The Assassins by Alan Bardos (best novels in english txt) 📗

He hadn't been able to find another intermediary - General Conrad von Hotzendorf had dismissed Breitner's concerns as he left, making it clear that he had no wish to incur the Archduke's wrath. The dinner was the last of the key events around the Archducal visit and with its conclusion a number of dignitaries from Vienna were taking their leave and returning home. Breitner was hoping that this example might present an opportunity to suggest Franz Ferdinand do the same.

The man to arrange such a change of programme would undoubtedly be Baron Rumerskirch, the Archduke's Chamberlain. Franz Ferdinand and the remaining guests had retired to the hotel’s smoking room, where Breitner found the Chamberlain in attendance.

Breitner approached him with due deference. 'Sir, if I may say, His Imperial and Royal Highness's visit has been an absolute triumph.'

The Chamberlain regarded him dismissively, evidently thinking that Breitner was another unwanted guest trying to ingratiate himself into the Archduke's suite. Breitner didn't think there was much point in trying to dispel the idea.

'You must be pleased with how well your staff have performed,' Breitner said.

'Everyone has behaved as I would have expected,' the Chamberlain replied, glancing around the smoking room and checking that the brandy and cigars were being dispensed correctly. As with everyone else associated with the organisation of the Archducal visit, the Chamberlain was worried that something might happen to blight an otherwise flawless event, and unleash Franz Ferdinand's anger. It was a fear Breitner hoped to intensify.

'It will be a shame for it all to end in ignominy.'

The Chamberlain turned on Breitner sharply. 'What do you mean by that?' Breitner had hit his mark at the first attempt.

'Sorry, Baron, I meant no disrespect.' Breitner tried to be as subtle as he could, allowing the Chamberlain to regain his composure. He was visibly annoyed that he'd allowed himself to be bated by a nobody. 'I was merely observing that the Chief of Staff and the other notables from Vienna have left. Perhaps the Royal couple could do the same. The most important part of the visit has, after all, been completed, rather splendidly.'

'That's not what you meant. Who the devil are you anyway?'

'Forgive me, my name is Breitner. I work for the Joint Ministry of Finance.'

'And your point is what, exactly?'

'I believe there is a real danger that the Archduke will receive a poor reception when he goes to Sarajevo, tomorrow.'

'You think that's possible?' the Chamberlain asked.

'There are a number of malcontents amongst the Serb youth in Sarajevo, who are unwilling to accept the benevolence of our rule.' Breitner didn't want to mention the plot to assassinate the Archduke - that would have only overplayed his hand. The Chamberlain's primary concern was to prevent an unseemly spectacle: anything else was too far beyond his purview to be of any consequence to him.

'We wouldn't like a repeat of the cool reception the Archduke received on his last trip to the Balkans,' Breitner said mildly.

'No, quite. You work for the Joint Ministry of Finance, you say?'

'Yes, sir.'

'Well the last thing we want is anything to blemish His Majesty's visit when it’s been such a triumph.’

‘I agree. As you say, sir, the last thing we want is to spoil His Majesty's visit and cause him to lose his temper,’ Breitner said dryly. The Chamberlain glanced at Breitner for a moment.

‘This might well be an opportune moment to conclude His Majesty's visit,' The Chamberlain said, then nodded his thanks to Breitner and made his way over to Franz Ferdinand, who was enjoying a brandy and cigar in the company of a number of local officers, keen to curry favour from the future Emperor.

Breitner noticed that Colonel von Merizzi was staring at him. General Potiorek's aide-de-camp was clearly wondering what he was doing in the smoking room; as far as he was concerned, the letter of authority from the Governor's office hadn't been issued to Breitner so that he could hang about amongst his betters.

Franz Ferdinand listened silently as his Chamberlain explained the situation, then gradually looked as if he was agreeing. The Chamberlain finished and the Archduke addressed the assembled officers and flunkies.

'Gentlemen, I'm cutting my visit short and returning to Vienna, directly.' The Archduke smiled - his words had created a stir, changing the atmosphere from genial to tense. He liked to appear unpredictable; it kept the lackeys on their guard. Von Merizzi glared at Breitner, realising that he'd had something to do with the Archduke's abrupt change of heart.

'I believe this is the most prudent course of action,' the Archduke continued. 'The weather is changing, the rain has stopped and the summer heat is likely to bring on my asthma. Appearing in public is trying enough as it is.'

The Chamberlain bowed in agreement, but felt it polite to give further explanation. 'I also explained to His Majesty that a visit to a provincial capital, to view some barracks, attend a civic reception and all the rest, might be something of a disappointment after the triumph of the past few days. We can also expect something of a hostile welcome from the local youth.'

'Her Highness has made a number of worthy visits in Sarajevo. The people can't say we have forgotten them,' the Archduke added decisively, and that looked to be the end of the matter. He would not visit Sarajevo - in his own mind, Franz Ferdinand was already on holiday with his children. Breitner started to congratulate himself on a job well done.

Then Lieutenant Colonel von Merizzi came to the fore. 'If I may interject, Your Highness?' the Colonel said, rising to his feet. 'If you do not complete the programme of events, it would be seen as a public reprimand to General Potiorek, weakening him significantly in front of his political enemies, and it would show that we are willing to back down in