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Unbeknownst to Karolina, Princess Marie was becoming quite influential among European Society. She was now known as the Duchess of Hamilton after her husband had inherited his title. She was welcomed not only in the German and French royal courts, but in Queen Victoria’s as well. In fact, she became quite close with her cousin French Emperor Napoleon III upon the death of her mother which had devastated him. As a result, Princess Marie also became a close friend and confidant of Empress Eugénie, his wife.
One bright spring morning, she was toiling in her rose garden at Hamilton Palace in Scotland. Her daughter Mary was playing with the carriage that her godmother, Queen Victoria had given her. One of the Duchess’s servants came up to her and whispered in her ear:
“Your Grace, Her Majesty Queen Victoria is arriving at the front gates with His Royal Highness Prince Albert.”
Princess Marie was startled. She called to her daughter to return to her while she put down her gardening tools. Princess Marie rubbed her hands on her skirt and went quickly inside Hamilton Palace with her daughter to change clothes for the royal’s visit.
As it happened, her husband the Duke of Hamilton was not at home. He had been summoned to the House of Lords in London for an urgent session of Parliament. The French Army had defeated the Austrian-Hungarian Empire in Italy, and it dramatically shifted the balance of power in Europe. Princess Marie wondered why the Queen would visit her at this time of crisis.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were ushered into the main parlor of the Hamilton Palace. Princess Marie curtsied and suggested they sit down for tea.
“We were out riding and enjoying the pleasant weather.” Queen Victoria remarked as she sat down in an overstuffed chair. “We wanted to stop by and see your beautiful gardens and visit my goddaughter!”
Queen Victoria turned and smiled at Mary sitting quietly in a corner of the parlor. Princess Marie blushed and said nothing. She wondered about the real intended purpose of their visit.
A servant offered the Queen and her Consort a small cup of tea and pastry. Prince Albert said nothing until the servant left the room, but then remarked in his slight German accent:
“How pretty are your gardens and how big your daughter has grown since I have last seen her. It would be a shame if something were to happen to them.” Said Prince Albert staring at Princess Marie as he took a sip of tea. Princess Marie grew uncomfortable from his stare and wondered what about his meaning.
Queen Victoria noticed her discomfort and stood up. “Dearest, will you show me your rose gardens?” She asked.
Princess Marie jumped to her feet and escorted Queen Victoria out to the Hamilton Palace rose gardens. Meanwhile, Prince Albert entered the Duke of Hamilton’s library and began examining his books on Scotland’s government and politics.
When Princess Marie and Queen Victoria returned from touring the gardens, Prince Albert rejoined them in the parlor. Princess Marie ordered her servants to prepare a light lunch for them.
“We request your help, my dear,” replied the Queen. Prince Albert suddenly took a keen interest in his wife’s conversation with the princess. “My government is concerned about your cousin Louis Napoleon’s plans after his victory over the Austrians. Will he conquer all Italy like his uncle Bonaparte? Or possibly Germany? We cannot afford a war with France now.” Queen Victoria looked grim as she spoke.
She continued. “While we were visiting the Emperor in Paris, he took us to Cherbourg to show us his French navy.” Her Majesty continued. “After the visit, I told my admiralty to build more warships for our navy but the Prime Minister claimed it is too expensive.” She sighed and took a sip from her cup of tea.
Prince Albert joined the conversation. “We need you to discover what Emperor Napoleon III's plans are?” He continued to stare at Princess Marie for emphasis. Princess Marie was startled at the abrupt manner of his request.
“My Brother Ernst is equally concerned, as are all the other princes in the German Confederation. A war at this time would be disastrous. Our people are restless, and Austria is on its knees after their defeat by the French. We are concerned that your cousin may take advantage of the situation in Europe and seize more territory.”
Prince Albert maintained a somber look on his face as he spoke while Queen Victoria patted his arm. Princess Marie grew alarmed as she realized her cousin’s actions might lead to war in Europe!
But while Princess Marie was vaguely aware of the events happening in Europe now, she was still in mourning from the death of her mother. She had fits of depression and had not corresponded with her cousin in months. Even now she was still wearing a black dress and had not left her home in ages.
“Yes, Your Majesty I will meet with my cousin.” She addressed Queen Victoria with apprehension in her voice. “But how will I be able to discover his plans?”
The Queen smiled once more and said, “You will find a way, my dear.” Emperor Napoleon III was well known to have a weakness for attractive women, and Princess Marie had regained her figure after the birth of her child.
“Now we must be off. The Prince of Wales will be joining us at Balmoral this evening. I will ask Scotland Yard to dispatch their best man to go with you and provide you with any help you may need. It is possible you have heard of him. His name is Richard Cordwell.” She said as she stood and adjusted her scarf.
Princess Marie smiled at the mention of his name. They had met in Scotland when her husband invited him to stay in Hamilton Palace after a hunting party. She had not seen or heard of him since she extended an invitation to Christmas dinner several years ago. But he had declined her invitation before heading off on a secret mission to America.
