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 and Natalya are at Grossbock. This is their usual weekend hangout. Ernst with the acceptance and help of Aksinya's aunt and uncle, has invited himself to dinner...
When Saturday evening came around, Aksinya did not greet Herr von Taaffe at the door. She read a book in the family parlor, and Natalya sat with her. Freiherr Bockmann wanted to use the formal greeting parlor, but Aksinya liked the large fireplace in the family parlor with its very warm wood and coal fire. She remained facing the fireplace when Herr von Taaffe entered.
Ernst came around to the blazing fireplace and stood in front of Aksinya, “Countess Golitsyna, good evening.”
Aksinya made a wry face, but didn’t look up from her book, “Good evening, Herr von Taaffe.”
“Sweet Lady, I told you, you may call me, Ernst.”
“Very well, Ernst.” She glanced up from her book. “Do not neglect my lady-in-waiting. She is not your servant, and you have been introduced.”
“I’m sorry, Lady Obolenska. Good evening.”
Natalya nodded.
Freiherr Bockmann pulled a chair over for Ernst. He put it close to the left side of Aksinya’s seat. Ernst sat down. Aksinya opened her book again, and Ernst pulled it out of her hands. He laughed, “You didn’t intend to neglect me, did you?”
“No, I did accept your invitation to dine and to the opera next week.”
“I received your post.”
“Then, you see I have no intention of neglecting you. In fact, I shall give you all my attention on Wednesday evening.”
“What about tonight?”
Aksinya scowled at him, “You did not ask my permission about tonight. You came to entertain my aunt and uncle. I certainly don’t want to get in your way.”
Ernst laughed again, “I warned you I was coming. I invited myself to your aunt and uncle’s for the purpose of seeing you again. Will you let me entertain you?”
“What? Entertain me in my own relation’s home? That is certainly pretentious.”
“With your and their permission, I will attempt to engage you in a pleasant evening’s conversation.”
“I intended to read this evening.”
“Then I shall read to you.”
Aksinya’s eyebrow rose, “You would?”
Ernst nodded.
Aksinya took the book from him and stuck it between her hip and the chair, “Perhaps after dinner.” She stood, “Ernst, you may escort me to table. Uncle, I am ready for dinner.”
They went together into the family dining room.
Aksinya was pleasant to Ernst during dinner and the rest of the evening. He left before the Freiherr and Freifrau retired for the evening. Ernst did not read to Aksinya that evening, they were all too busily engaged in polite conversation.
Aksinya is being a real stinker, but in the culture, her actions are considered reasonable. Ernst wants her attention. She is not ready to give it so readily. You can imagine Aksinya's mind. She wants her books. She is just getting comfortable with Ernst, but she would never admit that. She snubs him, but he treats her as a friend. Aksinya, at this point, is without any help. The Freifrau and Freiherr, and Natalya are all happy to see her a friend with Ernst.
Ernst places himself where he can't be ignored. Aksinya snubs him, but acknowledges his precense. In this culture, that is a step ahead. Ernst announces before the "family," Aksinya may call him by his given name. That is very intimate. Because she does would be a reason for her aunt and uncle to rejoice. Aksinya bursts Ernst's bubble by reminding him of his manners. She does it in a very strong way that lifts up Natalya.
The Freiherr is encouraged by Aksinya's intamacy and brings a chair for Ernst. Ernst, likewise, acknowledges his closeness by taking the book out of Aksinya's hands. He reminds her of her responsibility as a member of the host's family, and she turns it around at him. We also get that Aksinya responded to Ernst's letter. I don't show you the letter, but let you know it was. Then, we get to the whole part that is iritating to Aksinya--tonight. Ernst didn't ask her about this evening. She's right, Ernst used his influence on her uncle. Aksinya is quite proper in her response. We get a dialog give and take about this very point. It is a verbal contest that Ernst wins by giving everything to Aksinya. Aksinya likes this in a man. She does want a man she can control. The evidence of the action is that Aksinya places her book away--it doesn't get taken out again that evening. She allows Ernst to escort her to dinner. This is a huge change from ignoring him to taking his arm to dinner.
The end is a small kicker--he didn't read to her because they were engaged in polite conversation. Aksinya is indeed warming to Ernst von Taaffe. Tomorrow, a small transition and dinner at Sacré Coeur.
Showing posts with label love letter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love letter. Show all posts
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A New Novel, Part 143 Ernst von Taaffe is Coming on Saturday Night
For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.
Aksinya is recovering from her evening with Ernst. She had a hangover, and Natalya assured her that Ernst would ask her to dinner again...
Indeed, a letter came to Aksinya’s house the next day.
Ernst Franz von Taaffe
Stal Straße
Wien, Austria
19 December 1918
Dearest Lady Golitsyna
Thank you for attending the ballet and dinner with me last evening. Your presence was dazzling. You lit up my evening the same way the Palais Coburg Hotel Residenz lights up the night sky. You made me so happy, dear Countess, I would like to see you again this weekend, and I wish to invite you next week to dinner and the grand Christmas performance of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. We shall work out the details when I see you at Grossbock on Saturday. Until then,
Sincerely,
Ernst Franz von Taaffe, heir to Graf von Taaffe”
On Friday evening, Aunt Brunhilda greeted Aksinya and Natalya when they arrived at Grossbock. She curtsied and took Aksinya’s hands. Her first breathless words were, “Dear Countess, Ernst von Taaffe has asked to dine with us on Saturday night…”
Aksinya frowned, just a little, “Did you accept?”
Aunt Brunhilda stared as though Aksinya had lost her mind, “Of course we accepted.” She smiled and shook Aksinya’s hands, “He is the perfect match for you.”
Aksinya rolled her eyes, “I’m cold. Could we retire to the family parlor?”
“Even better, we can have aperitifs in my sitting room until dinner.”
Throughout dinner and Saturday, Aunt Brunhilda wouldn’t stop talking about Herr von Taaffe. Aksinya wondered if she would be able to put up with her Aunt for the rest of the weekend. Ominously, Asmodeus did not make an appearance Friday evening. Aksinya had not seen him for a long time. She had not attempted to contact him, and she had not called him. She had a very bad feeling about his lack of appearance and speculated that the demon was either preparing something very unpleasant for her or that she was accomplishing everything he desired her to do. The later worried her the most.
Ernst is a gentleman although a gentleman who could use a little more polish. He sends a note to Aksinya the next day. The letter is a little overwrought and a little romantic, but that's Ernst. It is obvious he invited himself to Grossbock for the weekend. If you remember that Ernst and the Freiherr have an arrangement about Aksinya, then you know Ernst won't be turned away. The Freiherr and Freifrau are very must in favor of Ernst and his suit. All this is confirmed to us when Aunt Brunhilda greets Aksinya and Natalya. Aksinya does everything she can to deflect it, but the Freifrau won't let thoughts about Ernst go.
The real issue troubling Aksinya is while she is embroiled in this wonderful little love affair, Asmodeus is nowhere to be found. She hasn't tried to call the demon for obvious reasons. Aksinya knows things are not right, but she doesn't want them to stop. She loves everything that is going on. She is warming to Ernst and falling into the temptation before her. Aksinya knows what is going on, but she won't admit it to herself. She is willing to let everything play out in spite of the possible tragic ending, because she can't imagine any tragedy. Not at this point. Tomorrow, Herr von Taaffe.
Aksinya is recovering from her evening with Ernst. She had a hangover, and Natalya assured her that Ernst would ask her to dinner again...
Indeed, a letter came to Aksinya’s house the next day.
Ernst Franz von Taaffe
Stal Straße
Wien, Austria
19 December 1918
Dearest Lady Golitsyna
Thank you for attending the ballet and dinner with me last evening. Your presence was dazzling. You lit up my evening the same way the Palais Coburg Hotel Residenz lights up the night sky. You made me so happy, dear Countess, I would like to see you again this weekend, and I wish to invite you next week to dinner and the grand Christmas performance of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. We shall work out the details when I see you at Grossbock on Saturday. Until then,
Sincerely,
Ernst Franz von Taaffe, heir to Graf von Taaffe”
On Friday evening, Aunt Brunhilda greeted Aksinya and Natalya when they arrived at Grossbock. She curtsied and took Aksinya’s hands. Her first breathless words were, “Dear Countess, Ernst von Taaffe has asked to dine with us on Saturday night…”
Aksinya frowned, just a little, “Did you accept?”
Aunt Brunhilda stared as though Aksinya had lost her mind, “Of course we accepted.” She smiled and shook Aksinya’s hands, “He is the perfect match for you.”
Aksinya rolled her eyes, “I’m cold. Could we retire to the family parlor?”
“Even better, we can have aperitifs in my sitting room until dinner.”
Throughout dinner and Saturday, Aunt Brunhilda wouldn’t stop talking about Herr von Taaffe. Aksinya wondered if she would be able to put up with her Aunt for the rest of the weekend. Ominously, Asmodeus did not make an appearance Friday evening. Aksinya had not seen him for a long time. She had not attempted to contact him, and she had not called him. She had a very bad feeling about his lack of appearance and speculated that the demon was either preparing something very unpleasant for her or that she was accomplishing everything he desired her to do. The later worried her the most.
Ernst is a gentleman although a gentleman who could use a little more polish. He sends a note to Aksinya the next day. The letter is a little overwrought and a little romantic, but that's Ernst. It is obvious he invited himself to Grossbock for the weekend. If you remember that Ernst and the Freiherr have an arrangement about Aksinya, then you know Ernst won't be turned away. The Freiherr and Freifrau are very must in favor of Ernst and his suit. All this is confirmed to us when Aunt Brunhilda greets Aksinya and Natalya. Aksinya does everything she can to deflect it, but the Freifrau won't let thoughts about Ernst go.
The real issue troubling Aksinya is while she is embroiled in this wonderful little love affair, Asmodeus is nowhere to be found. She hasn't tried to call the demon for obvious reasons. Aksinya knows things are not right, but she doesn't want them to stop. She loves everything that is going on. She is warming to Ernst and falling into the temptation before her. Aksinya knows what is going on, but she won't admit it to herself. She is willing to let everything play out in spite of the possible tragic ending, because she can't imagine any tragedy. Not at this point. Tomorrow, Herr von Taaffe.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
A New Novel, Part 128 Ernst's Letter
Aksinya is being backed into a corner. Natalya wants something from her. Ernst wants something from her. Many others want something from her. Asmodeus wants her to do evil. The pressure is about to be ratcheted up...
In the morning, Aksinya and Natalya walked to Sacré Coeur with Sister Margarethe in tow. They attended chapel and classes. When they returned that evening, one of the novice sisters brought Aksinya a sealed envelope. She curtsied as she handed it to her, “Countess, this afternoon a letter was delivered to the door.”
Aksinya took the envelope and went up to her rooms. Natalya and Sister Margarethe followed her.
Natalya blocked Sister Margarethe at the door, “Please prepare tea for us, Sister.”
Sister Margarethe didn’t move for a moment, she appeared as though she was not going to leave then she bobbed her head, “Yes, Lady Natalya.”
Aksinya stood under the gaslight near the fireplace with a preoccupied expression on her face.
Natalya shut the door, “I can’t read German well yet, but that seems to be from your young man.”
Aksinya didn’t turn toward her, “It is from Ernst von Taaffe and addressed to me.”
“Read it.”
Aksinya just stood with the envelope. She turned it over in her hands.
Natalya grasped it from her, “Mistress, you must read it.”
Aksinya’s face was distraught, “If it from him, what will I do?”
Natalya squinted at the return address, “It is certainly from him. You must see what his invitation is then you can decide.”
“I am afraid.”
“Afraid? You have never shown fear of anything before.”
“I am afraid of this temptation.”
Natalya cleanly opened the seal and removed the letter inside. She glanced at it, “It is in German. I can’t read it to you, so you must. Or would you rather have Sister Margarethe read Ernst von Taaffe’s letter for you.”
Aksinya sighed and took the proffered letter. She shook it open it and read it out loud. “It says:
Ernst Franz von Taaffe
Stal Straße
Wien, Austria
15 December 1918
Dearest Lady Golitsyna
You enchanted me from the first moment I heard your name spoken. I was honored to come to your help when you were in need. Thank you for hearing me out at your honorable uncle and aunt’s party. As I discussed with you then, I would like to make your further acquaintance this week. Would you please save time for me this Thursday evening? I would be delighted to escort you to dinner and to the ballet. I will come for you at six. I can assure you, I will be a pleasant companion. I would be pleased if you would not concern yourself about your possession. I will keep it safe for you. If it is the only reason you will take time for me, then that is reason enough. I will send my servant tomorrow to receive your answer.
Sincerely,
Ernst Franz von Taaffe, heir to Graf von Taaffe
Aksinya sighed again, “What am I to answer?”
From Aksinya and Natalya's conversation, we have a short transition to set the next scene. Remember, although many events might occur during a period of time for all the characters involved in the novel, only those events that move the story, plot, and theme should be included in the writing.
From the conversation of the evening, we move with a short transition to the communication of the next evening.
I like to use letters to communicate information. I especially like to use letters when there is a letter mentioned in a novel. If you have a letter, email, text, or a telegram etc. show it to us. Many writers are afraid to just show the documents they mention. Just like introductions etc. don't short your readers by abbreviating the conversations and information by synopsising. There is a point where you might--I'll try to show you that tomorrow.
Aksinya receives a letter from Ernst. She realizes what will be in it, and she is unwilling to confront his requests. Natalya acts responsibly. She responds as though she is very experienced with these things. She gets rid of Sister Margarethe.
Aksinya is afraid to open her letter. She is completely unused to this kind of attention. She has not been entertained by a gentleman before. She has not had any experiences with men beyond her family. Natalya obviously has. Aksinya is afraid and Natalya rightly responds that Aksinya has never shown Natalya fear before. Aksinya realizes that this is a temptation. She knows the origin of the temptation.
Natalya's criticism is humorous. She threatens to have Sister Margarethe read the letter to Aksinya. That certainly wouldn't do. Aksinya finally opens and reads the letter.
The great thing about letters is a writer can show the date and the location of the writing. This is a wonderful marker to your readers. When you give your readers a letter, put in the normal address information, date, and signature.
Well, from Ernst's letter, we find he isn't very romantic. He is straightforward and right to the point. He simply invites Aksinya to dinner and the ballet. We also learn that Ernst is the heir to the Graf (Count von Taaffe). Tomorrow, we will see Aksinya's answer.
In the morning, Aksinya and Natalya walked to Sacré Coeur with Sister Margarethe in tow. They attended chapel and classes. When they returned that evening, one of the novice sisters brought Aksinya a sealed envelope. She curtsied as she handed it to her, “Countess, this afternoon a letter was delivered to the door.”
Aksinya took the envelope and went up to her rooms. Natalya and Sister Margarethe followed her.
Natalya blocked Sister Margarethe at the door, “Please prepare tea for us, Sister.”
Sister Margarethe didn’t move for a moment, she appeared as though she was not going to leave then she bobbed her head, “Yes, Lady Natalya.”
Aksinya stood under the gaslight near the fireplace with a preoccupied expression on her face.
Natalya shut the door, “I can’t read German well yet, but that seems to be from your young man.”
Aksinya didn’t turn toward her, “It is from Ernst von Taaffe and addressed to me.”
“Read it.”
Aksinya just stood with the envelope. She turned it over in her hands.
Natalya grasped it from her, “Mistress, you must read it.”
Aksinya’s face was distraught, “If it from him, what will I do?”
Natalya squinted at the return address, “It is certainly from him. You must see what his invitation is then you can decide.”
“I am afraid.”
“Afraid? You have never shown fear of anything before.”
“I am afraid of this temptation.”
Natalya cleanly opened the seal and removed the letter inside. She glanced at it, “It is in German. I can’t read it to you, so you must. Or would you rather have Sister Margarethe read Ernst von Taaffe’s letter for you.”
Aksinya sighed and took the proffered letter. She shook it open it and read it out loud. “It says:
Ernst Franz von Taaffe
Stal Straße
Wien, Austria
15 December 1918
Dearest Lady Golitsyna
You enchanted me from the first moment I heard your name spoken. I was honored to come to your help when you were in need. Thank you for hearing me out at your honorable uncle and aunt’s party. As I discussed with you then, I would like to make your further acquaintance this week. Would you please save time for me this Thursday evening? I would be delighted to escort you to dinner and to the ballet. I will come for you at six. I can assure you, I will be a pleasant companion. I would be pleased if you would not concern yourself about your possession. I will keep it safe for you. If it is the only reason you will take time for me, then that is reason enough. I will send my servant tomorrow to receive your answer.
Sincerely,
Ernst Franz von Taaffe, heir to Graf von Taaffe
Aksinya sighed again, “What am I to answer?”
From Aksinya and Natalya's conversation, we have a short transition to set the next scene. Remember, although many events might occur during a period of time for all the characters involved in the novel, only those events that move the story, plot, and theme should be included in the writing.
From the conversation of the evening, we move with a short transition to the communication of the next evening.
I like to use letters to communicate information. I especially like to use letters when there is a letter mentioned in a novel. If you have a letter, email, text, or a telegram etc. show it to us. Many writers are afraid to just show the documents they mention. Just like introductions etc. don't short your readers by abbreviating the conversations and information by synopsising. There is a point where you might--I'll try to show you that tomorrow.
Aksinya receives a letter from Ernst. She realizes what will be in it, and she is unwilling to confront his requests. Natalya acts responsibly. She responds as though she is very experienced with these things. She gets rid of Sister Margarethe.
Aksinya is afraid to open her letter. She is completely unused to this kind of attention. She has not been entertained by a gentleman before. She has not had any experiences with men beyond her family. Natalya obviously has. Aksinya is afraid and Natalya rightly responds that Aksinya has never shown Natalya fear before. Aksinya realizes that this is a temptation. She knows the origin of the temptation.
Natalya's criticism is humorous. She threatens to have Sister Margarethe read the letter to Aksinya. That certainly wouldn't do. Aksinya finally opens and reads the letter.
The great thing about letters is a writer can show the date and the location of the writing. This is a wonderful marker to your readers. When you give your readers a letter, put in the normal address information, date, and signature.
Well, from Ernst's letter, we find he isn't very romantic. He is straightforward and right to the point. He simply invites Aksinya to dinner and the ballet. We also learn that Ernst is the heir to the Graf (Count von Taaffe). Tomorrow, we will see Aksinya's answer.
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