Munich
1868
When they arrived in Munich, Niels’s father stormed into the house without saying a word. His mother was there, just inside the door, hanging back and looking worried, silent until her husband disappeared into his study.
“Niels, my dear boy, forgive your father,” she said. “He has the most wonderful news to share with you, but when you didn’t answer his letters, he started to despair. Hurt turned into anger, and now here we are.”
“He never mentioned news in his letters,” Niels said, “only that he wanted me to return home. I’m an adult, Mother, capable of making decisions for myself. There’s nothing for me in Munich. I’m happier in the country.”
“Yes, yes, of course you are; you always have been.” She embraced him. “Come, I’ve tea waiting for you in my sitting room. I understand you and the king have at last become close. It was always my dearest dream that the two of you would be friends. If only he had a sister for you to marry! Well, it’s no matter, of course. Our standing in court will rise regardless.”
Niels wanted to shout that he cared nothing for his family’s standing in court, but he stopped himself, conscious of the fact that, for the first time in his life, her obsession with royalty might make her a valuable ally. She could help him get back to Hohenschwangau.
“Ludwig remembers you and sends his greetings,” he said, lying as if he’d been born to do nothing else. “He recalls a time you were with his mother in the garden of the Residenz here in Munich. You were admiring some roses. He promises to send a cutting from that very plant next spring.”
“He’s always been so magnanimous. Do you think there’s a chance he might appoint you as an advisor? It would be wonderful if you had something to occupy you when you’re here in Munich.”
“I’ve no qualifications, so it’s unlikely.”
“Well, no matter,” she said. “We’ll all still benefit from his favor and it will be enough for you to manage the family holdings and raise a family.”
“Raise a family?”
“Not that you’ll do the raising yourself, my dear. That’s not what I meant.”
He felt the beginnings of a headache creeping up the back of his neck. This was why his father had summoned him home; he’d decided it was time for him to marry. Niels excused himself, ran to his father’s study, and burst into the room without knocking.
“I won’t play any more of your games,” he said. “Tell me what you’ve done, what you’ve arranged.”
“Whatever makes you think I’ve arranged something?”
“I’m struggling to understand why you’ve brought me here, and an arrangement is the only reason I can conjure.”
“Does this mean that, at last, you’re ready to show some concern for your behavior? Ready to take a measure of responsibility regarding your family’s reputation?”
“I’ve not the slightest notion what you’re talking about.”
“Your friendship with the king is not appropriate.”
“Mother is delighted with it.”
“That’s because she has no idea what it entails.”
“It isn’t—”
“I’ve no interest in any more of your lies. I’ve been more indulgent than ever was prudent with your singing, your moods, your disinterest in all things worthy. It has all led us to this situation and it stops now. I’m perfectly aware of the king’s nature and will not allow him to enchant my son. He’s unmarried, dissolute, obsessed with that ridiculous composer, and bankrupting Bavaria with his absurd projects. Proximity to him is not in our family’s best interests.”
“Mother doesn’t agree.”
“Your mother doesn’t know the first thing about it. I’ve no intention of allowing you to get further pulled into his orbit, a place that can bring only rumors and ruin. As a result, I have indeed entered into an arrangement. You will marry the daughter of an old friend. From what I gather, she’s as unruly and unmanageable as you, but you don’t deserve any better. She’s all you’ll ever be able to get. The wedding will take place Wednesday.”
The world was spinning too fast. Niels couldn’t focus. Couldn’t fathom what was happening. “No, no, Father, I won’t marry someone I’ve never met.”
“You’ll make her acquaintance tomorrow at lunch with her family.”
“No. I won’t do it.”
“Need I remind you that your lifestyle depends entirely on my goodwill? That I have no tolerance for your whims and strange ideas? You will do as I tell you or you will be out on the street. You know as well as I you’ve no skills that would enable you to scrape out a living on your own. It’s time you take your rightful place in this family and do what is necessary.”
Niels’s head throbbed. He mouth was dry. His shoulders ached. Then, unexpectedly, a wave of calm washed over him. He was overreacting. This would be no disaster. He’d always known he’d have to marry eventually. Why should he care who the girl was or when the wedding took place? His father would get what he wanted, and Niels and his wife could set up housekeeping in the country, at the house near Füssen, close to Hohenschwangau.
“Forgive me,” he said. “You took me by surprise, that’s all. I wasn’t expecting this to happen so soon. Of course I will do as you ask. Wednesday is perfectly acceptable. May I know the lady’s name?”
His father narrowed his eyes and rose from his seat. He stood in front of Niels, so close he could feel the sickly warmth of his breath on his face.
“You will not trick me,” the baron said. “I see what you’re angling for and I won’t have it. Do you think me a fool? Too old or too stupid to recognize when I’m being manipulated? You’d never capitulate so quickly if you didn’t have some scheme in mind. Yes, Wednesday is perfectly acceptable. After the ceremony you and your bride will return here and take up residence with your mother and me. You won’t be going back to Füssen.”
Niels’s breath caught in his throat. “No, of course, I never thought, it’s only—”
“Stop babbling and return to your mother. She’ll lap up your stories about the king. Perhaps they’ll become part of the family lore, something your children will clamor to hear. After you’ve altered them to make them acceptable to polite company, that is. Your friendship with Ludwig will be no more. Relegate it to the past, for it will never, ever again be part of your future.” He grabbed Niels by the wrist and twisted until his son cried out. “You’ve never liked pain, have you? It’s long past time for you to become a man. No more Swan Kings and arias for you. I’ve half a mind to send you to the army. Cross me again and that’s exactly what will happen.”