions to address such issues and she shied away from anything that would have been overly religious, deeming that Magill like herself did not worship with overly fervour. She took another sip of the champagne, feeling how the alcohol warmed her. She had had more than enough, at least according to protocoll but she couldn't be asked to care about such trifels right now, besides it helped her retain at least some vestiges of civility vis-a-vis her hosts.

"As for losses yes you're right Captain. My mother passed away in -11. Grief I believe. Her home had been wrested from her by our current beloved and trusted allies. My brother was killed in the same war when the Russians were pushed back across the Torne River. So all in all there have been losses yes."

She had another sip of her wine and looked across the ballroom, her eyes narrowing to slits as she saw Metternich prancing about together with a Prussian dignitary. "And yes Herr Axel was my ancestor. A very commendable person all in all. The Peace of Westphalia was his idea you know. I'm sure that he rotates in his grave seeing the present proceedings. He was very proud and dedicated. Imagine carrying the entire burden of the Thirty Years War on your shoulders."

Ebba put her glass down on a tray, having drained it's contents and was now staring belligerently at the dance floor. "I know I must be boring you and if I don't I'm sure I've insulted you a plenty Captain Magill but I cannot be asked to remain civil. Too many injustices have been heaped on us. How would you react if the Duke of Wellington was not to be allowed her out of consideration for the French? It's a mockery of justice I'm afraid and I had just about enough of it."

Once again she reached for a glass not caring at the raised eyebrows of her company. "I will tell Papa that I have a terrible headache and then make sure I am escorted back to our lodgings. In case you are interested do call on us tomorrow. Perhaps we can continue this rather interesting exchange Captain. I berate you and you stand there like a true Stoic." She smiled without much apparent joy as she curtseyed to Magill and headed across the room to where her father was standing.

 

[ChristopherMaxwell]

Captain Magill

Ebba retained her impassive stare as captain Magill ticked of more appropriate topics for conversation. Normally she would have found it amusing to say the least, especially the comments about Prince Metternich and the nature of the Royal families of their other allies. It was impudent of him, a mere captain to even comment on such issues, but refreshing nonetheless. The mention of this Maude, who Ebba guessed must have been his wife did however dampen her spirits again.

Captain Magill escorted her from the dancefloor, and they ended up on the side of the same. She made it a point to be in plain view should Papa begin to raise questions about her behaviour. It seemed however that Count Oxenstierna was being too busy with the demands of protocoll and she was left with Magill in relative peace. She got her third refill of champagne and politely declined the offer to dance with an Austrian Colonel of the Hussars before addressing the Englishman again.

"I'm sorry to hear about your wife Captain Magill, I'm sure she was a remarkable woman. For what it's worth I'm sure she would not want you to be mourn her for too long though"

She had not looked at him as she addressed the issue, Ebba was not very good with handling other people's grief as such. The Swedish language did not have enough expressions to address such issues and she shied away from anything that would have been overly religious, deeming that Magill like herself did not worship with overly fervour. She took another sip of the champagne, feeling how the alcohol warmed her. She had had more than enough, at least according to protocoll but she couldn't be asked to care about such trifels right now, besides it helped her retain at least some vestiges of civility vis-a-vis her hosts.

"As for losses yes you're right Captain. My mother passed away in -11. Grief I believe. Her home had been wrested from her by our current beloved and trusted allies. My brother was killed in the same war when the Russians were pushed back across the Torne River. So all in all there have been losses yes."

She had another sip of her wine and looked across the ballroom, her eyes narrowing to slits as she saw Metternich prancing about together with a Prussian dignitary. "And yes Herr Axel was my ancestor. A very commendable person all in all. The Peace of Westphalia was his idea you know. I'm sure that he rotates in his grave seeing the present proceedings. He was very proud and dedicated. Imagine carrying the entire burden of the Thirty Years War on your shoulders."

Ebba put her glass down on a tray, having drained it's contents and was now staring belligerently at the dance floor. "I know I must be boring you and if I don't I'm sure I've insulted you a plenty Captain Magill but I cannot be asked to remain civil. Too many injustices have been heaped on us. How would you react if the Duke of Wellington was not to be allowed her out of consideration for the French? It's a mockery of justice I'm afraid and I had just about enough of it."

Once again she reached for a glass not caring at the raised eyebrows of her company. "I will tell Papa that I have a terrible headache and then make sure I am escorted back to our lodgings. In case you are interested do call on us tomorrow. Perhaps we can continue this rather interesting exchange Captain. I berate you and you stand there like a true Stoic." She smiled without much apparent joy as she curtseyed to Magill and headed across the room to where her father was standing.

"Come back, now, my dear Countess. There's no cause for offence on either end. We're both young and rash, that's all. And you've had too much to drink. I'm not bored, either. It's quite refreshing to hear such candor. Usually, I stick out like a bumpkin at a royal banquet when I express my sometimes harsh views of my social betters.

"I'm very saddened of your losses, too. I also thank you for your condolences regarding my Maude. She was a sweet and gentle soul, perhaps worthier of Heaven than of Earth, not that I do not wish her here still. We were quite the contrast, the brash, young soldier and the devout vicar's daughter. Yes, I actually married a woman considered to be beneath me. I do not share such sentiments, however. Station aside, she was an ideal mate for me.

"And, in case you're wondering, I am trying to get past my grief these days. I've been quite melancholy of late, and this assignment was partly to get me out of those doldrums. I suppose that it is starting to succeed, for which I have you to thank. I only hope that your own solace might come with time. I harbour no resentment toward you, Countess. You're sad and angry. I know those passions all too well. Having a father and brother who ridicule me for my principles can be a bit hard to stomach after all. Especially being ridiculed for having good morals," Captain Magill sought to encourage the Countess.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Countess Ebba Oxenstierna

Ebba raised an eyebrow to Captain Magill's chivalrous attempts to salvage the situation. She had purposely been rude and even though a small part of her knew that captain Magill was not responsible, he was the one target availible. He wore the uniform of the less hostile of her country's allies, but to claim that the British held any particular standing would be a lie. Britain had been all to ready to sell out the demands of her government to appease not only the stronger allies, but also the vanquished and conquered French.

The Oxenstierna was an old-established noble house, and they had been at the centre of power for well over two centuries. Duty and honour had been the unofficial motto of the family, and what was now being done against the state that they had served was just as much a personal insult as one to her national pride.

Ebba reached out for yet another glass of champagne, staring belligerently at Magill as she downed it, willing him to try and stop her. "Young and rash? That's a novel way of putting it. I prefer to see it as being old and tired and therefor discarded." She put the empty glass down on the tray of a passing attendant as she once more let her eyes scan the ballroom.

"I know what our trusted and loyal allies say about us. They sneer at the Prince Regent for being born a commoner and they despise him for turning against his former country. They laugh behind the back of the Duke of Sodermannia for not having the blood of twenty generations of royals in his veins. Well let me assure you Captain Magill, that the Prince Regent is by far more noble than the savages who rules Russia, or the imbecilles of Austria."

She had moved closer to him now, her cheeks once again flush with colour as she continued her assault on the unfairness of the situation. "If it had not been for the Prince Regent then Bonaparte would have defeated the Northern Allies." The outburst had brought tears of rage to her eyes and she hated herself for showing that to Magill. She reached for her hankerchief and dabbed at her eyes, forcing herself to smile. "I'm sorry I'm terrible company Captain and I do think it's for the best if you were to call on me tomorrow. If I stay I will have too much to drink and make a further spectacle of myself and that would not do anything to raise our esteem among our allies."

Ebba stepped back and extended her hand to Magill. "Do call on me tomorrow. I'm sure Papa will be pleasantly pleased to converse with you. Goodnight Captain."

 

[ChristopherMaxwell]

Captain Magill

Ebba raised an eyebrow to Captain Magill's chivalrous attempts to salvage the situation. She had purposely been rude and even though a small part of her knew that captain Magill was not responsible, he was the one target availible. He wore the uniform of the less hostile of her country's allies, but to claim that the British held any particular standing would be a lie. Britain had been all to ready to sell out the demands of her government to appease not only the stronger allies, but also the vanquished and conquered French.

The Oxenstierna was an old-established noble house, and they had been at the centre of power for well over two centuries. Duty and honour had been the unofficial motto of the family, and what was now being done against the state that they had served was just as much a personal insult as one to her national pride.

Ebba reached out for yet another glass of champagne, staring belligerently at Magill as she downed it, willing him to try and stop her. "Young and rash? That's a novel way of putting it. I prefer to see it as being old and tired and therefor discarded." She put the empty glass down on the tray of a passing attendant as she once more let her eyes scan the ballroom.

"I know what our trusted and loyal allies say about us. They sneer at the Prince Regent for being born a commoner and they despise him for turning against his former country. They laugh behind the back of the Duke of Sodermannia for not having the blood of twenty generations of royals in his veins. Well let me assure you Captain Magill, that the Prince Regent is by far more noble than the savages who rules Russia, or the imbecilles of Austria."

She had moved closer to him now, her cheeks once again flush with colour as she continued her assault on the unfairness of the situation. "If it had not been for the Prince Regent then Bonaparte would have defeated the Northern Allies." The outburst had brought tears of rage to her eyes and she hated herself for showing that to Magill. She reached for her hankerchief and dabbed at her eyes, forcing herself to smile. "I'm sorry I'm terrible company Captain and I do think it's for the best if you were to call on me tomorrow. If I stay I will have too much to drink and make a further spectacle of myself and that would not do anything to raise our esteem among our allies."

Ebba stepped back and extended her hand to Magill. "Do call on me tomorrow. I'm sure Papa will be pleasantly pleased to converse with you. Goodnight Captain."

"Very well, darling. I shall take my leave of you until the morrow. I do hope that the morning finds both of us in a better humour. Do not worry about your darker mood at this moment. Not everyone is always sunshine and light. Good day, my dear Countess," Captain Magill answered, and then kissed her hand goodbye.

Resting less than easily that night, he dreamt of the Countess and seeing her in perhaps a much more favourable mood. Well, that would take less dwelling on politics, but who could be sure?

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Countess Ebba Oxenstierna

Ebba awoke early the following day with only a minor headache from the champagne she had had the previous night. Summoning her maid to help her wash, dress and arrange her hair before descending the stairs to take breakfast with her father.

Ever since the death of her mother there had been a distance between the Count and Ebba. She suspected that he disapproved of the fact that she had turned down the offers of marriage that had been extended to her, either on the grounds of the suitor was too lowly or just not appealing to her. As for rank there were few families in the realm that could match the standing of the Oxenstiernas. The aristocracy consiting from fewer than ten families all in all and through the centuries there had been a certain amount of intermarriages between them, thus the prospect of marrying her cousin or second cousin held little appeal to her. Further, while Ebba was a level-headed young woman there were still aspects of a romantic to her. Like the daughter of Fieldmarshal Horn had done some two hundred years earlier, Ebba eschewed the offers of marriage from what she saw as being little more than powdered fops.

Well of course there was always the exception to the rule, but she knew it was out of the question. While Prince Oscar was known for his dalliances, the Prince Regent was dead set against him marrying anyone else but a princess of a proper royal house. There was a rationality to this of course, but it irked her. Not that the Prince had shown any particular interest in her but still.

She sat down and smiled shyly at her father who was looking up from the paper he was currently reading. The Count didn't engage in small talk and their meals together was usually solemn occasions. Today however would prove differently. She sipped her cafe au lait before clearing her throat;

"Papa, do you remember Captain Magill from yesterday?"

Her father nodded his features blank as he waited for her to continue.

"He will come calling, on my insistence. No please hear me out before you say no. Captain Magill is on the Duke of Wellington's staff, he confided as much with me last night and I'm sure that if you are to be civil he could prove a useful ally. We both know that it is really the British who determines the outcome of this concert. I know that if Captain Magill were to arrange a private meeting with Prince Oscar and one of his trusted advisors then perhaps we could secure a better deal for ourselves."

She smiled shyly hoping that her father would not think her impertinent in her machinations. He looked up, nodding at her proposals before speaking. "Well perhaps you have a point Ebba although I can scarecely see what a junior officer as this Magill may be able to do. Nonetheless we are running out of options and I suppose we have to clutch at straws. Mind you, if he proves to be wasting my time then he's out the door in an instant is that understood."

Ebba nodded her agreement to the terms. It was, as her father had pointed out, clutching at straws but what else was there to do?

 

[ChristopherMaxwell]

Captain Magill

Andrew made it as quickly as he could to the place designated by Ebba's entourage. Well, now, this should be interesting, he thought.

He had much to discuss with her, he knew. He knocked several times to get admittance to her father's location, where he had come to call on her.

She was quite the intriguing lady, the Countess. He just wondered how the rendevous would turn out.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Countess Oxenstierna

The day had not brought any conferences, most probably due to the sheer laziness of the concerned parties. Not that Ebba was partial to the main actors, but Papa had hinted that while the representatives of the Main Four could bicker incessantly over matters of protocoll, there was a definite air of lethargy as when the important questions were to be addressed.

She futher surmised that the matters of deciding the fate of Europe, were nonetheless mere formalities. Britain had paid for the war against Bonaparte, and she imagined that they were quite keen to collect the debts.

Anyway it was none of her business, at least not for her to express a view as she knew that no one would take her seriously anyway. In that respect the Captain Magill's effort had to be acknowledged.

 

[ChristopherMaxwell]

Captain Magill

Knocking again, he was finally admitted by the servants and waited for the Countess in the parlour. Thinking of what might result from this meeting. He personally felt less strongly about the matter than Ebba, but he still did have a low view of the other Allies, not to mention an admiration for the noble Bernadotte. He did feel Sweden ill-used by the unfavourable treatment at the hands of the Concert of Powers, but he wasn't as passionate about such things as a Swede would naturally be. That was inevitable, given Great Britain's relative distance and aloofness from the Continent. Britons tended to see themselves as a cut above the Continental set, and if he were honest with himself, Andrew would have to confess to occasionally have such smug attitudes himself.

Still, Sweden was unfairly punished instead of rewarded for her loyalty, and that was injustice. And she wasn't a typical Continental power, but a constitutional monarchy like Great Britain. She wasn't prone to autocracy like Austria, Russia, and Prussia. And it was hard to see Ebba as an inferior sort of woman. She had fire, passion, and intellect. And a certain backbone to her. As to her one vice, drinking, it was an understandable one in the present situation.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Countess Oxenstierna

Ebba had spent the day in the library as her father had been busy preparing the political manouverings that the coming months would call for. She had no idea as to when Captain Magill would come calling, but as the afternoon progressed she had the maid prepare afternoon tea for three.

She had not taken overly care to dress herself in something out of the ordinary, it was a point of pride for her to show that while the Captain could prove useful to her father, her own interest in him was fleeting at best.

He arrived at three o'clock and was greeted, with suitable haughtyness by the family butler, and duely anounced to the Count and the Lady Ebba.

 

[ChristopherMaxwell]

Captain Magill

Once admitted, Captain Magill waited as patiently as he could, but he truly wondered what the lady really thought of him. He was reasonably civil and sympathetic, but his country did have a foreign policy at cross-purposes with Sweden. And vice versa. He found it perplexing himself, given similar constitutional monarchies in both nations that made revolutions less of a threat. Still, evidently, the present ministry favoured the Concert of Powers for its own reasons. The so-called Holy Alliance was to Magill's mind a joke, but then he had no use for that much fanaticism. He was pious, but not to that extent. Alexander I and his confederates were mostly zealous for their autocracy and used religion as an excuse to advance their aims.

The worst were probably the Austrians from his view. They spent years cowering before Napoleon, only to betray their pact with him the moment that they could do so. Who could trust the Hapsburgs or Metternich now? They had married off an Archduchess to Bonaparte one year, and then turned around and endeavoured to bring him down. But Bernadotte had shown more backbone in dealing with the Little Corporal. Hell, so did even the Tsar by comparison, little though Magill liked what he personally deemed to be pseudo-Romanovs from Catherine the Great's affair with Orlov.

Such were Andrew's thoughts as he waited for Ebba. He truly empathised with her, but his country had different aims, it seemed. What a shame, he thought. He would never betray his country, but he had to view the situation as unfortunate.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Countess Ebba Oxenstierna

Ebba was being notified about Captain Magill's arrival by her father's footservant a few moments after his arrival. The man had been with the family for as long as Ebba could remember. Having served the Oxenstiernas for a considerable time, there was little about the British captain that impressed him, and as a result Magill was left waiting perhaps a tad longer than was considered polite before being ushered into the drawingroom where tea was being served.

The countess got to her feet and flashed him a smile as she extended her hand.

"How very kind of you to call Captain Magill. I'm sure Papa will be most interested in meeting you properly. I do understand that you may be able to, how shall I put it, be helpful as far as communication between His Grace the Duke of Sodermannia and your own Duke of Wellington is concerned. His Royal Highness is an admirer of His Grace, and not the only one. Are you familiar with the poet Stagnelius? No, what a pity. He did write some rather fetching verses on the merits of His Grace. I'll make sure to send you a copy when I get back to Stockholm:"

She gestured for Magill to take a seat and sat down opposite from him as tea was being served by one of the maids. There was a moment of awkward silence as the servants made their reverences and left them.

"I guess I ought to apologise for last night Captain. Even though I belive I have every right to be angry. I do however believe that my manners weren't conforming to protocol."

She smile shyly as she put her cup down, apologies didn't come easy to her, and it had been a considerable effort to do so to the Britisher. But the way she saw things, there were more at stake than her own injured pride, and she found herself forced to disregard from her own sentiments.

"Now captain, I know it's not for me to interfer in the matters of politics but I would very much like to know if you will be able to broker a meeting between HRH and the Duke of Wellington. I'm sure His Royal Highness would be most accomodating should this be arranged, as you know he is known to have bestowed the Order of the Seraphim as well as the Order of the Sword rather generously."

 

[ChristopherMaxwell]

Captain Andrew Magill

Ebba was being notified about Captain Magill's arrival by her father's footservant a few moments after his arrival. The man had been with the family for as long as Ebba could remember. Having served the Oxenstiernas for a considerable time, there was little about the British captain that impressed him, and as a result Magill was left waiting perhaps a tad longer than was considered polite before being ushered into the drawingroom where tea was being served.

The countess got to her feet and flashed him a smile as she extended her hand.

"How very kind of you to call Captain Magill. I'm sure Papa will be most interested in meeting you properly. I do understand that you may be able to, how shall I put it, be helpful as far as communication between His Grace the Duke of Sodermannia and your own Duke of Wellington is concerned. His Royal Highness is an admirer of His Grace, and not the only one. Are you familiar with the poet Stagnelius? No, what a pity. He did write some rather fetching verses on the merits of His Grace. I'll make sure to send you a copy when I get back to Stockholm:"

She gestured for Magill to take a seat and sat down opposite from him as tea was being served by one of the maids. There was a moment of awkward silence as the servants made their reverences and left them.

"I guess I ought to apologise for last night Captain. Even though I belive I have every right to be angry. I do however believe that my manners weren't conforming to protocol."

She smile shyly as she put her cup down, apologies didn't come easy to her, and it had been a considerable effort to do so to the Britisher. But the way she saw things, there were more at stake than her own injured pride, and she found herself forced to disregard from her own sentiments.

"Now captain, I know it's not for me to interfer in the matters of politics but I would very much like to know if you will be able to broker a meeting between HRH and the Duke of Wellington. I'm sure His Royal Highness would be most accomodating should this be arranged, as you know he is known to have bestowed the Order of the Seraphim as well as the Order of the Sword rather generously."

Offers of knighthood had their appeal, but he would only aid the Swedes if he was sure that he wasn't betraying Great Britain and the Prince Regent. Besides, he was more enamoured of Ebba herself than of some title. Something about her passionate loyalty to her country spoke of loyalty in general. That was a rather inspiring quality in a man who never wanted to worry about the fidelity of his women.

"Well, I shall do my best to cultivate a rendevous with His Grace, the Duke of Wellington. He is a rather busy gentleman, but I hope that he can have time for such admirers as the Duke of Sodermannia and your father. He is a fine man, the Duke. I soldiered under him in Spain during the Peninsular War, so perhaps he shall listen to me, as one of his old officers. He did give me this appointment as his attache, after all.

"There is also the question of whether His Grace can persuade the Prince Regent, George, Prince of Wales, that the interests of Great Britain and those of Sweden are so convergent on this matter. There are plenty at court who are convinced that we need to strengthen our ties to the Austrians, Russians, and especially the Prussians. And there is those who fear that being too severe with the French would result in provoking a resurgence in Bonapartist sentiment there. I am speaking so candidly only because I am personally confident that Sweden's interests are not contradictory to ours. I think that, and bear in mind that this is merely the humble opinion of a Captain in His Majesty, King George's Army, the interests of Great Britain are best served by improved relations with less autocratic regimes than those of Metternich, Friedrich Wilhelm, and the Tsar.

"I may be a good Christian, but I have no faith in the so-called Holy Alliance proposed by the Tsar, given its despotic inclinations. Another constitutional monarchy would be a better ally, if you ask me. Besides, I personally do feel gratitude at the Crown Prince's role in defeating Bonaparte. But I would be less than honest with you if I did not warn you that there will be strong, opposing pressures, some of whom would resent the meddling of a mere junior officer, second son of a hereditary peer though I may be. And that is my best chance of influence, incidentally. My father is a member in good standing of the House of Lords. Some might wish to forget that the Lords are the senior house of Parliament, but not my father or myself. Nor my brother, who is the next Lord Magill.

"So, now at least you know my mind and what I can and shall do to labour for better relations between London and Stockholm. I hope that I have not been too impudent in expressing myself so frankly. I presume that this was the primary reason for your interest in my company, Count and Countess Oxenstierna," Captain Magill remarked.

He had doubts as to whether she would even notice his existence otherwise, but he had to give her credit for her patriotism. Even if she was conniving and impolite at times because of it.