Chapter 48: Engagement
With the engagement between Prince Ernst and Princess Karina announced on November 3, 1866, the union of the Hohenzollern and Habsburg families marked a significant event in their respective histories. The engagement ceremony, held with the pomp and tradition of European royalty, solidified their commitment to each other.
Ernst had accepted the arrangement willingly, recognizing the potential benefits of this union. Princess Karina, though young, showed promise of becoming a great beauty and was expected to be a valuable addition to his family.
Meanwhile, the Habsburg family, particularly Queen Mother Sophie, was pleased with the choice. Karina's mother's early passing made the prospect of a harmonious mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship appealing. Additionally, Ernst's excellent character, business acumen, and industry rankings made him an ideal match.
However, the engagement also stirred Ernst's thoughts about the future. He couldn't help but consider the tumultuous circumstances surrounding Princess Karina's family, especially her father, Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico. Mexico was in chaos, and the emperor's fate hung in the balance.
Ernst began to contemplate a daring plan: the possibility of rescuing his future father-in-law from Mexico. He envisioned selecting a group of capable individuals from the Hechingen Consortium, disguising them as Indians, and orchestrating a covert mission to extract Maximilian I from Mexico. While the plan was audacious, its success could garner favor and respect from European monarchs and governments, helping Ernst in his future endeavors, particularly the development of East Africa.
As Ernst ventured further into his ambitious pursuits, the engagement with Princess Karina served as a foundation for his future goals and aspirations, both personal and political.
(End of Chapter 48)