Prince Rudolf of Austria quizzes his butler about the attractive new maid Klara:
“Mayerling, Spring 1888.”
“You wanted to see me, sir?”
“Yes, Loschek. Come in.”
“The new maid. Tell me something about her.”
“Klara? Has she shown any shortcomings?”
“No, not at all. I was struck by her manners. She is kind, helpful…”
“I am pleased. I personally selected her for your highness.”
“Is she from this area?”
“Not really. She comes from a village a few hours from here, but was born further north.”
“Hmm... Why did she come all the way to Mayerling?”
“She was looking for work. And, if I may say so, an escape.”
“What do you mean?”
“The girl is married to a man more than twenty years older. She told me this through tears, begging me to hire her. I would have done it anyway, since she was the best of the candidates. She had three children, all of whom unfortunately died of diphtheria or other complications. There are also two stepchildren, born from her husband’s previous marriage.”
“Hmmm... and what can you tell me about this man?”
“I think he is a civil servant, but from what Klara told me he is not a pleasant person. After work he takes refuge in taverns, from which he emerges violent and angry. I have no difficulty in believing that the poor girl wanted a way out.
“All right, Loschek. Dismissed.”
“At your command, your highness.”
It requires some suspension of disbelief that Klara would be working as a domestic at an estate a couple of hours (by train) from where her husband lives and works, especially if she has two stepchildren back home. But as you'll see, it's necessary for the "What if..." plot of this story to work.
