| The Prince, the Princess and her un-noble lover |
|
|
|
| Written by Joanne Leyland | |
| Thursday, 08 December 2005 | |
|
Page 2 of 3 In case you’re wondering – as did I! – Westphalia was a short-lived historical state in northwestern Germany between 1807-1813. Mathilde was married to Russian Prince Anatole Demidoff di San Donata for just five miserable years, his having openly kept a mistress throughout that time. Finally, after her separation, Mathilde herself embarked upon a very passionate affair with a titled man by the name of Count Niewekerke. This affair took place at the start of the 19th Century, a time when the private activities in the 'boudoir' were expected to stay exactly that...private. This was especially important considering Princess Mathilde's station in life and her close links to such an illustrious family…the imperial family of Russia, no less. In fact, until the day her husband died, the Princess kept in close contact with her Russian in-laws. One day Mathilde was chatting happily with a group of rather highbrow ladies when the Princess's greyhound dog excitedly ran to her side, pawing the Princess. Mathilde tried to shoo the pet away, telling the greyhound: "Go away you naughty dog! Don’t you know you’re in disgrace". Without any consideration of what she was saying, Mathilde let slip a secret, telling the group of ladies: "All night he kept jumping on the bed and I couldn't get any sleep at all". Within just moments, Mathilde’s lover appeared and, yet again, the dog bounded over, clearly pleased to see the Count. 
Count Niewekerke became very animated as Mathilde’s dog ran up to him. "You're a very bad dog, and I'm not going to pet you", he declared loudly. So far so good….. |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
