A New Novel, Part 205 Lady Natalya Never Made Tea Like that for Me

A New Novel, Part 205 Lady Natalya Never Made Tea Like that for Me

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is learning how to make breakfast from Ekaterina…

In the kitchen, Aksinya carefully followed Ekaterina’s instructions and stood and stirred the kasha while the tea seeped.  Ekaterina started with fresh tea leaves and prepared a very potent brew.  Throughout the day, she could then make fresh tea by diluting the concentrated tea with boiling water.  Aksinya watched what Ekaterina did.  Finally she remarked, “Lady Natalya never made tea like that for me.”

Ekaterina laughed, “She probably made you English tea.  If we had a samovar, we could have tea any time we wanted all day long.  As it is, we will have to heat water at noon and for supper.  Now put everything on the table.”

Aksinya raised her head.

“Just put it on the table,” Ekaterina smiled.

The moment Aksinya finished placing the food on the table, Father Makar and Father Dobrushin magically appeared.  They sat down in their usual seats and then Ekaterina and Aksinya.

Aksinya is learning.  She is very quick about these things, but you knew that.   She watches and she repeats it.  She follows the instructions.  This also lets me show you about making Russian tea and remind you about Natalya. 

In Russia, at this time, the poor made their tea Russian style.  The wealthy and the aristocrats made their tea European style.  Lady Natalya is a very refined lady indeed because that is the tea she made—but we knew that.  It is important to remind you.

Aksinya is learning to set the table.  She is learning to serve the food.  All this is new to her.  We also see the precedence in the rectory.  Ekaterina may be in charge, but she defers to her husband.  Aksinya follows obediently in this too.  Tomorrow, breakfast.