For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.
Aksinya is drunk. Natalya is angry. We learn why Natalya is angry. While Ernst courted Aksinya everything was well; when he made a claim on her physically, Natalya could not help herself...
Natalya tugged a little harder against Aksinya’s hair.
“Nata, please be more gentle. I’m listening to you. You are only fifteen.”
Natalya’s voice was very hard, “I hate them. They promised to take me away. They promised to rescue me. All they wanted was my body.”
“And you gave it to them?”
Natalya took a deep breath, “To be free from the beatings and hatred, I would give away anything.” She began to brush Aksinya’s hair again, this time much more gently, “You were the only one who would rescue me, Cou…Aksinya. You gave me new life. You don’t know how important that was to me. I would have done anything to be free from what that household did to me. But only you really did anything. The others took me and gave me nothing back.”
“Ernst isn’t like that…”
“They all are like that. He will tire of you, just as they tired of me.”
“They? I am so sorry, Natalya.”
“I am not sorry. I am only sorry that you did not come sooner. I would die for you. I will protect you from this man.”
“But, I’m not sure I want to be protected. I think I might like him. I am tempted by his love.” Aksinya giggled, “And I left the party before midnight.” Her voice trailed off, “Will the new year even come if I’m not there...?”
Natalya continued to brush Aksinya’s hair. She didn’t say anything more that evening.
Finally Natalya left Aksinya alone. With the thought of Ernst’s kisses in her mind, Aksinya tried to pleasure herself, but her body was too drunk to respond properly, and she kept falling asleep.
Natalya confesses that she was abused by the men from her household in Minsk. We know that Natalya was beaten by the mistress of the house. She was whipped and forced to serve like a slave. She wanted to escape. On the night Aksinya called Natalya, Natalya was beaten until her legs were bloody. Natalya begged Aksinya to rescue her, to take her away.
We didn't know that Natalya had begged others to take her away too. She is lucky to be alive. If her past mistress knew what she was doing, she might have thrown her out or beaten her to death. The men from Natalya's past told her they would save her. They told her that they loved her. She traded her virtue for the hope of freedom and ended up with nothing. You can see the smart, quiet, usually gentle, beautiful, noble Natalya was under great physical and mental abuse--as Asmodeus stated she was seeking (an understatement). Natalya was seeking to escape from hell. Do you remember? All of Natalya's comments form the past become very clear. Her statement: “To be free from the beatings and hatred, I would give away anything.”
Now, you can properly evaluate how Natalya views Aksinya, and you can begin to see what Natalya might do. Aksinya is Natalya's savior. She is like a god to her. Natalya worships Aksinya. Before, in her household in Minsk, Natalya allowed herself to be beaten without much complaint because she has such great control. With Aksinya, Natalya's power and control is evident. Natalya would do anything for Aksinya, but Natalya's thoughts and understanding of the world are driven by her past. Even the words Natalya uses to describe Aksinya are powerful: "...You gave me new life. You don’t know how important that was to me. I would have done anything to be free from what that household did to me. But only you really did anything. The others took me and gave me nothing back.” Aksinya did indeed give much to Natalya. She gave friendship and a kind of love. She gave Natalya safety. She gave her a purpose and a place to live and study. Aksinya blessed Natalya with everything Natalya didn't have before. We know that Aksinya gave much more for Natalya than Natalya could ever imagine.
Aksinya's response to Natalya is naive: “Ernst isn’t like that…” Aksinya doesn't know much about Ernst at all. We don't either. We only know Ernst from his actions, and those aren't very destructive, but they aren't super encouraging either. Natalya's response only gives us more information. There was more than one man in her life who promised to take her from the abuse she faced in Minsk. They all discarded her. Then Natalya makes a very important promise to Aksinya: "...I would die for you. I will protect you from this man.” This is a foreshadowing and important information. Aksinya should be listening closely, but she is drunk. It is not certain she will remember this conversation at all. She is tempted by Ernst's love. This is something Natalya is completely opposed to. Aksinya's last words are a kicker--“Will the new year even come if I’m not there...?” This is also a foreshadowing. The number of people Aksinya has touched in her short time in this city is astounding. For Ernst, the Graf, the Freiherr, the Freifrau, the Reverend Mother, Sister Margarethe, the Abbot, the Cardinal, and Natalya, Aksinya is entwined dangerously in their lives. If she were to suddenly disappear, the New Year for them all might indeed come. The danger isn't that Aksinya would be gone, but rather that she is here--and the demon.
I give you a final glimpse of Aksinya. The metaphor in her actions and her situation should be evident. Her descent into luxuria makes her own private perversions impossible. She hasn't fallen as far as possible yet, but this is an easy sign of where she has come. This is also the end of chapter 13. Tomorrow, we begin chapter 14 with scene setting and chapter setting.
Showing posts with label Steinholtz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steinholtz. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
A New Novel, Part 155 Dance with Me
For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.
Aksinya, Natalya, and the Bockmanns are at Ernst Father's estate for a New Years party. Dinner and dessert are over; now is the time for dancing...
Ernst and his father led the men from the table. Aksinya followed a servant and the ladies to the parlor. The women spoke with Aksinya and that part of the evening was very pleasant to her. After a while, the men returned to the parlor and the Graf led Ernst to Aksinya, “Countess, would you come to the ballroom. I have promised my guests a dance, and I hoped you would dance with my son.”
Aksinya stood and took Ernst’s arm. She was a little wobbly from the wine. She glanced at him, “I would be pleased to dance.”
In the ballroom, the Graf made a motion toward the sting quartet, and they began to play a waltz. Ernst clasped Aksinya’s hand and led her into the dance. He didn’t say anything and didn’t look at Aksinya at first. She asked him, “Are you embarrassed about your father’s comments at dinner?”
Ernst frowned, “Am I that obvious?”
She laughed, “Yes.”
“Do you understand his meaning?”
“Yes, I think I do. This is why you brought me, isn’t it? Your father sees me as a potential candidate for your bride.”
“Yes, it is that obvious?”
“It was that obvious from the beginning.”
“Yes… And what are your feelings?”
“Feelings have little to do with it.”
Ernst stopped cold, “Wha…what do you mean?”
Aksinya pursed her lips, “Everyone is staring.”
Ernst led off again, “Everyone is staring at you.”
“At me?”
“You are absolutely gorgeous in that dress. If you didn’t wish to be stared at, you shouldn’t wear such beautiful clothing. Didn’t you realize?”
Aksinya tossed her head, “Natalya chose my dress. I leave such things to her. If you wished perfection in decorum and dress you should be interested in her.”
“But I am not interested in her. I am interested only in you.”
“Only because of what I am…”
Ernst pulled her a little closer, “This is not the place to speak about such things.”
“Really?”
“Come, we will converse in private.”
Aksinya pressed her lips together again, “Not without my chaperone.”
So the evening continues. The conversation of dinner has a break due to dessert and after dinner drinks. I show you this little cultural phenomena and refer to its reasons. Usually the gentlemen go to smoke after dinner. They usually have an after dinner drink. The ladies usually have an after dinner drink and dessert with coffee or tea.
When the men return to the the parlor, it is time to begin the dance. The Graf is pushing his son into Akinsya's arms--did you expect anything else? Aksinya is a little tipsy--did you expect anything else? Aksinya will dance. Dancing is one of the major civilized pleasures of the time, and this was a period when all educated and refined people knew how to dance.
Aksinya and Ernst begin to dance. He doesn't speak and Aksinya is a little drunk, so she does not hold her tongue. The conversation at dinner is the topic. Ernst is obviously upset about his father's candor. Ernst is obvious. Ernst has always worn his thoughts and his emotions on his sleeve. From the beginning, he hasn't kept any secrets from us or Aksinya. His love letters are straight forward. His love is like a puppy dog's.
What should surprise us is how observant Aksinya has been. She picked up on everything. She knew what was going on. I ask you again, do you think she is a woman in love? The Graf was just short of inviting Aksinya into the family at dinner. He invited her to call him by his given name. He gave her to Ernst to escort. He sat her in the place of the lady of the house. He spoke candidly to her about Ernst and his future. The next step is obvious to everyone but Aksinya.
So Ernst asks Aksinya in a round about manner. This is not the correct approach with her at all. He asks: “Yes… And what are your feelings?” (her feelings about marriage to him--that is, about love for him). Aksinya floors him with her answer: “Feelings have little to do with it.” You can see all that is happening here. Ernst has been dropping hints from the beginning of their relationship. Well, okay, not so much hints as straight out declarations. He loves her and wants to marry her. He thought that Aksinya would fall in love with him just as he has fallen in love with her. He thought that all the preparation would make her fall into his arms. He thought that even if she didn't love him, he was at least so good a catch that she would just act like she loved him and everything would be well. That isn't Aksinya. Plus, Ernst approached Aksinya about sorcery. He has her book. This little perversion of the relationship is the problem.
When they stop in the middle of the dance, everyone is staring at them. Well, duh. They are the reason for this party. They are the couple here. Everyone knows what is going on. A marriage proposal is in the works. This is the way things are done. Aksinya takes the staring for their motionlessness in the middle of the dance floor. Ernst gives another reason--Aksinya's beauty. Which is right? We know Aksinya is not beautiful, but her dress perhaps makes her look stunning. This is why the perceptions of the characters are untrustworthy--just like real life. We see the happenings around the characters and have to interpret them for ourselves--just like real life. By the way, I use an advance writing technique to show you all this. I don't tell you everyone is staring; I show you through Aksinya and Ernst conversation that everyone is staring. No description, just dialog.
Ernst response and declaration that Aksinya is "absolutely gorgeous" shows us that he is smitten. Whether Aksinya is as ugly as she believes is immaterial to Ernst and to his father. Look as Aksinya's response. Natalya chose the dress (she likely chose it for Ernst, but Natalya is the reason, not Aksinya). There is another way of looking at this--we choose our servants to make us look good. That is their purpose. There is a foreshadowing here about Natalya. I won't do anything other than point this out to you right now.
This interaction leads to the point Aksinya has held to all this time. She doesn't believe Ernst loves her for herself, but only for her sorcery. That is the reason for her statement. Aksinya is a little drunk and she is hot for a little confrontation with Ernst. Ernst and his father put her on the spot at dinner. She believes everything is a facade and the facade is based not on Ernst's love for her and what she is, but rather on her sorcery and the demon's actions to influence Ernst and perhaps his father.
Ernst invites Aksinya to have a private conversation. Of course this can't be allowed. This action alone likely proves how inexperience Ernst is with women. He should know this. On the other hand, if he does know this, they his request is pure induendo. We will see tomorrow the beginnings of thier private conversation.
Aksinya, Natalya, and the Bockmanns are at Ernst Father's estate for a New Years party. Dinner and dessert are over; now is the time for dancing...
Ernst and his father led the men from the table. Aksinya followed a servant and the ladies to the parlor. The women spoke with Aksinya and that part of the evening was very pleasant to her. After a while, the men returned to the parlor and the Graf led Ernst to Aksinya, “Countess, would you come to the ballroom. I have promised my guests a dance, and I hoped you would dance with my son.”
Aksinya stood and took Ernst’s arm. She was a little wobbly from the wine. She glanced at him, “I would be pleased to dance.”
In the ballroom, the Graf made a motion toward the sting quartet, and they began to play a waltz. Ernst clasped Aksinya’s hand and led her into the dance. He didn’t say anything and didn’t look at Aksinya at first. She asked him, “Are you embarrassed about your father’s comments at dinner?”
Ernst frowned, “Am I that obvious?”
She laughed, “Yes.”
“Do you understand his meaning?”
“Yes, I think I do. This is why you brought me, isn’t it? Your father sees me as a potential candidate for your bride.”
“Yes, it is that obvious?”
“It was that obvious from the beginning.”
“Yes… And what are your feelings?”
“Feelings have little to do with it.”
Ernst stopped cold, “Wha…what do you mean?”
Aksinya pursed her lips, “Everyone is staring.”
Ernst led off again, “Everyone is staring at you.”
“At me?”
“You are absolutely gorgeous in that dress. If you didn’t wish to be stared at, you shouldn’t wear such beautiful clothing. Didn’t you realize?”
Aksinya tossed her head, “Natalya chose my dress. I leave such things to her. If you wished perfection in decorum and dress you should be interested in her.”
“But I am not interested in her. I am interested only in you.”
“Only because of what I am…”
Ernst pulled her a little closer, “This is not the place to speak about such things.”
“Really?”
“Come, we will converse in private.”
Aksinya pressed her lips together again, “Not without my chaperone.”
So the evening continues. The conversation of dinner has a break due to dessert and after dinner drinks. I show you this little cultural phenomena and refer to its reasons. Usually the gentlemen go to smoke after dinner. They usually have an after dinner drink. The ladies usually have an after dinner drink and dessert with coffee or tea.
When the men return to the the parlor, it is time to begin the dance. The Graf is pushing his son into Akinsya's arms--did you expect anything else? Aksinya is a little tipsy--did you expect anything else? Aksinya will dance. Dancing is one of the major civilized pleasures of the time, and this was a period when all educated and refined people knew how to dance.
Aksinya and Ernst begin to dance. He doesn't speak and Aksinya is a little drunk, so she does not hold her tongue. The conversation at dinner is the topic. Ernst is obviously upset about his father's candor. Ernst is obvious. Ernst has always worn his thoughts and his emotions on his sleeve. From the beginning, he hasn't kept any secrets from us or Aksinya. His love letters are straight forward. His love is like a puppy dog's.
What should surprise us is how observant Aksinya has been. She picked up on everything. She knew what was going on. I ask you again, do you think she is a woman in love? The Graf was just short of inviting Aksinya into the family at dinner. He invited her to call him by his given name. He gave her to Ernst to escort. He sat her in the place of the lady of the house. He spoke candidly to her about Ernst and his future. The next step is obvious to everyone but Aksinya.
So Ernst asks Aksinya in a round about manner. This is not the correct approach with her at all. He asks: “Yes… And what are your feelings?” (her feelings about marriage to him--that is, about love for him). Aksinya floors him with her answer: “Feelings have little to do with it.” You can see all that is happening here. Ernst has been dropping hints from the beginning of their relationship. Well, okay, not so much hints as straight out declarations. He loves her and wants to marry her. He thought that Aksinya would fall in love with him just as he has fallen in love with her. He thought that all the preparation would make her fall into his arms. He thought that even if she didn't love him, he was at least so good a catch that she would just act like she loved him and everything would be well. That isn't Aksinya. Plus, Ernst approached Aksinya about sorcery. He has her book. This little perversion of the relationship is the problem.
When they stop in the middle of the dance, everyone is staring at them. Well, duh. They are the reason for this party. They are the couple here. Everyone knows what is going on. A marriage proposal is in the works. This is the way things are done. Aksinya takes the staring for their motionlessness in the middle of the dance floor. Ernst gives another reason--Aksinya's beauty. Which is right? We know Aksinya is not beautiful, but her dress perhaps makes her look stunning. This is why the perceptions of the characters are untrustworthy--just like real life. We see the happenings around the characters and have to interpret them for ourselves--just like real life. By the way, I use an advance writing technique to show you all this. I don't tell you everyone is staring; I show you through Aksinya and Ernst conversation that everyone is staring. No description, just dialog.
Ernst response and declaration that Aksinya is "absolutely gorgeous" shows us that he is smitten. Whether Aksinya is as ugly as she believes is immaterial to Ernst and to his father. Look as Aksinya's response. Natalya chose the dress (she likely chose it for Ernst, but Natalya is the reason, not Aksinya). There is another way of looking at this--we choose our servants to make us look good. That is their purpose. There is a foreshadowing here about Natalya. I won't do anything other than point this out to you right now.
This interaction leads to the point Aksinya has held to all this time. She doesn't believe Ernst loves her for herself, but only for her sorcery. That is the reason for her statement. Aksinya is a little drunk and she is hot for a little confrontation with Ernst. Ernst and his father put her on the spot at dinner. She believes everything is a facade and the facade is based not on Ernst's love for her and what she is, but rather on her sorcery and the demon's actions to influence Ernst and perhaps his father.
Ernst invites Aksinya to have a private conversation. Of course this can't be allowed. This action alone likely proves how inexperience Ernst is with women. He should know this. On the other hand, if he does know this, they his request is pure induendo. We will see tomorrow the beginnings of thier private conversation.
Friday, March 4, 2011
A New Novel, Part 152 My Son is Courting the Countess
For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.
Aksinya, Natalya, and the Bockmanns have arrived at Ernst Father's estate. The immediate greetings are complete. Now, the Graf leads them into the house...
The Graf seemed even more pleased, “I understand completely, Countess. Very well, it is cold outside, and I understand your delicate nature. Please, let us retire to the ballroom. There are refreshments, and I’m certain, my guests would like to make your acquaintance.” The Graf extended his arm toward Aksinya. She took it. Ernst frowned and gave his arm to Natalya. They made their way into the house with the Graf von Taaffe and the Countess Golitsyna in the lead.
The interior of the mansion was similar to the outside. The floor was set stone, and very old. Martial emblems and weapons decorated the walls. The foyer was large and the walls were very thick. Heavy tapestries attempted to contain the chill from the outside, but they only helped increase the temperature a little. Inside, with the Graf’s help, a footman took Aksinya’s cloak. They made their way up a long stone staircase to the next floor. That opened to a long room which ran over half the length of the front of the house. At the far end of the ballroom, a string quartet played gentle waltz music. Against the inside wall were two large fireplaces filled with roaring wood fires. The floors here were also stone, but thick oriental rugs covered them. The temperature was also much more to Aksinya’s liking, but a persistent draft touched the room with a slight chill.
Five other very well dressed couples conversed in the room. When the new arrivals entered, they all turned toward the Graf and his visitors. Graf von Taaffe pulled Aksinya gently ahead of him, “Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you, the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.” Everyone made a deep bow or curtsy. The Graf continued, “My son, Ernst is courting the Countess."
A quiet mummer ran through the ballroom.
Graf von Taaffe smiled, “I will introduce the Countess to each of you when it is convenient for her.”
Aksinya blushed again, “Please continue, I will be pleased to make your acquaintance.”
The entire room made an obeisance to her again.
The Graf laughed and gestured Ernst forward. He placed Aksinya’s hand on Ernst’s arm and announced to the group, “Accompanying the Countess is her aunt and uncle, my friends, the Freiherr and Freifrau Bockmann. You all are acquainted with them already. And also, the Countess’s lady-in-waiting, a member of the Russian court, the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska.”
The group bowed to the Freiherr, Freifrau, and Natalya.
The Graf nodded to Ernst, “Come Ernst let us introduce the Countess.” With Natalya directly behind them, the Graf led Aksinya around to each of his friends and holders. They were mostly lower nobility and some politicians from the local area. None were as high as a Freiherr in rank.
When the introductions were finished, Aksinya had only a few moments to stand at one of the fireplaces beside Ernst while he engaged in conversation with his father’s guests. Aksinya didn’t speak much to them. She didn’t have time to become comfortable before a house servant came around to announce that dinner was served.
I left out an important observation yesterday. I'm certain you saw it, but just to make sure. When Ernst's father offers his arm to Aksinya, this is most proper--the Count should escort the Countess. Anything else is really unthinkable in the society, but Ernst frowns when he gives his arm to Natalya. Everything is proper, but you should wonder, why did Ernst frown. The first reason is the most obvious, he wanted to escort Aksinya, the Countess, and not Natalya. The second, if the Graf allowed Ernst to escort Aksinya, the Countess, that would be a direct indicator of his father's pleasure and certainty that Ernst is ready to assume the duties as Graf. Ernst wants this approval very much, especially in front of Aksinya. We will see very soon how this all plays out.
The scene setting continues inside the house. As I've mentioned before, my point is to provide enough description to spark your own imagination. I agree with Arlo Guthrie and Ernest Hemingway on this that too much description makes a book like a movie or a screenplay. You don't want to give so much to your readers that they are locked in the view only the author or producer imagined. You want to give scope to the reader's imagination to fill out a scene in the boundary of their own imagination. The author must put enough into the description to bound the scene for the reader and install inside it the props necessary for the story, plot, and theme. Too much is a burden on the reader and too little an equal burden.
So the description...I already told you the house looked like a castle and gave some details that focused (bound) your mind in a certain way. The interior just confirms to you the way you knew it had to be. The important point is the temperature. Anyone who has been inside a real castle knows they are impossible to heat. It is the middle of winter. The contrast is the warm welcome of the family and later the guests and the cold thick stone.
Remember the three floors I mentioned before? The ballroom is on the second floor (the floor with the medium sized windows). A string quartet plays a waltz, and the two fireplaces are blazing. The room's still cold. There is a persistent chill through the room--just scene setting here.
We see five couples--so this is a small party, only 16 people total. You can guess they were all hand-picked by the Graf. The reason for this will become obvious later. The Graf introduces Aksinya to the group. This is proper, but even more proper is an individual introduction especially to royalty. I mentioned this before too. The Graf tells them Ernst is courting Aksinya. There is some excitement at the announcement, but they likely already know this juicy tidbit of gossip. The Graf wants everyone to know--especially Aksinya, that he accepts her and accepts his sons decision. Look at the etiquette of the group. It is perfect--they are hand-picked. Aksinya's reply is perfect too.
The Graf places Aksinya's hand on Ernst arm. In this group and at this time, he is willing to hand over the countess to his son. The precedence of rank is obvious here. He has announced that they are courting, this is indeed the right thing to do, but he still stays close--he is not willing to give the appearance that he is handing anything else over to his son.The Graf then introduces the rest of the newcomers. Note, the Bockmanns know these people. Surely, at a party so far out of Wein, there might be a single person the Bockmanns might not know. No, the Graf wants this to be a perfect party and evening. He has picked the people for their decorum and rank. They all know the Bockmanns--there will be no surprises tonight. That is the obvious intention of the Graf. The Graf laughed for pleasure. He is happy everything is working out just as he planned it.
The Graf with Ernst then takes Aksinya (and Ernst) around the room to make private introductions. You can guess what these are like--I don't need to tell you. Natalya follows obediently along. We find that these people are all holders to the Graf in one way or another.
Aksinya is chilled and uncomfortable. She knew what this party would be like from the beginning--she knows all about parties. Isn't she the one who ended up a wallflower at the Advent party? Finally, it is time for dinner--that's a bit of luxuria Aksinya can delve into. Tomorrow, dinner at Steinholtz.
Aksinya, Natalya, and the Bockmanns have arrived at Ernst Father's estate. The immediate greetings are complete. Now, the Graf leads them into the house...
The Graf seemed even more pleased, “I understand completely, Countess. Very well, it is cold outside, and I understand your delicate nature. Please, let us retire to the ballroom. There are refreshments, and I’m certain, my guests would like to make your acquaintance.” The Graf extended his arm toward Aksinya. She took it. Ernst frowned and gave his arm to Natalya. They made their way into the house with the Graf von Taaffe and the Countess Golitsyna in the lead.
The interior of the mansion was similar to the outside. The floor was set stone, and very old. Martial emblems and weapons decorated the walls. The foyer was large and the walls were very thick. Heavy tapestries attempted to contain the chill from the outside, but they only helped increase the temperature a little. Inside, with the Graf’s help, a footman took Aksinya’s cloak. They made their way up a long stone staircase to the next floor. That opened to a long room which ran over half the length of the front of the house. At the far end of the ballroom, a string quartet played gentle waltz music. Against the inside wall were two large fireplaces filled with roaring wood fires. The floors here were also stone, but thick oriental rugs covered them. The temperature was also much more to Aksinya’s liking, but a persistent draft touched the room with a slight chill.
Five other very well dressed couples conversed in the room. When the new arrivals entered, they all turned toward the Graf and his visitors. Graf von Taaffe pulled Aksinya gently ahead of him, “Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you, the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.” Everyone made a deep bow or curtsy. The Graf continued, “My son, Ernst is courting the Countess."
A quiet mummer ran through the ballroom.
Graf von Taaffe smiled, “I will introduce the Countess to each of you when it is convenient for her.”
Aksinya blushed again, “Please continue, I will be pleased to make your acquaintance.”
The entire room made an obeisance to her again.
The Graf laughed and gestured Ernst forward. He placed Aksinya’s hand on Ernst’s arm and announced to the group, “Accompanying the Countess is her aunt and uncle, my friends, the Freiherr and Freifrau Bockmann. You all are acquainted with them already. And also, the Countess’s lady-in-waiting, a member of the Russian court, the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska.”
The group bowed to the Freiherr, Freifrau, and Natalya.
The Graf nodded to Ernst, “Come Ernst let us introduce the Countess.” With Natalya directly behind them, the Graf led Aksinya around to each of his friends and holders. They were mostly lower nobility and some politicians from the local area. None were as high as a Freiherr in rank.
When the introductions were finished, Aksinya had only a few moments to stand at one of the fireplaces beside Ernst while he engaged in conversation with his father’s guests. Aksinya didn’t speak much to them. She didn’t have time to become comfortable before a house servant came around to announce that dinner was served.
I left out an important observation yesterday. I'm certain you saw it, but just to make sure. When Ernst's father offers his arm to Aksinya, this is most proper--the Count should escort the Countess. Anything else is really unthinkable in the society, but Ernst frowns when he gives his arm to Natalya. Everything is proper, but you should wonder, why did Ernst frown. The first reason is the most obvious, he wanted to escort Aksinya, the Countess, and not Natalya. The second, if the Graf allowed Ernst to escort Aksinya, the Countess, that would be a direct indicator of his father's pleasure and certainty that Ernst is ready to assume the duties as Graf. Ernst wants this approval very much, especially in front of Aksinya. We will see very soon how this all plays out.
The scene setting continues inside the house. As I've mentioned before, my point is to provide enough description to spark your own imagination. I agree with Arlo Guthrie and Ernest Hemingway on this that too much description makes a book like a movie or a screenplay. You don't want to give so much to your readers that they are locked in the view only the author or producer imagined. You want to give scope to the reader's imagination to fill out a scene in the boundary of their own imagination. The author must put enough into the description to bound the scene for the reader and install inside it the props necessary for the story, plot, and theme. Too much is a burden on the reader and too little an equal burden.
So the description...I already told you the house looked like a castle and gave some details that focused (bound) your mind in a certain way. The interior just confirms to you the way you knew it had to be. The important point is the temperature. Anyone who has been inside a real castle knows they are impossible to heat. It is the middle of winter. The contrast is the warm welcome of the family and later the guests and the cold thick stone.
Remember the three floors I mentioned before? The ballroom is on the second floor (the floor with the medium sized windows). A string quartet plays a waltz, and the two fireplaces are blazing. The room's still cold. There is a persistent chill through the room--just scene setting here.
We see five couples--so this is a small party, only 16 people total. You can guess they were all hand-picked by the Graf. The reason for this will become obvious later. The Graf introduces Aksinya to the group. This is proper, but even more proper is an individual introduction especially to royalty. I mentioned this before too. The Graf tells them Ernst is courting Aksinya. There is some excitement at the announcement, but they likely already know this juicy tidbit of gossip. The Graf wants everyone to know--especially Aksinya, that he accepts her and accepts his sons decision. Look at the etiquette of the group. It is perfect--they are hand-picked. Aksinya's reply is perfect too.
The Graf places Aksinya's hand on Ernst arm. In this group and at this time, he is willing to hand over the countess to his son. The precedence of rank is obvious here. He has announced that they are courting, this is indeed the right thing to do, but he still stays close--he is not willing to give the appearance that he is handing anything else over to his son.The Graf then introduces the rest of the newcomers. Note, the Bockmanns know these people. Surely, at a party so far out of Wein, there might be a single person the Bockmanns might not know. No, the Graf wants this to be a perfect party and evening. He has picked the people for their decorum and rank. They all know the Bockmanns--there will be no surprises tonight. That is the obvious intention of the Graf. The Graf laughed for pleasure. He is happy everything is working out just as he planned it.
The Graf with Ernst then takes Aksinya (and Ernst) around the room to make private introductions. You can guess what these are like--I don't need to tell you. Natalya follows obediently along. We find that these people are all holders to the Graf in one way or another.
Aksinya is chilled and uncomfortable. She knew what this party would be like from the beginning--she knows all about parties. Isn't she the one who ended up a wallflower at the Advent party? Finally, it is time for dinner--that's a bit of luxuria Aksinya can delve into. Tomorrow, dinner at Steinholtz.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
A New Novel, Part 150 Dressed Like a Princess
For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.
For New Years 1919, Aksinya, Natalya, Freiherr, and Freifrau Bockmann have been invited by Ernst and his father to visit Ernst Father's estate in the mountains of Austria...
Aksinya was not enraptured with the idea of visiting Ernst’s family or his father’s estate. Still Ernst was pleasant. She certainly didn’t want her aunt and uncle gumming up all her time with the young man. She wondered mostly why he would invite her and her aunt and uncle to this affair tonight.
When their coupe arrived at front of the house, Ernst ran out and stopped at the carriage door before the vehicle came to a complete stop. He was dressed formally in dark tails, but didn’t have on his top hat. He yanked open the door before the doorman or the driver could. Aunt Brunhilda grasped Aksinya’s arm and pulled her up. She whispered with a smile, “Greet him first. He’s looking for you.”
Aksinya came to the door, and Ernst put out his hand. Aksinya allowed him to help her from the coupe. She was dressed in a light blue gown that had silver highlights sewn into the fabric. The gown flowed gently over her body. The top was high with a straight collar that accentuated her very thin body and small bosom. Her hat was a small square of blue lace with a very light veil that only reached as long as her bangs. Like always, Natalya had chosen the clothing for her. Aksinya had not closed her long mink cloak and that framed her body and the dress. Ernst stared at her for a moment then he put his lips close to her gloved hand and bowed deeply over it. His warm breath swirled with small clouds in the cold air, “Countess Golitsyna, welcome to Steinholtz.” He raised his head and gazed in her eyes with such a strange and fervent expression, she blushed.
The doorman and driver helped the Freiherr and Freifrau from the coupe and then Natalya. Finally, without moving his eyes from Aksinya, Ernst turned partially toward the Freiherr and Freifrau, “Good evening Freiherr and Freifrau Bockmann.” After a moment, Ernst managed to drag his eyes from Aksinya and to the Freiherr. He gave a slight bow to the nobleman, and then took Freifrau Bockmann’s hand and bowed over it.
Okay, I don't usually let you have a look into the minds of my characters. I let you see a little into Aksinya's thoughts. I chose to use this technique because I didn't think it would fit well in a conversation, and I wanted you to note her mind as they arrive. It was enough to show you she is interested superficially in Ernst, but not in his family, estate, or the party. Although very wise about many things, Aksinya is clueless about some things in life.
When they arrived, Ernst ran out without his hat. No one is caught outside without a hat in this culture. To do is is the epitome of a faux pas. Ernst rushes out to greet Aksinya. He is like a little kid. He gets to the carriage before it can stop moving and yanks open the door. You would think Aksinya would get it, but she doesn't. Her aunt does understand and pushes her out first.
Aksinya is dressed like a princess--a Russian princess; her mink cloak frames her body. If you didn't get it already, this makes Ernst's poor heart do flip-flops. He thinks she dressed for him--that's why I point out that Natalya picked out her clothing, like always. Aksinya is ambivalent to Ernst; he is deeply in love with her. All he can do is stare. His look makes her blush. We also get the name of the estate, Steinholtz--roughly, in German, "stonehold."
Ernst can't take his eyes off Aksinya. By the way, men did not kiss women's hands in Germanic cultures. To touch your lips to a woman's hand would be considered very intimate and improper. A man, most properly, would bow over the hand. In Latin cultures, I understand a man might kiss a woman's hand, but he would not kiss a Germanic woman's hand twice. In some Germanic countries, such an action could be prosecuted criminally as "touching." I do let the moment get a little intimate: Ernst brings his lips close and his warm breath makes fog in the air. This way I show you how cold the day is and how impassioned Ernst is.
Ernst manages to greet the Freiherr and Freifrau. Tomorrow, we meet Ernst's father.
For New Years 1919, Aksinya, Natalya, Freiherr, and Freifrau Bockmann have been invited by Ernst and his father to visit Ernst Father's estate in the mountains of Austria...
Aksinya was not enraptured with the idea of visiting Ernst’s family or his father’s estate. Still Ernst was pleasant. She certainly didn’t want her aunt and uncle gumming up all her time with the young man. She wondered mostly why he would invite her and her aunt and uncle to this affair tonight.
When their coupe arrived at front of the house, Ernst ran out and stopped at the carriage door before the vehicle came to a complete stop. He was dressed formally in dark tails, but didn’t have on his top hat. He yanked open the door before the doorman or the driver could. Aunt Brunhilda grasped Aksinya’s arm and pulled her up. She whispered with a smile, “Greet him first. He’s looking for you.”
Aksinya came to the door, and Ernst put out his hand. Aksinya allowed him to help her from the coupe. She was dressed in a light blue gown that had silver highlights sewn into the fabric. The gown flowed gently over her body. The top was high with a straight collar that accentuated her very thin body and small bosom. Her hat was a small square of blue lace with a very light veil that only reached as long as her bangs. Like always, Natalya had chosen the clothing for her. Aksinya had not closed her long mink cloak and that framed her body and the dress. Ernst stared at her for a moment then he put his lips close to her gloved hand and bowed deeply over it. His warm breath swirled with small clouds in the cold air, “Countess Golitsyna, welcome to Steinholtz.” He raised his head and gazed in her eyes with such a strange and fervent expression, she blushed.
The doorman and driver helped the Freiherr and Freifrau from the coupe and then Natalya. Finally, without moving his eyes from Aksinya, Ernst turned partially toward the Freiherr and Freifrau, “Good evening Freiherr and Freifrau Bockmann.” After a moment, Ernst managed to drag his eyes from Aksinya and to the Freiherr. He gave a slight bow to the nobleman, and then took Freifrau Bockmann’s hand and bowed over it.
Okay, I don't usually let you have a look into the minds of my characters. I let you see a little into Aksinya's thoughts. I chose to use this technique because I didn't think it would fit well in a conversation, and I wanted you to note her mind as they arrive. It was enough to show you she is interested superficially in Ernst, but not in his family, estate, or the party. Although very wise about many things, Aksinya is clueless about some things in life.
When they arrived, Ernst ran out without his hat. No one is caught outside without a hat in this culture. To do is is the epitome of a faux pas. Ernst rushes out to greet Aksinya. He is like a little kid. He gets to the carriage before it can stop moving and yanks open the door. You would think Aksinya would get it, but she doesn't. Her aunt does understand and pushes her out first.
Aksinya is dressed like a princess--a Russian princess; her mink cloak frames her body. If you didn't get it already, this makes Ernst's poor heart do flip-flops. He thinks she dressed for him--that's why I point out that Natalya picked out her clothing, like always. Aksinya is ambivalent to Ernst; he is deeply in love with her. All he can do is stare. His look makes her blush. We also get the name of the estate, Steinholtz--roughly, in German, "stonehold."
Ernst can't take his eyes off Aksinya. By the way, men did not kiss women's hands in Germanic cultures. To touch your lips to a woman's hand would be considered very intimate and improper. A man, most properly, would bow over the hand. In Latin cultures, I understand a man might kiss a woman's hand, but he would not kiss a Germanic woman's hand twice. In some Germanic countries, such an action could be prosecuted criminally as "touching." I do let the moment get a little intimate: Ernst brings his lips close and his warm breath makes fog in the air. This way I show you how cold the day is and how impassioned Ernst is.
Ernst manages to greet the Freiherr and Freifrau. Tomorrow, we meet Ernst's father.
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