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  To Sue Woolmans

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Even after more than a century, the subject of Mayerling remains controversial. In researching and writing this book, we have tried to remain as close as possible to the few known facts while exploring divergent ideas offering alternative explanations. Despite the rather obvious hurdles involved in tackling an historical affair and two mysterious deaths clouded by decades of controversy, we believe that we’ve been able to reach some new conclusions offering a starkly different take on the liaison between Crown Prince Rudolf and Mary Vetsera.

  In retelling the Mayerling story, we have arranged this book into four distinct sections. In part 1, covering events up to January 28, 1889, we set the scene for the tragedy. In part 2 we attempt to give a straightforward account of the tragedy and immediate aftermath, keeping the narrative clean of warring claims and intrusive analysis. Part 3 of the book focuses on the various conspiracy theories that have surrounded the story for more than a hundred years. Part 4 of the book looks back at what has come before, setting in context events in earlier chapters, analyzing psychological motivations, and revisiting controversies with fresh explanations. In the process we reveal what we think actually happened at that snowbound lodge in the early-morning hours of January 30, 1889. Although no one can know with certainty what took place in Rudolf’s bedroom, we believe our reconstruction to be correct, in accord with the facts, supported by psychological analysis, and bolstered by previously overlooked forensic evidence. What emerges is sometimes surprising, even shocking. In a sense Rudolf and Mary were both victims: He, psychologically damaged and likely suffering from serious mental illness; she, used and abused by those around her. Both were caught up in a dangerous and deadly waltz while many of the supporting players—including Baroness Helene Vetsera and Marie Larisch—played sordid, even grim, roles in the tragedy. Mayerling is ultimately a tale of exalted but damaged personalities enacting a terrible folie à deux set against the glittering backdrop of imperial Vienna, and amid mental instability, blackmail, venereal disease, rumors of incest, and political treason. Beyond the sugary romanticism often attached to the story is one even more dramatic than the persistent legend that has enveloped the tragedy for more than a hundred years.

  In telling that story we have been fortunate to have the support of many professional colleagues, family, and friends, without whom the task would have been impossible. Several descendants of those most closely involved in the tragedy and its aftermath have shared information and insights, including HRH Dom Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza; HSH Princess Sophie of Hohenberg; and Paul A. Slatin, who generously shared with us the unpublished Abschrift written by his grandfather, Court Commissioner Dr. Heinrich Slatin, about his experiences at Mayerling.

  Penny Wilson would like to thank her family for their support: her parents, Edward and Mary O’Hanlon, of Tucson, Arizona; Peter and Lynne O’Hanlon of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands; James and Tricia Manara of Phoenix, Arizona; Jon Phillips of Tucson, Arizona; Peggy, Eric, and Ryan Cartwright of Riverside, California; Barbara Wilson of Riverside, California; and Mary Kelsey and Dominic of Winchester, California. And above all, time and time again, thanks to Tom Wilson for everything he does.

  As always, Greg King thanks his father, Roger King, for his continued support and encouragement.

  For always keeping the doors open when she was unavailable, Penny Wilson thanks her employees and coworkers at City Gym in Riverside, California: Matthew Crouch, Nicole Flaherty, Gio Gonzalez, Haley Hyland-McIntyre, Ian Melgar, Olivia Mercado, Basil Trenham, Chris Wilkins, Alvin Wright, and Teddy Yelland. Thanks also to longtime friends and gym rats Gino Gonzalez, Eugene Mejia, Clayton Nicodemus, Kristy Orona, Gabby Perez, Jennifer Rider, Jisel Wilson-Schell, and Lupita Wilson. Finally she expresses many thanks to the member of City Gym, particularly Don Lowrey, Chris Schaper, and Donna Zeeb.

  Greg King would like to thank Janet Ashton, Paulette Blum, Diane Eakin, Jeannine Evans, Professor Joseph Fuhrmann, Brien Horan, Cecelia Manning, Susanne Meslans, Scott Michaels, Brad Swenson, and Debra Tate for their years of continued support, advice, and friendship.

  Penny Wilson thanks Eric and Lisa Hocutt and Austin Hocutt for being the ideal traveling companions on the Big Island of Hawaii, and longtime friend Christopher Kinsman, just for living across the road, brewing beer, and being brilliant. She also thanks—as ever since her first book back in 2003—the good folks at PS Facebook. Too numerous to mention (and because she could not endure the shame of forgetting any names), these are the finest chance-met internet friends anyone ever had, intelligent, kind, supportive, clannish, and unfailingly witty, who make it possible for her to get through the day. Simon Donoghue deserves thanks for simply being the best, and Penny Wilson looks forward to meeting him in person this year for deep philosophical conversation and shenanigans. And she thanks the one-and-only Oscar Shearer for many years of friendship.

  We wish to thank our agent, Dorie Simmonds, for her encouragement and advice throughout the research and writing process. Charles Spicer, our editor at St. Martin’s Press, enthusiastically supported this book from the very beginning and helped make it a reality. And April Osborn, associate editor at St. Martin’s, has always been unfailingly gracious in shepherding the work to its completion.

  For offering advice on various aspects of the story and providing valuable information, we would like to thank Janet Ashton; Arturo Beéche of eurohistory.com; Coryne Hall; Orla Hickey, Group Public Relations Executive at Claridge’s Hotel in London; Marlene Eilers Koenig; Professor Ilana Miller; Karen Roth; and Katrina Warne.

  The friendly and helpful staffs at the Haus-, Hof- und Staatsarchiv and the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek in Vienna have eased the research for this book. We owe a special debt of gratitude to Joan Blacker, Interlibrary Loan Coordinator at the Everett Public Library in Everett, Washington, who worked miracles on our behalf and managed to obtain the most obscure publications related to the Mayerling tragedy for our benefit. She has our unwavering thanks.

  Denise C. Clarke and Alfred Luckerbauer sacrificed their time and a sunny Easter day to travel to Mayerling and Heiligenkreuz, helping us bring the story up to date from the time of our previous visits. They also took magnificent photographs for us, although sadly only a few can be included in this book. Oscar Shearer patiently cleaned up and prepared many of our other photographs. Simon Donoghue read through the ever-changing manuscript and offered critical and sage advice on presentation and possible motivations. And Mark Andersen has been unbelievably generous in sharing a wealth of rare and invaluable books, exhibition catalogs, and other materials that have helped us flesh out the story in greater detail.

  Assessing and understanding psychological motivations became essential in reexamining the story. We owe an immense debt to Dr. Stefanie Platt, Greg King’s second cousin a
nd the former director of Clinical & Forensic Services at the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma/Family Violence & Sexual Assault Institute of San Diego, California, who reviewed the personalities and evidence in the Mayerling tale. Without actual clinical interviews, it was impossible for Dr. Platt to offer definitive diagnoses of people long dead, but her advice and insight guided us in making educated guesses and positing plausible behavioral explanations for our main characters. While the hypotheses presented here belong only to us, this book would surely have been less compelling without Dr. Platt’s generosity.

  Finally we are happy to extend our eternal gratitude to royal author and historian Sue Woolmans. No one has been more enthusiastic about this book, and no one has done more to help us complete it. From reading and rereading different versions of the manuscript and sharing her own research to providing us with dozens of rare books and obscure materials, she has been tireless in her efforts. We thank her for her selfless dedication and are proud to call her our friend.

  DRAMATIS PERSONAE

  THE HABSBURGS AND THEIR ROYAL RELATIVES

  Franz Josef I, Emperor of Austria-Hungary (Kaiser von Österreich-Ungarn), born August 18, 1830, died November 21, 1916; reigned 1848–1916; Rudolf’s father.

  Elisabeth, Empress of Austria-Hungary, “Sisi” (Kaiserin von Österreich-Ungarn), born December 24, 1837, as Duchess Elisabeth in Bavaria, married Emperor Franz Josef I April 24, 1854, assassinated September 10, 1898, in Geneva; Rudolf’s mother.

  Rudolf, Crown Prince and Archduke of Austria-Hungary (Kronprinz und Erzherzog von Österreich-Ungarn), heir to the throne (Thronfolger), born August 21, 1858, married Princess Stephanie of Belgium May 10, 1881, died January 30, 1889, at Mayerling.

  Stephanie, Crown Princess and Archduchess of Austria-Hungary, born May 21, 1864, as Princess Stephanie of Belgium, married (1) Crown Prince Rudolf, May 10, 1881; married (2) March 22, 1900, Hungarian Count Elemér Lónyay de Nagy-Lónyay és Vásárosnamény, March 22, 1900, died August 23, 1945; Rudolf’s wife.

  Elisabeth, Archduchess of Austria-Hungary, “Erszi,” born September 2, 1883, married Prince Otto Weriand von Windisch-Grätz 1902, died March 16, 1963; Rudolf’s daughter.

  Gisela, Archduchess of Austria-Hungary, born July 12, 1856, married Prince Leopold of Bavaria 1873, died July 27, 1932; Rudolf’s sister.

  Marie Valerie, Archduchess of Austria-Hungary, born April 22, 1868, married Archduke Franz Salvator 1890, died September 6, 1924; Rudolf’s sister.

  Sophie, Archduchess of Austria-Hungary, born as Princess Sophie of Bavaria 1805, married Archduke Franz Karl, died 1872; Rudolf’s paternal grandmother.

  Karl I, Emperor of Austria-Hungary, born 1887, married Princess Zita of Bourbon-Parma 1911, reigned 1916–1918, died 1922; Rudolf’s second cousin once removed.

  Zita, Empress of Austria, born Princess of Bourbon-Parma 1892, died 1989.

  Albrecht, Archduke of Austria-Hungary, Duke of Teschen, born 1817, died 1895; Inspector General of the Imperial and Royal Armed Forces; Rudolf’s great-uncle.

  Ferdinand IV, Grand Duke of Tuscany, born 1835, died 1908; reigned 1859–1860.

  Johann Salvator, Archduke, born 1852, youngest son of Grand Duke Ferdinand II of Tuscany, renounced titles and assumed name Johann Orth 1889, disappeared at sea 1891; Rudolf’s distant cousin.

  Leopold Salvator, Archduke, born 1868, eldest son of Grand Duke Ferdinand IV of Tuscany, renounced titles 1902 and assumed name Leopold Wölfing, died 1935; Rudolf’s distant cousin.

  Louise, Archduchess, born 1870, daughter of Grand Duke Ferdinand IV of Tuscany, married Prince Frederick Augustus of Saxony 1891 (later Crown Prince of Saxony), divorced 1903, died 1947; Rudolf’s distant cousin.

  Miguel, Duke of Braganza, born 1853, died 1927; widower of Rudolf’s first cousin Princess Elisabeth of Thurn und Taxis, had liaison with Mary Vetsera.

  Philipp, Prince of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, born 1844, married Princess Louise of Belgium 1875, divorced 1906, died 1921; Rudolf’s brother-in-law.

  Louise, Princess of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, born Princess Louise of Belgium 1858, married Prince Philipp of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha 1875, divorced 1906, died 1924; Rudolf’s sister-in-law.

  Marie, Countess von Larisch, born Countess Marie von Wallersee 1858, married Count Georg von Larisch 1877, died 1940; Rudolf’s cousin.

  VETSERAS AND BALTAZZIS

  Albin, Baron von Vetsera (Freiherr von Vetsera), born February 28, 1825, married Helene Baltazzi April 2, 1864, died in Cairo November 14, 1887; received Imperial Order of Leopold and named to hereditary knighthood in the empire March 24, 1867; received Imperial Order of Saint Stephen of Hungary October 2, 1869; named hereditary baron of the empire January 30, 1870; Mary’s father.

  Helene von Vetsera, born May 25, 1847, in Marseilles, daughter of banker Theodor Baltazzi and his second wife, Eliza Sarrell; married Albin Vetsera April 2, 1864; died February 1, 1925; Mary’s mother.

  Ladislaus von Vetsera, born 1865, died December 8, 1881, in Ringtheater fire; Mary’s brother.

  Johanna von Vetsera, “Hanna,” born May 25, 1868, in Constantinople, died February 28, 1901; Mary’s sister.

  Marie Alexandrine von Vetsera, (“Mary”), born March 19, 1871, died January 30, 1889 at Mayerling.

  Franz von Vetsera, “Feri,” born November 29, 1872, died in battle at Kolki, Russia, October 22, 1915; Mary’s brother.

  Baltazzi, Elizabeth, born 1842, married Albert Llewellyn Nugent, 3rd Baron Nugent, 1862, died 1899; Mary’s aunt.

  Baltazzi, Marie Virginie, born 1848, married Otto, Count Stockau, 1875, died 1927; Mary’s aunt.

  Baltazzi, Alexander, born 1850, died 1914; Mary’s uncle.

  Baltazzi, Hector, born 1851, died 1916; Mary’s uncle.

  Baltazzi, Aristide, born 1853, died 1914; Mary’s uncle.

  Baltazzi, Eveline, born 1854, married Georg, Count Stockau 1872, died 1901; Mary’s aunt.

  Baltazzi, Heinrich, born 1858, died 1929; Mary’s uncle.

  COURTIERS

  Auchenthaler, Dr. Franz, Court Physician to His Majesty (Leib-und Hofarzt Seiner Majestät), born 1840, died 1913.

  Bombelles, Vice Admiral Count Karl von, Lord High Chamberlain of Rudolf’s court (Obersthofmeister), born 1832, died 1889.

  Bratfisch, Josef, born 1847, died 1892; Rudolf’s preferred fiacre driver.

  Ferenczy, Ida von, born 1839, died 1928; reader to Empress Elisabeth.

  Fritsche, Lieutenant Viktor von, born 1857, died 1945, secretary to the Crown Prince’s Secretariat (Sekretär dem Sekretariat des Kronprinz).

  Gondrecourt, Major General Count Leopold, born 1816, died 1888; Rudolf’s military governor, replaced by Latour von Thurmberg.

  Latour von Thurmberg, Colonel Josef, born 1820, died 1903; Rudolf’s governor.

  Loschek, Johann, born 1845, died 1932; hall porter (Saaltürhüter) and occasional valet (Kammerdiener) to Rudolf.

  Slatin, Dr. Heinrich, born 1855, died 1929, court secretary (Hofsekretär) in the Lord Marshal’s Office, led seven-member court commission to investigate Rudolf’s death at Mayerling.

  Widerhofer, Dr. Hermann, born 1832, died 1901; Court Physician (Hofarzt) and Personal Physician to the Crown Prince (Leibarzt des Kronprinzen).

  INTERESTED PARTIES

  Caspar, Marie, “Mitzi,” born 1864, died 1907; Rudolf’s mistress.

  Hoyos-Sprintzenstein (Hoyos), Count Josef, “Josl,” born 1839, died 1899; Rudolf’s hunting companion, present at Mayerling.

  Jahoda, Agnes, Mary Vetsera’s maid.

  Schratt, Katharina, born 1853, died 1940; actress at the Burgtheater, Franz Josef’s mistress.

  Szeps, Moritz, born 1835, died 1902; editor of Neues Wiener Tagblatt and Wiener Tagblatt, Rudolf’s friend and confidant.

  Tobias, Hermine, born 1865, died 1929; Mary Vetsera’s piano teacher and friend.

  OFFICIALS

  Károlyi, Count István, “Pista,” born 1845, died 1907; member of the Hungarian parliament and proponent of Hungarian independence.

>   Krauss, Baron Franz von, born 1840, died 1919; Vienna’s chief of police (Polizeipräsident) in 1889.

  Szögyény-Marich, Ladislaus von, born 1840, died 1916; departmental head of the Ministry of the Royal Household and of Foreign Affairs for Hungary, Rudolf’s executor.

  Taaffe, Count Eduard von, born 1833, died 1895; Austrian prime minister (Österreichs Ministerpräsident).

  Tisza, Kálmán von, born 1830, died 1902; Hungarian prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party.

  PART I

  PROLOGUE

  JANUARY 27, 1889

  That Sunday evening an opalescent veil of darkness cloaked Vienna. Puffy pink-gray clouds spilled snow over the broad Ringstrasse, capping the red-tiled roofs of its remaining medieval houses and its formidable array of baroque, neo-Renaissance, and neoclassical facades with delicate white hoods. Gas flames flickered in wrought-iron streetlights, creating ghostly halos in the frigid air as horses panted and puffed along avenues lined with rows of linden and lime trees stripped bare by winter. Shimmering beneath its mantle of shifting powder, suspended in the amber of a January night, Vienna seemed every inch the cosmopolitan center of a great and proud empire.

  Europe’s royal families were at the apogee of their power and prestige as 1889 began. From the Pacific Ocean lapping at the edges of Siberia to the Mediterranean, from frigid Scandinavian fjords to the Atlantic waters edging Ireland, tsars, kings, sultans, emperors, grand dukes, and princes ruled countries large and small, bound together by dynastic marriages and shared privilege. Some still clung to absolutist notions of autocratic power, but even those whose hands had been forced by the march of time to recognize constitutions and easily swayed parliaments often secretly harbored a belief in the divine right of kings.

  And so it was here in Vienna, imperial capital of the proud Habsburg dynasty. It was a place of studied artificiality, of theatrical illusion: rococo palaces, sugary pastries, coffee topped with copious dollops of whipped cream, and dashing officers squiring white-gloved ladies in an endless whirl of Strauss waltzes. Palaces and parade grounds, cathedrals and cobbled squares all whispered evocatively of a glorious past; columned facades shielded rococo ballrooms where the prisms of Bohemian crystal chandeliers refracted crimson, white, and gold in mirrors that might once have greeted Mozart or Beethoven.