Maximilian was a man with an inflated opinion of himself. His contempt for Isabella II had reached an almost unimaginable degree.
Isabella II's governing principles were completely at odds with Maximilian's. Though she claimed to be a Liberal, she kept trying to expand both royal and ecclesiastical authority.
Spain had promulgated two constitutions, in 1837 and 1845, but nearly all government institutions were accustomed to acting according to Customary Law.
(Customary Law referred to the law of tradition.)
Officials, nobles, and bishops could often place themselves above the Constitution. The people lived without a shred of dignity, and uprisings, coups, and revolutions never stopped rocking the country.
"You coward! Face your fears and defeat her! Conquer her!"
Lady Sophie looked furious with Maximilian for failing to live up to her expectations. In her eyes, the mother and daughter in Spain seemed quite docile—not much of a threat. Besides, rumors could hardly be trusted.
What Lady Sophie didn't know was that even the fiercest dog would cower before a tiger. Though Christina had once been Spain's regent queen, she knew perfectly well that once she left Spain, she was nothing.
"Look at how your eldest brother dealt with that French temptress!"
The more Lady Sophie spoke, the more worked up she became, while Maximilian grew more and more disdainful.
"Having an affair before marriage? I could never do that."
"What good man doesn't have a mistress?"
"My father!"
"Your father is a dullard!"
Franz's temples throbbed as he listened. Their pleasant family dinner had turned into a complete mess, and he felt he had to say something.
"I think Maximilian and Princess Maria Amalia would make a good match. They're close in age and get along well."
Historically, Maria Amalia had been engaged to Franz's second younger brother, Maximilian. Unfortunately, the