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 takes Aksinya to the most sauve and aristocratic restaurant in Wien. They go to the Red Room...
Herr Leichter led them to a room at the far end of the lower floor. The walls were salmon colored and the carved wooden ceiling was frescoed with a beautiful painting. A great chandelier hung from its center. On the wall was a large oil of a woman in a white lace wedding dress. The oak doors were carved, and the floor was a wonderful wooden mosaic. Inside the room was a long table set for three. Two places were set at one end and the other a little further down from them. A grand piano sat in one corner of the room. Gas lamps and candles were lit and provided all the illumination here not electricity like the rest of the building. Wood fires were lit in two opposing fireplaces. Immediately, when they entered, the pianist began to play a gentle waltz melody.
Herr Leichter led them to the head of the table. A maid stood there. She curtsied to Aksinya. Herr Leichter grinned, “Countess, would you like to remove your cloak?”
Aksinya nodded. The maid untied the clasp and Ernst helped Aksinya slip out of it. Aksinya noticed wryly, her rich blue gown clashed with the decorations in the room. The maid took the bouquet in one hand and the coat over her arm and moved to a corner. She stood there almost unmoving the rest of the evening until just before they left.
Ernst sat Aksinya at the head and then Natalya at the setting a little further down. Another maid took Natalya’s cloak and Ernst’s top hat and top coat and handed them to the maid who held Aksinya’s mink and bouquet. As soon as Ernst sat in the chair to the side of Aksinya, three waiters brought lavers and towels for them to rinse and dry their hands.
They disappeared for a moment then almost immediately returned with the appetizer and wine. The wine was a slightly dry Riesling. The appetizer, a tiny filet of roebuck encircled with bacon and topped with krauter butter. Ernst stated off-hand, “I asked for the night’s special dinner. I think you will like it. If you don’t, they will prepare you anything you wish—you just have to ask.”
Aksinya took a bite of the steak, “This is very nice. Please ask them to continue.”
Ernst gave a small bow at his seat.
Aksinya slowly savored the food. She asked, “So Herr, Taaffe…”
“Won’t you call me, Ernst?”
Aksinya pursed her lips, “Don’t you think that is a little familiar?”
“I will continue to address you as Lady or Countess, but you may call me Ernst.”
“That is still too familiar, but I shall do so only because I am polite and you asked. I do not address my lady-in-waiting by her given name in public.”
Ernst glanced at Natalya and his brow rose.
Bloggspot lost all my commentary. I will try to give you a five minute synopsis of what I prepared last night.
The chamber is a real one and very romantic. Ernst is obviously being coached by someone. I don't tell you who, but that someone is Asmodeus. He is even there--Aksinya saw him.
The rest is the dance of the society. The cloaks and gloves, the meal, the wine. I describe the meal to you so you can see what is going on and to let the conversation flow.
Ernst asks Aksinya to call him by his first name. This is considered very intimate. Aksinya tells him she will, but puts him in his place. She doesn't call Lady Natalya by her given name in public, but with her title. This places Ernst below Natalya in Aksinya's circle. That's why the reaction from Ernst. He is pleased because he is lovestruck, but Akinsya put him in his place. She's good at that. Tomorrow, more of Aksinya and Ernst conversation.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
A New Novel, Part 134 Palais Coburg
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.
We have learned a great deal about Ernst's information sources and those who helped him conspire against Aksinya. This is indeed a conspiracy... of temptation, but one that only Asmodeus fully understands. Aksinya knows a lot that is going on, but she is bewitched by it as much as the others. Isn't this like temptation? They arrive at the place Ernst has chosen for dinner...
Ernst’s voice changed slightly, “Here we are. This is my favorite restaurant, the Palais Coburg Hotel Residenz. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.”
They heard the driver climb from his perch, and the leather flap on the right side raised. Bright light filled the landau. Ernst stepped out first and lifted his hand to Aksinya. She shaded her eyes with the hand that held her flowers as she grasped his proffered hand and exited the carriage. Ernst guided her foot to the step and helped her down. He placed her hand on his arm and held it there. The driver helped Natalya from the landau.
The hotel was sparkling white marble in two grand floors. It was brilliantly lit by bright new electric light bulbs. The yellow of the bulbs made the marble shine like aged stone. The building was designed in a classical style with rounded arches below and triangular ones above. Its roof was flat with a balustrade and ornamental steps above that. Colonnades encircled the front entry on both levels, and wonderful, but half hidden marble statues perched at the top of the roofline. The center sculpture looked like the Austrian Eagle, but Aksinya couldn’t tell in the evening light. The statues seemed like the muses or graces, but there were too many of them. She didn’t get a chance to count them before Ernst escorted her between the row of bowing doormen into the building. As they entered, Ernst leaned toward Aksinya, “They only just started to light it like this. It was so dreary during the war.”
They entered into the main foyer. There, the floor was blue stone gilded with elegant designs. The walls were white plaster ornamented with raised golden scrollwork. They were greeted at the very end of the foyer by an open fireplace filled with a bright wood fire. Above it was a large mirror. The foyer was slightly congested with the evening dinner crowd. The moment Aksinya glanced in the mirror, she thought she caught a glimpse of Asmodeus. She picked up a whiff of sulfur. She almost turned around, but stopped herself at the last moment. When she looked again, he was gone—so she wasn’t certain if that had been her imagination.
Ernst flipped off his hat and motioned to the majordomo. The man came running, “Good evening, Herr von Taaffe.”
“Good evening, Herr Leichter.” He paused a moment to pull Aksinya forward a step, “This is the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna. She and her lady-in-waiting are my special guests tonight.”
“Yes, Herr von Taaffe. I’m glad you alerted us about her Ladyship’s arrival.” The majordomo bowed very low. The foyer became immediately silent. When the majordomo stood straight again, he spoke very loudly, “Countess Golitsyna and Herr von Taaffe please follow me. Your usual accommodations have been prepared for you and the countess.”
As Aksinya and Ernst stepped beside Herr Leichter, people on either side of them bowed and curtsied toward Aksinya. She held her head high.
Ernst smiled at her and whispered, “I must say, you are ravishing and appear every bit a Russian Countess.”
Aksinya didn’t look at him, “But I am a Russian Countess.”
Ernst sighed.
They have arrived at the Palais Coburg. This is one of the finest places to stay and dine in Wien. On the outside, It has obviously not been much affected by the times. The aristocrats still have money to spend and though the cost is dear, the Palais Coburg keeps them living in the style they are accustomed to.
The Palais Coburg was blacked out, like most of the buildings, during the war. Now, it is lighted with electric lights. Note how dear the flowers are to Aksinya. I give you a description of the Palais Coburg as it appeared in 1918. It is not much different today.
At their entrance, Aksinya notes Asmodeus in the mirror. Yes, she can see him via a mirror. Likely any spiritual being that can be seen with human eyes can be seen through a mirror. It simply reflects light. She catches a glimpse and a whiff of his sulfurous scent. That should warn her, but since when does any warning really push us away from temptation. We know Aksinya's temptation--it is luxuria and sorcery. The Palais Coburg offers luxuria in heaps.
The majordomo recognizes Ernst that means he obviously comes here often. You don't introduce servants, but you do announce royalty. Ernst does so for Herr Lichter (name means light). The Major Domo's response is a deep bow and that alerts the other diners and patrons. We learn that Ernst eats here often enough he has usual accommodations. We know he has little experience with women, at least that is what he said. This perhaps puts a lie to that statement.
Ernst complements Aksinya on her bearing and her appearance. She doesn't get it. Aksinya can be so slow about such things. That is the reason for Ernst's sigh. He is beginning to understand her. Tomorrow, the dinner.
We have learned a great deal about Ernst's information sources and those who helped him conspire against Aksinya. This is indeed a conspiracy... of temptation, but one that only Asmodeus fully understands. Aksinya knows a lot that is going on, but she is bewitched by it as much as the others. Isn't this like temptation? They arrive at the place Ernst has chosen for dinner...
Ernst’s voice changed slightly, “Here we are. This is my favorite restaurant, the Palais Coburg Hotel Residenz. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.”
They heard the driver climb from his perch, and the leather flap on the right side raised. Bright light filled the landau. Ernst stepped out first and lifted his hand to Aksinya. She shaded her eyes with the hand that held her flowers as she grasped his proffered hand and exited the carriage. Ernst guided her foot to the step and helped her down. He placed her hand on his arm and held it there. The driver helped Natalya from the landau.
The hotel was sparkling white marble in two grand floors. It was brilliantly lit by bright new electric light bulbs. The yellow of the bulbs made the marble shine like aged stone. The building was designed in a classical style with rounded arches below and triangular ones above. Its roof was flat with a balustrade and ornamental steps above that. Colonnades encircled the front entry on both levels, and wonderful, but half hidden marble statues perched at the top of the roofline. The center sculpture looked like the Austrian Eagle, but Aksinya couldn’t tell in the evening light. The statues seemed like the muses or graces, but there were too many of them. She didn’t get a chance to count them before Ernst escorted her between the row of bowing doormen into the building. As they entered, Ernst leaned toward Aksinya, “They only just started to light it like this. It was so dreary during the war.”
They entered into the main foyer. There, the floor was blue stone gilded with elegant designs. The walls were white plaster ornamented with raised golden scrollwork. They were greeted at the very end of the foyer by an open fireplace filled with a bright wood fire. Above it was a large mirror. The foyer was slightly congested with the evening dinner crowd. The moment Aksinya glanced in the mirror, she thought she caught a glimpse of Asmodeus. She picked up a whiff of sulfur. She almost turned around, but stopped herself at the last moment. When she looked again, he was gone—so she wasn’t certain if that had been her imagination.
Ernst flipped off his hat and motioned to the majordomo. The man came running, “Good evening, Herr von Taaffe.”
“Good evening, Herr Leichter.” He paused a moment to pull Aksinya forward a step, “This is the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna. She and her lady-in-waiting are my special guests tonight.”
“Yes, Herr von Taaffe. I’m glad you alerted us about her Ladyship’s arrival.” The majordomo bowed very low. The foyer became immediately silent. When the majordomo stood straight again, he spoke very loudly, “Countess Golitsyna and Herr von Taaffe please follow me. Your usual accommodations have been prepared for you and the countess.”
As Aksinya and Ernst stepped beside Herr Leichter, people on either side of them bowed and curtsied toward Aksinya. She held her head high.
Ernst smiled at her and whispered, “I must say, you are ravishing and appear every bit a Russian Countess.”
Aksinya didn’t look at him, “But I am a Russian Countess.”
Ernst sighed.
They have arrived at the Palais Coburg. This is one of the finest places to stay and dine in Wien. On the outside, It has obviously not been much affected by the times. The aristocrats still have money to spend and though the cost is dear, the Palais Coburg keeps them living in the style they are accustomed to.
The Palais Coburg was blacked out, like most of the buildings, during the war. Now, it is lighted with electric lights. Note how dear the flowers are to Aksinya. I give you a description of the Palais Coburg as it appeared in 1918. It is not much different today.
At their entrance, Aksinya notes Asmodeus in the mirror. Yes, she can see him via a mirror. Likely any spiritual being that can be seen with human eyes can be seen through a mirror. It simply reflects light. She catches a glimpse and a whiff of his sulfurous scent. That should warn her, but since when does any warning really push us away from temptation. We know Aksinya's temptation--it is luxuria and sorcery. The Palais Coburg offers luxuria in heaps.
The majordomo recognizes Ernst that means he obviously comes here often. You don't introduce servants, but you do announce royalty. Ernst does so for Herr Lichter (name means light). The Major Domo's response is a deep bow and that alerts the other diners and patrons. We learn that Ernst eats here often enough he has usual accommodations. We know he has little experience with women, at least that is what he said. This perhaps puts a lie to that statement.
Ernst complements Aksinya on her bearing and her appearance. She doesn't get it. Aksinya can be so slow about such things. That is the reason for Ernst's sigh. He is beginning to understand her. Tomorrow, the dinner.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A New Novel, Part 133 You Must Accept Me for Who I Am
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.
Aksinya makes a small enchantment to discover if Ernst is enchanted. He isn't, but the scent of Aksinya's sorcery pleases him. That Ernst remarks on it displeases Aksinya...
“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.
“What is wrong, Countess? Are you angry because I said you were magnificent or because I praised your sorcery?”
Aksinya made a noncommittal sound.
“What can I do to gain your affection or at least your attention?”
“First, say nothing about sorcery. I do not wish to speak about it. Such things do not please me. If you cannot enjoy me without sorcery being a part of it, then you should return me to my house.”
Ernst bowed, “I shall say nothing else about it—unless you, dear lady bring up the subject.”
Aksinya felt her cheeks burning, “Very, well.”
“What is second?”
She looked back at the blank side and mumbled, “Second, you must accept me for who I am, and not for who you think I am.”
Ernst sat a little straighter, “I assure you, I am captivated by you and you alone. It is every bit of you and not a singular piece.”
Natalya spoke up, “How do you know so much about my mistress? How could you?”
Ernst’s smile came through his voice, “I discovered the Countess through her courtier, Herr Aznabaev, but I know Freiherr Bockmann very well. He is a great friend of my father’s. After Herr Aznabaev made me aware of the Countess, I approached Freiherr Bockmann and asked that he allow me to woo her.”
Aksinya turned toward him, “You didn’t?”
“I did. Didn’t you find it odd that no one invited you to dance at your uncle’s Advent party? Your uncle let the word get around that I had asked for an exclusive bid to woo. He and your aunt even kept the interested at bay so I could have the chance to speak to you alone.”
“You waited until the Lady Natalya…”
He laughed, “I did. Herr Aznabaev even advised me how to get by the Sister who watches over you.”
Aksinya mumbled, “Does he advise you about everything?”
The landau rolled to a slow stop.
Aksinya doesn't want Ernst to acknowledge her sorcery. To her, the sorcery is everything that is wrong with her. It represents her sin and her evil. She does not want Ernst to like or praise her for her it. Ernst is perceptive. He goes directly to the point of her request. He doesn't realize sorcery is Aksinya's problem. He likely believes she is just secretive about it. He only wants Aksinya's affection.
Aksinya is direct: say nothing about sorcery, and accept me as I am. Ernst is happy to accede to her demands. Ernst does like her for who she is.
Then Natalya asks the obvious question that we all wanted Ernst to answer. How does Ernst know so much about Aksinya. Ernst answers her. Asmodeus told Ernst how to approach Aksinya. He went through Freiherr Bockmann. Freiherr Bockmann gave Ernst exclusive permission to woo Aksinya. That is why Aksinya was not asked to dance at the Advent party. That is why Ernst had so many privileges to approach Aksinya. That is why Ernst pushed his way into Akinsya's house.
Aksinya asked then a quiet question that we are not certain Ernst heard: "Does Asmodeus advise you about everything." This is an important question. We know the answer--we think. Tomorrow, they have arrived at dinner.
Aksinya makes a small enchantment to discover if Ernst is enchanted. He isn't, but the scent of Aksinya's sorcery pleases him. That Ernst remarks on it displeases Aksinya...
“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.
“What is wrong, Countess? Are you angry because I said you were magnificent or because I praised your sorcery?”
Aksinya made a noncommittal sound.
“What can I do to gain your affection or at least your attention?”
“First, say nothing about sorcery. I do not wish to speak about it. Such things do not please me. If you cannot enjoy me without sorcery being a part of it, then you should return me to my house.”
Ernst bowed, “I shall say nothing else about it—unless you, dear lady bring up the subject.”
Aksinya felt her cheeks burning, “Very, well.”
“What is second?”
She looked back at the blank side and mumbled, “Second, you must accept me for who I am, and not for who you think I am.”
Ernst sat a little straighter, “I assure you, I am captivated by you and you alone. It is every bit of you and not a singular piece.”
Natalya spoke up, “How do you know so much about my mistress? How could you?”
Ernst’s smile came through his voice, “I discovered the Countess through her courtier, Herr Aznabaev, but I know Freiherr Bockmann very well. He is a great friend of my father’s. After Herr Aznabaev made me aware of the Countess, I approached Freiherr Bockmann and asked that he allow me to woo her.”
Aksinya turned toward him, “You didn’t?”
“I did. Didn’t you find it odd that no one invited you to dance at your uncle’s Advent party? Your uncle let the word get around that I had asked for an exclusive bid to woo. He and your aunt even kept the interested at bay so I could have the chance to speak to you alone.”
“You waited until the Lady Natalya…”
He laughed, “I did. Herr Aznabaev even advised me how to get by the Sister who watches over you.”
Aksinya mumbled, “Does he advise you about everything?”
The landau rolled to a slow stop.
Aksinya doesn't want Ernst to acknowledge her sorcery. To her, the sorcery is everything that is wrong with her. It represents her sin and her evil. She does not want Ernst to like or praise her for her it. Ernst is perceptive. He goes directly to the point of her request. He doesn't realize sorcery is Aksinya's problem. He likely believes she is just secretive about it. He only wants Aksinya's affection.
Aksinya is direct: say nothing about sorcery, and accept me as I am. Ernst is happy to accede to her demands. Ernst does like her for who she is.
Then Natalya asks the obvious question that we all wanted Ernst to answer. How does Ernst know so much about Aksinya. Ernst answers her. Asmodeus told Ernst how to approach Aksinya. He went through Freiherr Bockmann. Freiherr Bockmann gave Ernst exclusive permission to woo Aksinya. That is why Aksinya was not asked to dance at the Advent party. That is why Ernst had so many privileges to approach Aksinya. That is why Ernst pushed his way into Akinsya's house.
Aksinya asked then a quiet question that we are not certain Ernst heard: "Does Asmodeus advise you about everything." This is an important question. We know the answer--we think. Tomorrow, they have arrived at dinner.
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.
Friday, February 11, 2011
A New Novel, Part 131 Introductions and Cloaks
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 made his way into the house and is greeted by Aksinya. He brought a red rose. He prepares to escort Aksinya and Natalya out to dinner...
Ernst stood and put out his arm, “If you please, Countess. My landau awaits you.”
Sister Margarethe loudly cleared her throat behind them.
Aksinya half turned, “Ernst von Taaffe, I am pleased to introduce Sister Margarethe. She looks after the Lady Natalya and me.”
Ernst turned his head only a fraction of an inch, “Will she accompany us?”
Aksinya shook her head, “Not on this occasion. And I can’t forget my best friend and confidant, the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska. She will accompany me.” Aksinya didn’t turn this time, “Sister Margarethe, the Lady Natalya and I will be going out for the evening with Herr von Taaffe. We will return after the ballet. Please bring our cloaks.”
Sister Margarethe curtsied, “I am very pleased to meet you Herr Taaffe. Do not keep my charges out too late. They must both attend chapel and early classes.” She exited the room for a moment and returned with the cloaks.
When Sister Margarethe approached Aksinya, Natalya stopped her, “That is the wrong cloak for the Countess. Please bring the mink one.”
Sister Margarethe pressed her lips together, but she went back for the heavy mink cloak. When Sister Margarethe returned, Natalya took the cloak from her and placed it over Aksinya’s shoulders. She took a deep breath, smiled, and tied the cloak at Aksinya’s neck.
Sister Margarethe placed Natalya’s black woolen cloak over her shoulders. Natalya stepped toward Aksinya before the nun could fasten the cloak. She buried her face in the fabric and slowly tied it at her neck herself.
Aksinya eyed Ernst’s proffered arm dubiously. Then she placed two fingers on his forearm. Ernst covered her fingers and forced her hand against his arm. He smiled at her, “I wouldn’t want you to stumble.” He led her to the door. Sister Margarethe just had time to get to the portal and open it so he and Aksinya could exit into the freezing evening. Natalya nodded as she passed the nun, but she didn’t say a word, and she turned her head away from the sister to hide her smile.
Much is suddenly going on and much is unsaid in the little scene inside the parlor of Aksinya's house. I promise you will learn the reason for much of it and much much more you might have wondered about, and you will learn it soon.
At this moment, you can rest in the gentle arms of the culture. It is so refined and so much the kind of environment Aksinya and Natalya are used to. Sister Margarethe makes a noise to remind Aksinya of her manners. Aksinya was going to treat the Sister like a servant. I told you before why. This doesn't bother Sister Margarethe. Aksinya is not surprised--she did not forget. The Sister was a little too forward, but that's all right. Aksinya continues and introduces Natalya. Note that Aksinya is completely in control at this moment. She is the consummate Countess and aristocrat.
Sister Margarethe is no fool. She warns Ernst in more than one way: not too late, chapel, and early classes. She didn't have to tell Ernst that she is waiting up and watching for the ladies to return. There are some other things that are immediately clear to the Sister that might not be clear to the reader--they will be very soon.
I wanted you to see the control of Natalya too at this moment. Watch what happens when the Sister brings the wrong cloak. Do you remember, Aksinya made Natalya her chaimberlin (the steward over her clothing). Natalya takes this responsiblility very seriously. She dresses the Countess and she handles her clothing. She will allow a servant to fetch and carry, but she will ensure the proper clothing and adonrnment. She sends Sister Margarethe back for the Mink and that irritates the Sister. We know this is Aksinya's favorite cloak, and we know why. It was her mothers and held her mother's smell. Now it holds Aksinya's scent. Natalya takes it in like a breath of fresh air.
Then the Sister puts Natalya's cloak on her. Natalya prevents the Sister from taking the liberty of sharing her joy in the scent of Aksinya's cloak. This is a very tense and careful interplay. It describes the place of servants compared to friends in the household. It all goes on almost automatically and silently.
Now, they are ready to go out. Ernst offers his arm and Aksinya gives him two fingers--she is polite, but not forward. Ernst is very forward. Aksinya's quick exit with Ernst catches the Sister off guard. Natalya laughs at Sister Margarethe. Natalya is not mean, but Ernst has forced his way into the house and taken her mistress with him and Natalya is going with Aksinya. This is her greatest joy and she was invited, not Sister Margarethe. Tommorrow, more revelations inside the landau.
Ernst made his way into the house and is greeted by Aksinya. He brought a red rose. He prepares to escort Aksinya and Natalya out to dinner...
Ernst stood and put out his arm, “If you please, Countess. My landau awaits you.”
Sister Margarethe loudly cleared her throat behind them.
Aksinya half turned, “Ernst von Taaffe, I am pleased to introduce Sister Margarethe. She looks after the Lady Natalya and me.”
Ernst turned his head only a fraction of an inch, “Will she accompany us?”
Aksinya shook her head, “Not on this occasion. And I can’t forget my best friend and confidant, the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska. She will accompany me.” Aksinya didn’t turn this time, “Sister Margarethe, the Lady Natalya and I will be going out for the evening with Herr von Taaffe. We will return after the ballet. Please bring our cloaks.”
Sister Margarethe curtsied, “I am very pleased to meet you Herr Taaffe. Do not keep my charges out too late. They must both attend chapel and early classes.” She exited the room for a moment and returned with the cloaks.
When Sister Margarethe approached Aksinya, Natalya stopped her, “That is the wrong cloak for the Countess. Please bring the mink one.”
Sister Margarethe pressed her lips together, but she went back for the heavy mink cloak. When Sister Margarethe returned, Natalya took the cloak from her and placed it over Aksinya’s shoulders. She took a deep breath, smiled, and tied the cloak at Aksinya’s neck.
Sister Margarethe placed Natalya’s black woolen cloak over her shoulders. Natalya stepped toward Aksinya before the nun could fasten the cloak. She buried her face in the fabric and slowly tied it at her neck herself.
Aksinya eyed Ernst’s proffered arm dubiously. Then she placed two fingers on his forearm. Ernst covered her fingers and forced her hand against his arm. He smiled at her, “I wouldn’t want you to stumble.” He led her to the door. Sister Margarethe just had time to get to the portal and open it so he and Aksinya could exit into the freezing evening. Natalya nodded as she passed the nun, but she didn’t say a word, and she turned her head away from the sister to hide her smile.
Much is suddenly going on and much is unsaid in the little scene inside the parlor of Aksinya's house. I promise you will learn the reason for much of it and much much more you might have wondered about, and you will learn it soon.
At this moment, you can rest in the gentle arms of the culture. It is so refined and so much the kind of environment Aksinya and Natalya are used to. Sister Margarethe makes a noise to remind Aksinya of her manners. Aksinya was going to treat the Sister like a servant. I told you before why. This doesn't bother Sister Margarethe. Aksinya is not surprised--she did not forget. The Sister was a little too forward, but that's all right. Aksinya continues and introduces Natalya. Note that Aksinya is completely in control at this moment. She is the consummate Countess and aristocrat.
Sister Margarethe is no fool. She warns Ernst in more than one way: not too late, chapel, and early classes. She didn't have to tell Ernst that she is waiting up and watching for the ladies to return. There are some other things that are immediately clear to the Sister that might not be clear to the reader--they will be very soon.
I wanted you to see the control of Natalya too at this moment. Watch what happens when the Sister brings the wrong cloak. Do you remember, Aksinya made Natalya her chaimberlin (the steward over her clothing). Natalya takes this responsiblility very seriously. She dresses the Countess and she handles her clothing. She will allow a servant to fetch and carry, but she will ensure the proper clothing and adonrnment. She sends Sister Margarethe back for the Mink and that irritates the Sister. We know this is Aksinya's favorite cloak, and we know why. It was her mothers and held her mother's smell. Now it holds Aksinya's scent. Natalya takes it in like a breath of fresh air.
Then the Sister puts Natalya's cloak on her. Natalya prevents the Sister from taking the liberty of sharing her joy in the scent of Aksinya's cloak. This is a very tense and careful interplay. It describes the place of servants compared to friends in the household. It all goes on almost automatically and silently.
Now, they are ready to go out. Ernst offers his arm and Aksinya gives him two fingers--she is polite, but not forward. Ernst is very forward. Aksinya's quick exit with Ernst catches the Sister off guard. Natalya laughs at Sister Margarethe. Natalya is not mean, but Ernst has forced his way into the house and taken her mistress with him and Natalya is going with Aksinya. This is her greatest joy and she was invited, not Sister Margarethe. Tommorrow, more revelations inside the landau.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A New Novel, Part 130 A Bouquet in Winter
We get a picture of the period as Ernst's landau drives up to Aksinya's house. A landau is a type of carriage. Ernst's carriage is a convertible landau with a two in hand team. This means he is very wealthy and very chic. A landau is considered a prestigious vehicle for the time. Having two horses and a driver make it very much a rich man's carriage. It is closed up for the winter weather.
On Thursday, a landau carriage drove up to the front door of Aksinya’s house. The convertible roof was up and the side flaps were tied tightly shut against the cold. The two dark horses blew out great puffs of frosty breath when the driver brought them to a halt. The driver jumped to the street and opened the flap on the house side. Ernst von Taaffe stepped out the landau and walked to the door. He held a small bouquet of flowers in one hand. He knocked on the carved cedar door himself.
Sister Margarethe opened the door to him, “Good evening.”
Ernst pushed past her into the house. He pulled off his top hat, “Good evening, Sister.” He glanced at her for only a moment, “I’m here to pick up that wonderful Lady, the Countess of Golitsyna.” He juggled the top hat and the small bouquet for a moment then handed her his card, “Will you please tell her that Ernst von Taaffe is here to attend her.”
Sister Margarethe took the card then her hand stole to her cheek, “You are here to pick up the Countess?”
“Yes, I am expected. I have an appointment.” He smiled.
Sister Margarethe backed toward the end of the room. As an afterthought, she called back to Ernst, “Please make yourself… comfortable. I shall return presently.”
Aksinya and Natalya almost ran into Sister Margarethe on the stairs. Sister Margarethe pressed her lips together, “A man is here.” She could barely get out the words. Then her eyes finally focused on Aksinya and Sister Margarethe let out a tiny squeak, “You were expecting him?”
“Of course,” Aksinya pushed past the Sister.
Natalya paused a moment beside Sister Margarethe. She smiled and nodded then she continued after her mistress.
Aksinya stepped into the parlor, and Ernst dropped both his hat and the flowers. Aksinya wore a dark blue dress made entirely of satin. The fabric shown brilliantly. Each twinkle of the gaslights reflected in it and blazed. It was an older noble cut, but certainly not out of style for visiting a tsar. The top was covered with brocade—a blue on blue whose design was so intricate, Ernst’s eyes could not discern its entirety in the dim light of the room. A mist of lace floated upward from the brocade to cover Aksinya’s shoulders. That was matched by the lace of the small veiled cap that covered her short hair.
Ernst could only beam when he saw her. He recovered the flowers and dropped to his left knee, “Countess, you are ravishing.” He held out the bouquet, “Please accept this small gift.”
Aksinya took the flowers. She knew it was no small gift. In the middle of winter such a bouquet of fresh flowers was very dear. It was made of a single red rose surrounded by lilacs and edelweiss. She brought them close to her nose. They smelled very pleasant. She smiled behind the bouquet, “Aren’t you being a little presumptive in presenting me with a red rose?”
“Not at all, you accepted it, didn’t you?”
“So I did, Herr von Taaffe.”
We see many indications of wealth here: the carriage, a driver, the clothing, the flowers, a calling card. Ernst had his driver rush--the horses are winded while pulling an almost empty carriage. He has a small bouquet, obviously for Aksinya. Such a bouquet in post WWI Austria would be especially expensive and hard to find. Ernst wants to impress and express his love.
The moment the door opens, Ernst pushes his way into the house. Ernst obviously knows something about Aksinya's house. It should be evident that Ernst has information from another source--how about the demon? He pushes into the house passed Sister Margarethe. He is very polite, but he gets in the door. You always hand your calling card when visiting in this culture and level of society. Note that Ernst is a little nervous and uncomfortable, but tries not to show it.
The moment Sister Margarethe leaves to get Aksinya, she meets Aksinya and Natalya coming down the stairs. The Sister reads Aksinya's face. She knows something is up. Aksinya is back in control of herself and to a degree, her world. Natalya is following and keeping up again.
The moment Ernst sees Aksinya, he drops his hat and the flowers. We understand from this that she appears truly ravishing. I try to show you how ravishing she is, but the reaction of Ernst is better than a thousand words. I also continue the running descriptive joke about the style for visiting a tsar. This reminds you that Aksinya is Russian and that she is nobility. I also remind you that her hair is short--we can't ever forget the hair, since it represents the reason she is here and in her predicament.
Ernst is somewhat romantic. Although his letter wasn't a girl's dream, he brings flowers in winter (a very big deal in 1918 Austria). The bouquet is simple. It is a single red rose with purple and light blue flowers around it. In German and Austrian culture a red rose signifies love. By accepting such a gift, a person has accepted the feelings of the giver. You don't bring red roses unless you mean it, and you don't accept them unless you mean it. Thus, we start the evening with Ernst von Taaffe. We shall see how he and Aksinya fair tomorrow.
I said I would mention markers a little. In writing historically based novels, like this one, a key point is to use markers to set the time and place. These markers are significantly different than the usual makers in setting a scene. The reason is that in a real historical novel, time moves. In a nonhistorically based novel, or a novel in a historical setting, time doesn't matter much. You tell your readers once that you are in 1920 and there you are. The time and the novel don't depend on the movement of time. It is as if the world stopped for that novel. In a historically based novel, the world moves around the novel and time in the novel is critical. This is why I am careful to the point of exactly determining the precise days of the calendar for the years, months, and days I am writing about. When I tell you it is Monday the xth, it was really Monday the xth. You can use tricks to make certain you don't trip yourself up, and you can work the days, weeks, and months to make the times work out. In addition, the events of the world should occur within and without the story--that is if they drive the story, plot, or theme. Usually, I like to put letters (dated and with an address), seasonal references (winter, spring, etc.), church season references (Advent, Epiphany, Lent, etc.), historical markers (end of WWI, famous treaty, famous person, etc.) to mark important time events. In my Aegypt novels, the time was so important to the writing, my publisher asked me to put a month, year, and place at the beginning of each chapter. It think that was a great idea. I might add it to this novel, although, I think here the time markers are strong and the movement of the times is both obvious and well marked.
On Thursday, a landau carriage drove up to the front door of Aksinya’s house. The convertible roof was up and the side flaps were tied tightly shut against the cold. The two dark horses blew out great puffs of frosty breath when the driver brought them to a halt. The driver jumped to the street and opened the flap on the house side. Ernst von Taaffe stepped out the landau and walked to the door. He held a small bouquet of flowers in one hand. He knocked on the carved cedar door himself.
Sister Margarethe opened the door to him, “Good evening.”
Ernst pushed past her into the house. He pulled off his top hat, “Good evening, Sister.” He glanced at her for only a moment, “I’m here to pick up that wonderful Lady, the Countess of Golitsyna.” He juggled the top hat and the small bouquet for a moment then handed her his card, “Will you please tell her that Ernst von Taaffe is here to attend her.”
Sister Margarethe took the card then her hand stole to her cheek, “You are here to pick up the Countess?”
“Yes, I am expected. I have an appointment.” He smiled.
Sister Margarethe backed toward the end of the room. As an afterthought, she called back to Ernst, “Please make yourself… comfortable. I shall return presently.”
Aksinya and Natalya almost ran into Sister Margarethe on the stairs. Sister Margarethe pressed her lips together, “A man is here.” She could barely get out the words. Then her eyes finally focused on Aksinya and Sister Margarethe let out a tiny squeak, “You were expecting him?”
“Of course,” Aksinya pushed past the Sister.
Natalya paused a moment beside Sister Margarethe. She smiled and nodded then she continued after her mistress.
Aksinya stepped into the parlor, and Ernst dropped both his hat and the flowers. Aksinya wore a dark blue dress made entirely of satin. The fabric shown brilliantly. Each twinkle of the gaslights reflected in it and blazed. It was an older noble cut, but certainly not out of style for visiting a tsar. The top was covered with brocade—a blue on blue whose design was so intricate, Ernst’s eyes could not discern its entirety in the dim light of the room. A mist of lace floated upward from the brocade to cover Aksinya’s shoulders. That was matched by the lace of the small veiled cap that covered her short hair.
Ernst could only beam when he saw her. He recovered the flowers and dropped to his left knee, “Countess, you are ravishing.” He held out the bouquet, “Please accept this small gift.”
Aksinya took the flowers. She knew it was no small gift. In the middle of winter such a bouquet of fresh flowers was very dear. It was made of a single red rose surrounded by lilacs and edelweiss. She brought them close to her nose. They smelled very pleasant. She smiled behind the bouquet, “Aren’t you being a little presumptive in presenting me with a red rose?”
“Not at all, you accepted it, didn’t you?”
“So I did, Herr von Taaffe.”
We see many indications of wealth here: the carriage, a driver, the clothing, the flowers, a calling card. Ernst had his driver rush--the horses are winded while pulling an almost empty carriage. He has a small bouquet, obviously for Aksinya. Such a bouquet in post WWI Austria would be especially expensive and hard to find. Ernst wants to impress and express his love.
The moment the door opens, Ernst pushes his way into the house. Ernst obviously knows something about Aksinya's house. It should be evident that Ernst has information from another source--how about the demon? He pushes into the house passed Sister Margarethe. He is very polite, but he gets in the door. You always hand your calling card when visiting in this culture and level of society. Note that Ernst is a little nervous and uncomfortable, but tries not to show it.
The moment Sister Margarethe leaves to get Aksinya, she meets Aksinya and Natalya coming down the stairs. The Sister reads Aksinya's face. She knows something is up. Aksinya is back in control of herself and to a degree, her world. Natalya is following and keeping up again.
The moment Ernst sees Aksinya, he drops his hat and the flowers. We understand from this that she appears truly ravishing. I try to show you how ravishing she is, but the reaction of Ernst is better than a thousand words. I also continue the running descriptive joke about the style for visiting a tsar. This reminds you that Aksinya is Russian and that she is nobility. I also remind you that her hair is short--we can't ever forget the hair, since it represents the reason she is here and in her predicament.
Ernst is somewhat romantic. Although his letter wasn't a girl's dream, he brings flowers in winter (a very big deal in 1918 Austria). The bouquet is simple. It is a single red rose with purple and light blue flowers around it. In German and Austrian culture a red rose signifies love. By accepting such a gift, a person has accepted the feelings of the giver. You don't bring red roses unless you mean it, and you don't accept them unless you mean it. Thus, we start the evening with Ernst von Taaffe. We shall see how he and Aksinya fair tomorrow.
I said I would mention markers a little. In writing historically based novels, like this one, a key point is to use markers to set the time and place. These markers are significantly different than the usual makers in setting a scene. The reason is that in a real historical novel, time moves. In a nonhistorically based novel, or a novel in a historical setting, time doesn't matter much. You tell your readers once that you are in 1920 and there you are. The time and the novel don't depend on the movement of time. It is as if the world stopped for that novel. In a historically based novel, the world moves around the novel and time in the novel is critical. This is why I am careful to the point of exactly determining the precise days of the calendar for the years, months, and days I am writing about. When I tell you it is Monday the xth, it was really Monday the xth. You can use tricks to make certain you don't trip yourself up, and you can work the days, weeks, and months to make the times work out. In addition, the events of the world should occur within and without the story--that is if they drive the story, plot, or theme. Usually, I like to put letters (dated and with an address), seasonal references (winter, spring, etc.), church season references (Advent, Epiphany, Lent, etc.), historical markers (end of WWI, famous treaty, famous person, etc.) to mark important time events. In my Aegypt novels, the time was so important to the writing, my publisher asked me to put a month, year, and place at the beginning of each chapter. It think that was a great idea. I might add it to this novel, although, I think here the time markers are strong and the movement of the times is both obvious and well marked.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
A New Novel, Part 129 Aksinya's Reply
Aksinya has received a letter from Ernst von Taaffe. She has no idea what to answer him. Natalya is still in control--she tells her...
Aksinya sighed again, “What am I to answer?”
Natalya touched Aksinya’s hand, “You shall pen a response tonight. In it you will tell Herr Taaffe that you will gladly receive him. I shall chaperone you, of course.”
“But, I’m not sure I want to receive him.”
“What could it hurt you? And, you will secure the return of your book.”
“What if I am tempted by this young man?”
Natalya laughed, “That is the point, Countess. Just because you are tempted does not mean you will act on it.”
Aksinya trembled, “You don’t understand me at all, Nata.”
“Perhaps I do understand you better than you imagine. I shall be there with you. I will not let you be compromised—this I promise you.” Natalya, took Aksinya by the shoulders and pushed her to the desk in her sitting room. She pressed Aksinya into the chair and placed a quill pen into her hand, “Now, write a response to him in German and read it back to me. If you try to get out of this, I shall tell Sister Margarethe.”
“You wouldn’t.”
Natalya’s resolve crumbled, “I will never betray your trust, Countess, but I insist you accept this nobleman’s attentions. His approach is honorable and acceptable.”
“Honorable and acceptable,” Aksinya mumbled. “But why me? Why should he be infatuated with me?”
“Who understands the ways of love in a man’s heart?”
“If it is simply temptation?”
“Temptation?”
“I cannot tempt any man. I am small and ugly. My hair is short. My bosom is like a girl’s. What could he want from me—that is other than sorcery.”
“Isn’t that enough?”
Aksinya didn’t respond. She began to pen a response. It was pleasant, but not too pleasant. She was happy that Natalya could not read German, and she certainly didn’t read it back verbatim to her lady-in-waiting.
Aksinya is completely out of her experience. She has no idea what to do in response to Ernst's letter. Natalya tells her what to do and insists that she do it. Natalya relieves Aksinya's worry by telling her that she will protect Aksinya. This is a change of position. Where Aksinya always protected Natalya, now Natalya promises to protect Aksinya. This may or may not be possible--what do you think?
Temptation is the point of this courting, so says Natalya. Natalya obviously knows something about this subject. Aksinya's return to Natalya is very important. She says: “You don’t understand me at all, Nata.” Aksinya's statement is absolutely true. Aksinya has problems fighting against temptation especially sexual and luxuria. Natalya forces Aksinya to write a response to Ernst where she accepts his invitation.
The discussion then turns to Aksinya's personal endowments. Aksinya has never thought much about her appearance. We get a list. Here we also get to see an occasion when you might not what to show the letter. In this case, you have seen what Ernst wrote. You have heard the conversation between Aksinya and Natalya. You know Aksinya is not keen on Ernst, but she has been forced into the position by Natalya and by Ernst. In this case, I don't show you the letter. The reason is because I want you to imagine what Aksinya might say. The point here is to led a little secrecy to the letter. You know Aksinya accepted Ernst's invitation. You know she was not very accommodating. The trick is to leave the reader with a little less information to increase the strength of the novel. I'll leave it to the reader to determine if this is a good technique. You saw both: the letter revealed and the letter hidden but explained.
Tomorrow, we see Ernst's arrival at Aksinya's house.
Aksinya sighed again, “What am I to answer?”
Natalya touched Aksinya’s hand, “You shall pen a response tonight. In it you will tell Herr Taaffe that you will gladly receive him. I shall chaperone you, of course.”
“But, I’m not sure I want to receive him.”
“What could it hurt you? And, you will secure the return of your book.”
“What if I am tempted by this young man?”
Natalya laughed, “That is the point, Countess. Just because you are tempted does not mean you will act on it.”
Aksinya trembled, “You don’t understand me at all, Nata.”
“Perhaps I do understand you better than you imagine. I shall be there with you. I will not let you be compromised—this I promise you.” Natalya, took Aksinya by the shoulders and pushed her to the desk in her sitting room. She pressed Aksinya into the chair and placed a quill pen into her hand, “Now, write a response to him in German and read it back to me. If you try to get out of this, I shall tell Sister Margarethe.”
“You wouldn’t.”
Natalya’s resolve crumbled, “I will never betray your trust, Countess, but I insist you accept this nobleman’s attentions. His approach is honorable and acceptable.”
“Honorable and acceptable,” Aksinya mumbled. “But why me? Why should he be infatuated with me?”
“Who understands the ways of love in a man’s heart?”
“If it is simply temptation?”
“Temptation?”
“I cannot tempt any man. I am small and ugly. My hair is short. My bosom is like a girl’s. What could he want from me—that is other than sorcery.”
“Isn’t that enough?”
Aksinya didn’t respond. She began to pen a response. It was pleasant, but not too pleasant. She was happy that Natalya could not read German, and she certainly didn’t read it back verbatim to her lady-in-waiting.
Aksinya is completely out of her experience. She has no idea what to do in response to Ernst's letter. Natalya tells her what to do and insists that she do it. Natalya relieves Aksinya's worry by telling her that she will protect Aksinya. This is a change of position. Where Aksinya always protected Natalya, now Natalya promises to protect Aksinya. This may or may not be possible--what do you think?
Temptation is the point of this courting, so says Natalya. Natalya obviously knows something about this subject. Aksinya's return to Natalya is very important. She says: “You don’t understand me at all, Nata.” Aksinya's statement is absolutely true. Aksinya has problems fighting against temptation especially sexual and luxuria. Natalya forces Aksinya to write a response to Ernst where she accepts his invitation.
The discussion then turns to Aksinya's personal endowments. Aksinya has never thought much about her appearance. We get a list. Here we also get to see an occasion when you might not what to show the letter. In this case, you have seen what Ernst wrote. You have heard the conversation between Aksinya and Natalya. You know Aksinya is not keen on Ernst, but she has been forced into the position by Natalya and by Ernst. In this case, I don't show you the letter. The reason is because I want you to imagine what Aksinya might say. The point here is to led a little secrecy to the letter. You know Aksinya accepted Ernst's invitation. You know she was not very accommodating. The trick is to leave the reader with a little less information to increase the strength of the novel. I'll leave it to the reader to determine if this is a good technique. You saw both: the letter revealed and the letter hidden but explained.
Tomorrow, we see Ernst's arrival at Aksinya's house.
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.
Monday, February 7, 2011
A New Novel, Part 127 Teach Me Sorcery
We are watching Aksinya in a slow train-wreck and Natalya in a role reversal of great magnitude. Ernst von Taaffe brought this upon them, and Asmodeus was behind it all. Aksinya and Natalya are discussing sorcery and Ernst...
A knock came from the door. Aksinya jumped. Natalya turned toward the sound, “You may enter, sister.”
Sister Margarethe opened the door and brought in the tea service. Natalya pointed to the tea table. Sister Margarethe placed it on the top. Natalya pointed again, “Sister, you may pour.”
“Sister Margarethe poured the tea.”
Aksinya sat quietly in her chair.
Natalya picked up her cup, “Thank you, Sister Margarethe, we have everything we need. I’ll put the Countess to bed.”
Sister Margarethe curtsied and stepped back to the door.
Natalya called at her back, “I’ll prepare the Countess for school tomorrow. If you could please see to our breakfast?”
“Yes, Lady, I shall tell the novice sisters.”
“Thank you.”
Sister Margarethe closed the door.
Natalya waited a moment, “When will you teach me sorcery?”
Aksinya stared at her, “Nata, I don’t ever intend to teach it to you. It does me no good and only causes me to suffer. If you only knew…”
“I do not know. I only see the good you do. I don’t understand why you won’t do this for me.”
Aksinya let out a breath and glanced down, “I have already begun to teach you Latin, but I do not intend to teach you sorcery.”
“Why Latin? What is the purpose of it?”
Aksinya mumbled again, “It is the words.”
“I’m sorry Aksinya. I couldn’t understand you.”
“I said, it is the words. Sorcery can be accomplished in Latin or Greek. Latin is more common. The words and the sounds are critical. They must be said precisely. If they are spoken incorrectly, at best, the enchantment will not work, at the worst, it will injure you. The first step is to learn the language of sorcery.”
“Why Latin or Greek?”
“Although I have heard that sorcery has been successful in other languages, I have no evidence of it. The documents of the church were first in Greek and next in Latin. Those have been the languages of sorcery since then.”
“What of Hebrew?”
“There is a possibility of sorcery in Hebrew, but I don’t know the language, and I have never seen any books. The books are necessary.”
“Why necessary? You have made enchantments without your books.”
“If a single piece of the enchantment is wrong or incorrectly done, it won’t succeed. The books give explicit directions to make it work. If you forget, or if you make a mistake, your life or your health can be forfeit.”
“But you do it so easily.”
Aksinya took Natalya’s hands, “Listen closely to me, Nata. I spent nearly every free moment of my childhood studying sorcery. I had no friends. I had no one, so I read the books. I collected the items. I practiced everything over and over until I perfected it. When I began, I quickly discovered the danger. My fingers were covered with wounds. I have scars on my body from every failed enchantment.”
Natalya’s voice was low, “I have scars on my body and nothing to show for it.”
“I am happy to have you for my friend. I will do anything to keep that including teaching you sorcery, but I suspect I will not be able to let you ever do it. I will be too afraid to allow you to harm yourself.”
Nata stood, “It is late, Aksinya. Let me prepare you for bed.”
Natalya took Aksinya’s arms and lifted her up from the chair. Aksinya passively stood and Natalya began to remove her clothing.
Strangely, the demon didn’t visit Aksinya this night either.
Aksinya is jumpy and agitated. The world is out of her control for the moment. Natalya, at this moment, is making all the decisions and is totally in control. Watch how she addresses Aksinya--she easily uses Aksinya's name. She directs Sister Margarethe and instructs the sister to pour the tea. This is the responsibility of the lady of the house, not Natalya. But nothing is amiss.
When the sister is well away, Natalya gets directly to her point--it was the same point before the interruption: “When will you teach me sorcery?” Aksinya does not lie. She tells Natalya straight out that she does not intend to teach her. Natalya asks the same question we might. She has only seen good come about through the sorcery--so what's the problem with it. Natalya is not conniving, but she knows what she wants--you might ask why she is so suddenly forceful and direct with Aksinya. Then we get a primer on sorcery. Aksinya mumbles when she doesn't wish to reply, but she will not lie. Natalya is a very bright girl. She asks very hard questions. We find out about the origins of sorcery in the definitions of this novel, and we get the reasons for the books of sorcery. I don't tell any of this to you; I show it to you through the dialog of these characters.
That's when we learn more about Aksinya. We knew she was a lonely child with few if any friends. Now she tells us a little about it and why she turned to sorcery. We also discover the danger of sorcery, but we already knew some of that. It was alluded to before. Natalya's argument about her scars is a body blow to Aksinya. How could she deny Natalya's request after that?
Aksinya's response tells you how far she is willing to go for Natalya, but because she loves Natalya, she is unwilling to allow her to use sorcery. This is a strong paradox, but one we face in many areas ourselves--like letting go of out children. Natalya is still in charge here. Aksinya is depressed and out of her league. As I mentioned, her world is out of control. Her passivity indicates this. The demon didn't show up, but tomorrow a letter will.
A knock came from the door. Aksinya jumped. Natalya turned toward the sound, “You may enter, sister.”
Sister Margarethe opened the door and brought in the tea service. Natalya pointed to the tea table. Sister Margarethe placed it on the top. Natalya pointed again, “Sister, you may pour.”
“Sister Margarethe poured the tea.”
Aksinya sat quietly in her chair.
Natalya picked up her cup, “Thank you, Sister Margarethe, we have everything we need. I’ll put the Countess to bed.”
Sister Margarethe curtsied and stepped back to the door.
Natalya called at her back, “I’ll prepare the Countess for school tomorrow. If you could please see to our breakfast?”
“Yes, Lady, I shall tell the novice sisters.”
“Thank you.”
Sister Margarethe closed the door.
Natalya waited a moment, “When will you teach me sorcery?”
Aksinya stared at her, “Nata, I don’t ever intend to teach it to you. It does me no good and only causes me to suffer. If you only knew…”
“I do not know. I only see the good you do. I don’t understand why you won’t do this for me.”
Aksinya let out a breath and glanced down, “I have already begun to teach you Latin, but I do not intend to teach you sorcery.”
“Why Latin? What is the purpose of it?”
Aksinya mumbled again, “It is the words.”
“I’m sorry Aksinya. I couldn’t understand you.”
“I said, it is the words. Sorcery can be accomplished in Latin or Greek. Latin is more common. The words and the sounds are critical. They must be said precisely. If they are spoken incorrectly, at best, the enchantment will not work, at the worst, it will injure you. The first step is to learn the language of sorcery.”
“Why Latin or Greek?”
“Although I have heard that sorcery has been successful in other languages, I have no evidence of it. The documents of the church were first in Greek and next in Latin. Those have been the languages of sorcery since then.”
“What of Hebrew?”
“There is a possibility of sorcery in Hebrew, but I don’t know the language, and I have never seen any books. The books are necessary.”
“Why necessary? You have made enchantments without your books.”
“If a single piece of the enchantment is wrong or incorrectly done, it won’t succeed. The books give explicit directions to make it work. If you forget, or if you make a mistake, your life or your health can be forfeit.”
“But you do it so easily.”
Aksinya took Natalya’s hands, “Listen closely to me, Nata. I spent nearly every free moment of my childhood studying sorcery. I had no friends. I had no one, so I read the books. I collected the items. I practiced everything over and over until I perfected it. When I began, I quickly discovered the danger. My fingers were covered with wounds. I have scars on my body from every failed enchantment.”
Natalya’s voice was low, “I have scars on my body and nothing to show for it.”
“I am happy to have you for my friend. I will do anything to keep that including teaching you sorcery, but I suspect I will not be able to let you ever do it. I will be too afraid to allow you to harm yourself.”
Nata stood, “It is late, Aksinya. Let me prepare you for bed.”
Natalya took Aksinya’s arms and lifted her up from the chair. Aksinya passively stood and Natalya began to remove her clothing.
Strangely, the demon didn’t visit Aksinya this night either.
Aksinya is jumpy and agitated. The world is out of her control for the moment. Natalya, at this moment, is making all the decisions and is totally in control. Watch how she addresses Aksinya--she easily uses Aksinya's name. She directs Sister Margarethe and instructs the sister to pour the tea. This is the responsibility of the lady of the house, not Natalya. But nothing is amiss.
When the sister is well away, Natalya gets directly to her point--it was the same point before the interruption: “When will you teach me sorcery?” Aksinya does not lie. She tells Natalya straight out that she does not intend to teach her. Natalya asks the same question we might. She has only seen good come about through the sorcery--so what's the problem with it. Natalya is not conniving, but she knows what she wants--you might ask why she is so suddenly forceful and direct with Aksinya. Then we get a primer on sorcery. Aksinya mumbles when she doesn't wish to reply, but she will not lie. Natalya is a very bright girl. She asks very hard questions. We find out about the origins of sorcery in the definitions of this novel, and we get the reasons for the books of sorcery. I don't tell any of this to you; I show it to you through the dialog of these characters.
That's when we learn more about Aksinya. We knew she was a lonely child with few if any friends. Now she tells us a little about it and why she turned to sorcery. We also discover the danger of sorcery, but we already knew some of that. It was alluded to before. Natalya's argument about her scars is a body blow to Aksinya. How could she deny Natalya's request after that?
Aksinya's response tells you how far she is willing to go for Natalya, but because she loves Natalya, she is unwilling to allow her to use sorcery. This is a strong paradox, but one we face in many areas ourselves--like letting go of out children. Natalya is still in charge here. Aksinya is depressed and out of her league. As I mentioned, her world is out of control. Her passivity indicates this. The demon didn't show up, but tomorrow a letter will.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
A New Novel, Part 126 You Desire Sorcery
If you haven't noticed, the world has changed to focus on Ernst von Taaffe. Asmodeus accomplished this so easily in Aksinya and Natalya's lives. The demon tempted Aksinya with sorcery and succeeded. He tempted her with education and succeeded. He tempted her with a household and servants and succeeded. He tempted her with a friend and succeeded. Now, he tempts her with a lover. Will the demon succeed here too? Aksinya is conversing with Natalya on just this subject...
Aksinya turned her a foul look.
“Aksinya, what about the man. He said he is infatuated with you. He likes you for who you are. What does a moldy book have to do with anything?”
“You are cruel, Nata. Why would I want a man? What would I do with him? I can do something with a book.”
“A book of sorcery. The thing you seem to hate the most.”
“I do hate it.”
“But you are so wonderful at it.”
“It is a wasted skill.”
“But you are so skilled at it. In any case, this young man likes you. He is the son of an aristocrat. You need to determine if he will become the Graf. If so he will be equal to you in rank and therefore a balanced union.”
“What if I don’t seek any union?”
Natalya’s mouth opened and closed, finally she squeaked out, “Of course you want a union. You must find a man to marry—a man who is close to your rank. That will bring honor to your family and to the nobility.”
Aksinya shook her head, “Nata, my family is dead. In Russia, the nobility will soon be dead. You heard Fraulein Vogt this evening, the Austrian Parliament intends to outlaw the aristocracy in Austria. There is no purpose in making a good match anymore.”
“But, Aksinya, there is still a purpose in marrying a good man.”
Aksinya mumbled, “He isn’t a good man. He is a man who desires sorcery.”
“Then he is just like you. What is wrong with that? I desire sorcery. You…you…”
“Say it Nata. Go ahead. I know what you are going to say.”
“Very well, Aksinya. Though I desire it, you will not properly teach me.”
A knock came to the door. Aksinya jumped. Natalya turned toward the door, “You may enter, sister.”
Watch closely what is happening in the Aksinya/Natalya relationship. Where always before Aksinya led and Natalya followed, now Natalya is leading. Natalya encourages Aksinya in regards to Ernst, and Aksinya asks a penetrating question: “Why would I want a man? What would I do with him? I can do something with a book.” We will find later, Aksinya answers this question for herself at least intellectually.
Aksinya claims that she hates sorcery, but we all know she doesn't hate it at all--she desires it. She is tempted by it. Aksinya is lying. She doesn't like herself when she sucumbs to sorcery, just as she doesn't like herself when she sucumbs to sexual desire.
Natalya suggests that Ernst might make a good marriage companion for Aksinya--she responds with the obvious but false argument that leads back to the end of the nobility. Natalya answers with the truth--the purpose of marrying a good man. Aksinya has perhaps never thought of such a thing. She can't imagine that someone might desire her and love her.
Aksinya and Natalya's relationship is slowly changing. Aksinya is letting things get a little out of her control. Natalya will set her straight about men, or will she make things worse? Tomorrow, more of this conversation and more about Aksinya and Natalya's new friendship.
Aksinya turned her a foul look.
“Aksinya, what about the man. He said he is infatuated with you. He likes you for who you are. What does a moldy book have to do with anything?”
“You are cruel, Nata. Why would I want a man? What would I do with him? I can do something with a book.”
“A book of sorcery. The thing you seem to hate the most.”
“I do hate it.”
“But you are so wonderful at it.”
“It is a wasted skill.”
“But you are so skilled at it. In any case, this young man likes you. He is the son of an aristocrat. You need to determine if he will become the Graf. If so he will be equal to you in rank and therefore a balanced union.”
“What if I don’t seek any union?”
Natalya’s mouth opened and closed, finally she squeaked out, “Of course you want a union. You must find a man to marry—a man who is close to your rank. That will bring honor to your family and to the nobility.”
Aksinya shook her head, “Nata, my family is dead. In Russia, the nobility will soon be dead. You heard Fraulein Vogt this evening, the Austrian Parliament intends to outlaw the aristocracy in Austria. There is no purpose in making a good match anymore.”
“But, Aksinya, there is still a purpose in marrying a good man.”
Aksinya mumbled, “He isn’t a good man. He is a man who desires sorcery.”
“Then he is just like you. What is wrong with that? I desire sorcery. You…you…”
“Say it Nata. Go ahead. I know what you are going to say.”
“Very well, Aksinya. Though I desire it, you will not properly teach me.”
A knock came to the door. Aksinya jumped. Natalya turned toward the door, “You may enter, sister.”
Watch closely what is happening in the Aksinya/Natalya relationship. Where always before Aksinya led and Natalya followed, now Natalya is leading. Natalya encourages Aksinya in regards to Ernst, and Aksinya asks a penetrating question: “Why would I want a man? What would I do with him? I can do something with a book.” We will find later, Aksinya answers this question for herself at least intellectually.
Aksinya claims that she hates sorcery, but we all know she doesn't hate it at all--she desires it. She is tempted by it. Aksinya is lying. She doesn't like herself when she sucumbs to sorcery, just as she doesn't like herself when she sucumbs to sexual desire.
Natalya suggests that Ernst might make a good marriage companion for Aksinya--she responds with the obvious but false argument that leads back to the end of the nobility. Natalya answers with the truth--the purpose of marrying a good man. Aksinya has perhaps never thought of such a thing. She can't imagine that someone might desire her and love her.
Aksinya and Natalya's relationship is slowly changing. Aksinya is letting things get a little out of her control. Natalya will set her straight about men, or will she make things worse? Tomorrow, more of this conversation and more about Aksinya and Natalya's new friendship.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
A New Novel, Part 125 He Has My Book
In the evening following dinner, Aksinya and Natalya return to Aksinya's house across the street. They are greeted in the most gentle manner and Aksinya and Natalya go up to Aksinya's bedroom. Aksinya has some explaining to do...
Natalya and Aksinya returned to their house across the street. When they left the dining room, Sister Margarethe joined them at the door. Aksinya didn’t acknowledge the nun, but Natalya gave her a greeting in German.
They went across the street and Natalya unlocked the door. The house was warm. A coal fire burned in the fireplace. Two novice nuns, dressed in black and white, came to the foyer to greet them. They removed Aksinya, Natalya, and Sister Margarethe’s cloaks and saw them up to their rooms. They made sure the coal fires and the gaslights were lit, then curtsied and returned to the lower floor. At her door, Aksinya took Natalya’s arm, “Sister Margarethe, would you please bring us tea?”
“Yes, Countess.”
Aksinya glanced at the nun then pulled Natalya into her room and closed the door. Aksinya placed Natalya in front of an overstuffed chair in the sitting room. She moved hurriedly to the other chair before Natalya could move and pulled it close. She sat quickly knowing Natalya would only sit after her. Natalya sat almost as quickly and leaned expectantly toward Aksinya. Aksinya sucked on her lower lip, “Nata, I do apologize that you were not the first to know about Ernst von Taaffe.”
Natalya smiled, “I realize you did not purposefully keep the information from me.”
Aksinya held the sides of her head, “I was in no condition last night to explain anything to anyone.”
“Tell me about him.” Natalya reached out her hands.
Aksinya grasped them, “He was an interesting man.” Her brow creased, “And he has my book.”
Natalya’s eyes widened, “He has your book.” Natalya sat up a little, “Does he…does he…?”
“Yes, he knows it all. He was the one who tried to help at the Golden Adler.”
“Then he was the gentleman who carried you back to the house?”
“The same.”
“Did he see you…you know, did he see you…?”
“He saw me make the great enchantment.”
Natalya hung her head, “I didn’t get to see it—I wish I had.”
“Hush, don’t say such things. It always embarrasses me. It is not something I am proud of.”
“I am proud of you, Countess…Aksinya.”
Aksinya glanced down, “No one else would be.”
“What about this young man?”
Aksinya made a face, “He praised me for it.”
Natalya tried to hide her smile, “Then, like me, he would be proud of you too.”
“He did, but I don’t want that. He wants to court me. He said he was infatuated with me.”
“For a man to appreciate you for who and what you are seems a very great thing to me. Will you allow him to court you?”
“He won’t give me back my book until I do.”
Natalya laughed, “Then you will only allow him to court you because he has your book?”
Aksinya glanced down, “He promised me another book too.”
Natalya was incredulous, “The only reason you will court him is for a couple of books?”
Aksinya turned her a foul look.
Natalya and Aksinya retire to Aksinya's rooms. They have coal fires and the house is warm which indicates Aksinya's wealth and how much is being spent on the house across the street (hint). Aksinya needs to talk to Natalya. They send Sister Margarethe away. Aksinya treats Natalya as an equal--a fact that is not lost on Natalya. Aksinya is concerned that Natalya, as her confidant, was not the first to know about Ernst. Natalya wants to know about the young man. Aksinya tells her little except that he has her book.
The conversation quickly turns to sorcery. The stepping off point allows Natalya to tell Aksinya that Ernst is like Natalya in his admiration of Aksinya's sorcery. Indeed, Aksinya tells Natalya that Ernst is infatuated with her.
Aksinya doesn't get the whole point of this infatuation. This young woman who is so sexually charged can't imagine a normal relationship between a man and a woman. She understands the relationship as the exchange of a book for a favor. Natalya realizes much more in Ernst's words. Then Natalya's admonition in a question: “The only reason you will court him is for a couple of books?” Aksinya didn't like that, but she isn't prepared for a man in her life. She is innocent of this part of humanity. We will find that this is an area of weakness for Aksinya--an area of great temptation and danger. Tomorrow, more of this conversation.
Natalya and Aksinya returned to their house across the street. When they left the dining room, Sister Margarethe joined them at the door. Aksinya didn’t acknowledge the nun, but Natalya gave her a greeting in German.
They went across the street and Natalya unlocked the door. The house was warm. A coal fire burned in the fireplace. Two novice nuns, dressed in black and white, came to the foyer to greet them. They removed Aksinya, Natalya, and Sister Margarethe’s cloaks and saw them up to their rooms. They made sure the coal fires and the gaslights were lit, then curtsied and returned to the lower floor. At her door, Aksinya took Natalya’s arm, “Sister Margarethe, would you please bring us tea?”
“Yes, Countess.”
Aksinya glanced at the nun then pulled Natalya into her room and closed the door. Aksinya placed Natalya in front of an overstuffed chair in the sitting room. She moved hurriedly to the other chair before Natalya could move and pulled it close. She sat quickly knowing Natalya would only sit after her. Natalya sat almost as quickly and leaned expectantly toward Aksinya. Aksinya sucked on her lower lip, “Nata, I do apologize that you were not the first to know about Ernst von Taaffe.”
Natalya smiled, “I realize you did not purposefully keep the information from me.”
Aksinya held the sides of her head, “I was in no condition last night to explain anything to anyone.”
“Tell me about him.” Natalya reached out her hands.
Aksinya grasped them, “He was an interesting man.” Her brow creased, “And he has my book.”
Natalya’s eyes widened, “He has your book.” Natalya sat up a little, “Does he…does he…?”
“Yes, he knows it all. He was the one who tried to help at the Golden Adler.”
“Then he was the gentleman who carried you back to the house?”
“The same.”
“Did he see you…you know, did he see you…?”
“He saw me make the great enchantment.”
Natalya hung her head, “I didn’t get to see it—I wish I had.”
“Hush, don’t say such things. It always embarrasses me. It is not something I am proud of.”
“I am proud of you, Countess…Aksinya.”
Aksinya glanced down, “No one else would be.”
“What about this young man?”
Aksinya made a face, “He praised me for it.”
Natalya tried to hide her smile, “Then, like me, he would be proud of you too.”
“He did, but I don’t want that. He wants to court me. He said he was infatuated with me.”
“For a man to appreciate you for who and what you are seems a very great thing to me. Will you allow him to court you?”
“He won’t give me back my book until I do.”
Natalya laughed, “Then you will only allow him to court you because he has your book?”
Aksinya glanced down, “He promised me another book too.”
Natalya was incredulous, “The only reason you will court him is for a couple of books?”
Aksinya turned her a foul look.
Natalya and Aksinya retire to Aksinya's rooms. They have coal fires and the house is warm which indicates Aksinya's wealth and how much is being spent on the house across the street (hint). Aksinya needs to talk to Natalya. They send Sister Margarethe away. Aksinya treats Natalya as an equal--a fact that is not lost on Natalya. Aksinya is concerned that Natalya, as her confidant, was not the first to know about Ernst. Natalya wants to know about the young man. Aksinya tells her little except that he has her book.
The conversation quickly turns to sorcery. The stepping off point allows Natalya to tell Aksinya that Ernst is like Natalya in his admiration of Aksinya's sorcery. Indeed, Aksinya tells Natalya that Ernst is infatuated with her.
Aksinya doesn't get the whole point of this infatuation. This young woman who is so sexually charged can't imagine a normal relationship between a man and a woman. She understands the relationship as the exchange of a book for a favor. Natalya realizes much more in Ernst's words. Then Natalya's admonition in a question: “The only reason you will court him is for a couple of books?” Aksinya didn't like that, but she isn't prepared for a man in her life. She is innocent of this part of humanity. We will find that this is an area of weakness for Aksinya--an area of great temptation and danger. Tomorrow, more of this conversation.
Friday, February 4, 2011
A New Novel, Part 124 I Concede the Field to You
At dinner, Aksinya wants information about Ernst von Taaffe. She suddenly has to contend with all kinds of problems at the table...
Aksinya turned her head toward the lady, “Because I had too much wine to drink.”
Fraulein Trauen slitted her eyes, “A young woman should always be careful and decorous.”
Lady Natalya had been following the conversation in German fairly well, “My mistress was both careful and decorous. I just had to help her up the stairs to bed.”
Fraulein Pfaff puffed out her cheeks, “You should be more careful than that. It is as Fraulein Trauen says, Ernst von Taaffe would be a good match for you.”
Fraulein Vogt put up her chin, “Such connections are meaningless now. My father told me, during the next session, the new Austrian Parliament intends to ban the aristocracy.”
The ladies across the table nodded sagely. Aksinya sunk a little lower in her seat. Natalya looked puzzled.
Fraulein Trauen smiled slyly, “Then there is no reason you should be careful or decorous, and then little reason for Ernst von Taaffe to not entertain us also.”
Aksinya scowled, “I understand your meaning there too. You mean I would not be able to attract Ernst von Taaffe except that I am a countess.”
Fraulein Trauen bit her lip. She looked down her nose at Aksinya, “It is usually not polite…”
“…to say what is unspoken, but true.” Aksinya finished for her.
Fraulein Trauen rose up an inch from her seat. She slowly sat back down and let out her breath.
Aksinya didn’t move an inch, “That serves you well, Fraulein Trauen. Self control is a very important trait in a young woman.”
Fraulein Trauen sniffed.
Aksinya gave a small smile, “It is a trait that I do not possess in the least.” She turned to Natalya, “Lady Natalya are you ready to retire for the evening?”
Fraulein Trauen’s lips were tight, “Retreat, you mean.”
“I concede the field to you, Fraulein Trauen. I cannot hold it with my virtue or my beauty.” She stood.
Natalya and Aksinya returned to their house across the street. When they left the dining room, Sister Margarethe joined them at the door. Aksinya didn’t acknowledge the nun, but Natalya gave her a greeting in German.
Aksinya drank too much. Fraulein Trauen won't let it go. She makes another snide comment and Natalya gets into the mix. Fraulein Pfaff agrees, but Fraulein Vogt gives some new information. In 1919, the parliament of Austria plans to vote to end the aristocracy (they did). The end of the aristocracy is a hard thing for Aksinya to contemplate. Her entire life is about aristocracy. We will find out soon how much the concept drives her.
Fraulein Trauen just sees this as another opportunity to attack Aksinya. Aksinya is very bright, she gets it, and she is not afraid to say out loud that which Fraulein Trauen dares not say. Aksinya doesn't care about such things. She views people as they are. Although, Aksinya should be the one who takes offense, it is Fraulein Trauen who begins to get up. Aksinya wins the round--she does indeed prove her worth and nobility. She teaches a lesson that Fraulein Trauen doesn't get. Then we get a confession from Aksinya--she knows that she doesn't have self control. Actually she has unbelievable self control, but like everyone--there are things she has no self control about. These are the things she means: luxuria, sorcery, sexual desire.
If you don't love Aksinya, at least you must love her wit: “I concede the field to you, Fraulein Trauen. I cannot hold it with my virtue or my beauty.”
Aksinya and Natalya return to Aksinya's house across the street. We shall see what Aksinya tells Natalya about Ernst von Taaffe tomorrow.
Aksinya turned her head toward the lady, “Because I had too much wine to drink.”
Fraulein Trauen slitted her eyes, “A young woman should always be careful and decorous.”
Lady Natalya had been following the conversation in German fairly well, “My mistress was both careful and decorous. I just had to help her up the stairs to bed.”
Fraulein Pfaff puffed out her cheeks, “You should be more careful than that. It is as Fraulein Trauen says, Ernst von Taaffe would be a good match for you.”
Fraulein Vogt put up her chin, “Such connections are meaningless now. My father told me, during the next session, the new Austrian Parliament intends to ban the aristocracy.”
The ladies across the table nodded sagely. Aksinya sunk a little lower in her seat. Natalya looked puzzled.
Fraulein Trauen smiled slyly, “Then there is no reason you should be careful or decorous, and then little reason for Ernst von Taaffe to not entertain us also.”
Aksinya scowled, “I understand your meaning there too. You mean I would not be able to attract Ernst von Taaffe except that I am a countess.”
Fraulein Trauen bit her lip. She looked down her nose at Aksinya, “It is usually not polite…”
“…to say what is unspoken, but true.” Aksinya finished for her.
Fraulein Trauen rose up an inch from her seat. She slowly sat back down and let out her breath.
Aksinya didn’t move an inch, “That serves you well, Fraulein Trauen. Self control is a very important trait in a young woman.”
Fraulein Trauen sniffed.
Aksinya gave a small smile, “It is a trait that I do not possess in the least.” She turned to Natalya, “Lady Natalya are you ready to retire for the evening?”
Fraulein Trauen’s lips were tight, “Retreat, you mean.”
“I concede the field to you, Fraulein Trauen. I cannot hold it with my virtue or my beauty.” She stood.
Natalya and Aksinya returned to their house across the street. When they left the dining room, Sister Margarethe joined them at the door. Aksinya didn’t acknowledge the nun, but Natalya gave her a greeting in German.
Aksinya drank too much. Fraulein Trauen won't let it go. She makes another snide comment and Natalya gets into the mix. Fraulein Pfaff agrees, but Fraulein Vogt gives some new information. In 1919, the parliament of Austria plans to vote to end the aristocracy (they did). The end of the aristocracy is a hard thing for Aksinya to contemplate. Her entire life is about aristocracy. We will find out soon how much the concept drives her.
Fraulein Trauen just sees this as another opportunity to attack Aksinya. Aksinya is very bright, she gets it, and she is not afraid to say out loud that which Fraulein Trauen dares not say. Aksinya doesn't care about such things. She views people as they are. Although, Aksinya should be the one who takes offense, it is Fraulein Trauen who begins to get up. Aksinya wins the round--she does indeed prove her worth and nobility. She teaches a lesson that Fraulein Trauen doesn't get. Then we get a confession from Aksinya--she knows that she doesn't have self control. Actually she has unbelievable self control, but like everyone--there are things she has no self control about. These are the things she means: luxuria, sorcery, sexual desire.
If you don't love Aksinya, at least you must love her wit: “I concede the field to you, Fraulein Trauen. I cannot hold it with my virtue or my beauty.”
Aksinya and Natalya return to Aksinya's house across the street. We shall see what Aksinya tells Natalya about Ernst von Taaffe tomorrow.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A New Novel, Part 123 I had too much to Drink
Around the Sunday dinner table, the young ladies at Sacré Coeur discuss Aksinya's previous evening. Aksinya simply wants to know about Ernst von Taaffe...
Aksinya’s voice dripped with sarcasm, “I quite understand your meaning. So I ask you again, a little more clearly, what is the reputation of this Ernst von Taaffe.”
Dieter Vogt pressed her lips together, “I have not heard anything untoward about him, but he is considered a little mysterious.”
Fraulein Trauen pronounced, “He is studious and serious.”
Anna Pfaff cried out, “I’ve seen him many times at the ballet and the symphony.”
Fraulein Trauen sniffed, “The ballet does him no good, but the symphony means his intentions may be pure.”
Aksinya laughed, “Are any man’s intentions pure?”
Fraulein Trauen blushed, “Certainly there are men of honor and standing who would not compromise themselves or others.”
Aksinya sat back in her chair, “So you think he is an honorable man?”
Fraulein Pfaff giggled, “I haven’t heard anything untoward about him either. He isn’t known to be a gambler or a womanizer.”
Aksinya laughed, “Then his only bad trait is he likes to attend the ballet.”
Fraulein Trauen rolled her eyes, “It isn’t that he likes to attend the ballet. It is what he casts his gaze upon at the ballet.”
Aksinya smiled more broadly, “So if he asks me to the ballet, should I watch his eyes to see where they are gazing?”
Fraulein Trauen colored again, “I believe you are making fun of me.”
“I’m sorry. I am not. I simply want to gain the measure of the man.”
Fraulein Pfaff was breathless, “Do you think he will ask you to the ballet?”
“He said as much.”
Natalya bit her lip, “Mistress, this is the first time I have heard of this man.”
Aksinya put her hand on Natalya’s. She looked straight into her eyes, “I’m sorry, Lady Natalya. I didn’t mean to keep this a secret from you. My meeting with Herr von Taaffe occurred so suddenly Saturday night, and I was in no shape to converse that evening.”
Fraulein Trauen lifted her chin, “Because you had drunk so much.”
Aksinya turned her head toward the lady, “Because I had too much wine to drink.”
Aksinya is trying to gain the measure of the man Ernst von Taaffe. She has been forced to accept the man's appointment for dinner and the theater. She wants to know something about him. Aksinya is like a businesswoman. She wants to get to the point. The young women around her want to discuss the event and the gentleman. They want to converse, Aksinya wants information.
From Dieter, we learn that Ernst is a little mysterious. Fraulein Trauen, the prude, tells us he is studious and serious. Anna lets us know, she has seen him at the ballet and symphony. Fraulein Trauen gives her opinion, and that opinion is too silly for Aksinya not to pick at it. Fraulein Trauen means, of course, that the purpose for Ernst to visit the ballet is to gaze on the ballerinas. She means to say that any man's intention is not pure, and thus Aksinya's response--she has caught the Fraulein's tone exactly.
Fraulein Trauen understood--that's why she blushes and backtracks. Few counter the Fraulein. They don't want to get a sermon from her. Aksinya states the obvious conclusion, then Ernst is an honorable man. Fraulein Pfaff gets it. She understands what just went on between Aksinya and Fraulein Trauen. Aksinya has the termity to rub the ballet in Fraulein Trauen's face. This forces the Fraulein to state her opinion in more direct terms--she thinks that Aksinya hasn't understood her comment. Aksinya turns the comment again against the dull witted Fraulein Trauen. Fraulein Trauen is slow, but finally gets it. Then Aksinya lies about making fun of Fraulein Trauen. Most of those around the table realize this.
Fraulein Pfaff tries to turn the conversation, but she does it poorly--she mentions ballet again. That's when Natalya gets involved. She is unhappy that she didn't know about any of this. To Aksinya, Natalya's contentment is paramount. She must reassure her lady-in-waiting.
Aksinya accidentally gives Fraulein Trauen another piece of ammunition--Aksinya was drunk. Aksinya answers this truthfully. We shall see how she fairs tomorrow.
Aksinya’s voice dripped with sarcasm, “I quite understand your meaning. So I ask you again, a little more clearly, what is the reputation of this Ernst von Taaffe.”
Dieter Vogt pressed her lips together, “I have not heard anything untoward about him, but he is considered a little mysterious.”
Fraulein Trauen pronounced, “He is studious and serious.”
Anna Pfaff cried out, “I’ve seen him many times at the ballet and the symphony.”
Fraulein Trauen sniffed, “The ballet does him no good, but the symphony means his intentions may be pure.”
Aksinya laughed, “Are any man’s intentions pure?”
Fraulein Trauen blushed, “Certainly there are men of honor and standing who would not compromise themselves or others.”
Aksinya sat back in her chair, “So you think he is an honorable man?”
Fraulein Pfaff giggled, “I haven’t heard anything untoward about him either. He isn’t known to be a gambler or a womanizer.”
Aksinya laughed, “Then his only bad trait is he likes to attend the ballet.”
Fraulein Trauen rolled her eyes, “It isn’t that he likes to attend the ballet. It is what he casts his gaze upon at the ballet.”
Aksinya smiled more broadly, “So if he asks me to the ballet, should I watch his eyes to see where they are gazing?”
Fraulein Trauen colored again, “I believe you are making fun of me.”
“I’m sorry. I am not. I simply want to gain the measure of the man.”
Fraulein Pfaff was breathless, “Do you think he will ask you to the ballet?”
“He said as much.”
Natalya bit her lip, “Mistress, this is the first time I have heard of this man.”
Aksinya put her hand on Natalya’s. She looked straight into her eyes, “I’m sorry, Lady Natalya. I didn’t mean to keep this a secret from you. My meeting with Herr von Taaffe occurred so suddenly Saturday night, and I was in no shape to converse that evening.”
Fraulein Trauen lifted her chin, “Because you had drunk so much.”
Aksinya turned her head toward the lady, “Because I had too much wine to drink.”
Aksinya is trying to gain the measure of the man Ernst von Taaffe. She has been forced to accept the man's appointment for dinner and the theater. She wants to know something about him. Aksinya is like a businesswoman. She wants to get to the point. The young women around her want to discuss the event and the gentleman. They want to converse, Aksinya wants information.
From Dieter, we learn that Ernst is a little mysterious. Fraulein Trauen, the prude, tells us he is studious and serious. Anna lets us know, she has seen him at the ballet and symphony. Fraulein Trauen gives her opinion, and that opinion is too silly for Aksinya not to pick at it. Fraulein Trauen means, of course, that the purpose for Ernst to visit the ballet is to gaze on the ballerinas. She means to say that any man's intention is not pure, and thus Aksinya's response--she has caught the Fraulein's tone exactly.
Fraulein Trauen understood--that's why she blushes and backtracks. Few counter the Fraulein. They don't want to get a sermon from her. Aksinya states the obvious conclusion, then Ernst is an honorable man. Fraulein Pfaff gets it. She understands what just went on between Aksinya and Fraulein Trauen. Aksinya has the termity to rub the ballet in Fraulein Trauen's face. This forces the Fraulein to state her opinion in more direct terms--she thinks that Aksinya hasn't understood her comment. Aksinya turns the comment again against the dull witted Fraulein Trauen. Fraulein Trauen is slow, but finally gets it. Then Aksinya lies about making fun of Fraulein Trauen. Most of those around the table realize this.
Fraulein Pfaff tries to turn the conversation, but she does it poorly--she mentions ballet again. That's when Natalya gets involved. She is unhappy that she didn't know about any of this. To Aksinya, Natalya's contentment is paramount. She must reassure her lady-in-waiting.
Aksinya accidentally gives Fraulein Trauen another piece of ammunition--Aksinya was drunk. Aksinya answers this truthfully. We shall see how she fairs tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
A New Novel, Part 122 No One Asked Me to Dance
This is the beginning of the next chapter (chapter 11). We need to set the scene for the entire chapter and for the characters. I didn't mention the kicker at the end of chapter 10--it was the point about Aksinya calling for more wine. The result...
Aksinya woke with a terrible headache. She had waited up late with the hope that Asmodeus would make an appearance. She wanted to ask him many questions, but the demon didn’t interrupt her that evening. That, in itself worried her more than anything.
She and Natalya attended a late Mass with the Freiherr and Freifrau Bockmann. Natalya was ill, but hid it well until the end. Natalya rushed her out of the nave just in time.
Because of the work at Grossbock to clean up the house following the Advent party, Aksinya and Natalya returned to Sacré Coeur early before dinner.
As usual, during dinner, Aksinya sat next to Natalya. Aksinya had barely spoken a word since the party. One of the young women, Frieda Trauen, across the table, finally plucked up enough courage to ask, “How was your Aunt and Uncle’s party last night. It is always the event of the season.”
Natalya smiled brightly.
Aksinya shrugged her shoulders and slouched a centimeter lower.
“Did you dance?” the girl continued.
Aksinya sighed, “There was dancing, but no one asked me.”
Fraulein Trauen face displayed amazement. She turned toward Natalya, “Surely someone asked you to dance, Lady Natalya.”
Natalya smiled and raised her shoulders, “They were mostly older men and married.”
“The young ones come later in the evening. I heard the toast of the town were there. Don’t tell me that the Countess scared them off.”
Aksinya smiled a little smile, “They did seem afraid to approach me. That is, except one.”
All the faces at the table turned toward her. The question they didn’t speak was evident in their features. Finally, Fraulein Trauen asked breathlessly for them all, “Who was it?”
“Ernst von Taaffe. Do you know the name?”
“Who doesn’t in Wien? His father is the Graf von Taaffe. That would be a good match for you.” She looked down, then back to Aksinya, “And he didn’t ask you to dance?”
“He said it was too late, and I had drunk too much wine anyway. What do you know of him?”
All the young ladies sat up straight. Fraulein Trauen sat the straightest, “Too much wine. You should be more careful. You don’t want to let the young men slip through your fingers and neither do you wish to get within their grasp.”
All the ladies nodded almost as one.
Aksinya’s voice dripped with sarcasm, “I quite understand your meaning. So I ask you again, a little more clearly, what is the reputation of this Ernst von Taaffe.”
The setting at the beginning of this chapter is simple. I've already described all these places to you--I just have to set the characters and you in them. The rest is the setting of the overall chapter--Ernst von Taaffe.
The results of Aksinya's evening is a hangover. I didn't hide her drinking from you before. You might have guessed that Aksinya likes to drink and that wine is her especial temptation--this is all related to her problem with luxuria. We will see how this manifests itself in the future.
Asmodeus is not hanging around as much. The implication here is that he doesn't have to. This is why Aksinya is so worried. She is concerned that she is accomplishing the demon's work without any instructions or encouragement. I give you an indicator of Aksinya's problem. She can't hold down her breakfast during the Mass. How much of this is due to her hangover and how much to her use of sorcery is up in the air. Aksinya and Natalya return to Sacré Coeur early because of the cleanup. You can imagine Aksinya's impatiance too. I want you to detect this.
It is unusual for them to be at dinner on Sunday evening, so they are automatically the center of attention for the young ladies. This is part of a writing technique (if you couldn't tell). An author uses the tools of the setting that he creates. In the setting of Sacré Coeur, I have developed the evening diner conversation as a means of giving the reader information and also providing a relief scene. This is related to the timing of scenes.
The setting here is simple, and I remind you of the position of the two principals at the table. Aksinya has been especially quiet. She receives a question from Fraulein Trauen. Natalya thought the party was wonderful--she was able to serve Aksinya and she didn't have to put up with anyone else (hint). Aksinya was very distrubed by the party--especially Ernst von Taaffe. Aksinya confesses without thinking. You know what she was thinking about--Ernst has her book and no one danced with her. Remember, Natalya is much better looking than Aksinya, thus the question turned to her and from Aksinya.
Then comes the cut against Aksinya, and again Aksinya reveals more information than she should. Everyone around the table, including Natalya wishes to know who approached Aksinya. Aksinya wants information about Ernst. We discover that Ernst's father is a Graf. This means Ernst is the son of an Austrian Count. That's why the ladies say Aksinya is well matched with him.
I give you an indication of Aksinya's drinking issue. She openly tells the ladies that she had drunk too much. Fraulein Trauen then gives Aksinya a sermon. It is a sermon all the other girls understand well. Aksinya is very sensitive to critisism. She doesn't want a sermon, she wants information, so she asks again.
Who is this Ernst von Taaffe? We'll have to wait until Aksinya gets a clear answer tomorrow.
Aksinya woke with a terrible headache. She had waited up late with the hope that Asmodeus would make an appearance. She wanted to ask him many questions, but the demon didn’t interrupt her that evening. That, in itself worried her more than anything.
She and Natalya attended a late Mass with the Freiherr and Freifrau Bockmann. Natalya was ill, but hid it well until the end. Natalya rushed her out of the nave just in time.
Because of the work at Grossbock to clean up the house following the Advent party, Aksinya and Natalya returned to Sacré Coeur early before dinner.
As usual, during dinner, Aksinya sat next to Natalya. Aksinya had barely spoken a word since the party. One of the young women, Frieda Trauen, across the table, finally plucked up enough courage to ask, “How was your Aunt and Uncle’s party last night. It is always the event of the season.”
Natalya smiled brightly.
Aksinya shrugged her shoulders and slouched a centimeter lower.
“Did you dance?” the girl continued.
Aksinya sighed, “There was dancing, but no one asked me.”
Fraulein Trauen face displayed amazement. She turned toward Natalya, “Surely someone asked you to dance, Lady Natalya.”
Natalya smiled and raised her shoulders, “They were mostly older men and married.”
“The young ones come later in the evening. I heard the toast of the town were there. Don’t tell me that the Countess scared them off.”
Aksinya smiled a little smile, “They did seem afraid to approach me. That is, except one.”
All the faces at the table turned toward her. The question they didn’t speak was evident in their features. Finally, Fraulein Trauen asked breathlessly for them all, “Who was it?”
“Ernst von Taaffe. Do you know the name?”
“Who doesn’t in Wien? His father is the Graf von Taaffe. That would be a good match for you.” She looked down, then back to Aksinya, “And he didn’t ask you to dance?”
“He said it was too late, and I had drunk too much wine anyway. What do you know of him?”
All the young ladies sat up straight. Fraulein Trauen sat the straightest, “Too much wine. You should be more careful. You don’t want to let the young men slip through your fingers and neither do you wish to get within their grasp.”
All the ladies nodded almost as one.
Aksinya’s voice dripped with sarcasm, “I quite understand your meaning. So I ask you again, a little more clearly, what is the reputation of this Ernst von Taaffe.”
The setting at the beginning of this chapter is simple. I've already described all these places to you--I just have to set the characters and you in them. The rest is the setting of the overall chapter--Ernst von Taaffe.
The results of Aksinya's evening is a hangover. I didn't hide her drinking from you before. You might have guessed that Aksinya likes to drink and that wine is her especial temptation--this is all related to her problem with luxuria. We will see how this manifests itself in the future.
Asmodeus is not hanging around as much. The implication here is that he doesn't have to. This is why Aksinya is so worried. She is concerned that she is accomplishing the demon's work without any instructions or encouragement. I give you an indicator of Aksinya's problem. She can't hold down her breakfast during the Mass. How much of this is due to her hangover and how much to her use of sorcery is up in the air. Aksinya and Natalya return to Sacré Coeur early because of the cleanup. You can imagine Aksinya's impatiance too. I want you to detect this.
It is unusual for them to be at dinner on Sunday evening, so they are automatically the center of attention for the young ladies. This is part of a writing technique (if you couldn't tell). An author uses the tools of the setting that he creates. In the setting of Sacré Coeur, I have developed the evening diner conversation as a means of giving the reader information and also providing a relief scene. This is related to the timing of scenes.
The setting here is simple, and I remind you of the position of the two principals at the table. Aksinya has been especially quiet. She receives a question from Fraulein Trauen. Natalya thought the party was wonderful--she was able to serve Aksinya and she didn't have to put up with anyone else (hint). Aksinya was very distrubed by the party--especially Ernst von Taaffe. Aksinya confesses without thinking. You know what she was thinking about--Ernst has her book and no one danced with her. Remember, Natalya is much better looking than Aksinya, thus the question turned to her and from Aksinya.
Then comes the cut against Aksinya, and again Aksinya reveals more information than she should. Everyone around the table, including Natalya wishes to know who approached Aksinya. Aksinya wants information about Ernst. We discover that Ernst's father is a Graf. This means Ernst is the son of an Austrian Count. That's why the ladies say Aksinya is well matched with him.
I give you an indication of Aksinya's drinking issue. She openly tells the ladies that she had drunk too much. Fraulein Trauen then gives Aksinya a sermon. It is a sermon all the other girls understand well. Aksinya is very sensitive to critisism. She doesn't want a sermon, she wants information, so she asks again.
Who is this Ernst von Taaffe? We'll have to wait until Aksinya gets a clear answer tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
A New Novel, Part 121 Another Book of Sorcery
At her aunt and uncle's Advent party, Aksinya is approached by a young gentleman who claims to have her book of sorcery, and who claims to have observed her make the great enchantment outside the Golden Adler Gasthaus. He has her book and knows her secret--he offers her another temptation...
But I have another temptation.”
Aksinya stared at him. An angry scowl set her features.
He didn’t seem to notice Aksinya’s very dangerous appearance, “I have another book that your courtier told me you would desire. It is one you have not seen before.”
Aksinya trembled, “Which book is it?”
“It is the book of Heka…”
“That is ancient Egyptian. It isn’t effective.”
“The Heka I have is Greek. It isn’t death sorcery of the Egyptians but the practice of light. I know you are interested.”
Aksinya took a breath, “If it is a Greek Heka…”
“It is a Greek Heka.”
“What about my book. You stole it.”
“Those are strong words, Countess. You dropped it in the street. I picked it up for you. Who’s to say who such a book belongs to?”
“It is mine, and you know it.”
“I also know that you are a marvelous sorceress, and I wish to entertain you.”
“I will not accommodate any lewd behavior.”
“Lewd behavior? Countess, you mistake my intention. I wish to woo you. I do not wish to seduce you.”
“How can I trust your intentions?”
“I have your book,” he laughed.
“And you blackmail me with it?”
“I only want to take you to dine and to a play, the ballet, or to a concert. Surely that is not lewd.”
“I will bring my lady-in-waiting as a chaperone.”
“You may bring your guardian nun as well.”
Aksinya sat back, “Pardon me then. I did not understand your intentions.”
“My intentions are pure, but I would like to know much, much more about this enchanting sorceress who came to Wien. The moment your courtier described you, I had to meet you.”
Aksinya stared suspiciously at him, “Just where did you meet my courtier?”
A puzzled look crossed Ernst von Taaffe’s features, “I don’t entirely remember, Countess, but wherever and whenever it was, I am thankful for it because that meeting led me to you.”
“You don’t think me plain, diminutive, and unwomanly.”
Ernest von Taaffe bowed his head, “On the contrary, I find you mysterious, powerful, and exciting.” He glanced up, “I will contact you at your house. Please make an evening open for me next week.”
Aksinya sighed, “I will entertain you when you visit. Please return my book.”
Ernst rose, “Not until you attend a dinner and an evening event with me. Then I will discuss the return of your book. It is late or I would ask you to dance. Countess,” he bowed deeply and wandered back to the ballroom floor.
Aksinya slumped in her seat. When Natalya finally returned, Aksinya drank the whole glass of wine and sent Natalya back for more.
Ernst von Taaffe has obviously been conversing with Asmodeus. He knows a lot about Aksinya, and he is infatuated with her. He also is prepared with ammunition to force her to accede to his demands. Aksinya is sensitive to temptation, but she can't fight against it--not against the right kind of temptation. This temptation is a new book of sorcery. If you didn't figure it out already, Aksinya is extremely tempted about new knowledge of sorcery. Ernst knows this is the cap on the temptation. Already he knows her secret, he has her book, now, he tells her he has another book. It is a book she covets.
The conversation continues to details about Aksinya and then turns to Ernst's desires. He wishes to entertain her. Ernst wishes to woo her, and he tells her that because he has her book, she must do as he wishes. He offers to take her to dinner and the theater. Aksinya tells him, she will bring Natalya, and he ups it. Aksinya may bring Sister Margarethe if she wishes. Notice, this is significantly private information that Ernst knows. The depth of his information and his response brings about Aksinya's reply about his intentions.
Aksinya asks where Ernst met Asmodeus, and the young man can't remember. The demon has been busy. This is the point of the demon's work. He works all the time. His plans are insidious and pernicious. Aksinya may realize how powerful they are, but can she really fight against them? Is there any hope for her?
Aksinya counters with a list of her perceived physical issues. He calls her mysterious, powerful, and exciting. We know she is. He makes the date, and Aksinya agrees. She just wants her book--she realizes how dangerous it is in anyone else's hands. He honors her again and explains why he won't ask her to dance--it is too late.
Aksinya drinks the remainder of the evening. Tomorrow, we begin chapter 11.
But I have another temptation.”
Aksinya stared at him. An angry scowl set her features.
He didn’t seem to notice Aksinya’s very dangerous appearance, “I have another book that your courtier told me you would desire. It is one you have not seen before.”
Aksinya trembled, “Which book is it?”
“It is the book of Heka…”
“That is ancient Egyptian. It isn’t effective.”
“The Heka I have is Greek. It isn’t death sorcery of the Egyptians but the practice of light. I know you are interested.”
Aksinya took a breath, “If it is a Greek Heka…”
“It is a Greek Heka.”
“What about my book. You stole it.”
“Those are strong words, Countess. You dropped it in the street. I picked it up for you. Who’s to say who such a book belongs to?”
“It is mine, and you know it.”
“I also know that you are a marvelous sorceress, and I wish to entertain you.”
“I will not accommodate any lewd behavior.”
“Lewd behavior? Countess, you mistake my intention. I wish to woo you. I do not wish to seduce you.”
“How can I trust your intentions?”
“I have your book,” he laughed.
“And you blackmail me with it?”
“I only want to take you to dine and to a play, the ballet, or to a concert. Surely that is not lewd.”
“I will bring my lady-in-waiting as a chaperone.”
“You may bring your guardian nun as well.”
Aksinya sat back, “Pardon me then. I did not understand your intentions.”
“My intentions are pure, but I would like to know much, much more about this enchanting sorceress who came to Wien. The moment your courtier described you, I had to meet you.”
Aksinya stared suspiciously at him, “Just where did you meet my courtier?”
A puzzled look crossed Ernst von Taaffe’s features, “I don’t entirely remember, Countess, but wherever and whenever it was, I am thankful for it because that meeting led me to you.”
“You don’t think me plain, diminutive, and unwomanly.”
Ernest von Taaffe bowed his head, “On the contrary, I find you mysterious, powerful, and exciting.” He glanced up, “I will contact you at your house. Please make an evening open for me next week.”
Aksinya sighed, “I will entertain you when you visit. Please return my book.”
Ernst rose, “Not until you attend a dinner and an evening event with me. Then I will discuss the return of your book. It is late or I would ask you to dance. Countess,” he bowed deeply and wandered back to the ballroom floor.
Aksinya slumped in her seat. When Natalya finally returned, Aksinya drank the whole glass of wine and sent Natalya back for more.
Ernst von Taaffe has obviously been conversing with Asmodeus. He knows a lot about Aksinya, and he is infatuated with her. He also is prepared with ammunition to force her to accede to his demands. Aksinya is sensitive to temptation, but she can't fight against it--not against the right kind of temptation. This temptation is a new book of sorcery. If you didn't figure it out already, Aksinya is extremely tempted about new knowledge of sorcery. Ernst knows this is the cap on the temptation. Already he knows her secret, he has her book, now, he tells her he has another book. It is a book she covets.
The conversation continues to details about Aksinya and then turns to Ernst's desires. He wishes to entertain her. Ernst wishes to woo her, and he tells her that because he has her book, she must do as he wishes. He offers to take her to dinner and the theater. Aksinya tells him, she will bring Natalya, and he ups it. Aksinya may bring Sister Margarethe if she wishes. Notice, this is significantly private information that Ernst knows. The depth of his information and his response brings about Aksinya's reply about his intentions.
Aksinya asks where Ernst met Asmodeus, and the young man can't remember. The demon has been busy. This is the point of the demon's work. He works all the time. His plans are insidious and pernicious. Aksinya may realize how powerful they are, but can she really fight against them? Is there any hope for her?
Aksinya counters with a list of her perceived physical issues. He calls her mysterious, powerful, and exciting. We know she is. He makes the date, and Aksinya agrees. She just wants her book--she realizes how dangerous it is in anyone else's hands. He honors her again and explains why he won't ask her to dance--it is too late.
Aksinya drinks the remainder of the evening. Tomorrow, we begin chapter 11.
Monday, January 31, 2011
A New Novel, Part 120 I Have Your Book
The young man, Ernst von Taaffe knows Aksinya's great secret--she is a sorceress. He insists that she must do as he asks or he will reveal her secret...
He noted the look on Aksinya’s face, “Don’t worry, Countess. Your secret is safe with me, but only if you do as I wish.”
“Who would believe you?”
He brought his face close to hers, “I have your book.”
Aksinya gasped and trembled, “You must give it back.”
“No, no, no, Countess. That is not how the game is played.”
“What do you want from me?”
“Anatov Aznabaev, told me you were a special person. He told me I would find everything I desired with you. He is right. I myself have tried for years to study sorcery. I have been, as yet, unsuccessful.”
“Your body doesn’t seem unduly marked.”
“The scars are well hidden by my clothing. It has not touched my face or hands much.” He pulled her hand toward his face and turned it over. He gently stroked the many scars that marked Aksinya’s fingers, “A successful sorcerer, so says my books, has a multitude of knife scars on their hands. They are from the constant use of blood as a sacrifice.” He turned his face toward hers again, “The smell of the use is strong on you now. You can’t hide it from me. Although, I can’t accomplish any of it, I know its smell. I know its feel. I know its marks.” He kissed the scars on her fingers.
Aksinya finally was able to pull her hand from his, “I asked you what you want?”
“I would like to learn from you, but first I must win your affection.”
“What makes you believe it can be won?”
“You courtier, Anatov Aznabaev told me that you long to find love and someone to share your life. I offer myself. You are exactly the woman I wish to love.”
“My courtier is mistaken. I do not need love or anything else…”
“But you need your book.”
“I have memorized it already.”
“Zut! I know you still desire that book.”
Aksinya raised her chin, “How would you know that?”
“Anatov Aznabaev told me.”
Aksinya snarled, “Anatov Aznabaev, Anatov Aznabaev… do you believe everything my servant tells you?”
“In this case, yes. But I have another temptation.”
Now we know--Ernst took the book. Not only does he know about Aksinya's secret, he has proof--the book. How could things get worse for her? This is why someone might believe Ernst, he has a book of magic that he can tie to Aksinya. One of the threats of Asmodeus when they first came to Wien was that he could reveal Aksinya's proclivities and thus ruin her uncle and aunt. That would ruin Aksinya and Natalya too.
Aksinya is afraid and asks the obvious question: “What do you want from me?” Then begins a short dialog that tells us much in some great detail about sorcery and sorcerers. We knew a lot of this informaiton from before, but now, we get it all together and in a focused manner. We also discover that Ernst has been attempting sorcery for a long time, but has been unsuccessful as yet. Ernst's knowledge of sorcery and his knowledge about sorcerers is dangerous to Aksinya. Then we learn what Ernst wants from Aksinya: “I would like to learn from you, but first I must win your affection.” He wants to be her apprentice and her lover. Aksinya already has apprentice problems. She never thought to have a lover--except in her imagination. I told you she was naive and innocent in many ways. Although she is filled with sexual desire--it is not directed toward anyone but herself. She simply loves herself. Aksinya then imagines she can get out from the problem by ignoring the issue of the book, but Ernst has another temptation for her. Do you note that these temptations seem to well designed and thought out. Who might be their originator?
Tomorrow, the other temptation.
He noted the look on Aksinya’s face, “Don’t worry, Countess. Your secret is safe with me, but only if you do as I wish.”
“Who would believe you?”
He brought his face close to hers, “I have your book.”
Aksinya gasped and trembled, “You must give it back.”
“No, no, no, Countess. That is not how the game is played.”
“What do you want from me?”
“Anatov Aznabaev, told me you were a special person. He told me I would find everything I desired with you. He is right. I myself have tried for years to study sorcery. I have been, as yet, unsuccessful.”
“Your body doesn’t seem unduly marked.”
“The scars are well hidden by my clothing. It has not touched my face or hands much.” He pulled her hand toward his face and turned it over. He gently stroked the many scars that marked Aksinya’s fingers, “A successful sorcerer, so says my books, has a multitude of knife scars on their hands. They are from the constant use of blood as a sacrifice.” He turned his face toward hers again, “The smell of the use is strong on you now. You can’t hide it from me. Although, I can’t accomplish any of it, I know its smell. I know its feel. I know its marks.” He kissed the scars on her fingers.
Aksinya finally was able to pull her hand from his, “I asked you what you want?”
“I would like to learn from you, but first I must win your affection.”
“What makes you believe it can be won?”
“You courtier, Anatov Aznabaev told me that you long to find love and someone to share your life. I offer myself. You are exactly the woman I wish to love.”
“My courtier is mistaken. I do not need love or anything else…”
“But you need your book.”
“I have memorized it already.”
“Zut! I know you still desire that book.”
Aksinya raised her chin, “How would you know that?”
“Anatov Aznabaev told me.”
Aksinya snarled, “Anatov Aznabaev, Anatov Aznabaev… do you believe everything my servant tells you?”
“In this case, yes. But I have another temptation.”
Now we know--Ernst took the book. Not only does he know about Aksinya's secret, he has proof--the book. How could things get worse for her? This is why someone might believe Ernst, he has a book of magic that he can tie to Aksinya. One of the threats of Asmodeus when they first came to Wien was that he could reveal Aksinya's proclivities and thus ruin her uncle and aunt. That would ruin Aksinya and Natalya too.
Aksinya is afraid and asks the obvious question: “What do you want from me?” Then begins a short dialog that tells us much in some great detail about sorcery and sorcerers. We knew a lot of this informaiton from before, but now, we get it all together and in a focused manner. We also discover that Ernst has been attempting sorcery for a long time, but has been unsuccessful as yet. Ernst's knowledge of sorcery and his knowledge about sorcerers is dangerous to Aksinya. Then we learn what Ernst wants from Aksinya: “I would like to learn from you, but first I must win your affection.” He wants to be her apprentice and her lover. Aksinya already has apprentice problems. She never thought to have a lover--except in her imagination. I told you she was naive and innocent in many ways. Although she is filled with sexual desire--it is not directed toward anyone but herself. She simply loves herself. Aksinya then imagines she can get out from the problem by ignoring the issue of the book, but Ernst has another temptation for her. Do you note that these temptations seem to well designed and thought out. Who might be their originator?
Tomorrow, the other temptation.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A New Novel, Part 119 I Know Who and What You are, Countess
The moment Natalya goes to refresh Aksinya's wine, a young gentleman approaches Aksinya, goes to one knee, and addresses her...
He glanced at her hand and then at her face again and smiled, “You are truly the one, Countess.”
Aksinya took a deep breath, “The one…?”
His smile broadened, “I have met you twice, but we have not been introduced. Please don’t think me forward if I introduce myself. I am Ernst Franz von Taaffe. My father is the Graf von Taaffe. So, you see, we are of nearly equal rank.”
Aksinya tried to pull her hand from his, “Why should that matter to me?”
“Because, first, I am infatuated with you. I warn you, I will do anything to have you. Second, I know exactly what you are…”
Aksinya pursed her lips and yanked her hand back. The man would not let it go. “Where did you meet me?” She hissed.
“Outside the Golden Adler Gasthaus.”
Aksinya’s free hand stole to her face, “You were one of the rapists?”
The furrows in Ernst’s smooth brow deepened, “Dear Countess, surely you don’t count me with that sort. Search your memories. You stared directly at me. You spoke to me. I carried your sweet body back into your house and placed you in your bed. Your blood ruined one of my good suits, but I purposely haven’t thrown it out.”
Aksinya’s eyes widened, “You were that man.”
Ernst’s lips drooped, “Yes, that man…”
Aksinya’s eyes filled with fear. She tried again to pull her hand from his grasp, “Why were you there? What did you see?”
Ernst grinned, “I was there because your courtier, Anatov Aznabaev told me you would be there.”
Aksinya shook her head, “Wait, Anatov Aznabaev.” She whispered a sentence of Latin words under her breath, “Say that name again.”
Ernst repeated, “Anatov Aznabaev.”
And clearly to Aksinya’s ears came, “Asmodeus.” She puffed out her cheeks, “Scheize.”
“Countess! I was led to believe you were a completely refined woman.”
“I don’t care.” She stared at the man, “What do you know?”
“That you are a most wondrous sorceress. I saw everything. You made a great enchantment without any protection. Such power, unbelievable power…” He noted the look on Aksinya’s face, “Don’t worry, Countess. Your secret is safe with me, but only if you do as I wish.”
Now, the plans of Asmodeus are coming to fruition. Did you imagine the actions and the events outside the tavern were there only to tempt Aksinya into sorcery. That was less than half of it. There is much mush more that will come out of that single incident. It is like the widening ripples when you throw a stone into a pond. These ripples will not stop until the accomplishment of everything the demon desires.
The gentle claims to have met Aksinya twice, but he only tells us about one time. The other is left in obscurity and Aksinya doesn't ask him. He introduces himself--this is a faux pas in that culture, but he is of almost equal rank--his father is a count.
I love the imagery of Aksinya trying to pull her hand from his. Do you see that. This isn't the last time. Ernst has made a demand on her--she doesn't wish to accept it. Then the confession of Ernst von Taaffe. He is infatuated with her, and he knows what she is. The what is important. Aksinya asks the obvious question. The answer surprises her. This shouldn't surprise us, Aksinya doesn't look at these details. Unless they are beholden to her, people are unimportant to her.
Ernst reminds her about the events we learned only second hand. That he hasn't thrown out his ruined suit should tell you, he has it bad. Aksinya gets it--he was the man Natalya and Sister Margarethe told her about. The reason Ernst was at the Gasthaus was that Asmodeus told him to come. We see the demon's plans inside of plans inside of plans. We also learn that Asmodeus is acting on his own as Aksinya's courtier. He uses the name Anatov Aznabaev. Aksinya uses sorcery to confirm what she realizes--Anatove Aznabaev is Asmodeus.
Aksinya curses. This surprises Ernst. It shouldn't. He knows she is a sorceress! He saw the enchantment and seems to understand what it meant. He knows Aksinya's greatest sin, and her greatest secret: “Don’t worry, Countess. Your secret is safe with me, but only if you do as I wish.” Tomorrow, we find what Ernst desires from Aksinya.
He glanced at her hand and then at her face again and smiled, “You are truly the one, Countess.”
Aksinya took a deep breath, “The one…?”
His smile broadened, “I have met you twice, but we have not been introduced. Please don’t think me forward if I introduce myself. I am Ernst Franz von Taaffe. My father is the Graf von Taaffe. So, you see, we are of nearly equal rank.”
Aksinya tried to pull her hand from his, “Why should that matter to me?”
“Because, first, I am infatuated with you. I warn you, I will do anything to have you. Second, I know exactly what you are…”
Aksinya pursed her lips and yanked her hand back. The man would not let it go. “Where did you meet me?” She hissed.
“Outside the Golden Adler Gasthaus.”
Aksinya’s free hand stole to her face, “You were one of the rapists?”
The furrows in Ernst’s smooth brow deepened, “Dear Countess, surely you don’t count me with that sort. Search your memories. You stared directly at me. You spoke to me. I carried your sweet body back into your house and placed you in your bed. Your blood ruined one of my good suits, but I purposely haven’t thrown it out.”
Aksinya’s eyes widened, “You were that man.”
Ernst’s lips drooped, “Yes, that man…”
Aksinya’s eyes filled with fear. She tried again to pull her hand from his grasp, “Why were you there? What did you see?”
Ernst grinned, “I was there because your courtier, Anatov Aznabaev told me you would be there.”
Aksinya shook her head, “Wait, Anatov Aznabaev.” She whispered a sentence of Latin words under her breath, “Say that name again.”
Ernst repeated, “Anatov Aznabaev.”
And clearly to Aksinya’s ears came, “Asmodeus.” She puffed out her cheeks, “Scheize.”
“Countess! I was led to believe you were a completely refined woman.”
“I don’t care.” She stared at the man, “What do you know?”
“That you are a most wondrous sorceress. I saw everything. You made a great enchantment without any protection. Such power, unbelievable power…” He noted the look on Aksinya’s face, “Don’t worry, Countess. Your secret is safe with me, but only if you do as I wish.”
Now, the plans of Asmodeus are coming to fruition. Did you imagine the actions and the events outside the tavern were there only to tempt Aksinya into sorcery. That was less than half of it. There is much mush more that will come out of that single incident. It is like the widening ripples when you throw a stone into a pond. These ripples will not stop until the accomplishment of everything the demon desires.
The gentle claims to have met Aksinya twice, but he only tells us about one time. The other is left in obscurity and Aksinya doesn't ask him. He introduces himself--this is a faux pas in that culture, but he is of almost equal rank--his father is a count.
I love the imagery of Aksinya trying to pull her hand from his. Do you see that. This isn't the last time. Ernst has made a demand on her--she doesn't wish to accept it. Then the confession of Ernst von Taaffe. He is infatuated with her, and he knows what she is. The what is important. Aksinya asks the obvious question. The answer surprises her. This shouldn't surprise us, Aksinya doesn't look at these details. Unless they are beholden to her, people are unimportant to her.
Ernst reminds her about the events we learned only second hand. That he hasn't thrown out his ruined suit should tell you, he has it bad. Aksinya gets it--he was the man Natalya and Sister Margarethe told her about. The reason Ernst was at the Gasthaus was that Asmodeus told him to come. We see the demon's plans inside of plans inside of plans. We also learn that Asmodeus is acting on his own as Aksinya's courtier. He uses the name Anatov Aznabaev. Aksinya uses sorcery to confirm what she realizes--Anatove Aznabaev is Asmodeus.
Aksinya curses. This surprises Ernst. It shouldn't. He knows she is a sorceress! He saw the enchantment and seems to understand what it meant. He knows Aksinya's greatest sin, and her greatest secret: “Don’t worry, Countess. Your secret is safe with me, but only if you do as I wish.” Tomorrow, we find what Ernst desires from Aksinya.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
A New Novel, Part 118 The Gentleman
Since Aksinya was introduced at the Advent party, no one except the Abbot and Cardinal have spoken to her. This is just a little too strange. Aksinya has her issues, but she desires to make the acquaintance of someone. Even if it isn't the potential groom her aunt mentioned, she doesn't want to be ignored. She already imagines she is ugly, what does this do for her self-esteem?
Aksinya leaned against the arm of her chair. She put her hand under her chin and gave every indication that she was bored. She was bored. The crowd seemed to move a little further from her. Slowly the party wound down. No one else approached her or her lady-in-waiting. The crowd cleared out a little and Aksinya noted some late arrivals who had not been introduced to her. They didn’t approach her either. They were mostly young men without a female companion or women with an older male escort. Aksinya felt a little piqued that they had not greeted her.
After a while, Aksinya glanced at Natalya, “Lady Natalya, please get me another glass of wine.”
“Would you like something to eat?”
“No, just wine. The very sweet wine Uncle opened just for me. Ask him to open another bottle... or two.”
Natalya smiled then frowned and hurried off.
Almost immediately a young man moved from the ballroom floor and stepped directly up to Aksinya. He dropped to his left knee and bowed his head. He was dressed in finery. Not as fine as the clothing Aksinya wore, but very formal and slightly out of fashion. Aksinya’s Uncle would have approved. His frockcoat was charcoal and his pants were cream colored. His shirt was also cream and everything was pressed to perfection.
Aksinya straightened her back. She couldn’t see anything of his face only the top of his blond head. She wondered if, with such a display, he mocked her. The young man didn’t stand. He lifted his face to hers and reached for her hand. Aksinya was too slow to keep him from taking it. His face was gentle and pleasant. It matched his voice which was almost melodic. Aksinya might have described it as like a snake in a more pointed moment, but it was sweet and calm. His eyes were blue and met hers without apology. He glanced at her hand and then at her face again and smiled, “You are truly the one, Countess.”
Aksinya is bored. No one comes to speak to her (except the least available men at the party). No one asks her to dance. She is stuck in her chair and the protocol of the times doesn't give her any options. Aksinya's main problem is luxuria. Luxuria is the untoward desire (lust) toward anything. Aksinya's desire isn't just peculiarly sexual. It isn't just sorcery. It is also clothing, food, drink (especially wine), furnishings, etc. So, when she is bored, the first thing she desires is to relieve her luxuria. She has been drinking, she sends Natalya for more wine. This is why Natalya smiled then frowned. She realizes Aksinya's problem--at least the luxuria part.
That's when it happens--when Natalya is away. You might have thought it was planned. A young man approaches her and drops to his left knee (that is the way you honor nobility that is at a rank higher than yours). He is well dresses and obviously a gentleman. He is forward, but his manners are impeccable--except when he takes her hand. In polite society, you only take a lady's hand when it is proffered. His words to her: “You are truly the one, Countess.” Tomorrow, who is this gentleman and what does he want?
Aksinya leaned against the arm of her chair. She put her hand under her chin and gave every indication that she was bored. She was bored. The crowd seemed to move a little further from her. Slowly the party wound down. No one else approached her or her lady-in-waiting. The crowd cleared out a little and Aksinya noted some late arrivals who had not been introduced to her. They didn’t approach her either. They were mostly young men without a female companion or women with an older male escort. Aksinya felt a little piqued that they had not greeted her.
After a while, Aksinya glanced at Natalya, “Lady Natalya, please get me another glass of wine.”
“Would you like something to eat?”
“No, just wine. The very sweet wine Uncle opened just for me. Ask him to open another bottle... or two.”
Natalya smiled then frowned and hurried off.
Almost immediately a young man moved from the ballroom floor and stepped directly up to Aksinya. He dropped to his left knee and bowed his head. He was dressed in finery. Not as fine as the clothing Aksinya wore, but very formal and slightly out of fashion. Aksinya’s Uncle would have approved. His frockcoat was charcoal and his pants were cream colored. His shirt was also cream and everything was pressed to perfection.
Aksinya straightened her back. She couldn’t see anything of his face only the top of his blond head. She wondered if, with such a display, he mocked her. The young man didn’t stand. He lifted his face to hers and reached for her hand. Aksinya was too slow to keep him from taking it. His face was gentle and pleasant. It matched his voice which was almost melodic. Aksinya might have described it as like a snake in a more pointed moment, but it was sweet and calm. His eyes were blue and met hers without apology. He glanced at her hand and then at her face again and smiled, “You are truly the one, Countess.”
Aksinya is bored. No one comes to speak to her (except the least available men at the party). No one asks her to dance. She is stuck in her chair and the protocol of the times doesn't give her any options. Aksinya's main problem is luxuria. Luxuria is the untoward desire (lust) toward anything. Aksinya's desire isn't just peculiarly sexual. It isn't just sorcery. It is also clothing, food, drink (especially wine), furnishings, etc. So, when she is bored, the first thing she desires is to relieve her luxuria. She has been drinking, she sends Natalya for more wine. This is why Natalya smiled then frowned. She realizes Aksinya's problem--at least the luxuria part.
That's when it happens--when Natalya is away. You might have thought it was planned. A young man approaches her and drops to his left knee (that is the way you honor nobility that is at a rank higher than yours). He is well dresses and obviously a gentleman. He is forward, but his manners are impeccable--except when he takes her hand. In polite society, you only take a lady's hand when it is proffered. His words to her: “You are truly the one, Countess.” Tomorrow, who is this gentleman and what does he want?
Friday, January 28, 2011
A New Novel, Part 117 The Cardinal
The Abbot of Sacré Coeur has been conversing with Aksinya. The Cardinal of Wien comes up to them and addresses her...
The Cardinal and his secretary came up beside the Abbot, who moved to the side, “Good evening, Father Abbot.”
The Abbot bowed and made a slight genuflect, “Your Eminence.”
Aksinya nodded and Natalya curtsied. The Cardinal bowed deeply to Aksinya, “Countess, we are very happy to have you within our spiritual care, but we do understand that you are Orthodox and not Catholic.”
Aksinya nodded.
“Have you had the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the Orthodox community in Wien?”
Aksinya tilted her head, “We have attended the Ecclesia where Father Makar presides.”
The Cardinal smiled, “I would like to win you over to our church, but I promise, I will not attempt that. You must take the time to become familiar with the Orthodox community. You will be very helpful to them especially with all the refugees coming across the Russian boarder at this time. I will speak to the Archpriest Makar about you. He is a good friend of mine and may not realize how close your residence is to the Ecclesia.”
“I didn’t realize Father Makar was an Archpriest. Thank you, Your Eminence.”
“That is my pleasure, Countess. I hope the Father Abbot explained how important you are to us.”
“He mentioned generally, but he didn’t say anything about my importance.”
“But you are, dear lady. The people today look for help following this disastrous war. The revolution and now civil war in Russia only made things worse. The people need a strong aristocracy and church to help led them in these times. Our own aristocracy is weak in numbers and control. The Russian nobility, on the other hand, is very well established. Although it is a loss to Russia, we hope to strengthen our own nation with more expatriates like you. We pray you can integrate yourself into our society and culture in a very positive way.”
“My Uncle and Aunt are of a similar mind. I hope I can live up to your expectations as well.”
“Yes, please keep up your studies for their sake. I think your uncle would like to see you as the jewel in the crown of our city some day. He is very proud of you.”
“Thank you. My Aunt and Uncle have been to me like the mother and father I lost in Russia. I am indebted to them.”
The Cardinal glanced from the sides of his eyes, “You are a very pleasant noblewoman. I can see that you will go far.” He smiled, “I will gladly help you all I can. You may contact my secretary, Herr Schwab.” He pointed at the layman beside him, “If you have any needs.”
“Again, thank you, Your Eminence.”
He bowed. The Abbot bowed. They both bowed their way back to the floor of the ballroom.
I added the secretary late because he is a bit character later. I wanted to make a foreshadowing and introduce you in thought to him. This is the delightful part of controlling the world of a novel. The characters much follow all the rules of the real world and the world that is developed for them, but the depth of the novel begins and ends with the interweaving of the important and less important interactions.
When the Cardinal approaches Aksinya, we see the typical honors given such men in the time. The Cardinal begins by displaying his knowledge of Aksinya. The Cardinal is a pleasant man who is very interested in his charges and their spiritual needs. This is important to note because the Cardinal will be guilty of much later. He is mentioned, but doesn't make an appearance--the reasons will become obvious. He banters with Aksinya and overpraises her. As I said, he is a very pleasant man.
The Cardinal reveals some new information to us that Father Makar is an archpriest. This is at least the equal of a Bishop and close to an Archbishop in the Orthodox church. This means the Cardinal or Wien and Father Makar are about equal in rank. The Cardinal goes on to tell Aksinya how important she is to the community and to the people in Austria. His views are very typical for the times and for his position. The church is a part of the nobility, after all. The Cardinal praises Aksinya and then we get the name of his secretary. I don't want you to have to memorize this, but when you hear the name again, I want you to remember that you heard it before. Plus, the Cardinal's promise is ironic. The two priests leave and leave Aksinya alone again at a grand party. What's going on? We shall see tomorrow.
The Cardinal and his secretary came up beside the Abbot, who moved to the side, “Good evening, Father Abbot.”
The Abbot bowed and made a slight genuflect, “Your Eminence.”
Aksinya nodded and Natalya curtsied. The Cardinal bowed deeply to Aksinya, “Countess, we are very happy to have you within our spiritual care, but we do understand that you are Orthodox and not Catholic.”
Aksinya nodded.
“Have you had the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the Orthodox community in Wien?”
Aksinya tilted her head, “We have attended the Ecclesia where Father Makar presides.”
The Cardinal smiled, “I would like to win you over to our church, but I promise, I will not attempt that. You must take the time to become familiar with the Orthodox community. You will be very helpful to them especially with all the refugees coming across the Russian boarder at this time. I will speak to the Archpriest Makar about you. He is a good friend of mine and may not realize how close your residence is to the Ecclesia.”
“I didn’t realize Father Makar was an Archpriest. Thank you, Your Eminence.”
“That is my pleasure, Countess. I hope the Father Abbot explained how important you are to us.”
“He mentioned generally, but he didn’t say anything about my importance.”
“But you are, dear lady. The people today look for help following this disastrous war. The revolution and now civil war in Russia only made things worse. The people need a strong aristocracy and church to help led them in these times. Our own aristocracy is weak in numbers and control. The Russian nobility, on the other hand, is very well established. Although it is a loss to Russia, we hope to strengthen our own nation with more expatriates like you. We pray you can integrate yourself into our society and culture in a very positive way.”
“My Uncle and Aunt are of a similar mind. I hope I can live up to your expectations as well.”
“Yes, please keep up your studies for their sake. I think your uncle would like to see you as the jewel in the crown of our city some day. He is very proud of you.”
“Thank you. My Aunt and Uncle have been to me like the mother and father I lost in Russia. I am indebted to them.”
The Cardinal glanced from the sides of his eyes, “You are a very pleasant noblewoman. I can see that you will go far.” He smiled, “I will gladly help you all I can. You may contact my secretary, Herr Schwab.” He pointed at the layman beside him, “If you have any needs.”
“Again, thank you, Your Eminence.”
He bowed. The Abbot bowed. They both bowed their way back to the floor of the ballroom.
I added the secretary late because he is a bit character later. I wanted to make a foreshadowing and introduce you in thought to him. This is the delightful part of controlling the world of a novel. The characters much follow all the rules of the real world and the world that is developed for them, but the depth of the novel begins and ends with the interweaving of the important and less important interactions.
When the Cardinal approaches Aksinya, we see the typical honors given such men in the time. The Cardinal begins by displaying his knowledge of Aksinya. The Cardinal is a pleasant man who is very interested in his charges and their spiritual needs. This is important to note because the Cardinal will be guilty of much later. He is mentioned, but doesn't make an appearance--the reasons will become obvious. He banters with Aksinya and overpraises her. As I said, he is a very pleasant man.
The Cardinal reveals some new information to us that Father Makar is an archpriest. This is at least the equal of a Bishop and close to an Archbishop in the Orthodox church. This means the Cardinal or Wien and Father Makar are about equal in rank. The Cardinal goes on to tell Aksinya how important she is to the community and to the people in Austria. His views are very typical for the times and for his position. The church is a part of the nobility, after all. The Cardinal praises Aksinya and then we get the name of his secretary. I don't want you to have to memorize this, but when you hear the name again, I want you to remember that you heard it before. Plus, the Cardinal's promise is ironic. The two priests leave and leave Aksinya alone again at a grand party. What's going on? We shall see tomorrow.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
A New Novel, Part 116 The Abbot
I hope you find my commentary cogent most of the time. I work 40/40 on my day job and my other jobs. If you don't know what I do, just take a look at my websites. I should post my schedule. Just so you know, I prep this blog the night before and release it into the wild before I have to get ready for work at 0700. As I said, I hope it is cogent. I thought by releasing this novel, I would make the blogging easier. Perhaps it has ensured sufficient material for commentary.
That said, the Advent party at the Bockmann's has just begun. Aksinya followed by Natalya have made their appearance. Now, they take their positions...
Freiherr Bockmann took Aksinya by the arm and led her to one of the great fireplaces. A wood fire roared within it. He sat Aksinya in a chair that faced the ballroom. Natalya stood at Aksinya’s side. At first, the Freifrau and Freiherr sat and conversed with Aksinya about the people she would meet that evening and the weather. When the guests began to arrive, they stood beside Aksinya and greeted each one. The guests were announced by the house steward and directed to the Freifrau and Freiherr. Freifrau Bockmann introduced each guest to Aksinya. She did so formally and with gravity and used Aksinya’s full name, Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna. She then introduced the Lady Natalya.
Aksinya’s memory was excellent, but after the first fifty couples, she lost track entirely. Then the young single men arrived followed by the Catholic churches’ leaders in the city. Among this group, Aksinya remembered only the Cardinal of Wien and the Abbot of Sacré Coeur. The Cardinal was a pinch faced older man with an Italian accent. His secretary, Herr Schwab followed him everywhere. The Abbot was jollier and a little younger with a great smile and a back country tone to his German. They both seemed pleasant men.
When all the guests had been received, Aksinya was left enthroned in her seat at the fireplace. Natalya brought her a glass of wine and a plate of food. Most of the guests stood a polite distance away from Aksinya as though they were afraid to approach the Countess although they had been introduced. Eventually, the Abbot stepped up beside Aksinya. He bowed, “Dear Countess, I understand you are attending Sacré Coeur.”
“Yes Father Abbot, my lady-in-waiting and I are both attending.”
“That is what I heard from the Reverend Mother. Your progress…”
“Is less than expected.”
“Yes, I’d heard that too. Is our curriculum not to your liking?”
“Not at all. Lady Natalya is learning German. The language is new to her. I must ensure she gains this skill before I can focus on my studies.”
“Oh, I see.”
“I thought I made this clear to the Reverend Mother.”
“The Reverend Mother is entirely complementary toward you. She has not said a negative word concerning you at all. I have other sources. My job is to keep an eye on the school and the convent. You are one of our most important students, so I keep an eye out for you too.”
“Thank you, Father Abbot.”
“The pleasure is all mine. I hope Sacré Coeur can be like a family to you. We do wish you to feel comfortable... and to succeed.”
“I shall apply myself as well as I can. My lady-in-waiting is very bright and is nearly ready to advance in her basic language knowledge. I think in the next semester, I will be able to focus on my other work.”
“I will hold you to that.”
“Please don’t. The needs of my servant and friend are much more important to me than my own progress.”
The Abbot took a sharp breath.
“You needn’t be so surprised. This is what my father taught me. He oversaw a very large estate in Russia with thousands under his care. The needs of the people are necessary to maintain their dignity and your honor.”
The Abbot bowed, “Even so, you are very wise, Countess.”
Aksinya’s smile slipped, “Not so wise as cautious, but thank you.”
The Freiherr settles Aksinya at her place. Note the location and the deferential attitude of the Freiherr and Freifrau. The house has a wood fire, and Aksinya gets to sit in the warmth before it. Aksinya's aunt and uncle entertain her until the party really begins. Then the guests start to arrive. Aksinya is the new toast of the town--the sweetheart of the nobility. Like everywhere, the excitement is with the novue and the unusual--Aksinya is both. The party is obviously well attended, and then we get with the single men along with the Catholic church leaders. I give you a short description of each of the leaders because I want you to remember them--we will meet them again.
Finally, the guests have all arrived and Aksinya is left...alone? She was the toast of the ball and the town. You might wonder about that. In any case, Aksinya gets her food and her wine, but little company--until the Abbot steps forward.
The Abbot is interested in Aksinya's studies. He knows a lot about her. Aksinya tells the truth. She has no reason to lie. Aksinya reports to him the same thing she has told the teachers and the Reverend Mother. The Abbot didn't really believe the Reverend Mother (obviously). Then we find out, the Abbot is keeping an eye on her. That's when Aksinya gives the full bore to him: "The needs of my servant and friend are much more important to me than my own progress.” We have addressed this before. Aksinya has the mind of a perfect Russian aristocrat. We expect her to be overbearing and perhaps a little rude (she is), but we should also expect her to take care of those who look to her. Just as Aksinya's father managed the people who were beholden to him, she oversees those whom she is responsible for. The Abbot's response is very fine, Aksinya's turns the table, for though he called her wise, Aksinya's last response is even wiser: “Not so wise as cautious, but thank you.” When you are an aristocrat, you ensure the positive behavior of your people by your mature treatment of them. Aksinya knows this lesson--that is why, in the end, it will backfire on her. Tomorrow, we hear from the Cardinal.
That said, the Advent party at the Bockmann's has just begun. Aksinya followed by Natalya have made their appearance. Now, they take their positions...
Freiherr Bockmann took Aksinya by the arm and led her to one of the great fireplaces. A wood fire roared within it. He sat Aksinya in a chair that faced the ballroom. Natalya stood at Aksinya’s side. At first, the Freifrau and Freiherr sat and conversed with Aksinya about the people she would meet that evening and the weather. When the guests began to arrive, they stood beside Aksinya and greeted each one. The guests were announced by the house steward and directed to the Freifrau and Freiherr. Freifrau Bockmann introduced each guest to Aksinya. She did so formally and with gravity and used Aksinya’s full name, Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna. She then introduced the Lady Natalya.
Aksinya’s memory was excellent, but after the first fifty couples, she lost track entirely. Then the young single men arrived followed by the Catholic churches’ leaders in the city. Among this group, Aksinya remembered only the Cardinal of Wien and the Abbot of Sacré Coeur. The Cardinal was a pinch faced older man with an Italian accent. His secretary, Herr Schwab followed him everywhere. The Abbot was jollier and a little younger with a great smile and a back country tone to his German. They both seemed pleasant men.
When all the guests had been received, Aksinya was left enthroned in her seat at the fireplace. Natalya brought her a glass of wine and a plate of food. Most of the guests stood a polite distance away from Aksinya as though they were afraid to approach the Countess although they had been introduced. Eventually, the Abbot stepped up beside Aksinya. He bowed, “Dear Countess, I understand you are attending Sacré Coeur.”
“Yes Father Abbot, my lady-in-waiting and I are both attending.”
“That is what I heard from the Reverend Mother. Your progress…”
“Is less than expected.”
“Yes, I’d heard that too. Is our curriculum not to your liking?”
“Not at all. Lady Natalya is learning German. The language is new to her. I must ensure she gains this skill before I can focus on my studies.”
“Oh, I see.”
“I thought I made this clear to the Reverend Mother.”
“The Reverend Mother is entirely complementary toward you. She has not said a negative word concerning you at all. I have other sources. My job is to keep an eye on the school and the convent. You are one of our most important students, so I keep an eye out for you too.”
“Thank you, Father Abbot.”
“The pleasure is all mine. I hope Sacré Coeur can be like a family to you. We do wish you to feel comfortable... and to succeed.”
“I shall apply myself as well as I can. My lady-in-waiting is very bright and is nearly ready to advance in her basic language knowledge. I think in the next semester, I will be able to focus on my other work.”
“I will hold you to that.”
“Please don’t. The needs of my servant and friend are much more important to me than my own progress.”
The Abbot took a sharp breath.
“You needn’t be so surprised. This is what my father taught me. He oversaw a very large estate in Russia with thousands under his care. The needs of the people are necessary to maintain their dignity and your honor.”
The Abbot bowed, “Even so, you are very wise, Countess.”
Aksinya’s smile slipped, “Not so wise as cautious, but thank you.”
The Freiherr settles Aksinya at her place. Note the location and the deferential attitude of the Freiherr and Freifrau. The house has a wood fire, and Aksinya gets to sit in the warmth before it. Aksinya's aunt and uncle entertain her until the party really begins. Then the guests start to arrive. Aksinya is the new toast of the town--the sweetheart of the nobility. Like everywhere, the excitement is with the novue and the unusual--Aksinya is both. The party is obviously well attended, and then we get with the single men along with the Catholic church leaders. I give you a short description of each of the leaders because I want you to remember them--we will meet them again.
Finally, the guests have all arrived and Aksinya is left...alone? She was the toast of the ball and the town. You might wonder about that. In any case, Aksinya gets her food and her wine, but little company--until the Abbot steps forward.
The Abbot is interested in Aksinya's studies. He knows a lot about her. Aksinya tells the truth. She has no reason to lie. Aksinya reports to him the same thing she has told the teachers and the Reverend Mother. The Abbot didn't really believe the Reverend Mother (obviously). Then we find out, the Abbot is keeping an eye on her. That's when Aksinya gives the full bore to him: "The needs of my servant and friend are much more important to me than my own progress.” We have addressed this before. Aksinya has the mind of a perfect Russian aristocrat. We expect her to be overbearing and perhaps a little rude (she is), but we should also expect her to take care of those who look to her. Just as Aksinya's father managed the people who were beholden to him, she oversees those whom she is responsible for. The Abbot's response is very fine, Aksinya's turns the table, for though he called her wise, Aksinya's last response is even wiser: “Not so wise as cautious, but thank you.” When you are an aristocrat, you ensure the positive behavior of your people by your mature treatment of them. Aksinya knows this lesson--that is why, in the end, it will backfire on her. Tomorrow, we hear from the Cardinal.
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