Catherine I had a niece. She managed to be known as a secular lioness, but behind the gloss of the title was an unfortunate woman and mother, a simpleton, who was mercilessly exploited by courtiers.
The fate of the wife of Peter I resembles the tale of Cinderella. The empress's relatives from the people tried to repeat her path to fame and fortune. Despite the efforts of Ekaterina Alekseevna, they were ridiculed by their contemporaries, and their names were consigned to oblivion. Only the biography of the niece of a crowned commoner attracts the attention of historians.
Childhood
The scandalous relationship of Peter Alekseevich with a certain Marta Skavronskaya aroused keen interest among the foreign enemies of the Russian sovereign. The wedding of the sweet couple in 1712 was the signal for action. At one of the balls, the newly-made empress was introduced to her brother Karl through the efforts of foreign ambassadors brought from Poland. The unhappy woman fainted when she saw him. Peter corrected the situation - he promised to make this redneck a man for whom his wife would not be ashamed.
It turned out that Karl Skavronsky arrived at the court not alone, but with his wife Marya. In 1722 a girl was born to them, who was named Anna. The dubious origins of her parents did not allow us to assume that this baby would be able to make a career as a court lady. Everything changed when in 1727 the widow Empress Catherine I elevated her family to the rank of count. Anyuta was immediately appointed the maid of honor of Elizaveta Petrovna, taken from the house, where the title was celebrated with abundant libations.
At court
Tsesarevna was not much older than Anna. She liked the kind and smart girl who quickly mastered the rules of etiquette and was friendly with everyone. The future empress became attached to her cousin and did not hesitate to remind the nobles that the same blood flows in their veins. Immediately after the coronation, Elizabeth decided to fulfill her sister's cherished desire - to arrange her marriage. She appointed her closest associate Mikhail Vorontsov as the groom.
The wedding took place in January 1742. Elizaveta Petrovna blessed the young family and presented valuable gifts, among which was the place of the lady of state for Anna Karlovna. After 2 years, the Vorontsovs were elevated to the count's dignity. By that time, our heroine had already become a mother. Her daughter, born in 1743, was named Anna and the Empress as godmother. Happiness did not stay long in her house. Michael allowed himself to make friends with the enemies of the empress and, when a scandal erupted, he went abroad. Anna Vorontsova left her homeland after her husband.
Socialite
Misha doted on his Annushka, but he was stupid. The woman found solace in the acquisition of fashionable outfits and drinking alcohol. She was often accompanied by foreign politicians who wanted to learn more about the Russian court. Elizaveta Petrovna soon missed her cousin and forgave her unlucky husband. The Vorontsov couple were able to return to Russia.
The Empress learned about the bad inclinations of her relative, however, decided to use them for her own good. She often came to visit Anna and, in a friendly conversation, found out which of the foreign diplomats had dropped in to her, what they said. Sometimes such visits turned into an embarrassment - Elizabeth's words inadvertently spoken became known to all of the Vorontsovs' friends. The empress also cared about the fate of her goddaughter. The girl received a good education, was known as a beauty and needed a decent party.
Stormy sea of politics
The active Ekaterina Petrovna undertook to arrange the fate of Anna Mikhailovna herself. She ordered the return of Baron Alexander Stroganov from abroad. In 1758, a twenty-five-year-old aristocrat took a teenage girl to the altar. Now it was necessary to make a contribution to the material well-being of the newlyweds, and the empress appointed the baron ambassador. Madame Vorontsova received letters from her daughter and learned from strangers the shocking details of her personal life. While her son-in-law was working for the good of the Russian State, her child was having fun with her lovers.
When a bride for the heir to the throne arrived in Russia from Germany, Elizabeth ordered her cousin not to kiss the guest's hands. The Empress did everything to ensure that the Skavronsky descendants, after her death, would support Peter III, and not this visiting intriguer. The new monarch did not forget the instructions of his aunt, he awarded Anna Vorontsova with the Order of St. Catherine and was arrested in the company of this lady and her faithful. Our heroine was not a timid dozen - she came to the new empress and tried to give her the order. Catherine II responded by inviting her to her coronation.
Grief
If for Anna Vorontsova herself, the palace coup became a test, for her daughter it was the finale of married life. Mr. Stroganov supported Catherine II, and his wife - the emperor. Constant quarrels led to the fact that the couple parted. The Baroness returned to her mother and filed for divorce. The Empress, although she paid tribute to the courage of the Skavronsky, did not want to participate in the adventures of the representatives of this scandalous family, she refused the petition. The young woman was very nervous and died in 1796 in the arms of her mother.
Having survived the death of her child, Anna Karlovna did not lose heart. In her home, she received famous writers and playwrights, helped them to promote their work. The aristocrat took care of her husband's orphaned nephews and attended social events. Anna Vorontsova died in 1775.
