5. Rudolf and Josef

Josef was a godsend to Rudolf. He was a trustworthy outsider, immune to palace intrigue, and his unmarked cab could pass unnoticed among the cabs and carriages that brought visitors to and from the Hofburg.

Rudolf drew close enough to Josef to visit him and Johanna in the apartment building where they were then living. According to Josef's stepdaughter Antonia, Rudolf, accompanied by Mizzi Caspar, came twice in November of 1888.

"The Crown Prince was tall, slim, wore civilian clothes and a hat. He spoke with a high voice, had magnificent teeth, and was extremely kind to us. We, too, admired and loved him very much.... [Mizzi], about 25 years old at the time, was tall, dark-skinned, very pretty and personable, and was also very nice to our family." (Konhäuser)

Johanna Bratfisch was an excellent cook and at Rudolf's request served his favourite dish of rolled roast with spicy Liptauer cheese. After supper Josef and Johanna sang Viennese songs for Rudolf and Mizzi.

According to Antonia, "The Crown Prince was very casual, but repeatedly sank into a state of deep seriousness, so that [Mizzi] (I remember clearly) admonished him: 'Your Imperial Highness takes things far too seriously,' whereupon the Crown Prince smiled again" (Konhäuser).