Development - Rules of Writing, Clothing as a Symbol

23 July 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Clothing as a Symbol

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

All language is symbols. Therefore it shouldn't surprise you that your writing should include higher level symbols. What are higher level symbols? I mentioned before the cross as a symbol. The cross is a higher level symbol--a symbol that doesn't depend on language. Symbols can be ready made or author made symbols. Some symbols are a mix.

I wrote about historical dress yesterday.  There is much that we ca say about dress and symbols.  The way a character is dressed focuses and forms them.  It is very uncommon for an author to write much about what a character is wearing.  That is, once the clothing is first described, there isn't much reason, unless it is important to the plot or theme, for an author to give us much more on the clothing.

In Aksinya, I described Aksinya and Natalya's clothing almost every time I introduced them for a new day.  The reason for this was that the theme revolves around Aksinya's problem with luxuria--the love of fine...everything.  Her clothing was not a force of identity for her, but she was tempted by the desire for beautiful things.  Thus, in the climax of the novel, when she lost everything, the abrupt transition from silk dresses to a black woolen one is significant.  In previous chapters, Aksinya's clothing was beautiful and fine--following the climax, it is plain and utilitarian.  She never returns to the wonderful clothing she wore as a Countess. 

In Aksinya, the clothing of Aksinya and Natalya are symbols for her wealth, temptation, and aristocracy.  The clothing represents the culture and the times.  I would also correctly observe that anyone familiar with the times and culture would immediately recognize the wealth and position represented by the clothing.  Likewise, when Aksinya loses her status, her clothing changes.  In almost every culture, clothing is a symbol of wealth, power, and position.  In Aksinya, I also use nudity (lack of clothing) as a symbol.  I'll write about that tomorrow.

There is much more to writing without confusing your readers. I'll write about that tomorrow. The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

A New Novel, Part 309 Kiss Me, I Want You to Kiss Me

9 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 309 Kiss Me, I Want You to Kiss 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.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married--this is part of the plan Dobrushin believes will rid Aksinya of the demon.  For better or worse, they are bound together in this.  We are not sure of the outcome.  They have come to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien... 

Dobrushin pointed to the door on the left in the room, “There is the bath.  It has a toilet.”

Aksinya nodded.

At the last, Dobrushin took an open container of incense and placed it before the fireplace.  He lit it with the taper then fished in his vest pocket for Aksinya’s surety.  He glanced at her and then placed the necklace and locket on the smoking incense.  Aksinya could already smell the gentle bite of frankincense.  Dobrushin returned to the door.  He returned the taper to its holder.

Dobrushin took her hand and blushed, “I’m sorry.  I forgot to get you any nightclothes.”

Aksinya trembled, “I won’t need any.”  She raised her face to his, “Kiss me.  I want you to kiss me.”

Dobrushin took her in his arms and put his lips on hers.  Aksinya threw her arms around his neck, “I don’t understand what this kind of love is, but I want to know it with you tonight.”  She pressed her lips to his and wouldn’t stop kissing him.

Finally Dobrushin finally disentangled her arms from his neck.  His face was red, “Come, my love, we need to ask God to show us mercy and keep us in safety.”

Aksinya’s breath released in gentle pants.  She nodded.

They knelt at the side of the bed, he took her hand, and Dobrushin prayed, “We praise you God of our fathers.  We praise your name forever and ever.  Let the heavens and all your creation praise you forever.  You made Adam and also Eve his wife, who was to be his partner and support; and those two were the parents of all human beings.  This was your word: ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; let us provide a partner suited to him.’  So now I take this my beloved to wife, not out of lust but in true marriage.  Grant that she and I may find mercy and grow old together.  Amen.”

“Amen,” Aksinya replied, “Do you love me?”

“I love you.  I married you.”

“Help me take off my clothes.”

Aksinya stood before him expectantly.  Dobrushin took off his coat and unbuttoned his shirt.  Aksinya reached up and fumbled with his buttons.  She smiled, “I’m not very good with buttons.”  She undid one after the other.  A golden cross lay against his chest.  It depended from a necklace.

Dobrushin pulled her to him and kissed her again.

Dobrushin gets out the details that are very important to a woman first--perhaps he was coached by Ekaterina.  Then he prepares the protection against the demon.  Do you remember, in Tobit, Tobias burned the part of the fish in the incense?  Now, Dobrushin burns Aksinya's surety in the incense.  I use some advanced writing techniques to bring in all your senses. 

Once the incense is burning, they take the next step--they are going to bed.  Do you sense the usually well prepared and mature Dobrushin's nervousness and inexperience.  He forgot nightclothes.  Aksinya doesn't care--she may be inexperienced, but she understands what is supposed to go on (or at least she imagines she knows).  She demands to be kissed.  That's when I get to make a statement through her about love.  This is one of the major sibthemes.

Dobrushin is getting worked up too.  Aksinya is just too cute.  She is filled with desire.  He knows what must be done, however, do you remember the scene in the restaurant?  They must complete each step like in the book of Tobit.  The next step is the prayer from Tobit.  If you will note, this prayer is whole in the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  It is a simple prayer.  The prayer, like the Book of Tobit is a turning point in Hebrew thought about the nature of God.  The God of Tobit listens to the cries of his people and answers their prayer.  If you look closely in the Old Testament, the prayers are almost always generic and not directed.  There are a few examples that are, but most are not.  In the Apocrypha, we see prayers to God that are direct and answered directly.  These are very much like the prayers we find in the New Testament.

Aksinya's question to Dobrushin: “Do you love me?”  Then with his answer, she wants to get down to business.  Do you remember that Aksinya seldom took off her own clothing or dressed herself.  She asks for help for more than reasons of sensuality.  Dobrushin doesn't care.  Aksinya begins to help him unbutton his shirt.  Do you remember, she has problems with buttons?  With these writing techniques, I want to build the tension and the excitement but for another reason--you will see why tomorrow.

A New Novel, Part 281 I Have Determined a Means to Break Your Contract with the Demon

12 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 281 I Have Determined a Means to Break Your Contract with the Demon

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 was found not guilty and released to the custody of Father Dobrushin.  Aksinya and Father Dobrushin make their way out into the streets of Wien...

They made it past the reporters and Aksinya only had to answer some simple questions.  She was certain she was smiling every time a flashbulb went off.  The worst question was what she would do now.  Father Dobrushin answered for her.  She thought he said something like she would spend time in quiet contemplation and study, but she was too busy holding to his arm while trying to smile for the cameras.

Once they were free of the reporters, Father Dobrushin hailed them a carriage and took her to a woman’s emporium where she could bathe and have her hair styled.  The attendants fitted a new dress to her.  It was very beautiful but not too extravagant.  It was made of white wool with a lining of silk and very warm.  She received two other dresses, a long coat, and a leather pair of shoes.  The coat was wool.  Father Dobrushin packed her extra clothing in a small case and they took another carriage to a restaurant that was not far from the Rathaus.

The maître d’ led them to a quiet table at the side.  Father Dobrushin ordered for them both.  He poured Aksinya a glass of wine from the bottle he ordered—only one glass.  She had to nurse it through the entire meal.  The quality of the wine wasn’t that good.  It was thin and sour.  The food wasn’t very plentiful or fine.  Still, Aksinya ate everything with pleasure.  It was much better than the food she had in the jail.  Father Dobrushin didn’t say much until the Spartan meat course.  Then he added an ounce to the remaining amount in her glass and lifted his, “To you Princess and our victory in court.”

“Thank you, Father, but I should be thanking you over and over.  You believed me when no one else would.”

“I believed in you because of who you are.”  He paused a moment then stated, “I think I have determined a means to break your contract with the demon.”

Father Dobrushin takes Aksinya out to get a bath, clothing, and dinner.  We should be asking ourselves what is going on here.  Aksinya doesn't ask because she is used to being taken care of.  Father Dobrushin is truly taking care of her. He answers for her and takes care of her.

Notice that Father Dobrushin doesn't buy the finest clothing.  It is still nice clothing, but it is nothing like Aksinya is used to.  She doesn't complain, in the late winter, early spring, she is happy to have warm clothing.  Their meal is not the quality that Ernst could provide.  It is the best that regular people can get in Wien. 

Father Dobrushin pours Aksinya a glass of wine--he is cautious of her problems and temptations.  At the meat course, they begin their conversation, and he gives her hope:  “I think I have determined a means to break your contract with the demon.”  Tomorrow, the plan.

A New Novel, Part 171 I Know You Wish to Read Tonight

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.



Natalya returned at the beginning of the school day.  Aksinya won't speak.  She won't respond.  We have no idea what her thoughts are.  Aksinya's despondency continues past dinner...

They walked across the street to Aksinya’s house. Natalya unlocked the door. The novices came when they heard the door open. Aksinya didn’t wait for them to take her cloak. Sister Margarethe entered directly behind them from the street. She was out of breath. She started to say something and follow Aksinya, but Natalya put up her hand and waved her back. Natalya handed her cloak to the first novice. She took a deep breath of the collar first. Then she followed Aksinya up the stairs.

Natalya closed and locked the door to Aksinya’s rooms. The mink cloak lay in the sitting room floor. Natalya picked it up and smelled it. She took a deep breath of the lining and smiled. She placed the cloak reluctantly down over one of the chairs and went into Aksinya’s bedroom. Aksinya fought with the buttons on her blouse. Her uniform short coat lay on the floor.

Natalya came over and pulled Aksinya’s hands away from the front of her blouse. She pushed them to Aksinya’s side and began to unbutton the blouse. She pulled it off Aksinya and lifted the camisole over her head. She unbuttoned Aksinya’s skirt and untied her slip. She took everything to the gross schrank and hung them inside. She pulled out a silk nightgown and returned. Aksinya already sat on the edge of the bed. Natalya pulled the gown over Aksinya’s head and plucked her hands through the sleeves. She pulled the bottom of the gown over Aksinya’s thighs.

Aksinya lay back on the bed and her head touched something hard. She frowned and reached up behind her head. She felt a book. No, two large books.

Aksinya sat up suddenly. She half turned and mumbled, “My books.” She glanced at Natalya, “Why are my books here?” Without waiting for an answer, Aksinya pulled the books over to her. One had a brown cover, she opened the book and her mouth formed an “O,” “This is the book Ernst took.”

Natalya chuckled.

Aksinya’s hands trembled. She pushed the book aside and took up the other. She caressed it with an overly light touch as though she really didn’t want to handle it. She opened it and whispered, “This is not my book. It is a Greek Book of Heka.” She stared at Natalya, “This is Ernst’s book.” She dropped it back on the bed, “How did these books come to be here?”

Natalya smiled.

“What did you do, Nata?”

Natalya pulled the covers down on the bed. She carefully didn’t touch either book, “Now that man has no power over you. You have no reason to see him anymore. You have your book again, and you have his book.”

Aksinya picked up The Book of Heka and held it against her breast, “I do have his book.”

Natalya smiled, “Get in bed, mistress. I know that you wish to read tonight. I will leave the gas lamp lit over your bed.” She bent forward and helped Aksinya crawl under the covers. Aksinya would not let go of the new book.

Aksinya has no hope.  This might not be so obvious as a statement.  Asmodeus took the most important person to Aksinya from her without any fight.  Aksinya had no say--she had no power to prevent Natalya from leaving her.  She had no power over the demon, his actions, his desires (if he has any).  Aksinya could not prevent her best and only friend from coming somehow under the power of the demon and leaving her.  Aksinya knows Asmodeus was behind everything, and she isn't as interested in what Natalya was doing as her own failure to prevent it.  Aksinya should have been concerned about Natalya's actions.  Aksinya is and has always been focused on herself and not on others.  Her concern isn't as much for Natalya or what Natalya was doing as her own lack of power or control.
 
When they return to Aksinya's house, Natalya is in complete control.  She orders Sister Margarethe.  She orders the novices.  Look at her actions with her cloak and then Aksinya's mink.  It is obvious who Natalya loves.  Natalya is entirely and completely dedicated to Aksinya.  She literally worships the ground Aksinya walks on.  This is what I am showing you through Natalya's actions.
 
Inside Aksinya's rooms, Natalya is still completely in control.  She locks the door.  She savors the scent of Aksinya.  That makes Natalya smile.  Aksinya is despondent and completely beaten down.  She can't undo the buttons on her blouse.  Natalya has always unbuttoned them for her.  Watch Natalya's actions.  She demands her place.  She takes over the work she knows to do.  She undresses Aksinya and puts away her clothes.  There are no words and no need for words.  Natalya gets Aksinya's nightgown.  Like one would dress a child, Natalya dresses Aksinya in it.  The words I use show you exactly this: Natalya pulled the gown over Aksinya’s head and plucked her hands through the sleeves. She pulled the bottom of the gown over Aksinya’s thighs.  Note, Aksinya sits on the side of the bed--an obedient child waiting to be dressed.  I also give you some historical details in the way clothing was put on and taken off at the time (slips were tied, ladies).

Aksinya lays back on the bed.  She still doesn't say anything.  Her head touches something.  There are two large books on the bed.  Aksinya's first words in a long while are "My books."  Why indeed are these books of sorcery here?  The first book is the one that Ernst took from the street.  This was the book that Aksinya strove to get back for so long.  Natalya chuckles.

Watch closely what motivates Aksinya.  The first book is Aksinya's book that Ernst took.  The second book is the book that Ernst promised Aksinya.  Aksinya asks where the books came from--Natalya just smiles.  Aksinya asks what Natalya did to get the books.  Natalya doesn't answer her question instead this is her response:  “Now that man has no power over you. You have no reason to see him anymore. You have your book again, and you have his book.”

Aksinya's response shows that she is not interested in Ernst.  She is not interested in how Natalya got the books.  She is interested in only one thing that is the sorcery in the books.  This is what motivates Aksinya.  This is what has always motivated Aksinya in this novel.  She desires luxuria.  She desires sorcery.  These are her temptations.  Anything else to her is rubbish.

Natalya's statement at the end of this scene: “Get in bed, mistress. I know that you wish to read tonight. I will leave the gas lamp lit over your bed.” She bent forward and helped Aksinya crawl under the covers. Aksinya would not let go of the new book.  How well Natalya understands her mistress.  How perfectly Natalya predicted Aksinya's response.  Still, we know there are problems.  Where was Natalya?    What did Natalya do?  I have given you enough hints that perhaps you know exactly what Natalya did.  If you do, then you know Aksinya can't fathom or even imagine it.

Aksinya will climb out of her despondency.  She will perhaps find her way back from the brink of her silence and pain.  When she takes back control, what will be the result?  When she is finally satiated with sorcery, what will Aksinya do?  All will eventually be made clear.  Tomorrow, the aftermath of learning new sorcery.

A New Novel, Part 150 Dressed Like a Princess

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.

For New Years 1919, Aksinya, Natalya, Freiherr, and Freifrau Bockmann have been invited by Ernst and his father to visit Ernst Father's estate in the mountains of Austria...

Aksinya was not enraptured with the idea of visiting Ernst’s family or his father’s estate. Still Ernst was pleasant. She certainly didn’t want her aunt and uncle gumming up all her time with the young man. She wondered mostly why he would invite her and her aunt and uncle to this affair tonight.

When their coupe arrived at front of the house, Ernst ran out and stopped at the carriage door before the vehicle came to a complete stop. He was dressed formally in dark tails, but didn’t have on his top hat. He yanked open the door before the doorman or the driver could. Aunt Brunhilda grasped Aksinya’s arm and pulled her up. She whispered with a smile, “Greet him first. He’s looking for you.”

Aksinya came to the door, and Ernst put out his hand. Aksinya allowed him to help her from the coupe. She was dressed in a light blue gown that had silver highlights sewn into the fabric. The gown flowed gently over her body. The top was high with a straight collar that accentuated her very thin body and small bosom. Her hat was a small square of blue lace with a very light veil that only reached as long as her bangs. Like always, Natalya had chosen the clothing for her. Aksinya had not closed her long mink cloak and that framed her body and the dress. Ernst stared at her for a moment then he put his lips close to her gloved hand and bowed deeply over it. His warm breath swirled with small clouds in the cold air, “Countess Golitsyna, welcome to Steinholtz.” He raised his head and gazed in her eyes with such a strange and fervent expression, she blushed.

The doorman and driver helped the Freiherr and Freifrau from the coupe and then Natalya. Finally, without moving his eyes from Aksinya, Ernst turned partially toward the Freiherr and Freifrau, “Good evening Freiherr and Freifrau Bockmann.” After a moment, Ernst managed to drag his eyes from Aksinya and to the Freiherr. He gave a slight bow to the nobleman, and then took Freifrau Bockmann’s hand and bowed over it.

Okay, I don't usually let you have a look into the minds of my characters.  I let you see a little into Aksinya's thoughts.  I chose to use this technique because I didn't think it would fit well in a conversation, and I wanted you to note her mind as they arrive.  It was enough to show you she is interested superficially in Ernst, but not in his family, estate, or the party.  Although very wise about many things, Aksinya is clueless about some things in life.

When they arrived, Ernst ran out without his hat.  No one is caught outside without a hat in this culture.  To do is is the epitome of a faux pas.  Ernst rushes out to greet Aksinya.  He is like a little kid.  He gets to the carriage before it can stop moving and yanks open the door.  You would think Aksinya would get it, but she doesn't.  Her aunt does understand and pushes her out first.

Aksinya is dressed like a princess--a Russian princess; her mink cloak frames her body.  If you didn't get it already, this makes Ernst's poor heart do flip-flops.  He thinks she dressed for him--that's why I point out that Natalya picked out her clothing, like always.  Aksinya is ambivalent to Ernst;  he is deeply in love with her.  All he can do is stare.  His look makes her blush.  We also get the name of the estate, Steinholtz--roughly, in German, "stonehold."

Ernst can't take his eyes off Aksinya.  By the way, men did not kiss women's hands in Germanic cultures.  To touch your lips to a woman's hand would be considered very intimate and improper.  A man, most properly, would bow over the hand.  In Latin cultures, I understand a man might kiss a woman's hand, but he would not kiss a Germanic woman's hand twice.  In some Germanic countries, such an action could be prosecuted criminally as "touching."  I do let the moment get a little intimate: Ernst brings his lips close and his warm breath makes fog in the air.  This way I show you how cold the day is and how impassioned Ernst is. 

Ernst manages to greet the Freiherr and Freifrau.  Tomorrow, we meet Ernst's father.

A New Novel, Part 115 Advent is for Fasting?

Asmodeus laid down the gauntlet to Aksinya.  His threat was dire but coated in gentle advice.  We will see how the advice of the demon plays out.  For now, Aksinya and Natalya set up housekeeping and return to school.  The next Friday is the Advent party...

Aksinya and Natalya took up residence at the house across the street. Sister Margarethe lived there with them. She waited on Aksinya and on the Lady Natalya. Aksinya insisted. Now, Aksinya and Natalya had tea together every afternoon. Sister Margarethe brought the tea and Natalya poured.


They went to school, and although Aksinya didn’t progress well, Natalya began to speak reasonably fluent German.

When the coupe met them the next Friday, Freifrau Bockmann was in it. Before they set off for Grossbock, she inspected the dresses and jewelry Natalya had chosen for the party and nodded her approval.

When they arrived at the Freiherr’s estate, the decorations were already in place. The front of the house, the foyer, and the ballroom were wonderfully adorned for the Advent Ball. Seasonal decorations more akin to Christmas instead of Advent filled the hall. A couple of large Christmas trees loaded with candles and decorations sat next to the great fireplaces. Freifrau Bockmann led Aksinya and Natalya through the rooms and showed everything to them. It took a while. Aksinya was grateful to finally sit down to dinner. Afterward, she and Natalya went to bed.

In the morning, everything in the house was about preparation for the event that evening. By noon all the Freiherr’s servants were dressed in their archaic festal livery. The maids and women servants were adorned in dresses and aprons from a style over a century old. Everything seemed to match the overall festive décor. In the afternoon, Natalya dressed Aksinya in a wonderful maroon dress with gold piping and lace. The gold was real and the dress was ancient satin. Natalya brushed it for hours to make it shine. The bodice was tight and fit Aksinya well. The dress was petticoated and whaleboned. Still, it was from an age younger than the livery Freiherr Bockmann loved so much, but older than the current fashion of the time.

Natalya wore a dress that had been Aksinya’s sister’s. It was white and red with a little more modern flair, but still appeared as though it would be appropriate in the court of an emperor.

When Aksinya stepped down the stairs into the ballroom, everyone stopped to watch. Freifrau Bockmann gave an audible gasp. She and the Freiherr ran up the stairs to greet her. The Freiherr went to one knee on the landing. Freifrau Bockmann curtsied and took Aksinya’s hand, “Dear Countess, you are ravishing.” She looked Aksinya up and down then took a surreptitious glance at Natalya that quickly returned to Aksinya, “You are so beautiful.”

Aksinya cocked her head, “Lady Natalya is very skilled.” Her voice sunk to a whisper, “She even made my hair look pleasant.”

“Pleasant, it is wonderful. She is incredibly artful. You are so elegant and make our simple home seem like an aristocratic court.”

Aksinya smiled, but the corners of her lips didn’t follow.

I like to repeat important details, and I think you will find most good authors do.  We already made the point about the house across the street, but it doesn't hurt to use it as a simple transition.  It doesn't hurt to remind you that Aksinya isn't doing her work, but rather, she is teaching Natalya.  It is important for you to see that Sister Margarethe lives there, but she waits on Aksinya... and Natalya.  Natalya has the high privalege of pouring the tea--a very big deal in this time.  
 
The next scene this transition drives to is the Advent party.  On Friday, Aksinya and Natalya ride in the coupe to Grossbock.  Freifrau Bockmann inspects their dresses and jewelry.  When we arrive, we see the large number of decorations, but they are like Christmas.  Do you remember Aksinya's comment when she first heard about an Advent party.  To her, this is like having a Lent party--you just don't do it.  Her Aunt and Uncle have adorned the house for Christmas but it is still Advent.  This is very important in this time and to "good" Catholics everywhere--you don't celebrate Christmas until Christmas.  At least they weren't singing Christmas carols.
 
I give you descriptions because I want you to be able to see how everything is put together.  You know the house already.  I give you a few reminders--fireplaces etc. then show you the differences.  I also want you to see the servants and the kind of ancient nobility Aksinya's uncle aspires to but can't truly emulate.  I also wanted to remind you how great a lady-in-waiting Natalya is.
 
When Aksinya is introduced, she makes a big splash.  Her aunt and uncle ensure this is true.  Aksinya appears ravishing.  Remember she could never believe that, everyone else does.  Aksinya can never forget her hair--if you have been paying attention, this is obvious self depreciation.  Aksinya can't ever be happy when she is being praised.  You should have noticed this too.  These are characteristics of her personality.  You know where they come from.  You know why she has such problems.  We shall see where they lead her tonight at the Advent party--that is tomorrow.

A New Novel, Part 44 Reverend Mother Kluge and Frau Drescher

So, do you know what a coupe is?  In the world of horse-drawn vehicles, each type had its own name and each name was important--as important as a convertible, compact, subcompact, luxury, sport, SUV.  Do you get the point?  If you are going to immerse your readers, you need to use the appropriate words from the past.  I will perhaps add a little more description of a coupe later, but you can see it is covered for the riders (not the driver).  It can carry at least five comfortably.

The driver opened the door of the coupe and handed down first the Freiherr then the Freifrau Bockmann. The Lady Natalya followed them, then Asmodeus. At the last, the driver handed down Aksinya. She was dressed in the finest clothing of anyone there. She wore a wonderful creation in red satin and white lace. Her hat was the newest style from Moscow, red brushed satin with a bit of lace and feathers. Her mother never had a chance to wear it. Although her uncle and aunt had put on their best, their best was nothing compared to the gowns Aksinya’s mother once wore. That and the long mink coat Aksinya had on marked her as the Countess Sacré Coeur expected.


The nun and older woman immediately came to Aksinya’s side. They both curtsied.

Freiherr Bockmann put out his hand, “Countess Golitsyna, may I introduce the Reverend Mother Kluge and Frau Drescher. Reverend Mother and Frau Drescher, this is my niece, the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna. She is the one we spoke about yesterday.”

The Reverend Mother’s wore a full habit with a wimple that only allowed her face to be seen. The wimple flowed over her head and shoulders and was lost in the folds of her habit. The face that showed was wrinkled, but appeared kind. It wasn’t a hard face or a harsh one. It seemed to be filled with a smile most of the time, like the smile that went out to Aksinya right now. Aksinya lowered her eyes, but not her head.

Frau Drescher on the other hand displayed features of steel. Her wire rimmed glasses sat back on her very sharp nose. Her eyes darted constantly until they focused on a person and then they didn’t seem to move at all until the woman was fully satisfied with her scrutiny. Frown lines marked the corners of her mouth and her eyes. She wore a frown now and unsuccessfully tried to turn that into a smile. She was slightly plump and wore a very severe dress that wasn’t a habit, but might as well have been.

First point is Aksinya's clothing.  She is dressed appropriately now--the demon insisted.  The clothing is not exactly appropriate for a school visit--unless you are trying to impress.  The demon wants to impress.  The gown is new, the newest fashion, and fabulous.  The clothing is exactly what the school would find impressive.
 
So Aksinya should look like exactly what Sacré Coeur expects.  Now we see a reflection of the school: Revernd Mother Kluge and Frau Drescher.  Kluge means smart or clever in German--so should we expect that of RM Kluge?  Perhaps.  Drescher means thresher in German.  Well, perhaps she is a thresher.  We shall see.  The descriptions put these two women directly in their correct situation in Sacré Coeur.  We shall see how they fit into this school...and how Aksinya will fit in or not.

A New Novel, Part 39 Dressing Aksinya

There are multiple duplicities going on here.  Look especially at what Asmodeus chose for her to wear. 

In the morning, Natalya drew Aksinya a bath, and helped Aksinya into it. When Natalya returned to the main bedroom, she found Aksinya’s trunk with a note on it. Crisp Russian handwriting described one of the wonderful gowns she had fitted to Aksinya. Natalya searched through the trunk and pulled out the gown. It was a light parchment color with lace all around. The dress was both formal and yet wonderfully intimate. It was made of light silk and fine silk lace covered it.


Natalya retrieved Aksinya from the bath and dried her off. When Natalya dressed Aksinya in the gown, it fit her shape wonderfully. It was loose, but fit Aksinya tightly. It did not draw attention to Aksinya’s lack of bosom, but rather accentuated her slight and girlish figure. It made her slim hips look feminine and stylish. Natalya would have liked to see Aksinya wear it to a grand social affair. She knew it would show off her mistress’ best features, although it did make her appear younger than she was. As she settled the dress on Aksinya’s slim figure, Natalya fingered the crosses she had sewed in the fabric and wondered why Aksinya had made her put them there. At the last, Natalya placed a small square silk and lace cap on Aksinya’s head. She pinned the cap and then Aksinya’s hair and pulled her bangs into a part across her forehead.

Aksinya took a glance at herself in the mirror, something she rarely did and smiled. Natalya smiled behind her. Aksinya’s appearance was almost radiant.

He did it again.  The demon chose a thin dress in the middle of winter.  Look at the material and the color.  It is out of place--out of season.  Remember Aunt Brunhilda.  Natalya fits Aksinya better into her clothing than Aunt Brunhilda's seamstress, but still...  The dress is very elegant, but it makes her look like a girl and not a woman.  This will play in the coming scene.  Natalya applauds the choice because?  I wrote it before, but I need to foreshadow this a little.  Natalya obviously views Aksinya as someone to take care of.  She sees her like a sister.  She wants to dress her up, like a doll.  Look at the attention to detail Natalya places on her mistress.  Notice the care with the hair and the cap.  It was such a wonderful change, Aksinya smiled.  This is obviously the single most important thing to Natalya--to please Aksinya.  The dress was chosen by the demon to make Aksinya appear younger and less mature--the reason, we will soon discover.
 
I also took the time to remind you of the crosses on the dresses.  We still don't know if they will work.  Obviously, Aksinya wishes to prevent the demon from removing her clothing as a torture to compel her to act.  We also can guess that she hopes the crosses protect her and Natalya from the influence of the demon.  We and she don't know if this will work at all.
 
Finally, the last picture before the transition is Natalya behind Aksinya at the mirror.  I love this picture.  We see Aksinya backed in every way by her lady-in-waiting both in image and reality.