Oh, and bollocks to the Parliament, if you'll pardon my Canadian-French. The Empress should dissolve it, rule by decree, marry into the Hohenzollerns, and join Germany in a campaign of international violence. Last one in New York is a rotten egg!
-
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I wonder if the first encounter might not be fleeting as his personality may not match with hers after some time, especially given what he was doing when they first met. yes, she swoons now, but his attitude will most likely not change and thus she'll get stuck with a prig for a husband.
Hmm, some good responses tonight.
prussiablue: Well even though her name and first language are French, Joséphine is half-British herself! Also it might not be Arthur.
As I said I'm very much constrained by the available princes - discount the ones who are heirs to their own thrones and those without pictures and it's a pretty small pool.
Arthur of Connaught
Vincent Julien: That would have been tempting (and I was strongly considering writing a full on appearance with Holmes but felt it was a bit beyond my talents and time), but impossible: Draclua was killed in 1897! He's been dead for six years before Joséphine arrives in London. (That crucial War of the Worlds crossover date has also passed...)
J. Passepartout: I'm afraid I haven't read enough to comment on which is really the best.o Ashamed too, as the few I have read I've enjoyed immensely. I quite like 'The Adventure of the Priory School' myself.\
Vincent Julien (again) : ... As Pierre Bosquet said of the Charge of the Light Brigade: "C'est magnifique, mais ce n'est pas la guerre."
coz1: Good points indeed, and I'll have to think about it.
I'm not very happy with last nights entry to be honest. I was very tired and would probably have been better off sleeping on it, but I'm very proud of the fact that this is an AAR that gets updated daily, and I feel I owe it to you, the fans.
In any case I apologise for the poor quality and story.
Two new characters showing up in this one who both share a fairly unusual quirk. A date with Empress Joséphine for those who guess right. (A date with Prince Victor for those who guess wrong. )
Part 64: Too Woo An Empress
After this inauspicous meeting Joséphine had conversed a little with Prince Arthur as they returned to Palace and gained an... ambigous impression of the man. He was handsome and well mannered, and seemingly clever... but also so reserved and formal it was difficult to get a deeper impression. That was one of the problems with being a Bonaparte: when your family has only held throne(s) for a century, and those thanks to the electorate you tended towards a less stiff manner.
It was this indecisiveness that was to recieve a boost a few days later when (almost similtaneously) two new, very different would-be suitors arrived in London.
Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich of Russia (yet another cousin!), was the youngest son of the late Alexander III of Russia, and a very different man to that gruff, iron skinned figure. In fact he rather resembled his great-great uncle that first Alexander of Russia - that first Napoleon's great enemy and friend. At 24 he was elegant, cultured and dashing, with a fine intellect and a strong liberal streak he held many virtues. He was not without flaws however: No Romanov born did not possess an autocratic streak - merely that in the more intellectual it was a rationalised ideology, rather than a boneheaded reaction. Michael was not the worst of the autocrats, but he believed to the marrow that good goverment depended upon the rule of an enlightened, fair minded prince over an obedient population.
A man in other words who could stomach democracy, so long as it knew it's place, with little patience for the feudings of lesser politicians. A man who would reign, not just rule - for the benefit of all.
Prince Karl of Austria was possibly the only prince in Europe who was not closely related to Joséphine, a miracle in and of itself. He was very young (16), and without the strong intellect or experience of Michael - but also lacking his grandly autocratic manner. He was friendly and charming, honourable and likeable (if understandably excited at meeting Joséphine). In fact as weird as was too think of a boy 3 years younger than herself, he closely resembled her father in personality. The same kindness (not that Michael wasn't kind - far from it - just that Michael was kind because it was the right thing to be, whereas Karl was instinctively so) and charm.
However much as she loved and missed her father Joséphine occasionally wondered if he hadn't been a slightly weak Emperor. She saw shades of that too in young Karl - a Consort should not just be a mere husband, however good, but a pillar. Albert cast a long shadow.
So now Joséphine had three suitors on her hands in London...
prussiablue: Well even though her name and first language are French, Joséphine is half-British herself! Also it might not be Arthur.
As I said I'm very much constrained by the available princes - discount the ones who are heirs to their own thrones and those without pictures and it's a pretty small pool.
Arthur of Connaught
Vincent Julien: That would have been tempting (and I was strongly considering writing a full on appearance with Holmes but felt it was a bit beyond my talents and time), but impossible: Draclua was killed in 1897! He's been dead for six years before Joséphine arrives in London. (That crucial War of the Worlds crossover date has also passed...)
J. Passepartout: I'm afraid I haven't read enough to comment on which is really the best.
o Ashamed too, as the few I have read I've enjoyed immensely. I quite like 'The Adventure of the Priory School' myself.\Vincent Julien (again) : ...
As Pierre Bosquet said of the Charge of the Light Brigade: "C'est magnifique, mais ce n'est pas la guerre." coz1: Good points indeed, and I'll have to think about it.
I'm not very happy with last nights entry to be honest. I was very tired and would probably have been better off sleeping on it, but I'm very proud of the fact that this is an AAR that gets updated daily, and I feel I owe it to you, the fans.
In any case I apologise for the poor quality and story.
Two new characters showing up in this one who both share a fairly unusual quirk. A date with Empress Joséphine for those who guess right. (A date with Prince Victor for those who guess wrong.
) Part 64: Too Woo An Empress
Above: Prince Arthur, Duke off Connaught
After this inauspicous meeting Joséphine had conversed a little with Prince Arthur as they returned to Palace and gained an... ambigous impression of the man. He was handsome and well mannered, and seemingly clever... but also so reserved and formal it was difficult to get a deeper impression. That was one of the problems with being a Bonaparte: when your family has only held throne(s) for a century, and those thanks to the electorate you tended towards a less stiff manner.
It was this indecisiveness that was to recieve a boost a few days later when (almost similtaneously) two new, very different would-be suitors arrived in London.
Above: Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich of Russia (brother of Nicholas II)
Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich of Russia (yet another cousin!), was the youngest son of the late Alexander III of Russia, and a very different man to that gruff, iron skinned figure. In fact he rather resembled his great-great uncle that first Alexander of Russia - that first Napoleon's great enemy and friend. At 24 he was elegant, cultured and dashing, with a fine intellect and a strong liberal streak he held many virtues. He was not without flaws however: No Romanov born did not possess an autocratic streak - merely that in the more intellectual it was a rationalised ideology, rather than a boneheaded reaction. Michael was not the worst of the autocrats, but he believed to the marrow that good goverment depended upon the rule of an enlightened, fair minded prince over an obedient population.
A man in other words who could stomach democracy, so long as it knew it's place, with little patience for the feudings of lesser politicians. A man who would reign, not just rule - for the benefit of all.
Above: Prince Karl of Austria
Prince Karl of Austria was possibly the only prince in Europe who was not closely related to Joséphine, a miracle in and of itself. He was very young (16), and without the strong intellect or experience of Michael - but also lacking his grandly autocratic manner. He was friendly and charming, honourable and likeable (if understandably excited at meeting Joséphine). In fact as weird as was too think of a boy 3 years younger than herself, he closely resembled her father in personality. The same kindness (not that Michael wasn't kind - far from it - just that Michael was kind because it was the right thing to be, whereas Karl was instinctively so) and charm.
However much as she loved and missed her father Joséphine occasionally wondered if he hadn't been a slightly weak Emperor. She saw shades of that too in young Karl - a Consort should not just be a mere husband, however good, but a pillar. Albert cast a long shadow.
So now Joséphine had three suitors on her hands in London...
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That's going to be a tough decision. However, I saw something on the news about how the children of cousins can have horrible deformities, so I think she should go for Prince Karl.
If she is undecided, then just resort to the most ancient and civilized manner to pick a suitor. Just throw a bouquet and whoever catches it becomes the next consort!!!! See simple and effective.
Of course I do hope Josephine will throw it close to Prince Arthur!!
Of course I do hope Josephine will throw it close to Prince Arthur!!
You forgot one excellent noble, he is a left wing vegetarian though.
From transalvanyia, Count....Duckula!
From transalvanyia, Count....Duckula!
Or one of the bays :nodnod:
I'd go with the Austrian. Inbred children are just.. :shudder:
I'd go with the Austrian. Inbred children are just.. :shudder:
Why doesn't she marry a Japanese or a Chinese prince? That would solve the inbreeding problem...
I would go with Micheal Romanov, except that I think he would end up like Prince Victor,and we can't have both of them sitting out in Hawaii, can we? They would probably figure out a way to severe hawaii from Canada and gain some early atomic bombs and use them.
I would go with Micheal Romanov, except that I think he would end up like Prince Victor,and we can't have both of them sitting out in Hawaii, can we? They would probably figure out a way to severe hawaii from Canada and gain some early atomic bombs and use them.
Sorry no update tonight. I was on a sorta-date with a girl from school, and I'm too tired to write anything up.
Two updates tomorrow!
A little suprised no one spotted the distinction Karl and Michael share.... (maybe people were just afraid of getting it wrong and having to go on a date with Victor! )
Two updates tomorrow!
A little suprised no one spotted the distinction Karl and Michael share.... (maybe people were just afraid of getting it wrong and having to go on a date with Victor!
)
RossN said:A little suprised no one spotted the distinction Karl and Michael share.... (maybe people were just afraid of getting it wrong and having to go on a date with Victor!
I was too frightened to say anything.
o
Fiftypence: Well it seems to have worked out for the European royals... right?
prussiablue: I'm sure Parliament would love that!
BBBD: Bah! Where is Dr Von Goosewing when you need him!
Vincent Julien: Well quite.o
CatKnight: They aren't that closely related at all really, though Romanovs have links with the Saxe-Coburgs. Considerably less than Victoria and Albert say.
J. Passepartout: Well it is 1903, and an 'Oriental' is probably beyond the Pale (more so a Chinese, rather than Japanese one). Also there are no available unmarried princes. Something to ponder down the line though...
Jape: Thank you! Always glad to welcome another reader!
Fiftypence (again) : Hee!
Well the distinction in question is that both are the last monarchs of their Empires in OTL. Michael II of Russia is technically the last Tsar while Karl I of Austria is rather more uncontroversially the last Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary.
Neither of course was expected to gain the throne in 1903.
Part 65: Friends Found
Joséphine spent time with all her suitors, getting to know them. She was painfully aware - now - that it was not just enough to be in love with a prince, but that she also had to consider the future fate of Canada. Who would that be?
As it happened her choice was to be narrowed in dramatic fashion. In November her sister came to her and announced cheerfully that Prince Arthur had proposed to her.
"Oh..." managed Joséphine, understandably a little suprised at this revalation. "Has he been courting you for long?"
Victoria-Beatrice acutally giggled. "Qui. He wishes to marry me after I turn 18."
Well that certainly explained the uncertain impression that she'd been having about Prince Arthur! He'd really been wooing another woman.
After careful thought, and a somewhat arkward interview with both parties she decided to give her blessing. Marriage would be good for Victoria-Beatrice, and Arthur wasn't a bad sort, if a little lightweight. So that seemed that.
But whom to choose?
While walking back from mass she nodded at Michael coming the other way (like Joséphine - and Karl for that matter - Michael was genuinely pious, but obviously attended Orthodox services) and lost in thought she bumped into a tall stranger.
It was Eitel. He gave her a conspiratorial wink.
"Pardon me Mademoiselle," he said loudly in English, "I was wondering if you would join me for a stroll in the lower gardens."
Well, one could hardly refuse that, could one?
The gardens of Buckingham Palace were large and impressive, and it was relatively easy to find a secluded spot to sit down in privacy. Fortunatly it was unseasonably warm for November. There was nothing sexual about it, just two good friends enjoying each others company. They spoke in French of course - though Joséphine was fluent enough in English it wasn't a launguage she thought in. Besides this was an intimate conversation, albeit between friends and there was no need to let everyone know the details.
"... so that's the problem," said Joséphine as she finished explaining her prediciment. She took an experimental puff on the elegant cigarette holder - she was not a frequent smoker, but found it occassionally helped clear her head.
"Hmm," Eitel noted lighting a cigarette himself. "Well at least your goverment doesn't have a problem with either of them?"
"Oh no, not even Michael. We were close allies with Russia for years so I don't they'll play the Romanov card like they will the... the..."
"Hohenzollern card?" he said gently, without anger or accusement.
"Yes." Joséphine looked down sadly, before summoning up all her courage. This had to be done: "Eitel, I need your help here. I'm not as smart as you."
A warm smile: "Oh Joe, you've always been smarter than you give yourself credit for. I think you know the right choice, you are just afraid no one will understand it."
"It's not that I don't like Karl...," she began, "I do. He's very nice, and kind and generous..."
"But he doesn't challenge you," said Eitel simply, "oh I don't mean to imply anything negative about you. You need someone to match wits with, to be your pillar in keeping your country together. Someone with a little iron in his bones as well as fire in his heart. Besides no one knows you like I do Joe - you're falling a little bit in love with him."
She blushed. "Yes, you're right. It is Michael, and do you know what? I think he is falling for me a little too. He isn't you though..."
He sighed, and she could hear the ghost of sadness in his voice. "We weren't meant to be Joe."
A couple of tears blinked away. "No".
They sat there for a long time, heads gently resting together, content in each others company. Presently a bird began singing somewhere a little to the right.
Just friends, forever and only.
prussiablue: I'm sure Parliament would love that!
BBBD: Bah! Where is Dr Von Goosewing when you need him!
Vincent Julien: Well quite.
o CatKnight: They aren't that closely related at all really, though Romanovs have links with the Saxe-Coburgs. Considerably less than Victoria and Albert say.
J. Passepartout: Well it is 1903, and an 'Oriental' is probably beyond the Pale (more so a Chinese, rather than Japanese one). Also there are no available unmarried princes. Something to ponder down the line though...
Jape: Thank you! Always glad to welcome another reader!
Fiftypence (again) : Hee!
Well the distinction in question is that both are the last monarchs of their Empires in OTL. Michael II of Russia is technically the last Tsar while Karl I of Austria is rather more uncontroversially the last Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary.
Neither of course was expected to gain the throne in 1903.
Part 65: Friends Found
Above: Joséphine's wedding dress (previously used by Empress Beatrice)
Joséphine spent time with all her suitors, getting to know them. She was painfully aware - now - that it was not just enough to be in love with a prince, but that she also had to consider the future fate of Canada. Who would that be?
As it happened her choice was to be narrowed in dramatic fashion. In November her sister came to her and announced cheerfully that Prince Arthur had proposed to her.
"Oh..." managed Joséphine, understandably a little suprised at this revalation. "Has he been courting you for long?"
Victoria-Beatrice acutally giggled. "Qui. He wishes to marry me after I turn 18."
Well that certainly explained the uncertain impression that she'd been having about Prince Arthur! He'd really been wooing another woman.
After careful thought, and a somewhat arkward interview with both parties she decided to give her blessing. Marriage would be good for Victoria-Beatrice, and Arthur wasn't a bad sort, if a little lightweight. So that seemed that.
But whom to choose?
*
While walking back from mass she nodded at Michael coming the other way (like Joséphine - and Karl for that matter - Michael was genuinely pious, but obviously attended Orthodox services) and lost in thought she bumped into a tall stranger.
It was Eitel. He gave her a conspiratorial wink.
"Pardon me Mademoiselle," he said loudly in English, "I was wondering if you would join me for a stroll in the lower gardens."
Well, one could hardly refuse that, could one?
*
Above: Buckingham Palace, 1903
The gardens of Buckingham Palace were large and impressive, and it was relatively easy to find a secluded spot to sit down in privacy. Fortunatly it was unseasonably warm for November. There was nothing sexual about it, just two good friends enjoying each others company. They spoke in French of course - though Joséphine was fluent enough in English it wasn't a launguage she thought in. Besides this was an intimate conversation, albeit between friends and there was no need to let everyone know the details.
"... so that's the problem," said Joséphine as she finished explaining her prediciment. She took an experimental puff on the elegant cigarette holder - she was not a frequent smoker, but found it occassionally helped clear her head.
"Hmm," Eitel noted lighting a cigarette himself. "Well at least your goverment doesn't have a problem with either of them?"
"Oh no, not even Michael. We were close allies with Russia for years so I don't they'll play the Romanov card like they will the... the..."
"Hohenzollern card?" he said gently, without anger or accusement.
"Yes." Joséphine looked down sadly, before summoning up all her courage. This had to be done: "Eitel, I need your help here. I'm not as smart as you."
A warm smile: "Oh Joe, you've always been smarter than you give yourself credit for. I think you know the right choice, you are just afraid no one will understand it."
"It's not that I don't like Karl...," she began, "I do. He's very nice, and kind and generous..."
"But he doesn't challenge you," said Eitel simply, "oh I don't mean to imply anything negative about you. You need someone to match wits with, to be your pillar in keeping your country together. Someone with a little iron in his bones as well as fire in his heart. Besides no one knows you like I do Joe - you're falling a little bit in love with him."
She blushed. "Yes, you're right. It is Michael, and do you know what? I think he is falling for me a little too. He isn't you though..."
He sighed, and she could hear the ghost of sadness in his voice. "We weren't meant to be Joe."
A couple of tears blinked away. "No".
They sat there for a long time, heads gently resting together, content in each others company. Presently a bird began singing somewhere a little to the right.
Just friends, forever and only.
Many kings had mistresses. Maybe Josephine can have a mister? Invite Eitel to Canada for a State Visit, review the troops, and just avoid actual pregnancy?
EDIT: we want to know about this sort of date and why it was preventing you from your daily update.
EDIT: we want to know about this sort of date and why it was preventing you from your daily update.
So it is to be the Romonov. That's probably best. If Karl was the choice, you'd be wedding one great inbreeding family to the greatest of all time, and the children would have gained the Habsburg chin. ::shudder::
And somehow, I doubt that we have seen the last of Eitel as lover.
And somehow, I doubt that we have seen the last of Eitel as lover.
I agree with Coz1, somehow i am sure the 'friend' relationship between Joe and Eitel will not be confined to its literal meaning.
A Romanov and Bonaparte, I wonder whether Napoleon will turn on his grave.
As usual a great update.
P.S: I am so busy reading your story i have no time to write anymore
A Romanov and Bonaparte, I wonder whether Napoleon will turn on his grave.
As usual a great update.
P.S: I am so busy reading your story i have no time to write anymore
actually, that is not true. that only applied to the descendents of Queen Victoria. ::GASP::Fiftypence said:That's going to be a tough decision. However, I saw something on the news about how the children of cousins can have horrible deformities, so I think she should go for Prince Karl.
however, it can happen to us ordinary folks. however, for us it is the exception, not the rule. [somewhere around Queen Victoria's generation, a bad gene (gene group?) came together. and, her descendents could not shake it...]
RossN said:
many, many AARs have much to recommend them. yours is no exception. truly excellent! my thanks, sir!
I somehow fail to see how Parliament, in the form of Parnell, etc, would object to a Hohenzollern prince, and subequently acquiesce when it comes to a Romanov. The Romanovs were seen as the far greater enemy to Liberalism than the Hohenzollerns were - almost right up to the Great War! The emnity between the Bonapartes and the Hohenzollerns is closer to the mark, although if this goes through then then there should be a riot in Parliament, considering the reception Eitel recieved.
Karl would be the far better choice, politically. Either that, or Joséphine should wait a few years and marry Manuel, or some other prince when they come of age. Or not marry at all, a la Liz I, and leave the heir-producing to her sister and Art. That would be a good way of avoiding trouble completely.
Karl would be the far better choice, politically. Either that, or Joséphine should wait a few years and marry Manuel, or some other prince when they come of age. Or not marry at all, a la Liz I, and leave the heir-producing to her sister and Art. That would be a good way of avoiding trouble completely.
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J. Passepartout: Well I'm sure no one wants to hear about my romantic life (or lack thereof). o
coz1: Yes good point.
prussiablue:o I'm flattered to be the cause of your readers annoyance!
GhostWriter: Glad you are enjoying it.
Vincent Julien: Russia has been a Canadian ally for twenty years on and off (only Brazil has been more consistent), in fact the first Great Power to really recognize the Empire. So there is a large store of political good will that doesn’t exist with Germany.
There is also, alas, little knowledge of Russia in Canada itself: of the trickle of immigrants in the past few years virtually none have been Russian. The Jewish population is negligible [in POPs terms nonexistent], so news of pogroms is not very big news, if they are reported at all. The Bear is a gigantic but friendly enigma in the distance.
Germany on the other hand is intimately well known, and quite actively disliked by large proportions of the population. Aside from trade (and trade is much stronger with Germany than distant Russia), almost half of Canadians are francophone and having been ruled by a family deposed by the Prussians/Germans have tended to have a somewhat negative view of Berlin. Germany is an unfriendly warmonger (it is perceived), who brought France low. If the flaws of the Romanovs are poorly understood the virtues of the Hohenzollerns are forgotten. This is a situation likely to get worse as ultimately a British controlled Atlantic is much sounder for Canada than a German one – most Canadian trade is still with Britain and the massive disruption caused by a rising Germany is looked on with trepidation.
Had Alaska been in Russian hands the prevailing ignorance/benign indifference would probably have been different, but as it is, especially pre-Revolution there is not going to be all that much opposition.
Besides Parliament has successfully flexed its muscles so a conciliatory mood is not out of the question (especially to avoid the damaging fights of earlier in the year).
Not marrying would be a lonely fate for Joséphine - she doesn't have Elizabeth's steel or intellect (though she is probably more sensitive and less vain), rather out of keeping with her character. It's an interesting idea though.
Part 66: All Through The Night
Above: Jean Belauof
December was generally a quiet month politically and 1903 was no exception. Business wound down halfway through the month and most deputies ended up returning to their constinuencies for the month. The head of the PIPC was no exception.
On the same day the oldest human dream was realised Jean Belauof was relaxing after a fencing match. He was one of the finest duelists in Canada, and as he was still well into his prime - he fully expected to get better in his approaching early 30's. Earlier in the day he had fought even old Durand to a standstill and was just thinking about how to spend his evening - there was a rather interesting play on tonight, and it's blonde lead actress was someone he was rather keen on meeting (paticularly if the rumours where true). However the blonde was destined to be dissapointed as at that moment he happened to glance at the paper and register the most important story of the day.
Victoria-Beatrice, Princess of Canada, Grand Duchess of Québec and love of his life was engaged to some random ass from Britain.
Engaged at 17! To an inbred Saxe-Coburg no less. He felt... weak.
Oh the Younger Belauof had had his ear to the ground over the past while, and there had even been some unofficial talk about the Empress narrowing down the candidate to be rubberstamped (unless she chose a cannibalistic barbarian warlord it seemed unlikely there would be much objection whoever she chose - Parliament had made its point and no one wanted a return to the days of thr Prussian crisis), and she did have her sister with her. Still engagement!
Above: HRH. Pricess Victoria-Beatrice, Grand Duchess of Québec
He hadn't expected anything to happen. In the 6 or 7 times they had met since that first meeting he had never said anything. What was there to say? Not really. But as long as she had been single there had still been the shadow of hope...
He woke up the following morning in a Quebec City alley with no memory of the last few hours. Thankfully he had passed out by a bakery and the heat had staved off frostbite (or worse), but that was about the best of it. His wallet was missing, he had some serious bruises about his body and he suspected that at least one of his ribs was broken. His clothes stank of cheap wine and cheaper perfume - obviously at some point he in his lost night he had made the aquaintecnce of a woman, though trying to recall it left only a painful ache.
There were no cabs in this neighbourhood and he lacked the funds to hire one anyway so he shuffled home. Heart hardening at every step. Well who needed her? He was the youngest political leader in history and the sky was the limit [in fact the previous day suggested even that was now false, though of course Jean had not heard - Ed.]. He had his own Empire to build.
Though he never would get around to meeting that actress.
o coz1: Yes good point.
prussiablue:
o I'm flattered to be the cause of your readers annoyance! GhostWriter: Glad you are enjoying it.
Vincent Julien: Russia has been a Canadian ally for twenty years on and off (only Brazil has been more consistent), in fact the first Great Power to really recognize the Empire. So there is a large store of political good will that doesn’t exist with Germany.
There is also, alas, little knowledge of Russia in Canada itself: of the trickle of immigrants in the past few years virtually none have been Russian. The Jewish population is negligible [in POPs terms nonexistent], so news of pogroms is not very big news, if they are reported at all. The Bear is a gigantic but friendly enigma in the distance.
Germany on the other hand is intimately well known, and quite actively disliked by large proportions of the population. Aside from trade (and trade is much stronger with Germany than distant Russia), almost half of Canadians are francophone and having been ruled by a family deposed by the Prussians/Germans have tended to have a somewhat negative view of Berlin. Germany is an unfriendly warmonger (it is perceived), who brought France low. If the flaws of the Romanovs are poorly understood the virtues of the Hohenzollerns are forgotten. This is a situation likely to get worse as ultimately a British controlled Atlantic is much sounder for Canada than a German one – most Canadian trade is still with Britain and the massive disruption caused by a rising Germany is looked on with trepidation.
Had Alaska been in Russian hands the prevailing ignorance/benign indifference would probably have been different, but as it is, especially pre-Revolution there is not going to be all that much opposition.
Besides Parliament has successfully flexed its muscles so a conciliatory mood is not out of the question (especially to avoid the damaging fights of earlier in the year).
Not marrying would be a lonely fate for Joséphine - she doesn't have Elizabeth's steel or intellect (though she is probably more sensitive and less vain), rather out of keeping with her character. It's an interesting idea though.
Part 66: All Through The Night
Above: Jean Belauof
December was generally a quiet month politically and 1903 was no exception. Business wound down halfway through the month and most deputies ended up returning to their constinuencies for the month. The head of the PIPC was no exception.
On the same day the oldest human dream was realised Jean Belauof was relaxing after a fencing match. He was one of the finest duelists in Canada, and as he was still well into his prime - he fully expected to get better in his approaching early 30's. Earlier in the day he had fought even old Durand to a standstill and was just thinking about how to spend his evening - there was a rather interesting play on tonight, and it's blonde lead actress was someone he was rather keen on meeting (paticularly if the rumours where true). However the blonde was destined to be dissapointed as at that moment he happened to glance at the paper and register the most important story of the day.
Victoria-Beatrice, Princess of Canada, Grand Duchess of Québec and love of his life was engaged to some random ass from Britain.
Engaged at 17! To an inbred Saxe-Coburg no less. He felt... weak.
Oh the Younger Belauof had had his ear to the ground over the past while, and there had even been some unofficial talk about the Empress narrowing down the candidate to be rubberstamped (unless she chose a cannibalistic barbarian warlord it seemed unlikely there would be much objection whoever she chose - Parliament had made its point and no one wanted a return to the days of thr Prussian crisis), and she did have her sister with her. Still engagement!
Above: HRH. Pricess Victoria-Beatrice, Grand Duchess of Québec
He hadn't expected anything to happen. In the 6 or 7 times they had met since that first meeting he had never said anything. What was there to say? Not really. But as long as she had been single there had still been the shadow of hope...
He woke up the following morning in a Quebec City alley with no memory of the last few hours. Thankfully he had passed out by a bakery and the heat had staved off frostbite (or worse), but that was about the best of it. His wallet was missing, he had some serious bruises about his body and he suspected that at least one of his ribs was broken. His clothes stank of cheap wine and cheaper perfume - obviously at some point he in his lost night he had made the aquaintecnce of a woman, though trying to recall it left only a painful ache.
There were no cabs in this neighbourhood and he lacked the funds to hire one anyway so he shuffled home. Heart hardening at every step. Well who needed her? He was the youngest political leader in history and the sky was the limit [in fact the previous day suggested even that was now false, though of course Jean had not heard - Ed.]. He had his own Empire to build.
Though he never would get around to meeting that actress.
Does Belauoff really think he as a commoner has a chance to marry a princess. Maybe in the 21st century, pal!!
He is better off thinking how to make PIPC a respectable party.
He is better off thinking how to make PIPC a respectable party.