Chapter 55 August 21, 1829: The Queen Of Sweden Ha

"Desiree, I beg you. Dont be late for your coronation."

I shall never forget that sentence. Jean said it a dozen times while Marie and Yvette and Marceline were trying to get me ready. I was wondering all the time whether I looked, like a real Queen. Perhaps not. But I was proud of my coronation robe, because my dear Papa once held the cloth in his hands.

At last I was ready, and we went to my drawing room. Oscar was waiting for us there in his gayest uniform. He was looking at the crowds outside the castle gate.

"I never expected that the people would get so excited about your mothers coronation," said Jean.

"They dont surprise me," Oscar answered. "Mama is very popular here. Look at her now. She gets younger and more beautiful every day."

We all laughed. Ill be fifty in November, and the lines in my face are getting deeper. But the Empress Josephine taught me how a woman can make herself look younger. Ive followed her advice. Even Jean and Oscar seem pleased with the results. In my heart Im still Desiree Clary, but today I did really want to look like a Queen of Sweden.

Of Sweden, yes. Jean wants me to be crowned in Norway too, but I refuse. I may be "the wanted one" here. I hope I am. The Swedes invited us to be their King and Queen. The Norwegians didnt, and I am not wanted there.

This morning the sun shone in a cloudless sky. I remembered another coronation. Oscar remembered it too. He turned to young Josephine and said:

"When I was a boy, I wanted to go to Napoleons coronation. Mama wouldnt let me, because it was snowing. She said: Oscar, one day well go to another coronation together. I promise you that. And today, at last, shes going to keep her promise! "

We went down and climbed into the royal coach. As we drove through the streets, the crowds were cheering and calling "The Queen! The Queen!" Jean smiled and waved. I tried to do the same. But I was so happy that I really wanted to cry instead.

The archbishop and all the bishops of Sweden welcomed us at the cathedral door. Then the music started and we went in. Count Brahe and count Rosen led the procession. Mariana Koskull carried my crown on a red velvet cushion. Jean held my arm and led me gently up to my throne.

For the rest of the ceremony my mind was in a dream. I can remember the archbishop playing the heavy crown on my head. I can remember a thousand faces watching me; foreign guests, noblemen, ministers, all Swedens most important people. I can remember going out again into the sunlight, and the cheers of the crowd are still in my ears. But I didnt really wake till I got back to the castle.

Then Josephine brought her children into the drawing room. Little Prince Oscar is only a baby. His brother Prince Charles is three years old and hes quite a good-looking boy already. One day he too will be crowned.

Perhaps I shall be at my sons coronation. I certainly shant be at my grandsons. But Jean and I will sit on a cloud and watch his royal procession through the streets of Stockholm.

Tonight Ive reached the last page of my diary. When Papa gave it to me, he said: "Write the story of Desiree Clary." Ive done that. There have been happy days and there have been sad ones. Today has been very happy. If papa had been here, he would have been proud. I too shall be proud if the Bernadottes can help Sweden to go on living in peace.

-- THE END.