A New Novel, Part 302 The Gospel

2 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 302 The Gospel

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.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  We are continuing with the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  Father Makar continues with the Gospel reading appointed for marriage...

Dobrushin, “Peace to you.”

Father Makar, “And to your spirit. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.  In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?  The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.  The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.  Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.  For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.  Guard us and keep us, O Lord, from this generation and for ever.”

Dobrushin, “Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the holy Gospel.”

Father Makar, “Peace to all.”

Matushka Ekaterina, “And to your spirit.”

Father Makar, “The Reading is from the holy Gospel according to John.”

Ekaterina, “Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.”

Dobrushin, “Let us attend.”

Father Makar read, “At that time, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the marriage. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no wine’. Jesus said to her. ‘Woman, why do you trouble me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever he tells you, do it.’ Now there were six stone water jars standing there for the Jewish ritual of purification, holding twenty or thirty gallons each. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward of the feast. They took it. When the chief steward tasted the water that had become wine and did not know where it had come from — but the servants who had drawn the water knew — he summoned the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone puts out the good wine first, and when people are drunk, then he puts out the worse. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ This was the beginning of the signs that Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and he manifested his glory and his disciples believed in him.”

Matushka Ekaterina, “Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.”

Father Makar, “Let us all say, with all our soul and with all our mind, let us say.”

The appointed Gospel is the wedding at Cana from John.  This is the first miracle of Christ when he turned water into wine.  You have to love a person who makes over 600 bottles worth of good wine for a wedding feast.  

You might ask what kind of wedding feast will Aksinya and Dobrushin receive?  You might ask what kind of miracle could attend them? Listen to the preamble to the Gospel:  In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?  The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.  The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.  Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.  For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face."

This is a foreshadowing in the words of the marriage ceremony.  I have used much of this ceremony to give you hints.  This is a broad one, but I mentioned that the ceremony itself reflects and presents one theme in this novel.  As the Gospel reading concludes: "This was the beginning of the signs that Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and he manifested his glory and his disciples believed in him.”  Tomorrow, more of the wedding sacrament.

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. 

A New Novel, Part 140 Coppellia and Caviar

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

We know about the ballet Aksinya and Ernst are about to see.  We see it parallels Aksinya's life.  Now, to the ballet...

The curtain rose and the ballet began. Throughout, laughter from the audience punctuated the performance. Natalya and Ernst both chuckled under their breath. Aksinya didn’t laugh. She had never laughed in the theater. Her lips did turn up many times in a gentle smile.

During the very delightful ballet, Aksinya remembered the words of Fraulein Trauen. She took surreptitious glances to see where Ernst’s eyes dwelt. Every time she looked, his eyes were focused on her profile. She couldn’t help but blush. She wasn’t certain he ever glanced at the very beautiful ballerinas who danced on the stage.

At the intermission, a butler delivered caviar and Champaign to their box. Ernst served Aksinya, “Countess, would you rather have vodka?”

“I do like vodka, but Champaign with caviar is my favorite.” She inclined toward him, “Plus, I’m not sure how much vodka I should drink. The wine at dinner went a little to my head.”

Ernst refilled her glass. Natalya watched closely. She barely sipped at her still filled glass.

Aksinya watched the second Act with greater enjoyment. Ernst thought he heard a giggle from her a couple of times. Natalya frowned.

They returned home late. It wasn’t too late, but still late. Aksinya leaned sleepily against Natalya the entire trip back to the house. Aksinya could not stand without help. Natalya wouldn’t let Ernst sit next to Aksinya. When they exited the landau, Natalya did let him help her on one side while she held Aksinya on the other.

Sister Margarethe met them at the door. She took one look at Aksinya and pulled both her charges into the house. She was wary of Ernst this time—she partially closed the door and stood directly within the opening, “Thank you, Herr von Taaffe for your attention to the Countess this evening. I will help the Lady Natalya see her to bed.”

“Please convey my thanks to the Countess.”

“Next time, don’t ply her with so much wine so you may convey your own sentiments.”

Ernst bowed, “Yes, sister. I shall. I’m sorry.”

When Sister Margarethe turned around, Natalya and Aksinya were already gone. When she climbed up to Aksinya’s room, she found the door already shut and locked. It was much too late for tea, so she returned to her room.

I own a wonderful modern style oil titled, Theater Goers.  The painting depicts a group of people who are attending some kind of performance.  You see them from the vantage of the performers.  You don't know anything about the performance, but the theater goers are enough to drive the theme of this painting.

Aksinya, Ernst, and Natalya are the theater goers.  We have the benefit of knowing something about the ballet they are watching, but in the end, the ballet isn't as important as the conversation (or lack of conversation) and actions of our players. 

At first Aksinya doesn't understand that she might show some emotion during the performance--she is typically emotionless.  She does allow herself a smile, but perhaps that is the wine.  Aksinya's mind is indeed lacking her typical control.  She remembers Fraulein Trauen's silly words and checks to see where Ernst is watching.  Both we and she are surprised that he only has eyes for Aksinya.  Aksinya's blush indicates her emotions and her state of inebriation.  Ernst's eyes tell us much about the man and his intentions.

At intermission, Ernst supplies Champagne and caviar.  You should wonder at Ernst's question: does he ask Aksinya if she wants vodka because he is trying to get her more drunk to take advantage of her, or is he truly trying to cater to her desires--or both.  The fact that Aksinya reveals she drank too much tells us about her state.  She would never confess something like that to someone like Ernst.  She is usually in much more control of herself. 

Watch Natalya.  She is keeping a close eye on Ernst and Aksinya.  Aksinya's giggles, and her enjoyment of the second act only emphasize her lack of control.  Natalya frowned.  Natalya has good reason to frown.  Aksinya fell into the temptation of luxuria Ernst produced (and certainly Asmodeus suggested).  She perhaps felt safe enough to allow herself to accept the temptation because she knew Natalya would be there to watch over her.  Natalya realizes this.  She just doesn't like to see Aksinya dependent on anyone.  Natalya doesn't see Aksinya dependency on herself.  She only sees Ernst becoming important in Aksinya's eyes.  This is a very important point in the novel, and one we will see more than once.  We are building right now to the critical pivotal point of the novel.  The ultimate crisis of the entire work.

Sister Margarethe waited up for her charges.  She is not happy with Akisnya's condition.  She is wary of Ernst now.  He can't use his trick to get inside the door again.  She takes out her anger on Ernst.  Sister Margarethe is concerned for many reasons.  The primary is that she can't control Aksinya at all.  Aksinya is not within anyone's control.  Asmodeus even despairs at controlling her.  Sister Margarethe believes very rightly that she could never stand up against Aksinya.  This means she is not capable of protecting Aksinya.  But we know no one can protect Aksinya.

Sister Margarethe, like any woman, mother, or girl's friend, wants to know what happened during the evening.  Aksinya and Natalya are already up in Aksinya's rooms--they have locked the doors.  I don't tell you she is disappointed, but you know it.  Tomorrow, the aftermath of the evening.

A New Novel, Part 135 Call Me by My First Name!

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.

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.

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?