The French monarchist, cavalry officer Georges Charles Dantes lived a long life. The politician, senator of the Second Empire, made a considerable contribution to the development of his country. But for every Russian person, his name is associated with a fatal shot that mortally wounded Alexander Pushkin.
A family
The distant ancestors of Dantes came from the island of Gotland. The first baron title was his great-grandfather, who began a noble dynasty. The noble title was granted to him for success in commerce. Georges was born in 1812 in the city of Colmar, he was the third child in the family of Baron Dantes and Countess Gatsfeldt. A pretty, blond boy on the mother's side was a distant relative of Pushkin. Then he could not know that fate, years later, would bring them together.
Service
After primary education, Georges studied at the Bourbon Lyceum, but did not finish it, study was hard for him. This was followed by training in Saint-Cyr, the second most prestigious military school, which he also did not complete - the July revolution prevented it. For some time the young man lived with his father, and then decided to start a military career. Having received letters of recommendation, Dantes went to Russia "to catch happiness and ranks." He appeared in Petersburg in September 1833 and entered the Cavalry Guard regiment. Cornet was full of ambition and wanted to rise to Field Marshal. He became the bodyguard of the Empress and easily entered high society. Contemporaries described him as a stately and handsome young officer who knew science, languages and perfectly performed official duties. There is a version that this was facilitated by the patronage of Baron Hekkern.
Personal life
Nice appearance made Georges a favorite of high society. He often attended balls, danced well and gained the attention of the opposite sex. Numerous novels are credited to Cornet. A lot of talk was caused by the adoption of a young man by Geckern, conducted in violation of the laws.
In January 1735, Dantes met Natalia Pushkina, wife of Alexander Pushkin and the first beauty of the capital. The passionately in love officer pursued the poet's wife. When Alexander Sergeyevich found out about the affair, he challenged his opponent.
Duel
After the first message, the Frenchman asked to postpone the meeting for two weeks. During this time, he made an offer to Ekaterina Goncharova, Natalia’s sister. The girl in love, without hesitation, agreed. The wedding made the men relatives, but did not resolve their conflict. Dantes continued to flirt with Natalya Nikolaevna, "barracks puns" about the Pushkin family crawled around the city. Jealous husband was forced to send a second call. Prior to this, Alexander was the initiator of a dozen duels, for some the writer received an “invitation” from opponents. Dantes attended the duel for the first time. After a tragic meeting at the Black River, Pushkin died of his wounds three days later, and George was deported from the country.
