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.
We and Aksinya learned that Asmodeus has been intercepting the bills to take care of the house and the provisions, but he might also be intercepting some of Aksinya's personal letters. We also learned that Sister Margarethe wishes to remain in Aksinya's household. Freifrau Bockmann has come to pick up Aksinya and Natalya for the weekend...
Inside the coupe, Aunt Brunhilda looked Aksinya over for a moment. She tapped the side of the glass window and held the strap as the carriage moved forward, “Good evening, Countess, Lady Natalya.”
“Good evening, Aunt Brunhilda,” Aksinya smiled. She couldn’t help smile when she said her aunt’s name.
“Well?”
“Well what?”
“Aren’t you going to share your decision about Herr von Taaffe with me? You will certainly tell him, yes, on Monday.”
Aksinya looked out the window, “I haven’t informed my confidant, the Lady Natalya yet. I am not ready to let everyone know. On Monday, you shall all know everything.”
“You haven’t told the Lady Natalya yet?” Freifrau Bockmann pouted and put her chin on the back of her hand. She glanced at Natalya, “Then there is not reason for me to try to cajole the answer from her?”
Aksinya frowned and didn’t turn from the window, “None at all.”
“Lady Natalya, the Countess has told you nothing about how her heart swings?”
Natalya shook her head.
Aunt Brunhilda snuck a look back at Aksinya, “Surely you will say yes to him.”
“I just had this conversation with Sister Margarethe, and I really don’t wish to be interrogated about it again.”
“Yes, Countess,” Freifrau Bockmann stared at her hands with an unhappy look on her face.
At Grossbock, Aksinya and Natalya went to their suite of rooms immediately after dinner. Aksinya would not answer her Aunt or Uncle’s questions during the evening. After Natalya had prepared Aksinya for bed, Aksinya sat up in her bed with the large book of Heka on her knees. A large magic circle encompassed the room. Natalya watched her through the servant’s door. Under Natalya’s covers was a very bright light. Aksinya didn’t notice it. She made a bright light of her own to read the book. Natalya just watched. A look of absolute contentment filled her features.
The lovely foreshadowing and imagery you can build with a simple scene like this are astounding. I give a little overlap in time between scenes. I really should have broken the chapter, but a double space is sufficient to break the scenes for the reader--plus there was a kicker at the end of the last scene. That was Sister Margarethe watching the carriage until it was out of sight.
Inside the coupe, I show you a luscious part of history. It is a repeat: how to get a carriage moving (signal the driver) but the strap is new. You could have guessed that carriages and especially coupes had straps, but you don't see them in most old west or European movies--look for them next time.
The Freifrau greets Aksinya, and Aksinya gives her a personal and friendly greeting in return. I remind you about Aksinya's state of mind and her humor at her aunt's name. The Freifrau launches in immediately. She wants to know Aksinya's answer to Ernst, of course she does. Aunt Brunhilda is pressing. She and the Freiherr want Aksinya to answer yes. They can't pressure her directly, but they are encouraging her as strongly as they possibly can.
Aksinya, in spite of herself, is still kind. She deflects attention away from Natalya, because Aksinya knows that her aunt will badger Natalya all weekend. Aunt Brunhilda knows she can't badger Aksinya, and she will be looking for some target. Aksinya's words are prescient and a foreshadowing. They are also ironic: "On Monday, you will all know everything.” You and they will indeed know everything on Monday.
The Freifrau badgers Natalya anyway. Natalya has learned her lesson, but notice, she still answers the question--perhaps because Aksinya is looking away. Natalya shakes her head. Aunt Brunhilda just can't let the question go: “Surely you will say yes to him.” Aksinya shuts her aunt down in very strong terms for this time. She is a Countess, after all.
This is the end of the chapter, and at Grossbock, we see the picture of domestic tranquility. Aksinya sits up with her book of sorcery on her knees; Natalya watches her with worship in her eyes. Tomorrow, the beginning of the end--Monday and the answer to Ernst.
Showing posts with label coupe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coupe. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, February 28, 2011
A New Novel, Part 149 An Undefendable House
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.
You know the drill. This is the beginning of chapter 13 so it is time to transition and set the scene. The transition comes first...
The invitations from Ernst continued every week. During that time, Aksinya and Natalya had an unwelcome break from school for Christmas and New Years. It was unwelcome because Natalya wanted to study and Aksinya liked the privacy of her own house—the Freiherr and Freifrau insisted they stay at Grossbock during the holiday. Ernst came to collect Aksinya and Natalya at Grossbock for their outings. Occasionally he ate dinner with them. During the holidays, he escorted Aksinya to dinner and a concert, opera, ballet, or a play every other day. The Freiherr and Freifrau encouraged Aksinya, and Aksinya was certain her aunt and uncle encouraged Ernst. She had her own suspicions that Asmodeus also encouraged him. She hadn’t seen Asmodeus for a while and that worried her very much. Natalya simply went along with Aksinya and carefully watched Ernst.
Aksinya made it her practice not to drink as much as she had the night of Die Zauberflöte. She still enjoyed the wine and Champagne Ernst served her, but she was just a little more cautious. She loved to drink but she did not enjoy the aftermath, and she wasn’t certain of what she did or told Natalya in the privacy of her room when she was not sober.
Ernst invited Aksinya, Natalya, and the Bockmanns to the Graff von Taaffe’s New Years dance and party. Because of the distance to the estate, they were invited to remain over until the next day and brought their small trunks and nightwear. They rode in the Bockmann’s coupe for more than two hours into the country until they arrived at the Graff von Taaffe’s estate. The way to the house from the main road was down a long tree-lined carriage path. Aksinya would have continued to read her German novel except that Natalya pointed out their approach to the house. They caught occasional glimpses from the enclosed cab of the great house as they cut back and forth in the gentle climb to the mansion.
The house was large and very old. From a distance, it looked like a schloß, but had a little more modern appearance close up. That is, on closer observation, it appeared to be from the eighteenth century, which it was, rather than from the fourteenth century, which it wasn’t. The front was stone with a generous fresco of marble, and all three floors displayed a similar exterior. The access to the heavy oaken front door was from a set of modern marble steps, but in contrast, the lower floor showed tiny windows and the top floor a crenulated roofline. Aksinya could spot the iron roofing that poked above the tops of the decorative crenulations. The second floor windows were larger and more numerous, but still gave an impression of medieval depth, and the top floor windows were the largest, but the thickness of the stone facade prevented any visibility into them. Tall constructions at either end of the face of the mansion appeared like towers, but they were encompassed at the walls and not separate structures.
The mansion reminded Aksinya a little of her house in Russia. The outline and much of the ornamentation were similar. In Russia, however, the purpose was protection and defense. Her house had been defended many times in the past by the Counts Golitsyna. She, on the other hand, had abandoned it instead of defending it with her life. She shook her head. She wondered why that thought had suddenly stolen into her mind. The von Taaffe estate, on the other hand, gave no impression that it had ever been defended against any real foe.
You need to ask yourself this question: does Aksinya appear like a woman in love. If she does, I have failed miserably. On the other hand, if Ernst doesn't appear like a love-struck puppy, I have messed up the writing entirely. If you didn't get it before, you should now. The details in this transition give you many details about Aksinya and Natalya and, of course, Ernst. We knew about the relationship pushing from the Freiherr and Freifrau. We could have guessed that Natalya loves to study and Aksinya loves her privacy. I hope you are suspicious too about the interaction of Asmodeus in the whole affair.
We also see that Aksinya is trying to moderate her own behaviour. She hasn't been successful in the past and we know where this kind of thing goes anyway. I suspect she won't be successful now, but we shall see. Note, that Aksinya is concerned with what she might reveal to Natalya while she is drunk.
Now on to the main point of the chapter: Ernst invited Aksinya to his father's estate for New Years. He also, quite properly, invited Aksinya's aunt and uncle. This is the scene setting for the chapter. This occurs following the transition. I give you a bunch of information in a tight format. Notice that Aksinya doesn't care about the house, Natalya points it out to her. It is through the eyes of Aksinya we see the house of Ernst's father. The mansion is on a mountain top. I don't tell you this, I show you this through the travel on the road. I also use comparison and other techniques to describe the house to you. This description is a metaphor for the Taaffe family. So lets look at the details of that.
The house is large and very old. Likewise the Taaffe family. It looks like a castle (that's what a schloß is). It is more modern close up. So Ernst is like his father's house. It has the appearance of age and the past, but close up, he is modern (in terms of a noble). The other details likewise relate to the building and the family. The contrast between modern and ancient between old and new. The description of the house also shows the windows are tiny on the bottom with thick walls and wider with the same thick walls at the top. This indicates the potential secrets and privacy of the family. You know there is a depth and many secrets here, but I don't reveal any of them. There are secrets especially about Ernst, but I haven't shown them to you. You might ask about how Ernst became involved in sorcery. You might wonder about his mother--we'll see that later, and his father.
The next comparison is between Aksinya's house and Ernst's father's house. It reminds her of her house in Russia. Take this metaphor to the full point. Ernst's house is a facade; Aksinya's house was used for defense. This is a foreshadowing to what I mentioned before. Do you think Ernst can release Aksinya from her curse? What do you read from his father's house. Akinsya tells you that in spite of her power and her desires, in her well protected and defended house, she could not defend or protect it. The end tagline about the Taaffe's estate is this: The von Taaffe estate, on the other hand, gave no impression that it had ever been defended against any real foe. So what do you think? Tomorrow, the arrival.
You know the drill. This is the beginning of chapter 13 so it is time to transition and set the scene. The transition comes first...
The invitations from Ernst continued every week. During that time, Aksinya and Natalya had an unwelcome break from school for Christmas and New Years. It was unwelcome because Natalya wanted to study and Aksinya liked the privacy of her own house—the Freiherr and Freifrau insisted they stay at Grossbock during the holiday. Ernst came to collect Aksinya and Natalya at Grossbock for their outings. Occasionally he ate dinner with them. During the holidays, he escorted Aksinya to dinner and a concert, opera, ballet, or a play every other day. The Freiherr and Freifrau encouraged Aksinya, and Aksinya was certain her aunt and uncle encouraged Ernst. She had her own suspicions that Asmodeus also encouraged him. She hadn’t seen Asmodeus for a while and that worried her very much. Natalya simply went along with Aksinya and carefully watched Ernst.
Aksinya made it her practice not to drink as much as she had the night of Die Zauberflöte. She still enjoyed the wine and Champagne Ernst served her, but she was just a little more cautious. She loved to drink but she did not enjoy the aftermath, and she wasn’t certain of what she did or told Natalya in the privacy of her room when she was not sober.
Ernst invited Aksinya, Natalya, and the Bockmanns to the Graff von Taaffe’s New Years dance and party. Because of the distance to the estate, they were invited to remain over until the next day and brought their small trunks and nightwear. They rode in the Bockmann’s coupe for more than two hours into the country until they arrived at the Graff von Taaffe’s estate. The way to the house from the main road was down a long tree-lined carriage path. Aksinya would have continued to read her German novel except that Natalya pointed out their approach to the house. They caught occasional glimpses from the enclosed cab of the great house as they cut back and forth in the gentle climb to the mansion.
The house was large and very old. From a distance, it looked like a schloß, but had a little more modern appearance close up. That is, on closer observation, it appeared to be from the eighteenth century, which it was, rather than from the fourteenth century, which it wasn’t. The front was stone with a generous fresco of marble, and all three floors displayed a similar exterior. The access to the heavy oaken front door was from a set of modern marble steps, but in contrast, the lower floor showed tiny windows and the top floor a crenulated roofline. Aksinya could spot the iron roofing that poked above the tops of the decorative crenulations. The second floor windows were larger and more numerous, but still gave an impression of medieval depth, and the top floor windows were the largest, but the thickness of the stone facade prevented any visibility into them. Tall constructions at either end of the face of the mansion appeared like towers, but they were encompassed at the walls and not separate structures.
The mansion reminded Aksinya a little of her house in Russia. The outline and much of the ornamentation were similar. In Russia, however, the purpose was protection and defense. Her house had been defended many times in the past by the Counts Golitsyna. She, on the other hand, had abandoned it instead of defending it with her life. She shook her head. She wondered why that thought had suddenly stolen into her mind. The von Taaffe estate, on the other hand, gave no impression that it had ever been defended against any real foe.
You need to ask yourself this question: does Aksinya appear like a woman in love. If she does, I have failed miserably. On the other hand, if Ernst doesn't appear like a love-struck puppy, I have messed up the writing entirely. If you didn't get it before, you should now. The details in this transition give you many details about Aksinya and Natalya and, of course, Ernst. We knew about the relationship pushing from the Freiherr and Freifrau. We could have guessed that Natalya loves to study and Aksinya loves her privacy. I hope you are suspicious too about the interaction of Asmodeus in the whole affair.
We also see that Aksinya is trying to moderate her own behaviour. She hasn't been successful in the past and we know where this kind of thing goes anyway. I suspect she won't be successful now, but we shall see. Note, that Aksinya is concerned with what she might reveal to Natalya while she is drunk.
Now on to the main point of the chapter: Ernst invited Aksinya to his father's estate for New Years. He also, quite properly, invited Aksinya's aunt and uncle. This is the scene setting for the chapter. This occurs following the transition. I give you a bunch of information in a tight format. Notice that Aksinya doesn't care about the house, Natalya points it out to her. It is through the eyes of Aksinya we see the house of Ernst's father. The mansion is on a mountain top. I don't tell you this, I show you this through the travel on the road. I also use comparison and other techniques to describe the house to you. This description is a metaphor for the Taaffe family. So lets look at the details of that.
The house is large and very old. Likewise the Taaffe family. It looks like a castle (that's what a schloß is). It is more modern close up. So Ernst is like his father's house. It has the appearance of age and the past, but close up, he is modern (in terms of a noble). The other details likewise relate to the building and the family. The contrast between modern and ancient between old and new. The description of the house also shows the windows are tiny on the bottom with thick walls and wider with the same thick walls at the top. This indicates the potential secrets and privacy of the family. You know there is a depth and many secrets here, but I don't reveal any of them. There are secrets especially about Ernst, but I haven't shown them to you. You might ask about how Ernst became involved in sorcery. You might wonder about his mother--we'll see that later, and his father.
The next comparison is between Aksinya's house and Ernst's father's house. It reminds her of her house in Russia. Take this metaphor to the full point. Ernst's house is a facade; Aksinya's house was used for defense. This is a foreshadowing to what I mentioned before. Do you think Ernst can release Aksinya from her curse? What do you read from his father's house. Akinsya tells you that in spite of her power and her desires, in her well protected and defended house, she could not defend or protect it. The end tagline about the Taaffe's estate is this: The von Taaffe estate, on the other hand, gave no impression that it had ever been defended against any real foe. So what do you think? Tomorrow, the arrival.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
A New Novel, Part 132 The Scent of Sorcery
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 come to take Aksinya and Natalya to dinner and the ballet. He made it through the first barrier, Sister Margarethe. He made it passed the second barrier, Aksinya took his arm. Now, to the carriage and out on the town...
The horses and driver turned their heads toward Aksinya and Ernst as then exited the house. Aksinya still held the wonderful bouquet in her free hand.
The driver immediately leapt down from the landau. He uncovered his head, bowed, and presented his arm to Aksinya. She placed her gloved fingers on his arm and stepped into the carriage. Herr Taaffe aided from the other side. Both of them handed Natalya into the carriage.
Inside, Aksinya sat facing forward and Natalya took the seat across from her. Ernst entered and sat next to Aksinya. When they were all settled, he tapped on the front of the carriage and the horses started slowly and gently increased their speed.
Almost immediately, Ernst slouched in his seat so he partially faced Aksinya. He laughed, “You have made me a very happy man, dear lady.”
Aksinya frowned, “How have I made you so happy?”
“Why, you accepted my invitation and are now accompanying me.”
Aksinya turned toward him, “I want you to return my book.”
“You aren’t in any way pleased to be escorted by me?”
Aksinya returned her head to the front. She didn’t say anything.
“Ha, I take that to mean, you are not completely displeased that I am your escort.”
“I am not entirely displeased, but I do wish my book returned.”
“If I return your book will you promise to go out with me again?”
“I will take your request under consideration.”
“Then I will take into consideration the return of your book. I want to court you. I am in love with you, and I wish to tempt you on every occasion to come with me to dinner and entertainment.”
Aksinya turned her head toward the outside of the landau. There was no window, only an opening that was covered with a leather flap. She scowled but didn’t look back at him, “I wish the return of my book. What reason could you have to love me or even want my attention?”
“My father isn’t opposed. I admit, I haven’t had much experience with women or love, but only a woman of equal rank would please him. He desires to meet you, but I’m holding that off a bit.”
Aksinya’s voice had a tinge of sarcasm in it, “Why would you do that?”
“Because I don’t think you are too keen on the idea yet.”
“Still, your father’s approval shouldn’t be enough to excite your ardor.”
“Excite my ardor,” Ernst smiled, “You have no idea. I find you dazzling…”
“Because of sorcery?”
He laughed, “Because I am ensorcelled or because you are a sorceress. Does your lady-in –waiting know?”
“Of course she knows. I wouldn’t have brought it up otherwise.”
“Have you ensorcelled me?”
Aksinya snorted, “Do I act as if I wished such a thing?”
“Honestly, no.”
“You are mistaken if you believe I have ensorcelled you.” She turned toward him and her eyes widened. She said a couple of Latin words and leaned back with a sigh.
“Am I ensorcelled?”
“No.”
“I didn’t think so.” He took a deep breath, “The scent of your enchantment is very strong. You are absolutely magnificent.”
Aksinya scooted closer to the other corner of the landau.
A reminder of the times, the driver and the horses. Notice that Aksinya clings to her bouquet--it is likely the only one she has ever received from a man before. The driver acts with perfect decorum. Herr von Taaffe acts like a gentleman. They settle in their seats and the carriage takes off at Ernst's signal. You might not notice, but if you compare the way the Bockmann's coupe started and the way Ernst's landau began to move, Ernst was slow and the speed gently increased. This shows Ernst's driver is an expert and the horses are well trained. All of this indicates how disciplined and well bred Ernst is.
Ernst feels comfortable enough to slouch. This is really the easiest way to face someone in a carriage or an automobile. Ernst can't hide his happiness. He is so happy to finally be able to escort Aksinya; Aksinya just wants her book. Aksinya is melting a little. She doesn't like the fact that Ernst has one up on her, but she enjoys his attention. They are already making arrangements for their next meeting.
Note, Aksinya wants to move her attention away from Ernst. She can't. There is no window in the landau. Because of her irritation, the conversation turns personal. She really wants to know what Ernst sees in her. Ernst is coy and tells her about himself and his father. Already, both Ernst and his father are interested in Aksinya. Aksinya doesn't like herself and sorcery is what she is. Because Ernst professes to admire her because of her sorcery, she sees that as completely negative. Because Ernst is so interested in Aksinya, she comes to the conclusion he might have a spell cast on him--when she checks; she finds he does not. She had worried that the demon cast a spell on Ernst. She should know better than that, demons can't do sorcery. Aksinya moves away from him because he again associates something good with her sorcery. Tomorrow, their conversation continues.
Ernst has come to take Aksinya and Natalya to dinner and the ballet. He made it through the first barrier, Sister Margarethe. He made it passed the second barrier, Aksinya took his arm. Now, to the carriage and out on the town...
The horses and driver turned their heads toward Aksinya and Ernst as then exited the house. Aksinya still held the wonderful bouquet in her free hand.
The driver immediately leapt down from the landau. He uncovered his head, bowed, and presented his arm to Aksinya. She placed her gloved fingers on his arm and stepped into the carriage. Herr Taaffe aided from the other side. Both of them handed Natalya into the carriage.
Inside, Aksinya sat facing forward and Natalya took the seat across from her. Ernst entered and sat next to Aksinya. When they were all settled, he tapped on the front of the carriage and the horses started slowly and gently increased their speed.
Almost immediately, Ernst slouched in his seat so he partially faced Aksinya. He laughed, “You have made me a very happy man, dear lady.”
Aksinya frowned, “How have I made you so happy?”
“Why, you accepted my invitation and are now accompanying me.”
Aksinya turned toward him, “I want you to return my book.”
“You aren’t in any way pleased to be escorted by me?”
Aksinya returned her head to the front. She didn’t say anything.
“Ha, I take that to mean, you are not completely displeased that I am your escort.”
“I am not entirely displeased, but I do wish my book returned.”
“If I return your book will you promise to go out with me again?”
“I will take your request under consideration.”
“Then I will take into consideration the return of your book. I want to court you. I am in love with you, and I wish to tempt you on every occasion to come with me to dinner and entertainment.”
Aksinya turned her head toward the outside of the landau. There was no window, only an opening that was covered with a leather flap. She scowled but didn’t look back at him, “I wish the return of my book. What reason could you have to love me or even want my attention?”
“My father isn’t opposed. I admit, I haven’t had much experience with women or love, but only a woman of equal rank would please him. He desires to meet you, but I’m holding that off a bit.”
Aksinya’s voice had a tinge of sarcasm in it, “Why would you do that?”
“Because I don’t think you are too keen on the idea yet.”
“Still, your father’s approval shouldn’t be enough to excite your ardor.”
“Excite my ardor,” Ernst smiled, “You have no idea. I find you dazzling…”
“Because of sorcery?”
He laughed, “Because I am ensorcelled or because you are a sorceress. Does your lady-in –waiting know?”
“Of course she knows. I wouldn’t have brought it up otherwise.”
“Have you ensorcelled me?”
Aksinya snorted, “Do I act as if I wished such a thing?”
“Honestly, no.”
“You are mistaken if you believe I have ensorcelled you.” She turned toward him and her eyes widened. She said a couple of Latin words and leaned back with a sigh.
“Am I ensorcelled?”
“No.”
“I didn’t think so.” He took a deep breath, “The scent of your enchantment is very strong. You are absolutely magnificent.”
Aksinya scooted closer to the other corner of the landau.
A reminder of the times, the driver and the horses. Notice that Aksinya clings to her bouquet--it is likely the only one she has ever received from a man before. The driver acts with perfect decorum. Herr von Taaffe acts like a gentleman. They settle in their seats and the carriage takes off at Ernst's signal. You might not notice, but if you compare the way the Bockmann's coupe started and the way Ernst's landau began to move, Ernst was slow and the speed gently increased. This shows Ernst's driver is an expert and the horses are well trained. All of this indicates how disciplined and well bred Ernst is.
Ernst feels comfortable enough to slouch. This is really the easiest way to face someone in a carriage or an automobile. Ernst can't hide his happiness. He is so happy to finally be able to escort Aksinya; Aksinya just wants her book. Aksinya is melting a little. She doesn't like the fact that Ernst has one up on her, but she enjoys his attention. They are already making arrangements for their next meeting.
Note, Aksinya wants to move her attention away from Ernst. She can't. There is no window in the landau. Because of her irritation, the conversation turns personal. She really wants to know what Ernst sees in her. Ernst is coy and tells her about himself and his father. Already, both Ernst and his father are interested in Aksinya. Aksinya doesn't like herself and sorcery is what she is. Because Ernst professes to admire her because of her sorcery, she sees that as completely negative. Because Ernst is so interested in Aksinya, she comes to the conclusion he might have a spell cast on him--when she checks; she finds he does not. She had worried that the demon cast a spell on Ernst. She should know better than that, demons can't do sorcery. Aksinya moves away from him because he again associates something good with her sorcery. Tomorrow, their conversation continues.
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