November 1741
St. Petersburg, Russia
The sleigh was six versts from the palace and whispering rapidly over the freshly fallen snow. Delicate ice crystals sprayed into the air, glinting in the sun and falling as if they were the dust of diamonds. Along the frozen Neva River, elegant houses and quiet canals deceived the eye into thinking this city belonged to Italy or Austria. Elizabeth proudly acknowledged to her companion this city belonged to Russia and to her father, Peter the Great.
'So...?' pressed her companion, a man of widening girth and shorting of life if Elizabeth refused to acknowledge the current danger. He expelled a large gasp of frustration before continuing his protest. 'The guards have orders to move to Moscow, my arrest warrant is soon to be signed and you shall end your days in a nunnery surrounded by the frigid, the prudish and the virtuous. Forgive me, but these qualities have always been lacking in your nature. You shall surely perish in misery. '
'Lestocq,' spoke the princess to her old friend. 'If my will had been to reign, I would have seized it years ago.’ The tears gathered in her eyes.
‘Your life was not endangered then. You didn’t stand accused of treachery despite your disinterest in the throne.’
’I stand accused regardless of truth.‘ Elizabeth acknowledged. ‘The Empress forces my hand, yet shall God forgive the blood that will be spilt in my name?'
'Princess, leadership requires blood; perhaps it will be yours!' he shouted in frustration.
'It is so! I cannot plead innocence, she will still imagine guilt. Yet our time to plot is fading and we will surely be caught and put on a noose.' Elizabeth began to cry, the cold wind froze her tears and she appeared to Lestocq as a marble beauty.
'The army will defend your life. '
'They cannot defend my soul,' she sobbed. 'The murder of my cousin and her son shall condemn me in God's love.’
'This empire belongs to your name. God granted it, His will is known to us!' Lestocq took the opportunity to voice his plan. 'I shall inform Shuvalov and Vorontsov later today of our undertakings. At midnight a sleigh shall be waiting to take us to the barracks. Once the guards swear allegiance, the arrests can be made.' He placed his hand on hers to re-establish her focus. 'Princess, the interest of the Russian empire relies on you; if you do not seize your chance, this country will continue to be the instrument of German interests. '
'Regarding foreign matters,' her mind settled upon an important thought, 'Bestuzhev will need to be brought immediately to me, I shall need his guidance.'
'Princess, he is not to be trusted.’ Lestocq dismissed and let go of her hand. ‘He was educated in Britain and will possess their cunning methods. King Louis has been gracious in his private support; it is unwise to seek advice from the enemies of France. '
'Bestuzhev served my father faithfully, his grasp of foreign affairs and the European courts is valuable, and it would be foolish to dismiss him. Rest assured, my love of France shall remain strong, yet bloodshed must be avoided. Animosity between nations has far reaching implications and... it brings death.' She glanced across the glassy ice of the river and felt the chill pervading from the surface. Beyond, high in the sky loomed a slender spire, its white walls reflected the sunlight; St. Peter and Paul Fortress, a dwelling of torture and death.
Lestocq sensed her apprehension yet pressed to persuade her. 'I give you my word, tomorrow Russia shall awake to an Empress of the blood. The army are keen to throw off their German masters.'
The horses slowed as they arrived at the gates of the Summer Palace and Elizabeth gave a final look at the city her father had envisioned long ago. 'God grant me courage,' she breathed, her breath misted with the cold.
'Tonight we seize the throne. ' Voiced Lestocq.
'Regardless of the conclusion,' she huddled in her furs, unable to protect herself from the foreboding thoughts. 'I shall be condemned.’
January 1742
Stettin, Pomerania
The children of Stettin played with restless savageness. Running wild and carefree in a walled garden; they climbed trees and threw berries. Sophie the most savage of the children had scraped her bare legs upon the bark causing indignation from her governess. Yet Sophie and her friends had little care for politeness or cleanliness. They played until limbs had been exhausted and voices had been lost and no amount of light scratches or disapproving looks could deter Sophie from acting any other way.
Or so her resolute spirit believed, for while Sophie lived out another carefree day in the company of children from the local town, the guardian of her future fiancé had just arrived with two companions, a number of servants and some important news.
Friedrich, Bishop of Lübeck, threw his fine leather gloves before his sister's eyes. They reached the table with a slap and Johanna felt the impact as though it had been to her face, but her pride surpassed her disappointment and she veiled her resentment with skill.
Alas, dismissing humiliation had been an ability often performed. As one of many children her parents had sired, she had to be adopted by her childless aunt. Johanna was taken and brought up in a glorious court, a good marriage was expected. However her husband had been the start of her disappointment, being much older than her fifteen years and as the years passed the age difference became highly noticeable, Christian was thrifty, prudent and religious, she was not.
A few months ago her humbling status and lack of adventure was tolerated, for her eldest son kept her in hope of change. Yet a cruel illness had taken him and thoughts of fleeing isolation and boredom were concluded.
Friedrich's first companion was Count Gyllenburg from Sweden, an old family friend and a man observant enough to deduce he had arrived in an unhappy household. Paying Johanna great courtesy, he kissed her hand and flattered her vanity, his diplomatic vocation never ceasing, while the second man bowed and vanished with a servant without introduction. This went unnoticed by Johanna, as her attention was still elsewhere; she gazed around her modest drawing room and felt a long sigh needing to be suppressed. The small palace with its dark furniture was forced upon her, she longed for elegant decoration and a chance to impress her good taste but her accommodation, like her marriage, had all been prearranged.
Friedrich meanwhile ignored his sister's distress and greeted her in an informal manner. 'I congratulate you on the birth of your daughter, and are you both well?'
'As well as one can be when one has given birth to a daughter. I have yet to name her; the loss of our son still causes us great pain. Christian spirits have not rekindled since his illness and this birth has cheered no one.' She made her low spirits evident, yet Friedrich shrugged.
'May I suggest the name Elizabeth?' He smiled with excitement, uninterested in her tears, for he knew what brought them forth. Her son had been lame and likely to die; it had not surprised him and so dismissed his sister's disappointment and grief.
'Elizabeth?' Johanna stared at her brother with anger still aggrieved at his lack of concern for her.
'I trust you have heard the news?' he asked, locking her strong stare to distract her melancholy.
She looked away and changed to another subject of disappointment. 'Put away here? People forget I exist! And those few who do, write often of nothing...'
Friedrich interrupted. 'Two months ago, Elizabeth Petrovna became Empress of Russia. She exiled the regent and her son to Siberia and is now sitting upon her father's throne. An exciting devolvement and one filled with opportunity.'
'I fail in achieving your enthusiasm, this can hardly benefit us.' Johanna flapped her fan; it had become a habit out of boredom. 'If we had not suffered the loss of our brother then I would be keen to see advantages. As it stands, she did not marry him and I see no hope of furthering ourselves. '
Friedrich blue eyes glistened with intrigue. 'Johanna, she never married and is too old to make it worth her while. An heir will be called for and I possess the grandson of Peter the Great. She will be keen to promote her blood ties to stabilise herself on the throne,'
'And your rich reward for her nephew will be …?’
'Sweden. Peter of Holstein will become heir to Russia, vacating his claim to the throne of Sweden.' Count Gyllenburg nodded his approval.
'Congratulations, dear brother, I applaud your cunning.' She flapped her fan again this time out of irritation. 'These events change nothing in my life and Russia is at war with Sweden.'
'Madam you fail to see the importance! If Peter were to become heir, he would be in need of his intended fiancée, a little gentle encouragement to the Empress and she may look upon Sophie kindly. Remember Peter will need something familiar in a land so different. Therefore Sophie who has long been attached to him will be a perfect solution and we have our own emotional ties to the Empress. I believe the chance for us to rise is now and it will be through Sophie.'
'The Empress is not interested in our humble existence; we have nothing to offer. Especially as there are so many other princesses. I have taken Sophie to court and princess after princess have followed, with refined attributes and distinguished manners, none of which Sophie can boast. I too held hopes of a marriage between them but with this change of events, it now seems... fanciful. '
'It is not so fanciful and if...'
'If, if, if. Friedrich, take a look at the girl you wish to elevate onto the stage of Europe, the notion is preposterous.'
'Princess Johanna I question why you wish to do your daughter such a disservice?' Count Gyllenburg interceded. 'Princess Augusta married King George. She lacks all those qualities, nor is she beautiful, nor has she much wit and yet there she is Queen of England! Just imagine with a little persuasion, where little Sophie can take you. '
'Sister,' Friedrich urged, 'write to the Empress; express your delight and congratulations. Remind her of our support, she may still look upon us as family.'
Johanna brooded on the letter for a further two days but the day before Friedrich's departure, he stood over his sister's shoulder and witnessed the ink glide with compliments, shared sorrow and the happy news of naming her daughter after the Empress. A tug on the heart strings could dislodge forgotten sentiments and renew bonds.
Yet Johanna's pondering did not abate once her brother had absented; two years ago there was talk of Peter and Sophie marrying. She was only a year younger than him and they had a similar background, both religiously and culturally. Yet the boy had been orphaned from the age of eleven. He had never known his mother as she had died in childbirth and had pestered Johanna for attention. He ignored Sophie and though his nature proved gentle his manner was awkward.
Peter was to have his father's principality of Holstein when he reached his maturity and that was not all. Peter had been born to many opportunities; the throne of Russia or Sweden could also be claimed by him.
Another sigh yearned to escape from Johanna's heartache. Her dress, once vibrant, now faded almost completely into the beige background. Christian refused to indulge her love of clothes and company. His existence was content in reading, careful accounting and when in health being an example to his Prussian soldiers of which he was employed and stationed near their garrison.
Johanna drifted through her memories, the happiest being when she was sent to her childless aunt at the court of Brunswick. Refined and respected, she adored the scandal, gossip, balls and entertainment.
The Russian court was said to rival Versailles and she longed to return to court life. To have her beauty, conduct and intellect appreciated once more. Sophie's opportunity could potentially be hers. Returning her back into a world of riches and excitement she longed to relive.
Johanna stared out of the castle window imagining the life that could await but was awakened when she caught her daughter dangling from a tree. A small cry of frustration ricocheted in her salon. The Empress would take one glance at Sophie and reject the very notion of her becoming regent to the Russian Imperial Empire.
Though Johanna fought hard to remain optimistic, Sophie was still young and life had not presented them with an opportunity, only a possibility. She breathed a little more calmly, for, until a clear direction could be followed, decisions could not be made.
Sophie would acquire the skills in tempering her conduct and controlling her energetic urges. Johanna knew the time had come to acquaint herself with her daughter.
She asked her maid to bring Sophie's governess Elizabeth Cardel (Babet to the family) to her but as if on cue she entered into the salon staring into the face of Johanna.
'Madam, Princess Sophie needs her toys. The three puppets I had hidden in her casket have gone. I feel I must implore you yet again to let her have some small play things to keep her mind active.'
'Babet, she is too old for toys, what is she, twelve? Keep her mind active with study, music and religion. How are her studies coming along?'
Babet's eyes searched Princess Johanna's face; never had such a subject arisen. With some confusion she answered, 'My charge has a quick intake of knowledge, is curious and observant. She is fluent in German and French. Religion is studied seriously at her father's request though I fear not to heart. Music is rarely taught without an argument, though she is gracious in dance.'
'Bring Sophie here I would like to take a look at her.'
After some minutes the small girl was shown to her mother, no fear or reverence changed the child's expression. Mud spray dotted her face like freckles, arms and elbows were scratched and bruised, the girl lacked restraint and femininity. A closer study of features revealed a symmetrical face, though slightly too long and narrow decreasing some of the perfection. Yet her eyes were pretty, possessing a hue of deep blue and thick luscious dark hair, at this present moment accommodating a twig. 'Adequate,' spoke Johanna. 'You may both leave and Babet, no toys, she is to become a young lady. At breakfast tomorrow Sophie is to be cleaned, dressed smart and to sit with me. Sophie will have to be painted at some point, it would be wise to get her used to behaving well.'
'I have been painted...'
'And do not speak unless you have been spoken to,' her mother cautioned.
The attention was not unwelcomed on this neglected girl. After lessons, Sophie would join her mother but it confused her inquisitive mind. After some months of her mother's interferences, Sophie grew annoyed. In a bid to achieve some reward, Sophie doubled her efforts to impress her mother, yet this only encouraged Johanna's criticism and her friends soon gave up requesting her time.
Babet's gentle face smiled wearily at her from the looking glass where she was brushing Sophie's hair.
'Babet, is Mama well? Why do I have to spend so much time with her?' Mademoiselle Cardel could not hide her suspicions and knowing Sophie's cunning ability to read her she made no effort to conceal these worries.
'l believe Princess Johanna is looking to your future, I ask you once again to pay attention to her and obey her wishes.' The governess bit her lip, the concern she felt for her charge exceeded those feelings of loyalty to her employer. Babet had witnessed Johanna's young brother George becoming close and familiar with Sophie. The truth of his intentions scared Babet. With some cunning of her own she whispered to Sophie, 'Yet if you were to tell me what your mother speaks of, I could explain it better.'
'I am so bored in her company, she talks of nothing and is angered when I tell her so, apparently it is rude to look uninterested, and she orders me to sit up straight and to put my shoulders back and Babet, she expects me to do that all day!'
'Come along let us not keep her waiting.'
They made their way through the palace corridors to the adjacent wing. Johanna was placed in the salon, at a battered old writing desk, papers and letters scattered in disarray over the worn furniture.
'Madam, do we disrupt?'
'As you can see, Babet! Sophie, shoulders back! Find some good subject to occupy her, I must continue with some important correspondence, very important! '
'Madam, may I ask, does this regard Princess Sophie?'
'Indeed it does. News had come from my brother but I cannot deliberate now, I must write for his instruction.'
'Madam please, I must intervene on Sophie's behalf, she is far too young to think of marriage.'
'Be away, shoo, do not trouble me with your trifles.'
In a flurry of emotion Babet turned sharply with her charge close beside her. 'Go back to your room, I shall be along soon.' She cared little for Princess Johanna's wrath or any punishment she could think up. As Sophie's governess she was obliged to care for the girl's welfare and since this was being threatened by secretive means she would need to disclose it.
She had hurried to Prince Christian. 'Sir, forgive my sudden intrusion, my voice will speak from my conscience and I plead you to caution your wife on acquiring a husband for Sophie.' Babet blustered after cautiously entering his office.
'Proceed.' The prince waved with slow movement, holding tight to his velvet cobalt gown and clutching the Lutheran Bible. Babet prayed his authority would be clearly articulated and obeyed.
'The unsettling truth is Princess Johanna plans to marry your daughter to her brother George. I have witnessed disturbing inclinations to suggest Sophie's uncle has drawn an attachment to her and I beg for your interception.' His eyes widened with the revelation but voiced not a syllable of reproach to the governess.
Babet had been in their service since Sophie was five and was the only woman she had taken to. Christian gave a nod of comprehension and agreed to discover the truth of the situation, though he trusted it to be a misunderstanding.
'Sebastian,' Prince Christian called for his manservant, while dismissing the governess, 'I request my wife's appearance.’
Johanna emerged in his office after a short time and knelt before him, taking his hand and gripping it tightly. Though he had recovered well from his illness, his actions were still slow and hesitant.
'Dearest, you asked for me?' Johanna spoke while holding his hand.
'Johanna there are a number of important things we need to converse on.' He let go of her hand and moved slowly towards his bureau to retrieve some papers. 'A letter came some days ago from my brother; my cousin has died without issue and my brother requests a joint sovereignty. '
'We are to move from Stettin?'
'Indeed, to Zerbst but it shall mean a resignation from the Prussian army.' Sorrow could be heard in his voice.
'To a better existence, my dear.' Johanna attempted to comfort. 'We will have our own principality to rule! '
'I do not see it so.' He sighed. 'Pity has been taken upon my weakening body; I can no longer be a field marshal, a rank my body, nerves and soul have endured for the honour.'
'Exactly! Our blood was not heated for battle but for command. '
'As I feared! The importance of my rank and the effort and dangers I have experienced are lost on your understanding.' He fixed her with a strong gaze but sighed to reduce his anger. 'You may dream of your future but I can only dream of my past.'
'There are still many things to be settled and your involvement is essential for the interests of our family. Sophie is soon to be of marriageable age and though it pains me, she lacks every quality one would need to succeed.'
'My angel.' He smiled while thinking of his daughter. 'She has qualities some would not recognise and appreciate.'
'Christian, I will take Sophie with me to Brunswick to Duchess Elizabeth Sophie Marie; her wise condescension will benefit her greatly as it once did me.'
A momentary strain caused a pause of reflection from Christian, he had been unsure when marriage was forced upon him. The bride was but a child, spoilt, insensitive and unhappy. Though he had attempted, many times, to educate her beyond the first human instinct of selfish need, she had only grown to resent it and desired to leave his company. 'My dear your dedication to our children does you credit, yet perhaps Sophie would be better to stay here with her friends. '
'Darling, the princess is ardently waiting our arrival and while we stay at court the move to Zerbst will be an easier process.'
'Johanna, the conscientious effort to provide our daughter with a happy future is one I much encourage; nonetheless Sophie does possess many good qualities and these charming childish characteristics could be misconstrued.'
'What is the significance of these words?'
'I will never allow Sophie to marry George; it would not rest contently on my soul. '
'George! My dear I have no intention of Sophie marrying my brother. '
'Mademoiselle Cardel spoke of some concern over his behaviour towards our daughter.'
'My brother's behaviour had been nothing but honourable, I will not tolerate disloyalty. How dare Babet trouble you with such trifling issues?'
'She shows concern for Sophie, we cannot punish her for that.'
'She is neglectful of our daughter. Before my guidance I witnessed Sophie hanging upside down from a tree and communicating with street children! The trust has long been broken. I will take Sophie to Brunswick and Babet is not to accompany us. She can assist you with the baby for relocation.'
'Sophie must continue with her devout studies, I fear if she neglects her Lutheran reading for corrupting amusements and distractions of the court, it may do untold damage.'
'Do you think me incapable of guiding our daughter to a Godly existence?'
'Indeed not,' he urged but Johanna was already departing. As she had grown into womanhood her nature became forceful, resisting every word of his good council, their interview was at an end.
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