The Rothschild family, who perhaps had been more
powerful during the reign of Louis Philippe than later on, at
least as regards the political influence and power which they
wielded, had acquired a far greater social position during the
Second Empire, and one which became even stronger after its
fall, when for one brief moment they transferred their allegiance
to the Comte de Paris and to the whole Orleans family. The
Baron Alphonse was a very great personage indeed, and
one of whom even kings and countries stood in awe. He
had married one of his cousins, the daughter of the London
Rothschild, and the grace, beauty, and intelligence of his
wife won them many friends among Parisian society. The
couple entertained on a large scale, and their balls, dinners,
and shooting parties at their lovely castle of Ferrieres were
celebrated for the luxury displayed at them and for the
discriminating choice of the guests invited. It was at Ferrieres
that the Princess Amelie, the daughter of the Comte de Paris,
made her debut in society, and later on, especially during the
Exhibition of 1878, the Rothschilds opened their doors widely
to the best French and foreign society. The death of their
eldest daughter, Bettina, married to her cousin, Baron Albert
Rothschild of Vienna, put an end to those brilliant festivities.
