The
Post
Duchess, don't! (splash)
Margarete of Tyrol is back in town, new husband
in tow. Can she salvage her reputation by marrying
a man half her age? She speaks frankly to our reporter
about men, malice and that Maultasch tag which just
won't leave her alone.
Post: Where do you get the inspiration for your
unique style, Duchess?
Margarete: I look at paintings. For example, Leonardo
da Vinci shows furs, silk and velvets very well.
And I have my own design studio, working hard. Day
and night, in fact, if they know what is good for
them, Ha ha.
Post: You've been criticised for not dressing the
part of a powerful society lady. How do you answer
those critics?
Margarete: Well, in my own country, they would be
in prison, no question. In fact, I might well say,
"Off with their heads!"
Post: Ha ha. You've got a great sense of humour.
Does that help you in life?
Margarete: I prefer to make jokes at others' expense.
They've certainly had their fun laughing at me.
You know what they call me?
Post: Satchel-Mouth, is it? How does that make you
feel?
Margarete: I just go out and spend all the money
I get in taxes on more and more lavish clothes.
Post: You certainly do seem to have a big budget.
How much did that head-dress cost, if I may ask?
Margarete: Oh, this thing? No more than a few months'
rent from one of my farms. The pearls were a present
from the Holy Roman Emperor, which cut down on the
cost. I find that jewels add a certain something
to clothes, don't you?
Post: Has your style helped you with romance, Your
Highness?
Margarete: My fourth husband seems to like it. He
is young, which I find much better. I recommend
it, in fact.
Post: How did you meet?
Margarete: He was my footman. We spent all day,
every day, together, for months, never speaking.
Then he helped me when I slipped on the wet cobbles.
One thing led to another and soon we couldn't be
parted.
The Post: How has your family reacted to your marriage?
Margarete: Well, I've had to disinherit my sons.
They were causing too much trouble. I’m letting
them cool their heels under house arrest. But my
daughters have been perfectly charming. And Frederick
is such a sweety, I'm sure everyone will adore him
in the end.
The Post: So there've been no problems?
Margarete: I'm sure everyone knows how malicious
the neighbouring states can be, spreading rumours
that I'm too old to breed again, that I have some
hideous disease, that everyone calls me Satchel-Mouth
and so on. But I'm happy to announce that very soon
we may have a new heir to the Tyrol and they can
all take a running jump!
Ends |
|
|
|
