Chapter 30 September 30, 1810: How Do You Pronounc

After lunch today Jean said goodbye. Now he is on his way to Sweden. The new French ambassador is also on his way. He visited us a few days ago.

"You neednt introduce yourself, baron," Jean told him. "I know you very well. You were the French ambassador in Naples when its government got into difficulties. A new government was formed, and the Emperor was pleased."

The baron nodded and smiled. "The country round Naples is very beautiful," he said.

"You were also the French ambassador in Madrid when the Spanish government got into difficulties. A new government was formed there too, and again the Emperor was pleased."

The baron nodded and smiled again. "A wonderful city, Madrid," he said. "But too hot in summer."

"And now you are going to Stockholm."

"Another wonderful city," said the baron. "but I hear that its very cold."

"It depends on the peoples welcome," said Jean. "There are warm welcome and there are cold cones."

"Your Highness will receive a warm welcome. By chance I shall arrive at the same time."

"Generals dont depend on chance---and the Emperor Napoleon is still a general," Jean replied. He stood up, and the ambassador had to leave.

A warm welcome is certainly being prepared in Stockholm, and in Copenhagen too. Jean will be the King of Denmarks guest there. Then he will sail from the Danish harbour of Elsinore.

Before he sails, he must become a member of the Swedish church. The Swedes dont belong to the church of Rome. Their archbishop will meet him at the castle in Elisnore, and Jean will have to sign a document. He will promise to follow the customs of their church.

"Must I be a member of their church too?" I asked.

He thought for a moment. "Perhaps you neednt do so, but Oscar must. I want him to learn some Swedish prayers. Count Brahe can teach him."

"Its a difficult language to pronounce," I said. "Look at this list of important people in Stockholm. I cant even pronounce their names. How do you pronounce Lowenhjelm?"

"We shall soon learn, Desiree. I want you to learn those names before you reach Stockholm. As soon as your rooms in the castle are ready, Ill send you a message. Then you and Oscar must come at once. Promise me that!"

His voice was unusually serious. I nodded. Then he said: "I shall sell our country house. I shall also sell all our land in France and Germany. We shall need the money in Stockholm. The Vasas and the Swedish government have spent all theirs on useless wars." He looked at me. "I may sell this house too. If you visit Paris, you can always stay at Julies place."

"No, Jean!" I said firmly. "This is my home. You cant take it away from me. If you come to Paris yourself, youll be glad to stay here. Of course, you could use a hotel, or stay with your ambassador. But you wouldnt want to do that."

He stared into the candlelight. Around us his bags were all ready for his journey. "Perhaps youre right, Desiree. I hope I shall never come back to Paris. It will hurt me too much. But if I do, Ill be happier here. Well keep the house."

That was last night. After lunch today a big coach arrived. When Fernand had loaded the bags, Jean was ready to go. He kissed Oscar and me. Then he turned to count Brahe and said:

"You will bring my wife and son to Stockholm as soon as you receive my message. It may even be dangerous for them to stay in France. Do you understand?"

"I do, Your Highness," Brahe replied.

Jean and Morner got into the coach. Fernand climbed up beside the coachman. A few people in the street stopped and looked. One of them, an old soldier, shouted "Vive Bernadotte!" Then Jean drew the curtains across the windows, and the coach rolled away towards Sweden.