The return of the Queen-mother was now solemnly demanded by a deputation of grandees, senators, and deputies. The necessity of the young Queen having a person of experience at her side was eloquently set forth; and those who were envious of the power of Gonzalez Brabo eagerly advised a course which would curtail his influence and lead to the supremacy of the Moderates. So Maria Cristina returned to Spain on February 28, 1844, arriving at Barcelona on March 4, and at Madrid on March 21. However, Gonzalez Brabo managed to retain power under the new state of affairs, albeit at the price of being termed a traitor by his own party. In spite of being accused of acting as a panderer to the Moderates, Olozaga’s advice to the Queen to legalize the marriage of her mother with Don Fernando Muñoz was a step of good policy. The ceremony in the chapel of the royal palace was celebrated by the Patriarch of the Indias. The husband was endowed with the decorations and dignities of his position, and the Queen published the following decree: “With due regard to the weighty reasons set forth by my august mother, Doña Maria Cristina de Bourbon, I have authorized her, after listening to the counsel of my Ministry, to contract a marriage with Don Fernando Muñoz, Duke of Rianzares, and I declare that the fact of her contracting this marriage of conscience, albeit with a person of unequal rank, in no way lessens my favour and love; and she is to retain all the honours and prerogatives and distinctions due to her as Queen-mother. But her husband is only to enjoy the honours, prerogatives, and distinctions, due to his class and title; and the children of this marriage are to remain subject to Article 12, of Law 9, Title 11, Book 10, of the Novisima Recopilacion, being able to inherit the free property of their parents according to the laws. “Signed by the Royal Hand and the Minister of Grace and Justice, “LUIS MAYANS. “Given in the Palace, “October 11, 1844.” Wherever the young Queen appeared with her sister in the country, their simple, unsophisticated ways filled the people with love and admiration. One day, being only accompanied by two Ladies-in-Waiting, they went to a village fête not very far from San Sebastian. “Do you come from San Sebastian?” asked the peasants, with the freedom characteristic of the country-folk in Spain. “Yes, we do,” replied the Queen. “And do you belong to the military?” “No,” said the Queen, repressing a smile, “we are not military people.” “But at least you are Castilians?” “Yes,” returned the Queen promptly; “we are girls from Madrid.” “And do you like this part?” queried the interlocutor. “Very much,” replied the Queen. “It is very cheerful.” “Well,” continued the peasant, with frank familiarity, “sit down a bit and see the lads dance.”