Hired as a music tutor to Princess Victoria, who is isolated in the forlorn surroundings of Kensington Palace, Wolfgang Gottlieb Mozart (rumors of his death were exaggerated) becomes involved in the personal lives of her relatives. [return][return]Mozart is charmed by his spirited young charge, but dismayed at her virtual imprisonment by a mother desperately attempting to keep her away from bad influences. Ah, but is Mama herself a doubtful example? Is her alleged lover pilfering funds?

Mozart accompanies the Princess and her retinue when her mother reluctantly allows her to meet her illegitimate cousins, the numerous Fitzclarences, born of King Williams long liaison with the actress Mrs. Jordan. The visit is fraught with political significance, as the country does not like the estrangement between the King and his heir. The interactions of the extended family are well drawn and extremely interesting. Characters are brought vividly to life. This is the personal side of court life that so rarely makes it into history.

Violence at the happy gathering causes Mozart to suspect that someone is out to remove Princess Victoria from the line of succession.

A thoroughly enjoyable book. I wish there were more in the series. ( )