It was, everyone agreed later, the most shocking incident witnessed at the congress thus far.
Epilogue
Klemens and Pippamarried quietly one cold but sunny January morning in the Augustinerkirche, as the sun rose over the Viennese snow-dusted rooftops. Frost flowers covered the stained glass windows of the church, and inside it was so cold, one could see puffs of breath fog the air as the couple said their vows.
Aldingbourne served as best man, and Kovacz, his adjutant, as witness. No one else was present except the priest and his assistant.
Halfway through the ceremony, the door at the back opened, and footsteps echoed through the church. The priest looked up, faltered, and stared wide-eyed at the newcomer. Both Klemens and Pippa turned.
“Proceed.” The man waved a hand and sat down in the front pew.
“Y–Your Majesty.” The priest nearly dropped the prayer book before catching himself and continuing with the ceremony.
When the final blessing was given andKlemens and Pippa were declared man and wife, the Emperor rose from his seat.
“I wanted to see this with my own eyes, my reprobate son finally married. I can hardly believe it.” He gripped Klemens’ hand. “It is good to see you settled at last.” His voice was gruff.
“Father.” A smile lit Klemens’ face. “Thank you for coming.”
The Emperor patted his arm awkwardly, then turned to Pippa. His expression softened. “So I have gained another daughter, and such an intelligent one at that. I look forward to our afternoon teas, where we may continue our various discussions. You will be like a ray of light on dreary days.”
Pippa curtsied. “It will be such a pleasure, Your Majesty.”
But the Emperor took her by the arms and drew her into an embrace. “No formalities. Consider me your father now.”
Tears sprang to her eyes. “I will. Gladly.” Her voice wobbled.
With a nod, he departed through the side door through which he had come.
Aldingbourne cleared his throat. “There is quite the reception awaiting you at the British Embassy, Your Imperial Highness.” He made a bow toward Pippa. “Countess Lindenstein.”
As a wedding gift from the Emperor, Pippa had been bestowed with an honorary title, Countess Lindenstein.
At the British Embassy, they were greeted by a multitudeof guests, including Castlereagh. A dainty, fair-haired woman stepped forward and smiled.
“My sincerest congratulations, Lindenstein, or should I call you Imperial Highness now?” She touched him playfully on the arm.
“Catherine.” Klemens took her hand in both of his. “You must meet my wife. Pippa, this is Aldingbourne’s great love, and their story is so epic it deserves to be written into a book.”
The two women exchanged warm smiles.
“I am glad to finally meet you,” Catherine said. “I have heard so much about you.” She nudged Klemens. “He talked of nothing else.”
“I see you have brought your children as well?” Klemens grinned at the lanky red-haired boy behind her, who made an awkward bow. “Theo, if I recall correctly. And Hecki.” He nodded at the darker-haired lad next to him, who eyed Klemens with wide eyes.
“I knew you were the Archduke,” the boy announced. “I saw you riding behind the Emperor at the parade. Only we were not to tell anyone that it was you who came to play marbles in our dining room.” He paused. “And you cheated something terrible.”
Klemens laughed. “I would love to repeat our game. Look, and here are Mona and Achilles.”
“Are these all truly your children?” Pippa asked curiously.
“Yes, we have four.” The Duchess’ eyes sparkled as she spoke of them. “Aldingbourne often finds himself out of his depth, having been blessed rather suddenlywith four children at once, and a fifth on the way.” A delicate pink blush covered her cheeks.
“That is wonderful news. Congratulations,” Pippa exclaimed, about to ask when the baby was due when a red-haired lady who had been staring at them for some time stepped forward and tugged at Catherine’s sleeve.
“You must introduce us. Never mind, I shall introduce myself. I am Evangeline Stafford-Hill. And I do not know why, but you look awfully familiar.” She peered at Pippa. “Why is that? Did you attend Miss Hilversham’s Seminary in Bath, perhaps?”
Pippa stared. “Did you say Stafford-Hill? Does that mean... You are not, it cannot be? Can it? You are Evie?”
