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, Natalya, and the Bockmanns have arrived at Ernst Father's estate. The immediate greetings are complete. Now, the Graf leads them into the house...
The Graf seemed even more pleased, “I understand completely, Countess. Very well, it is cold outside, and I understand your delicate nature. Please, let us retire to the ballroom. There are refreshments, and I’m certain, my guests would like to make your acquaintance.” The Graf extended his arm toward Aksinya. She took it. Ernst frowned and gave his arm to Natalya. They made their way into the house with the Graf von Taaffe and the Countess Golitsyna in the lead.
The interior of the mansion was similar to the outside. The floor was set stone, and very old. Martial emblems and weapons decorated the walls. The foyer was large and the walls were very thick. Heavy tapestries attempted to contain the chill from the outside, but they only helped increase the temperature a little. Inside, with the Graf’s help, a footman took Aksinya’s cloak. They made their way up a long stone staircase to the next floor. That opened to a long room which ran over half the length of the front of the house. At the far end of the ballroom, a string quartet played gentle waltz music. Against the inside wall were two large fireplaces filled with roaring wood fires. The floors here were also stone, but thick oriental rugs covered them. The temperature was also much more to Aksinya’s liking, but a persistent draft touched the room with a slight chill.
Five other very well dressed couples conversed in the room. When the new arrivals entered, they all turned toward the Graf and his visitors. Graf von Taaffe pulled Aksinya gently ahead of him, “Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you, the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.” Everyone made a deep bow or curtsy. The Graf continued, “My son, Ernst is courting the Countess."
A quiet mummer ran through the ballroom.
Graf von Taaffe smiled, “I will introduce the Countess to each of you when it is convenient for her.”
Aksinya blushed again, “Please continue, I will be pleased to make your acquaintance.”
The entire room made an obeisance to her again.
The Graf laughed and gestured Ernst forward. He placed Aksinya’s hand on Ernst’s arm and announced to the group, “Accompanying the Countess is her aunt and uncle, my friends, the Freiherr and Freifrau Bockmann. You all are acquainted with them already. And also, the Countess’s lady-in-waiting, a member of the Russian court, the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska.”
The group bowed to the Freiherr, Freifrau, and Natalya.
The Graf nodded to Ernst, “Come Ernst let us introduce the Countess.” With Natalya directly behind them, the Graf led Aksinya around to each of his friends and holders. They were mostly lower nobility and some politicians from the local area. None were as high as a Freiherr in rank.
When the introductions were finished, Aksinya had only a few moments to stand at one of the fireplaces beside Ernst while he engaged in conversation with his father’s guests. Aksinya didn’t speak much to them. She didn’t have time to become comfortable before a house servant came around to announce that dinner was served.
I left out an important observation yesterday. I'm certain you saw it, but just to make sure. When Ernst's father offers his arm to Aksinya, this is most proper--the Count should escort the Countess. Anything else is really unthinkable in the society, but Ernst frowns when he gives his arm to Natalya. Everything is proper, but you should wonder, why did Ernst frown. The first reason is the most obvious, he wanted to escort Aksinya, the Countess, and not Natalya. The second, if the Graf allowed Ernst to escort Aksinya, the Countess, that would be a direct indicator of his father's pleasure and certainty that Ernst is ready to assume the duties as Graf. Ernst wants this approval very much, especially in front of Aksinya. We will see very soon how this all plays out.
The scene setting continues inside the house. As I've mentioned before, my point is to provide enough description to spark your own imagination. I agree with Arlo Guthrie and Ernest Hemingway on this that too much description makes a book like a movie or a screenplay. You don't want to give so much to your readers that they are locked in the view only the author or producer imagined. You want to give scope to the reader's imagination to fill out a scene in the boundary of their own imagination. The author must put enough into the description to bound the scene for the reader and install inside it the props necessary for the story, plot, and theme. Too much is a burden on the reader and too little an equal burden.
So the description...I already told you the house looked like a castle and gave some details that focused (bound) your mind in a certain way. The interior just confirms to you the way you knew it had to be. The important point is the temperature. Anyone who has been inside a real castle knows they are impossible to heat. It is the middle of winter. The contrast is the warm welcome of the family and later the guests and the cold thick stone.
Remember the three floors I mentioned before? The ballroom is on the second floor (the floor with the medium sized windows). A string quartet plays a waltz, and the two fireplaces are blazing. The room's still cold. There is a persistent chill through the room--just scene setting here.
We see five couples--so this is a small party, only 16 people total. You can guess they were all hand-picked by the Graf. The reason for this will become obvious later. The Graf introduces Aksinya to the group. This is proper, but even more proper is an individual introduction especially to royalty. I mentioned this before too. The Graf tells them Ernst is courting Aksinya. There is some excitement at the announcement, but they likely already know this juicy tidbit of gossip. The Graf wants everyone to know--especially Aksinya, that he accepts her and accepts his sons decision. Look at the etiquette of the group. It is perfect--they are hand-picked. Aksinya's reply is perfect too.
The Graf places Aksinya's hand on Ernst arm. In this group and at this time, he is willing to hand over the countess to his son. The precedence of rank is obvious here. He has announced that they are courting, this is indeed the right thing to do, but he still stays close--he is not willing to give the appearance that he is handing anything else over to his son.The Graf then introduces the rest of the newcomers. Note, the Bockmanns know these people. Surely, at a party so far out of Wein, there might be a single person the Bockmanns might not know. No, the Graf wants this to be a perfect party and evening. He has picked the people for their decorum and rank. They all know the Bockmanns--there will be no surprises tonight. That is the obvious intention of the Graf. The Graf laughed for pleasure. He is happy everything is working out just as he planned it.
The Graf with Ernst then takes Aksinya (and Ernst) around the room to make private introductions. You can guess what these are like--I don't need to tell you. Natalya follows obediently along. We find that these people are all holders to the Graf in one way or another.
Aksinya is chilled and uncomfortable. She knew what this party would be like from the beginning--she knows all about parties. Isn't she the one who ended up a wallflower at the Advent party? Finally, it is time for dinner--that's a bit of luxuria Aksinya can delve into. Tomorrow, dinner at Steinholtz.
Showing posts with label aristocracy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aristocracy. Show all posts
Friday, March 4, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
A New Novel, Part 138 Versailles Will Lead to Something Worse
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.
The soup course is served. This gives a natural break in the conversation. Can you imagine Aksinya. She isn't very happy, but still she is not entirely unhappy...
The waiters appeared to take away the soup and serve the fish. They brought out a fish knife and a small fork. They placed a small trout fillet before each of them. It was covered with a cream sauce. Aksinya turned a little away from Ernst and took a bite.
Ernst ate a forkful of the tender fish himself. He wiped his lips, “Countess, there are many more events that touch this world and Austria right now.”
Aksinya whispered, “None is more important than my sorrow.”
Ernst made a serious face, “That may be true, but the end of the war has placed a great burden on the Austrian and German people. You see the beggars in the street even in this freezing weather. The usual restaurants can barely keep their doors open. We have coffee and tea—they drink hot barely water. And I see little improvement in the future. For example, the treaty of Versailles in itself may cause suffering for all of us.”
“What is this treaty of Versailles?”
“It is the agreement the allies forced on Germany to conclude the war.”
“Is it onerous?”
“It is indeed onerous. It calls for reparations the German people will never be able to afford. Their aristocracy is in collapse. It is not yet certain who will lead them forward.”
“A man who is noble, forthright, and courageous must lead them.”
“I would that there was such a man. I expect they will be led by an egotistical commoner and fool. The people there have rejected their nobility.”
“And I understand your people here have decided to reject your nobility too.”
“Ah, so you have heard?”
“At school.”
“It is true. The parliament intends to dissolve the aristocracy.”
“If you hold no true fealty, then there is no purpose for an aristocracy in Austria.”
Ernst smiled, “There you have found us out, Countess. We have no reason to exist, and the parliament will erase even the slight nobility left us.”
“Nobility is not a question of birth, but rather how a man carries himself.”
“What did you say?”
“It is something my father often reminded me.”
“Yes, well…”
The waiters brought the main meat course. It was wiener schnitzel with puffy potato croquettes in a demi glace sauce. Aksinya was delighted. Although she and Ernst made a few additional remarks about the meal, their conversation after that wasn’t very remarkable. They completed their dinner with a salad, a cheese course, and a desert. The courses were a little larger than those at Sacré Coeur, but much smaller than those before the war. Desert was an apple strudel with whipped cream. The whipped cream was not sweet, but the desert more than made up for it.
When they finished eating, Ernst stood and helped Aksinya and Natalya out of their seats. The maid who held their coats and gloves came to them. She assisted Aksinya first with hers and then Natalya, finally Herr von Taaffe. With a deep curtsy, she reverently handed Aksinya her bouquet. They had been placed in water the whole time and still were fresh. Ernst led them both back out of the Palais Coburg Hotel Residenz and helped them into his landau. The carriage headed off down the cold and damp streets of Wien.
The conversation continues as I continue to show you a meal typical of this class and time. Ernst unwisely turns the conversation from the nobility to current affairs. Aksinya's first answer is very revealing. We understand it completely, Ernst does not. We know the true depths of Aksinya's sorrow. Ernst gives us a little more information about the times. He brings up the treaty of Versailles and notes it may cause worse suffering. This is historical grandizing that I use to show that both Aksinya and Ernst are very knowledgeable. The point, we know, is the treaty of Versailles led directly to WWII. Aksinya hopes for a courageous man of noble character to lead them. Ernst rightly predicts an egotistical commoner and fool (it was Hitler, an Austrian) who ended up leading the German people.
The German's rejected their nobility following WWI. The Austrians are in the process of doing that too. In the late spring of 1919, the Austrian parliament voted out the aristocracy. Aksinya heard this from the girls in school. Aksinya notes there is no purpose for an aristocracy if they don't hold people in their fealty. She follows this with a statement we know is her expression of self. It is so important to her, I'll repeat it: “Nobility is not a question of birth, but rather how a man carries himself.” Aksinya's father often told her this. From the lips of a nobleman, it is likely not very meaningful, but in the context of who Aksinya is, we know this is very important to her.
We see the meat course. This dish is a favorite in Germany and Austria. I give you a list of the remaining courses with some comment on the size of them. The chapter ends with Aksinya, Natalya, and Ernst retrieving their cloaks and Aksinya, her bouquet. The hotel took care of them--they realize their worth. Then back to the laudau and away. Sorry, I didn't end the chapter with a kicker. This chapter became too long, and I just decided to break it here. Tomorrow, we begin chapter 12 at the ballet.
The soup course is served. This gives a natural break in the conversation. Can you imagine Aksinya. She isn't very happy, but still she is not entirely unhappy...
The waiters appeared to take away the soup and serve the fish. They brought out a fish knife and a small fork. They placed a small trout fillet before each of them. It was covered with a cream sauce. Aksinya turned a little away from Ernst and took a bite.
Ernst ate a forkful of the tender fish himself. He wiped his lips, “Countess, there are many more events that touch this world and Austria right now.”
Aksinya whispered, “None is more important than my sorrow.”
Ernst made a serious face, “That may be true, but the end of the war has placed a great burden on the Austrian and German people. You see the beggars in the street even in this freezing weather. The usual restaurants can barely keep their doors open. We have coffee and tea—they drink hot barely water. And I see little improvement in the future. For example, the treaty of Versailles in itself may cause suffering for all of us.”
“What is this treaty of Versailles?”
“It is the agreement the allies forced on Germany to conclude the war.”
“Is it onerous?”
“It is indeed onerous. It calls for reparations the German people will never be able to afford. Their aristocracy is in collapse. It is not yet certain who will lead them forward.”
“A man who is noble, forthright, and courageous must lead them.”
“I would that there was such a man. I expect they will be led by an egotistical commoner and fool. The people there have rejected their nobility.”
“And I understand your people here have decided to reject your nobility too.”
“Ah, so you have heard?”
“At school.”
“It is true. The parliament intends to dissolve the aristocracy.”
“If you hold no true fealty, then there is no purpose for an aristocracy in Austria.”
Ernst smiled, “There you have found us out, Countess. We have no reason to exist, and the parliament will erase even the slight nobility left us.”
“Nobility is not a question of birth, but rather how a man carries himself.”
“What did you say?”
“It is something my father often reminded me.”
“Yes, well…”
The waiters brought the main meat course. It was wiener schnitzel with puffy potato croquettes in a demi glace sauce. Aksinya was delighted. Although she and Ernst made a few additional remarks about the meal, their conversation after that wasn’t very remarkable. They completed their dinner with a salad, a cheese course, and a desert. The courses were a little larger than those at Sacré Coeur, but much smaller than those before the war. Desert was an apple strudel with whipped cream. The whipped cream was not sweet, but the desert more than made up for it.
When they finished eating, Ernst stood and helped Aksinya and Natalya out of their seats. The maid who held their coats and gloves came to them. She assisted Aksinya first with hers and then Natalya, finally Herr von Taaffe. With a deep curtsy, she reverently handed Aksinya her bouquet. They had been placed in water the whole time and still were fresh. Ernst led them both back out of the Palais Coburg Hotel Residenz and helped them into his landau. The carriage headed off down the cold and damp streets of Wien.
The conversation continues as I continue to show you a meal typical of this class and time. Ernst unwisely turns the conversation from the nobility to current affairs. Aksinya's first answer is very revealing. We understand it completely, Ernst does not. We know the true depths of Aksinya's sorrow. Ernst gives us a little more information about the times. He brings up the treaty of Versailles and notes it may cause worse suffering. This is historical grandizing that I use to show that both Aksinya and Ernst are very knowledgeable. The point, we know, is the treaty of Versailles led directly to WWII. Aksinya hopes for a courageous man of noble character to lead them. Ernst rightly predicts an egotistical commoner and fool (it was Hitler, an Austrian) who ended up leading the German people.
The German's rejected their nobility following WWI. The Austrians are in the process of doing that too. In the late spring of 1919, the Austrian parliament voted out the aristocracy. Aksinya heard this from the girls in school. Aksinya notes there is no purpose for an aristocracy if they don't hold people in their fealty. She follows this with a statement we know is her expression of self. It is so important to her, I'll repeat it: “Nobility is not a question of birth, but rather how a man carries himself.” Aksinya's father often told her this. From the lips of a nobleman, it is likely not very meaningful, but in the context of who Aksinya is, we know this is very important to her.
We see the meat course. This dish is a favorite in Germany and Austria. I give you a list of the remaining courses with some comment on the size of them. The chapter ends with Aksinya, Natalya, and Ernst retrieving their cloaks and Aksinya, her bouquet. The hotel took care of them--they realize their worth. Then back to the laudau and away. Sorry, I didn't end the chapter with a kicker. This chapter became too long, and I just decided to break it here. Tomorrow, we begin chapter 12 at the ballet.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A New Novel, Part 136 You have so Little Purpose
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 wondrous 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 Wien, Austria.
Ernst has taken Aksinya to the Palais Coburg Hotel for dinner. They are in the Red Room, a very exclusive place in the very exclusive Palais Coburg. Ernst has asked Aksinya to call him by his first name. Aksinya remains in command of the conversation and addresses Ernst...
“In any case, Ernst, am I to understand that you didn’t participate in the war?”
“Ah, but I did, Countess. I marched off with the first wave and served honorably until my father caught me. At his insistence, the Army sent me back and assigned me as an adjutant to a General in Wien. I would still be there except for the end of the war and the reduction of the military. They didn’t need a half Graf who was a lieutenant at full pay. So I am back to my old habits.”
“And what are those?”
“In general, I read. I study Latin. You understand why. I go to breakfast, luncheon, and dinner at my favorite restaurants in Wien. I visit my friends and my father’s friends. It is a pleasant existence.”
Aksinya pressed her lips together again.
“You disapprove?”
“A nobleman should be about a nobleman’s business…”
“And what is that?”
“Managing his estate. Keeping his horses and property. What about your people? Who holds court over them and judges their problems?”
Ernst laughed, “The aristocracy in Austria is much different than you imagine. My estate is not made up of lands and people. Although my father does have some property, and I keep a house here in town, our family’s wealth is in stocks and bonds. We hold industrial agreements and own factories.”
“And your people?”
“No one looks to us.”
“That is sad, you have so little purpose.”
The waiters poured them another glass of wine. This was just a little sweeter than the last. They removed the plates and utensils and exchanged them for a spoon and a small bowl of soup. The size of the spoon was petite and matched to the size of Aksinya’s mouth. She was very pleased with it. The soup pleased her as well. It was a buttery consume of some kind of squash and little bits of bacon. The wine matched it well.
You can count on Aksinya to pounce on the very singular issue that might be a problem in Ernst's life. She choses the subject that no one will speak of here in Austria right now--the war. Austria lost the war. Austria is in ruins because of the war. The war took food from the people and life from the society. No one speaks about the war, and Aksinya knows this. She wants to know about Ernst. This is her way of testing the man. She finds out that he was an officer. She also discovers what he does for a living--nothing. He is absolutely useless. That really angers her, but she is willing to let it slip--for now. She does admonish him. That is when we learn about the shape of the Austrian nobility. It is very different than the nobility Aksinya is used to. She can only judge based on what she knows. Her judgement is very harsh because she disapproves of Ernst's casual approach to his life. All of this conversation per their culture is couched in gentle terms and gentleness.
Still, now we know a lot about Ernst. We know he fought in the war. He is not a coward. He is a wealthy man who doesn't desire to work. He doesn't hold his nobility as very important. Aksinya wants more, but she is happy with her luxuria for right now. In the transition, we get a serving of the soup with more wine. Tommorrow, Ernst grills Aksinya.
Ernst has taken Aksinya to the Palais Coburg Hotel for dinner. They are in the Red Room, a very exclusive place in the very exclusive Palais Coburg. Ernst has asked Aksinya to call him by his first name. Aksinya remains in command of the conversation and addresses Ernst...
“In any case, Ernst, am I to understand that you didn’t participate in the war?”
“Ah, but I did, Countess. I marched off with the first wave and served honorably until my father caught me. At his insistence, the Army sent me back and assigned me as an adjutant to a General in Wien. I would still be there except for the end of the war and the reduction of the military. They didn’t need a half Graf who was a lieutenant at full pay. So I am back to my old habits.”
“And what are those?”
“In general, I read. I study Latin. You understand why. I go to breakfast, luncheon, and dinner at my favorite restaurants in Wien. I visit my friends and my father’s friends. It is a pleasant existence.”
Aksinya pressed her lips together again.
“You disapprove?”
“A nobleman should be about a nobleman’s business…”
“And what is that?”
“Managing his estate. Keeping his horses and property. What about your people? Who holds court over them and judges their problems?”
Ernst laughed, “The aristocracy in Austria is much different than you imagine. My estate is not made up of lands and people. Although my father does have some property, and I keep a house here in town, our family’s wealth is in stocks and bonds. We hold industrial agreements and own factories.”
“And your people?”
“No one looks to us.”
“That is sad, you have so little purpose.”
The waiters poured them another glass of wine. This was just a little sweeter than the last. They removed the plates and utensils and exchanged them for a spoon and a small bowl of soup. The size of the spoon was petite and matched to the size of Aksinya’s mouth. She was very pleased with it. The soup pleased her as well. It was a buttery consume of some kind of squash and little bits of bacon. The wine matched it well.
You can count on Aksinya to pounce on the very singular issue that might be a problem in Ernst's life. She choses the subject that no one will speak of here in Austria right now--the war. Austria lost the war. Austria is in ruins because of the war. The war took food from the people and life from the society. No one speaks about the war, and Aksinya knows this. She wants to know about Ernst. This is her way of testing the man. She finds out that he was an officer. She also discovers what he does for a living--nothing. He is absolutely useless. That really angers her, but she is willing to let it slip--for now. She does admonish him. That is when we learn about the shape of the Austrian nobility. It is very different than the nobility Aksinya is used to. She can only judge based on what she knows. Her judgement is very harsh because she disapproves of Ernst's casual approach to his life. All of this conversation per their culture is couched in gentle terms and gentleness.
Still, now we know a lot about Ernst. We know he fought in the war. He is not a coward. He is a wealthy man who doesn't desire to work. He doesn't hold his nobility as very important. Aksinya wants more, but she is happy with her luxuria for right now. In the transition, we get a serving of the soup with more wine. Tommorrow, Ernst grills Aksinya.
Friday, February 4, 2011
A New Novel, Part 124 I Concede the Field to You
At dinner, Aksinya wants information about Ernst von Taaffe. She suddenly has to contend with all kinds of problems at the table...
Aksinya turned her head toward the lady, “Because I had too much wine to drink.”
Fraulein Trauen slitted her eyes, “A young woman should always be careful and decorous.”
Lady Natalya had been following the conversation in German fairly well, “My mistress was both careful and decorous. I just had to help her up the stairs to bed.”
Fraulein Pfaff puffed out her cheeks, “You should be more careful than that. It is as Fraulein Trauen says, Ernst von Taaffe would be a good match for you.”
Fraulein Vogt put up her chin, “Such connections are meaningless now. My father told me, during the next session, the new Austrian Parliament intends to ban the aristocracy.”
The ladies across the table nodded sagely. Aksinya sunk a little lower in her seat. Natalya looked puzzled.
Fraulein Trauen smiled slyly, “Then there is no reason you should be careful or decorous, and then little reason for Ernst von Taaffe to not entertain us also.”
Aksinya scowled, “I understand your meaning there too. You mean I would not be able to attract Ernst von Taaffe except that I am a countess.”
Fraulein Trauen bit her lip. She looked down her nose at Aksinya, “It is usually not polite…”
“…to say what is unspoken, but true.” Aksinya finished for her.
Fraulein Trauen rose up an inch from her seat. She slowly sat back down and let out her breath.
Aksinya didn’t move an inch, “That serves you well, Fraulein Trauen. Self control is a very important trait in a young woman.”
Fraulein Trauen sniffed.
Aksinya gave a small smile, “It is a trait that I do not possess in the least.” She turned to Natalya, “Lady Natalya are you ready to retire for the evening?”
Fraulein Trauen’s lips were tight, “Retreat, you mean.”
“I concede the field to you, Fraulein Trauen. I cannot hold it with my virtue or my beauty.” She stood.
Natalya and Aksinya returned to their house across the street. When they left the dining room, Sister Margarethe joined them at the door. Aksinya didn’t acknowledge the nun, but Natalya gave her a greeting in German.
Aksinya drank too much. Fraulein Trauen won't let it go. She makes another snide comment and Natalya gets into the mix. Fraulein Pfaff agrees, but Fraulein Vogt gives some new information. In 1919, the parliament of Austria plans to vote to end the aristocracy (they did). The end of the aristocracy is a hard thing for Aksinya to contemplate. Her entire life is about aristocracy. We will find out soon how much the concept drives her.
Fraulein Trauen just sees this as another opportunity to attack Aksinya. Aksinya is very bright, she gets it, and she is not afraid to say out loud that which Fraulein Trauen dares not say. Aksinya doesn't care about such things. She views people as they are. Although, Aksinya should be the one who takes offense, it is Fraulein Trauen who begins to get up. Aksinya wins the round--she does indeed prove her worth and nobility. She teaches a lesson that Fraulein Trauen doesn't get. Then we get a confession from Aksinya--she knows that she doesn't have self control. Actually she has unbelievable self control, but like everyone--there are things she has no self control about. These are the things she means: luxuria, sorcery, sexual desire.
If you don't love Aksinya, at least you must love her wit: “I concede the field to you, Fraulein Trauen. I cannot hold it with my virtue or my beauty.”
Aksinya and Natalya return to Aksinya's house across the street. We shall see what Aksinya tells Natalya about Ernst von Taaffe tomorrow.
Aksinya turned her head toward the lady, “Because I had too much wine to drink.”
Fraulein Trauen slitted her eyes, “A young woman should always be careful and decorous.”
Lady Natalya had been following the conversation in German fairly well, “My mistress was both careful and decorous. I just had to help her up the stairs to bed.”
Fraulein Pfaff puffed out her cheeks, “You should be more careful than that. It is as Fraulein Trauen says, Ernst von Taaffe would be a good match for you.”
Fraulein Vogt put up her chin, “Such connections are meaningless now. My father told me, during the next session, the new Austrian Parliament intends to ban the aristocracy.”
The ladies across the table nodded sagely. Aksinya sunk a little lower in her seat. Natalya looked puzzled.
Fraulein Trauen smiled slyly, “Then there is no reason you should be careful or decorous, and then little reason for Ernst von Taaffe to not entertain us also.”
Aksinya scowled, “I understand your meaning there too. You mean I would not be able to attract Ernst von Taaffe except that I am a countess.”
Fraulein Trauen bit her lip. She looked down her nose at Aksinya, “It is usually not polite…”
“…to say what is unspoken, but true.” Aksinya finished for her.
Fraulein Trauen rose up an inch from her seat. She slowly sat back down and let out her breath.
Aksinya didn’t move an inch, “That serves you well, Fraulein Trauen. Self control is a very important trait in a young woman.”
Fraulein Trauen sniffed.
Aksinya gave a small smile, “It is a trait that I do not possess in the least.” She turned to Natalya, “Lady Natalya are you ready to retire for the evening?”
Fraulein Trauen’s lips were tight, “Retreat, you mean.”
“I concede the field to you, Fraulein Trauen. I cannot hold it with my virtue or my beauty.” She stood.
Natalya and Aksinya returned to their house across the street. When they left the dining room, Sister Margarethe joined them at the door. Aksinya didn’t acknowledge the nun, but Natalya gave her a greeting in German.
Aksinya drank too much. Fraulein Trauen won't let it go. She makes another snide comment and Natalya gets into the mix. Fraulein Pfaff agrees, but Fraulein Vogt gives some new information. In 1919, the parliament of Austria plans to vote to end the aristocracy (they did). The end of the aristocracy is a hard thing for Aksinya to contemplate. Her entire life is about aristocracy. We will find out soon how much the concept drives her.
Fraulein Trauen just sees this as another opportunity to attack Aksinya. Aksinya is very bright, she gets it, and she is not afraid to say out loud that which Fraulein Trauen dares not say. Aksinya doesn't care about such things. She views people as they are. Although, Aksinya should be the one who takes offense, it is Fraulein Trauen who begins to get up. Aksinya wins the round--she does indeed prove her worth and nobility. She teaches a lesson that Fraulein Trauen doesn't get. Then we get a confession from Aksinya--she knows that she doesn't have self control. Actually she has unbelievable self control, but like everyone--there are things she has no self control about. These are the things she means: luxuria, sorcery, sexual desire.
If you don't love Aksinya, at least you must love her wit: “I concede the field to you, Fraulein Trauen. I cannot hold it with my virtue or my beauty.”
Aksinya and Natalya return to Aksinya's house across the street. We shall see what Aksinya tells Natalya about Ernst von Taaffe tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
A New Novel, Part 66 Changes in the World end of Chapter 6
It seems strange to us and slightly funny that an aristocrat expected to be dressed and undressed by their servants. What I try to show you is how expected and common it was at the time. Although Aksinya called Natalya her friend, Aksinya still expects to be waited on--that is the way of the world. Still those ways may change.
After supper, Aksinya and Natalya went back up to their rooms. Natalya undressed Aksinya and put a silk nightgown on her. She brushed out Aksinya’s short hair. After a while, Aksinya took the brush from Natalya’s hand. She told Natalya, “Put on your nightgown and come to my room.” Natalya returned quickly.
Aksinya patted the top of her bed. She sat and Aksinya began to brush her long hair. Natalya put her face in her hands, “I really wish you wouldn’t do that, mistress.”
“Tomorrow, Lady Natalya, we will begin our studies together. We will still be a Countess and a lady, but we will also be students and friends together.”
Natalya turned abruptly, “Do you really think of me as your friend?”
“Yes.” Aksinya smiled, “I never really had a friend before. You are my friend, Lady Natalya. Would you address me as, Aksinya?”
“No…no, I could never do that.”
“What if I just call you, Nata?”
“That’s what my mother called me, but I don’t think it would be allowed.”
“Allowed? Aren’t I allowed to call you whatever I desire?”
“Y…y…yes.”
“Then, in private, I shall call you Nata. I want you to call me, Aksinya.”
“In private. Anywhere you wish, but in private would be fine.” Natalya took another deep breath, “Very well. I will try, Ak…ak…sinya.”
“Thank you, Nata. Tomorrow, we will begin a new kind of life together and in our world, it is a new thing, is it not?”
“Yes, mistress.”
We see the normal expectation, Natalya dresses Aksinya for bed and then prepares her for bed. That's the nightgown and brushing the hair. Aksinya asks Natalya to prepare for bed and turns the tables on her. Can you see this happening. Can you see Natalya's embarrassment and Aksinya's joy. Aksinya is serving her lady-in-waiting, and the lady-in-waiting doesn't like it. This is classical culture in this time. I have even experienced similar things myself in the modern era in Europe.
Look at Aksinya's response: we will still be Countess and lady, but we will be...friends. How that small statement would make Natalya's heart soar. Yet, she is so worried about that statement, she has to ask: do you think of me as your friend? It is not so unbelievable as it is unexpected and yet so odd to Natalya who obviously had few if any friends.
Then we see, Aksinya confesses she didn't have any friends before, and we have to ask ourselves again about the Aksinya we don't know. Aksinya clenches her points with an extravagant intimacy--call me by my first name. This is culturally a big deal at the time. Thus Natalya's answer: I could never do that. Aksinya opens the bidding with the offer to call Natalya, Nata a common Russian diminutive and endearment for Natalya. Aksinya guessed right because this was what Natalya's mother called her. Natalya's answer is classic too: it wouldn't be allowed.
Then, Aksinya pulls the nobility's power--I can do whatever I want. Which is true. Natalya barely accedes, and we know she will have problems with this little rule of Aksinya's. Still, this represents the point at the end of the chapter. The main point that Aksinya has been making to Natalya the entire time. They will begin a new kind of life together, and Natalya's answer, so ambivalent--yes mistress, shows although Aksinya's thinks her feet are planted in a different place, perhaps Natalya's and, by extension, Aksinya's are really not.
The end of this little scene is an example of how I like to end a chapter. In a single dialog with a chencher, I wrap up the entire chapter. The end words convey all the emotion and effect of everything on Natalya as well as the effort of Aksinya. So in response to Aksinya's opining about the changes they will and have seen, Natalya simply says, "Yes mistress," and by that indicates that she doesn't believe the changes will or have affected her.
Tomorrow we begin a new chapter in Daemon (working title), chapter 7.
After supper, Aksinya and Natalya went back up to their rooms. Natalya undressed Aksinya and put a silk nightgown on her. She brushed out Aksinya’s short hair. After a while, Aksinya took the brush from Natalya’s hand. She told Natalya, “Put on your nightgown and come to my room.” Natalya returned quickly.
Aksinya patted the top of her bed. She sat and Aksinya began to brush her long hair. Natalya put her face in her hands, “I really wish you wouldn’t do that, mistress.”
“Tomorrow, Lady Natalya, we will begin our studies together. We will still be a Countess and a lady, but we will also be students and friends together.”
Natalya turned abruptly, “Do you really think of me as your friend?”
“Yes.” Aksinya smiled, “I never really had a friend before. You are my friend, Lady Natalya. Would you address me as, Aksinya?”
“No…no, I could never do that.”
“What if I just call you, Nata?”
“That’s what my mother called me, but I don’t think it would be allowed.”
“Allowed? Aren’t I allowed to call you whatever I desire?”
“Y…y…yes.”
“Then, in private, I shall call you Nata. I want you to call me, Aksinya.”
“In private. Anywhere you wish, but in private would be fine.” Natalya took another deep breath, “Very well. I will try, Ak…ak…sinya.”
“Thank you, Nata. Tomorrow, we will begin a new kind of life together and in our world, it is a new thing, is it not?”
“Yes, mistress.”
We see the normal expectation, Natalya dresses Aksinya for bed and then prepares her for bed. That's the nightgown and brushing the hair. Aksinya asks Natalya to prepare for bed and turns the tables on her. Can you see this happening. Can you see Natalya's embarrassment and Aksinya's joy. Aksinya is serving her lady-in-waiting, and the lady-in-waiting doesn't like it. This is classical culture in this time. I have even experienced similar things myself in the modern era in Europe.
Look at Aksinya's response: we will still be Countess and lady, but we will be...friends. How that small statement would make Natalya's heart soar. Yet, she is so worried about that statement, she has to ask: do you think of me as your friend? It is not so unbelievable as it is unexpected and yet so odd to Natalya who obviously had few if any friends.
Then we see, Aksinya confesses she didn't have any friends before, and we have to ask ourselves again about the Aksinya we don't know. Aksinya clenches her points with an extravagant intimacy--call me by my first name. This is culturally a big deal at the time. Thus Natalya's answer: I could never do that. Aksinya opens the bidding with the offer to call Natalya, Nata a common Russian diminutive and endearment for Natalya. Aksinya guessed right because this was what Natalya's mother called her. Natalya's answer is classic too: it wouldn't be allowed.
Then, Aksinya pulls the nobility's power--I can do whatever I want. Which is true. Natalya barely accedes, and we know she will have problems with this little rule of Aksinya's. Still, this represents the point at the end of the chapter. The main point that Aksinya has been making to Natalya the entire time. They will begin a new kind of life together, and Natalya's answer, so ambivalent--yes mistress, shows although Aksinya's thinks her feet are planted in a different place, perhaps Natalya's and, by extension, Aksinya's are really not.
The end of this little scene is an example of how I like to end a chapter. In a single dialog with a chencher, I wrap up the entire chapter. The end words convey all the emotion and effect of everything on Natalya as well as the effort of Aksinya. So in response to Aksinya's opining about the changes they will and have seen, Natalya simply says, "Yes mistress," and by that indicates that she doesn't believe the changes will or have affected her.
Tomorrow we begin a new chapter in Daemon (working title), chapter 7.
Friday, December 3, 2010
A New Novel, Part 61 Why Natalya Must Sit
Are you ready for the answer? Did you guess it? I hope you can picture this scene as I tried to build it for you. Here I tried to mix comedy with pathos. The gentle and loving Natalya couldn't imagine the freight train that was about to hit her. Aksinya knew...
Natalya frowned and appeared as if she was about to cry. She complained, “But why isn’t it good order to wait on my mistress?”
The Reverend Mother pressed her lips together and seemed completely reluctant to say what she knew she must say. The other young women around the table strained to hear the Reverend Mother’s words.
Finally, the Reverend Mother opened her mouth, “Please, Lady Natalya. Because of your social position, most of the ladies in this room should serve you. You must sit and eat with us otherwise the good order of our school will be in question.”
Lady Natalya’s mouth fell open. The other young women at the table mouths’ hung open. Tears formed in Lady Natalya’s eyes but she quickly and with embarrassment fell into the seat beside Aksinya. Aksinya put her arms around Natalya and held her close. The girl was obviously crying. The Reverend Mother moved to her and put her arms around the both of them. She clucked soft sounds under her breath, “Please don’t be sad Lady Natalya. You may serve your lady all you desire, but you must eat at table with her.”
Natalya let out a great wail, “But I have never sat at table with her before. I have never sought to put myself above her. Never.”
Aksinya whispered in Russian, “Silly, we sat together like sisters and ate together like friends during our whole trip here. Please act like the great lady you are, Lady Natalya.”
At that word, Natalya sat upright. She covered her face with her napkin for a moment then sighed and laid it in her lap.
Aksinya smiled. The Reverend Mother smiled, “That’s much more pleasant, Lady Natalya. Thank you.”
Here is a minor tragedy for Natalya that allows me to clearly show you the state of aristocracy and the importance of position in 1918. Natalya is a lady of the court, a lady-in-waiting. She expects to serve. The sweet and gentle Natalya is very bright, but still she desires to serve. That is her purpose. She has latched on to Aksinya because Aksinya rescued her. At each step, Aksinya, whether intentionally or unintentionally has been building up Natalya. We aren't certain if this is Aksinya's unconscious knowledge or her intentional manipulation. In any case, you can see Aksinya realizes exactly how this little event will end. She couldn't have planned it better--that is if she planned it at all. Do you see that Aksinya's knowledge makes everything as though she did plan it. This parallels the actions in temptation of the demon. He makes things happen for the purpose of tempting others. Aksinya is making these events happen, and we are not certain if she is doing them purposefully or not. We will soon see she is very purposeful.
So, the RM must state the thing she does not want to state. To say such a thing right out in the open is considered the epitome of bad taste. Everyone knows their place in this society--everyone, except Natalya, but then, we knew Natalya was broken in some way. This will come out more later. The RM says it--the dreaded words--the ladies of the school should be serving Natalya just as she serves Aksinya, therefore, Natalya must sit and eat with them. The reason is that Natalya is of a higher rank than any of the other girls and women in the room.
Natalya gets it. She is embarrassed for more than one reason, but shame keeps a system of aristocracy going (to a degree). Aksinya comforts Natalya and the RM comforts them both. She is a kind woman.
Aksinya then gently reminds Natalya that they have eaten like equals before. Ah, this takes the sting from the embarrassment, and then the beautiful reminder from Aksinya--act like the great lady that you are. Don't worry, there is more to this dining room scene. We'll see it tomorrow.
Natalya frowned and appeared as if she was about to cry. She complained, “But why isn’t it good order to wait on my mistress?”
The Reverend Mother pressed her lips together and seemed completely reluctant to say what she knew she must say. The other young women around the table strained to hear the Reverend Mother’s words.
Finally, the Reverend Mother opened her mouth, “Please, Lady Natalya. Because of your social position, most of the ladies in this room should serve you. You must sit and eat with us otherwise the good order of our school will be in question.”
Lady Natalya’s mouth fell open. The other young women at the table mouths’ hung open. Tears formed in Lady Natalya’s eyes but she quickly and with embarrassment fell into the seat beside Aksinya. Aksinya put her arms around Natalya and held her close. The girl was obviously crying. The Reverend Mother moved to her and put her arms around the both of them. She clucked soft sounds under her breath, “Please don’t be sad Lady Natalya. You may serve your lady all you desire, but you must eat at table with her.”
Natalya let out a great wail, “But I have never sat at table with her before. I have never sought to put myself above her. Never.”
Aksinya whispered in Russian, “Silly, we sat together like sisters and ate together like friends during our whole trip here. Please act like the great lady you are, Lady Natalya.”
At that word, Natalya sat upright. She covered her face with her napkin for a moment then sighed and laid it in her lap.
Aksinya smiled. The Reverend Mother smiled, “That’s much more pleasant, Lady Natalya. Thank you.”
Here is a minor tragedy for Natalya that allows me to clearly show you the state of aristocracy and the importance of position in 1918. Natalya is a lady of the court, a lady-in-waiting. She expects to serve. The sweet and gentle Natalya is very bright, but still she desires to serve. That is her purpose. She has latched on to Aksinya because Aksinya rescued her. At each step, Aksinya, whether intentionally or unintentionally has been building up Natalya. We aren't certain if this is Aksinya's unconscious knowledge or her intentional manipulation. In any case, you can see Aksinya realizes exactly how this little event will end. She couldn't have planned it better--that is if she planned it at all. Do you see that Aksinya's knowledge makes everything as though she did plan it. This parallels the actions in temptation of the demon. He makes things happen for the purpose of tempting others. Aksinya is making these events happen, and we are not certain if she is doing them purposefully or not. We will soon see she is very purposeful.
So, the RM must state the thing she does not want to state. To say such a thing right out in the open is considered the epitome of bad taste. Everyone knows their place in this society--everyone, except Natalya, but then, we knew Natalya was broken in some way. This will come out more later. The RM says it--the dreaded words--the ladies of the school should be serving Natalya just as she serves Aksinya, therefore, Natalya must sit and eat with them. The reason is that Natalya is of a higher rank than any of the other girls and women in the room.
Natalya gets it. She is embarrassed for more than one reason, but shame keeps a system of aristocracy going (to a degree). Aksinya comforts Natalya and the RM comforts them both. She is a kind woman.
Aksinya then gently reminds Natalya that they have eaten like equals before. Ah, this takes the sting from the embarrassment, and then the beautiful reminder from Aksinya--act like the great lady that you are. Don't worry, there is more to this dining room scene. We'll see it tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
A New Novel, Part 59 Dinner Seating
We see Aksinya and Natalya led to dinner by the Reverend Mother and then the culture of aristocratic precedence.
The Reverend Mother led Aksinya and Natalya to the first table in the room. This was the only one that wasn’t round. The head table was rectangular and at the center was a high backed chair carved with a cross and the emblem of Sacré Coeur. The Reverend Mother stepped behind the table and motioned Aksinya and Natalya to follow her. She pulled out the high backed chair and pointed to the two seats at the end of the table, “I would like you ladies to sit there, please.”
Aksinya curtsied, “I’m sorry, Reverend Mother, we will not take the first place. That would not be appropriate for students. Please seat us at a lower table. Since we are new, it would be most appropriate to seat us at the lowest tables.”
Frau Drescher was aghast, “The Reverend Mother wishes to honor you.”
Aksinya didn’t blink, “But I don’t want to be honored for that reason.”
The Reverend Mother put up her hand. She motioned to one of the novices behind the head table, “Sister Rita, please seat the Countess Golitsyna and the Lady Obolenska at the older scholar’s table.”
Novice Sister Rita’s eyes opened wide. She stared at Aksinya, “Countess?”
“Yes, Countess. I want you to take care of them yourself, Sister Rita.”
The novice sister curtsied to the floor. She couldn’t take her eyes off Aksinya and Natalya. She led them to the round table just below the head table and tried to seat them.
This is a very simple event, but it has great importance. RM Kluge wants to honor and show off Aksinya and Natalya. The Natalya link is not so obvious yet, we will see that very soon. RM Kluge sits in a "Bishop's" chair. That is a throne-like seat for the head of an order (in this case). Aksinya knows the head table is only for sisters of the order. In circles of the aristocracy, nobility of the church are equal to a degree with the "secular" nobility. RM Kluge understands this, but she would be placing Aksinya and Natalya higher than other sisters in the order. Aksinya is perfectly sensitive to the aristocracy--I hope I showed this to you well. She knows how to act properly in every place and event. RM Kluge isn't ignorant, she just doesn't realize the full ramifications of her actions. Also, Aksinya sees this correctly that likely Asmodeus is acting to tempt RM Kluge. To the RM, the school and the convent is everything. In the demon's terms, she lusts for her school and convent to be the best. Aksinya intervenes which likely opposes Asmodeus. This is one of the little ways Aksinya tries to fight the demon.
Aksinya curtsies (an act of subjugation) and proposes they be placed at the lowest tables--that is not possible. The RM realizes her error quickly. Aksinya's proposal for the lowest tables is as unacceptable as the RM's suggestion that they sit at the highest table.
The RM sends a novice to seat Aksinya and Natalya at the highest student's table, this is the most appropriate solution. This how the world of the aristocracy works--even in the church. We will see more of this in the next piece.
I wanted to mention that a reader wrote me to note that only a small percentage of my readers would be able to grasp the depth of the writing especially without help. The question was specifically, why go to all the trouble if your readers won't get it. Primarily, I have a lot of faith in my readers. One of my readers likes my novels because they are so different than what they usually can find. This reader calls them exciting stories that are an intellectual treasure. That is what I want to give you. Even if the average reader can't grasp the depth of the writing, I hope the story to them is good and exciting.
The Reverend Mother led Aksinya and Natalya to the first table in the room. This was the only one that wasn’t round. The head table was rectangular and at the center was a high backed chair carved with a cross and the emblem of Sacré Coeur. The Reverend Mother stepped behind the table and motioned Aksinya and Natalya to follow her. She pulled out the high backed chair and pointed to the two seats at the end of the table, “I would like you ladies to sit there, please.”
Aksinya curtsied, “I’m sorry, Reverend Mother, we will not take the first place. That would not be appropriate for students. Please seat us at a lower table. Since we are new, it would be most appropriate to seat us at the lowest tables.”
Frau Drescher was aghast, “The Reverend Mother wishes to honor you.”
Aksinya didn’t blink, “But I don’t want to be honored for that reason.”
The Reverend Mother put up her hand. She motioned to one of the novices behind the head table, “Sister Rita, please seat the Countess Golitsyna and the Lady Obolenska at the older scholar’s table.”
Novice Sister Rita’s eyes opened wide. She stared at Aksinya, “Countess?”
“Yes, Countess. I want you to take care of them yourself, Sister Rita.”
The novice sister curtsied to the floor. She couldn’t take her eyes off Aksinya and Natalya. She led them to the round table just below the head table and tried to seat them.
This is a very simple event, but it has great importance. RM Kluge wants to honor and show off Aksinya and Natalya. The Natalya link is not so obvious yet, we will see that very soon. RM Kluge sits in a "Bishop's" chair. That is a throne-like seat for the head of an order (in this case). Aksinya knows the head table is only for sisters of the order. In circles of the aristocracy, nobility of the church are equal to a degree with the "secular" nobility. RM Kluge understands this, but she would be placing Aksinya and Natalya higher than other sisters in the order. Aksinya is perfectly sensitive to the aristocracy--I hope I showed this to you well. She knows how to act properly in every place and event. RM Kluge isn't ignorant, she just doesn't realize the full ramifications of her actions. Also, Aksinya sees this correctly that likely Asmodeus is acting to tempt RM Kluge. To the RM, the school and the convent is everything. In the demon's terms, she lusts for her school and convent to be the best. Aksinya intervenes which likely opposes Asmodeus. This is one of the little ways Aksinya tries to fight the demon.
Aksinya curtsies (an act of subjugation) and proposes they be placed at the lowest tables--that is not possible. The RM realizes her error quickly. Aksinya's proposal for the lowest tables is as unacceptable as the RM's suggestion that they sit at the highest table.
The RM sends a novice to seat Aksinya and Natalya at the highest student's table, this is the most appropriate solution. This how the world of the aristocracy works--even in the church. We will see more of this in the next piece.
I wanted to mention that a reader wrote me to note that only a small percentage of my readers would be able to grasp the depth of the writing especially without help. The question was specifically, why go to all the trouble if your readers won't get it. Primarily, I have a lot of faith in my readers. One of my readers likes my novels because they are so different than what they usually can find. This reader calls them exciting stories that are an intellectual treasure. That is what I want to give you. Even if the average reader can't grasp the depth of the writing, I hope the story to them is good and exciting.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
A New Novel, Part 46 Languages and Friendship
Welcome to Dr. Ryan. Glad to have you aboard.
We get rid of Frau Drescher for a little while and provide a little more interesting levels to the story. Remember, in this time and culture, you don't introduce servants. So here we go.
Frau Drescher’s brow rose, but she nodded and curtsied to Aksinya then left toward the dormitory.
The Reverend Mother let out a sigh, “Will you all please come with me. I’ll show you around our school and answer any of your questions.” The Reverend Mother gestured Aksinya to her side and Natalya stepped right behind her.
Aksinya halted and turned toward Natalya, “Reverend Mother, this is my lady-in-waiting, the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska. I address her as the Lady Natalya. She is my confidant and my friend. She will be attending Sacré Coeur with me.”
The Reverend Mother’s smile widened. She turned her gaze to Natalya, “That is very interesting. Is there something wrong with your eyes, Lady Natalya?”
Natalya blinked the moisture from her eyes.
Aksinya repeated the question in Russian to Natalya.
Natalya blushed and ducked her head, “No, Reverend Mother.”
Aksinya continued, “The Lady Natalya doesn’t speak German yet. She is very conversant in French. Though she serves me, the Lady Natalya is to be treated with the same respect as any other student.”
The Reverend Mother nodded and continued in atrociously German accented French, “Then for her benefit, as well as yours, we shall use French.”
Aksinya barely constrained a laugh. She glanced at Natalya, and they shared a smile. Aksinya whispered to her, “Perhaps I shouldn’t worry about my German.”
From the beginning, the RM (Reverend Mother) is happy to get rid of Frau Drescher--she sighs, and we move on with Aksinya, Natalya and the rest on the school tour.
So, there you have it. First Aksinya, introduces Natalya--that means she is not a servant. Further, Aksinya called her "confidant" and "friend." In the aristocracy, this is very important. A friend is one thing, a confidant is entirely another. Aksinya goes on to tell RM Kluge that she, she Aksinya calls Natalya, Lady Natalya. Already, Aksinya has called Natalya, friend, confidant, and said she holds her in such high esteme she calls her Lady (that is a title reserved for an aristocrat). It should not suprize you that the very emotional Natalya's eyes moisten. She would cry outright, but that is never acceptable in high society. The RM kindly reminds Natalya of that. This is a nice admonition in this culture and time (remember Frau Drescher). And so, Natalya blushes and ducks her head.
Aksinya goes on to instruct--did you get that? She instructs RM Kluge that Natalya is to be treated like any other student. She didn't say, "to be treated like me." Such words wouldn't come from a Countess. She also "suggests" that they use French, for Natalya's sake. Can't you see Natalya in your mind. She understands what is happening. Aksinya even gives her such a compliment, "Natalya doesn't understand German--yet." The implication is that she will and very quickly.
Then we see the break and the level of the RM's French. This is intentional. Though the Austrians and the Germans taught French, they didn't see much purpose in it--(sarcasm) it was only the language of gentility and diplomacy at the time. It was also the language of the Russian Court. It was not the language of the German or the Austrian Courts. Ah, the prejudice of their betters flows down to the people. The break is the smile that Aksinya and Natalya share at the RM's poorly accented French. This also cements the Aksinya/Natalya bond. Finally, Aksinya's comment about her own German ends this piece.
We get rid of Frau Drescher for a little while and provide a little more interesting levels to the story. Remember, in this time and culture, you don't introduce servants. So here we go.
Frau Drescher’s brow rose, but she nodded and curtsied to Aksinya then left toward the dormitory.
The Reverend Mother let out a sigh, “Will you all please come with me. I’ll show you around our school and answer any of your questions.” The Reverend Mother gestured Aksinya to her side and Natalya stepped right behind her.
Aksinya halted and turned toward Natalya, “Reverend Mother, this is my lady-in-waiting, the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska. I address her as the Lady Natalya. She is my confidant and my friend. She will be attending Sacré Coeur with me.”
The Reverend Mother’s smile widened. She turned her gaze to Natalya, “That is very interesting. Is there something wrong with your eyes, Lady Natalya?”
Natalya blinked the moisture from her eyes.
Aksinya repeated the question in Russian to Natalya.
Natalya blushed and ducked her head, “No, Reverend Mother.”
Aksinya continued, “The Lady Natalya doesn’t speak German yet. She is very conversant in French. Though she serves me, the Lady Natalya is to be treated with the same respect as any other student.”
The Reverend Mother nodded and continued in atrociously German accented French, “Then for her benefit, as well as yours, we shall use French.”
Aksinya barely constrained a laugh. She glanced at Natalya, and they shared a smile. Aksinya whispered to her, “Perhaps I shouldn’t worry about my German.”
From the beginning, the RM (Reverend Mother) is happy to get rid of Frau Drescher--she sighs, and we move on with Aksinya, Natalya and the rest on the school tour.
So, there you have it. First Aksinya, introduces Natalya--that means she is not a servant. Further, Aksinya called her "confidant" and "friend." In the aristocracy, this is very important. A friend is one thing, a confidant is entirely another. Aksinya goes on to tell RM Kluge that she, she Aksinya calls Natalya, Lady Natalya. Already, Aksinya has called Natalya, friend, confidant, and said she holds her in such high esteme she calls her Lady (that is a title reserved for an aristocrat). It should not suprize you that the very emotional Natalya's eyes moisten. She would cry outright, but that is never acceptable in high society. The RM kindly reminds Natalya of that. This is a nice admonition in this culture and time (remember Frau Drescher). And so, Natalya blushes and ducks her head.
Aksinya goes on to instruct--did you get that? She instructs RM Kluge that Natalya is to be treated like any other student. She didn't say, "to be treated like me." Such words wouldn't come from a Countess. She also "suggests" that they use French, for Natalya's sake. Can't you see Natalya in your mind. She understands what is happening. Aksinya even gives her such a compliment, "Natalya doesn't understand German--yet." The implication is that she will and very quickly.
Then we see the break and the level of the RM's French. This is intentional. Though the Austrians and the Germans taught French, they didn't see much purpose in it--(sarcasm) it was only the language of gentility and diplomacy at the time. It was also the language of the Russian Court. It was not the language of the German or the Austrian Courts. Ah, the prejudice of their betters flows down to the people. The break is the smile that Aksinya and Natalya share at the RM's poorly accented French. This also cements the Aksinya/Natalya bond. Finally, Aksinya's comment about her own German ends this piece.
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