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Synopsis - Act II Act two takes place in the extravagant Faninal home, the family in which the Baron von Ochs is planning to marry into. The patriarch Faninal excitedly prepares the home and waits for the Baron to arrive. Octavian arrives first, and presents the ceremonial silver rose to Sophie. The two fall operatically, desperately, in love, in the midst of which the Baron arrives to be presented to Sophie.
Octavian steps back, and the Baron takes in the luxurious surroundings, and critically examines his wife-to-be. His free hands and impudent manner disgust Sophie, who (as soon as the Baron leaves to draw up a formal marriage contract with her father) begs Octavian to help her out of the marriage. Octavian promises to not let her marry the Baron, but their deal is secretly observed by the sneaky Valzacchi and Annina. The Baron returns, Octavian proclaims that Sophie will not marry, and a duel ensues. The Baron suffers a surface wound to the arm, and wails that he has been murdered. The furious father Faninal excuses Octavian, orders a doctor, and proclaims that his daughter will marry the Baron von Ochs dead or alive. A tearful Sophie fleas the room. Bandaged and no longer wailing, the Baron receives a note from Annina, promising a meeting with the fair Mariandel (again, Octavian in drag) the following night. The Baron, delighted but cheap, refuses to tip the messenger, an action that will have dire consequences.
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