Novelleja I

A witty glimpse into an aristocratic household where tradition and impatience collide. The old Count of Rauhalinna, ever the lover of surprise, promises an “unexpected entertainment” to settle his daughter Beatrice’s long‑delayed betrothal, while his wife, the Countess, frets over the growing gossip and the social pressure mounting around them. Their banter, filled with playful threats of “suffering” and flippant smiles, sets a light‑hearted yet revealing tone for the drama.

Beatrice, the count’s daughter, sits at the heart of the conflict: though she bears the family’s wealth, her modest looks make her an unlikely match in the eyes of the noble circle. The Countess battles the prejudices of proud young lords who scoff at the idea of a “plain” bride, hoping to persuade them that Beatrice’s virtues outweigh her appearance. As the household teeters between humor and heartfelt concern, listeners are invited into a world where love, pride, and societal expectations intertwine in charmingly awkward conversation.