Hortense utilise la tromperie pour rassurer son mari Louis.

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Hortense benutzt Täuschung, um ihren entfremdeten Ehemann Louis zu beruhigen.

This is the story of how Hortense attempted to save her sons from the Austrian oligarchy.
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The Austrians' first word on arriving was to inquire about General Zucchi. We were looking for him everywhere. His misfortune was only too certain.
The ship, which left with so little wind, was taken and brought back by the Austrian frigates. We went to identify the prisoners.
Zucchi, although he had taken another name, gave himself up, hoping to save his companions in misfortune. He behaved with firmness and courage. I only knew Zucchi by reputation; but I could only feel anguish in seeing him taken prisoner to Venice, along with all the other Italians, in spite of the openly proclaimed amnesty.
I was also keenly occupied with my husband's dreadful anxiety when he learned that a ship in Ancona had been taken: he had to suppose his son there, and he knew the dangers he could run.
The Austrian Minister in Florence had not hidden these dangers from him. I found no other way than to reassure him than by getting to him a note written in the hand of his son, dated from Corfu, in which he announced his arrival, and begged him not to worry about him, adding that he would write to him again only once he had reached England.
If deception is allowed, it is in this case. I have no doubt because according to my intention, this act succeeded in reassuring an unhappy father; but later I was not forgiven for having used detours.
My husband's whole family later comes together to blame me for getting a son to trick his father for a while. That's what it was called. But I don't regret it; I followed, as always, the impulse of my heart, and I would do the same again.
I accept all the torments for myself; I know what an awful things it is to worry, and I find myself happy to help reassure others. How can one judge me, in the position in which I was, how could I, without running the risk of sacrificing my son, tell the truth by mail? And should I leave to a desperate father the cruel fear of having his only remaining son taken away?

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C'est l'histoire de la façon dont Hortense a tenté de sauver ses fils de l'oligarchie autrichienne.