[Cordelheim Palace - Grand Ballroom]
Archduke Adalbert: Ma’am, are you here with me?
Empress Ludovika: I am, do forgive me, dear Albert. Please continue.
Archduke Adalbert: ...helped me raise my profits. No one believed in it but it actualy worked! But please, your majesty, let this be our secret. Some lords would kill me if they realised I am keeping this from them.
Empress Ludovika: Oh, how interesting indeed! Do not worry, this will stay between us.
Empress Ludovika: Now, if you will excuse me...
Archduke Adalbert: Your Majesty. [bows]
Archduchess Margit: Josef told me about the look you gave Count Kirk. He says you were even blushing, darling. Does the Dowager know?
Archduchess Sophia: Oh Margit, there is nothing to discuss about this. Your brother probably had too much wine during the luncheon. I didn’t -
Archduchess Margit: Oh please. You can tell me... Does your mother know?
Archduchess Sophia: No, she does not. In fact, no one does. But it does not even matter, she would never approve of him...
Dowager Empress: Son, are you listening?
Emperor Ferdinand: Yes Mama, I’m sorry I was just -
Dowager Empress: It does not matter. What matters is that the ball goes splendidly. I have barely seen you on the dance floor.
Emperor Ferdinand: Yes, I am just waiting for Ludo-
Dowager Empress: She is your wife, but not the only lady in the room. You have not even danced with your sister, Ferdinand, nor your cousin Margit. Not to mention the other important ladies of tonight...
Dowager Empress: Anyway, looks like your wife is about to leave for a dance. I shall catch her before she does so, I have something important to tell her. Do excuse me.
Emperor Ferdinand: Of course, Mama.
Dowager Empress: Ludovika dear, would you spare me a minute?
Empress Ludovika: Of course, your majesty.
Dowager Empress: Oh my darling, please call me Mama. We are now family after all...
Empress Ludovika: Yes, thank you, Mama. What can I do for you?
Dowager Empress: Are you heading to the dance floor, my dear?
Empress Ludovika: Actually I am! Duke Eglon asked me to dance the next Quadrille with him and I was more than happy to accept.
Dowager Empress: How wonderful. I just wanted to let you know that the ball is slowly coming to an end and it is time for you to start preparing for the rest of the night. Please find me after the dance.
Empress Ludovika: Yes, Mama.
[Ludovika kisses the Dowager’s hand]
Archduchess Margit: Come on Sophia, you clearly like him. You should ask him for a dance.
Archduchess Sophia: Are you out of your mind? No woman would ever ask a man for a dance, definitely not me... And there is no Ladies’ choice on the schedule for tonight.
Archduchess Margit: Has he signed himself in your card yet?
Archduchess Margit: Then I suggest you wait.
Archduchess Sophia: Whatever. Let’s just go downstairs and enjoy the rest of the evening...
