The Rebel Daughters

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

‘I t was very thoughtless of you to give your mother such a fright.’ Tanya Vladimir straightened Anna’s pillow, then went to stand at the end of the bed. ‘Mazra tells me you ate nothing yesterday. No wonder you had a swooning fit.’

Anna was lying with her eyes half closed, trying not to listen. She remembered regaining consciousness, with Nicholas Bulgarin holding her, kneeling on the floor. Her memory of what followed was patchy. Her parents must have been summoned for they appeared, looking flustered.

‘I told you to stay with us, Anna. What happened to you?’

‘Miss Brianski was overcome by the heat,’ Nicholas answered. ‘She needed fresh air. Unfortunately, she collapsed before…’

Anna was terrified her parents would see Sasha and the others but, by the time the Brianski carriage arrived at the front door, the troikas had gone. Nicholas carried her to the carriage and Valentina held a sachet of vinegar salt beneath her nose all the way home. Thank God her mother had been spared the horror of seeing her son in chains. The cruelty of it was grotesque. What kind of man forced families to witness the degradation of their beloved sons and brothers the last time they would ever see them?

‘It was selfish to cause your poor parents such concern – as if they don’t have enough to put up with already.’

Tanya’s remark made Anna sit up. Tanya wore her hair pulled back severely to reveal her widow’s peak and sharp brown eyes. She normally preferred pastel colours but wore black today, as befitted her mood.

‘Sasha’s the one who caused them grief.’ Anna met her eyes defiantly.

‘That’s not the point. I expect you to show them greater consideration in future.’

‘We should never have gone to the ball.’

‘Your father accepted in the best interests of the family.’

Tanya pulled her mouth into a disapproving knot, pursing her lips as she walked out of the room. How dare her aunt tell her how to behave – or interrogate poor Mazra for that matter? For a time, annoyance displaced anguish. Then Anna shook her head. Tanya was a minor irritant compared to the sorrow in her heart. Looking around the bedroom, she thought: Sasha will never come home. We’ll never be together as a family again. How can we endure this heartbreak?

What was Nicholas Bulgarin doing in the gallery last night? His hands were icy cold, she remembered, so he must have been outside. Had he spoken to Sasha and Peter? She had only wanted to say goodbye. It was none of his business and she’d had enough of his interference. She tried to summon anger to her aid but she was too miserable. However much Nicholas annoyed her, she couldn’t blame him for everything.

She was about to ring for Mazra when there was a gentle tap at the door. Sofia and Maria Volkonsky entered, Maria in an elegant dove-grey costume, her dark hair spilling out from beneath her bonnet.

‘I was about to get up.’ Anna pulled her wrapper around her shoulders.

‘You should stay where you are and rest,’ Sofia said as the two women sat down on either side of the bed.

‘I’m perfectly alright now. It was only the heat and too many people…’

‘The evening must have been terrible, darling.’ Sofia’s eyes shone as if she had been crying.

‘I’m sure Aunt Tanya exaggerated. You know how she likes to make a drama out of everything.’

‘She wouldn’t let us come near you. We’ve been waiting ages for the coast to be clear.’

‘We have wonderful news! We had to tell you first.’ Maria opened her reticule and took out a large envelope. Anna saw the red, double-eagle seal of the emperor as Maria opened it and took out a folded piece of paper.

She handed it to Anna who pulled her knees up under the coverlet and spread the paper open. She glanced at the signature, then read in silence.

Dear Princess,

I have before me the letter you sent on 15th December. You are undoubtedly aware of the particular interest I have always taken in your personal welfare. It is because of this that it is my duty to warn you of the extreme dangers that await you and your friend once you travel beyond Irkutsk. Having said that, I leave the decision to travel to you and Madame Brianski.

I send you my affectionate greetings,

Nicholas

It was a strange sensation holding a letter written by the tsar himself. Some people regarded him as divinely appointed, but Anna thought of five young officers executed by his command and the terrible sentences meted out to the others. The emperor might be all-powerful but he was unworthy of respect. Her brow furrowed as she gave the letter back to Maria. Nothing would stop her friends from following their husbands now. They really were going to Siberia, and she would be left alone. How could she stay in St. Petersburg without them, and without Sasha and Peter?

‘Oh Anna, our prayers have been answered,’ Sofia said. ‘We must be grateful the tsar has been merciful.’

‘What does he mean by extreme dangers beyond Irkutsk?’ Anna asked curtly. ‘It’s hardly a guarantee of your safety.’

‘He’s warning us of the harsh Siberian winter, so we’re prepared. He should understand we’re willing to endure any hardship to be with our beloved husbands.’ Maria was elated, her eyes glowing with pride and eagerness.

Sofia’s expression was softer and Anna touched her hand. ‘I know what this means to you, but I still worry about you travelling so far, darling. Your family already blames Sasha for destroying your life. Should anything happen to the baby—’

‘But without Sasha I have no life. I’ll be careful, I promise, and I’ll come home before my confinement in the summer.’

‘Has the tsar promised you can come back?’

‘Not in so many words, but I’ve made enquiries,’ Maria answered. ‘There may be a few bureaucratic problems but nothing insurmountable. I’ll return with Sofia to St. Petersburg in the spring so she can have the baby here and I can collect Nicolenka.’

‘How will you prepare for the journey?’ Anna heard the flat tone in her own voice. She wanted to support them, but it was difficult.

‘We’ve pawned our jewellery to pay for the travel costs and my sister, Ekaterina Orlov, has been very kind. Her husband was lucky to escape punishment. Between them, they’ll provide for all our needs.’

‘When do you intend to leave?’

‘I’m going to visit my family at Boltyshka, then to Moscow to stay with Sergei’s cousin, Princess Zinaida. I’ll find out how many other wives are going to Siberia. We may be able to travel in convoy.’

Maria had everything planned, and talked about the journey as if it was a commonplace excursion, not an expedition to the other side of the world. Heaven knew what perils they would face travelling thousands of miles in the middle of winter.

‘I know it’s hard for you, Anna.’ Sofia leant towards her and stroked her tumbled hair. ‘I hope you can be happy for us.’

‘I am happy.’ Anna managed a tight smile. ‘You’ve taken a courageous decision and I’m proud of you.’ She realised she meant it as she said the words.

Sofia kissed Anna’s cheek and Maria pressed her hand warmly. After they had gone, she slipped out of bed. She wasn’t in the mood to sit with her mother and Tanya. Wrapping herself in the bed quilt, she curled up in a chair by the window. Until this morning, she had been sure the tsar would refuse them permission. Now he had agreed, she feared what lay ahead for Maria and Sofia but also she feared for herself. I know how Sofia feels. My life has no meaning without the people I love.

Nicholas said Olga was going to remain in St. Petersburg and Michael had intimated she was about to be given a position at court. Anna rushed to grasp what her heart wanted to believe. If only Nicholas Bulgarin had confirmed the betrothal was definitely over! I should have asked him straight, but it’s too late now. I must follow my instincts, she thought, her fingers clenching and unclenching as her mind raced on. What shall I do? Mama and Papa have Tanya to look after them and keep them company. They don’t need me anymore. An idea that had been forming unconsciously came to the fore and she stood up and threw off the quilt. Peter loves me and wants me with him. Why else did he write? I’m not like Olga and I won’t let him down. Somehow, I will find a way to travel with Sofia and Maria to Siberia.

It wasn’t going to be easy, but Anna experienced a lightness of spirit she hadn’t felt in weeks. There were many obstacles to overcome, but her mind was made up and the thought of action brought strength and energy. She knew the risks, but she was no longer afraid. She would leave St. Petersburg with Sofia when the time came.

*

Anna slept little in the nights that followed as she wrestled with practical problems. How could she get the necessary travel papers without her parents’ knowledge? She might beg them to let her go with Sofia, at least as far as Moscow, but knew they would refuse. It was impossible to travel without documents. But the women weren’t expected to travel alone. The wives were allowed to take one maid with them. Was it possible she could take the place of Lila, Sofia’s maid?

It was an audacious idea that gradually evolved in her mind. Omelko would help her, she felt sure, and it was he who was to drive her sister-in-law to Moscow. On the first morning the Brianskis began receiving visitors, Anna went to find him. She walked quickly past the banya to the stable-yard where grooms were leading out her father’s grey Orlovs. They were beautiful horses, with their proud carriage and flaring manes and tails. She recognised the two flankers, Flirt and Furious, and stopped to admire them before she made her way to the stable-master’s office.

Omelko was sitting by the small grate, smoking a clay pipe and puffing out skeins of smoke. On the wall behind him, coiled like a snake, hung a rawhide whip with metal barbs. The knout was a barbaric instrument, symbolising the power of the master over his serfs. There was no reason for it here, Anna thought. Papa disapproved of corporal punishment, and she hated the sight of it.

Omelko’s face set in deep grooves and his eyes looked doubtful as she outlined her plan. He was reluctant to act without her father’s authority.

Anna tried to reassure him. ‘It’s a small diversion – hardly out of your way. Here’s the address.’ She handed him a piece of paper. ‘You need only stop for a few minutes.’

Omelko put down his pipe. ‘If the master doesn’t know, then the master doesn’t approve. I’m proud of your brother, Miss Anna, we all are, but if Count Brianski finds out about this he’ll have me whipped.’

‘He will not!’ Anna felt mortification flood her cheeks. ‘I’ll tell him you’re acting under my instructions and take full responsibility.’

Omelko shrugged his shoulders and raised one bushy eyebrow but said nothing.

‘Please, Omelko! There’s nothing wrong involved, I promise.’ She flung out her hands in a gesture of supplication. ‘There’s no one else I can ask. Please help me!’

Tacitly and reluctantly, Omelko agreed, but there were further problems to resolve. She needed money and could not leave the house unseen to pawn her jewellery. She would have to take her pearls with her and raise the money in Moscow. Once there, she would buy suitable clothes for the journey. She could only take one small bag and must fit in everything she needed, including drawing materials.

The week passed in an agony of suspense. She longed to say something to Sofia but didn’t dare and Tanya was constantly on her nerves. Her aunt walked quietly with short tripping steps, often appearing when she was least expected. Anna wondered if she was spying on her. She tried to seem calm and indifferent, but it was exhausting having to be on her guard all the time.

Then, on the day before Sofia’s departure, Tanya walked into her studio as she was sorting through her paints. ‘So, this is where you’ve been hiding. I’ve been searching for you.’

‘And why should that be?’ Anna did not look up.

‘Because you have a visitor and your mother sent me to find you.’

Anna raised her head and glanced at Tanya. Her aunt had taken trouble over her appearance, she noted. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon clung to her clothes and her hair was curled in ringlets. It made her face rounder and she almost looked pretty.

‘Who is it?’

‘I’m not acquainted with him.’

‘Then please tell Mama I’m sorry but I can’t be disturbed.’

‘She asked me to fetch you, no matter what you’re doing.’

Tanya’s lips thinned into a narrow line. She wasn’t going to be put off and Anna sighed as she followed her downstairs to the drawing room. Her parents were seated on the sofa and, across from them with his back to the window, stood Boris Renin.

Anna stared at him as the major made a small bow.

‘How nice to see you again, Miss Brianski.’

‘Major Renin has come to give us news of Alexander.’ Count Brianski’s fingers worked at the ends of his moustache, twisting and curling them. It was a habit he had developed lately and seemed unable to control. ‘He’s in charge of transportation for the…’

‘… criminals.’ Boris Renin articulated the word for him. ‘I’m glad to say they’re in good health and halfway to their destination.’

‘We’re very grateful to hear it.’ Valentina motioned to Anna to sit down. ‘Major Renin’s kindness is a ray of light in these dark times.’

Anna took a seat but did not answer. She noticed how Renin’s eyes travelled around the room. What does he want? He’s not here to tell us about Sasha, that’s for sure.

‘I’m sorry to hear you were taken ill at the ball.’

‘Prince Kochubey’s house was exceedingly hot.’ Anna’s tone was clipped.

‘Major Renin is concerned for your well-being, Anna.’ Count Brianski spoke reprovingly as he stood up. ‘Now, sir. I will leave you in the company of the ladies. I hope you will do us the honour of calling again soon.’

He left the room and Anna tried to rally her forces, keeping her face blank as Valentina and Tanya made conversation. Her aunt used her fan a great deal, chattering inconsequentially as Renin listened with an expression of faint boredom. He knows Sofia and Maria have received permission from the tsar, she thought. Is that why he’s come – to make sure the rest of our family has closed ranks against Sasha?

She waited for a lull in the conversation and then remarked casually, ‘I gather anyone who travels beyond Irkutsk will face dangerous conditions…’

‘We have fewer troops in eastern Siberia, but the convicts are well guarded. They’ve nothing to fear.’

Except what awaits them in the labour camps, Anna thought grimly in the brief silence before Renin continued. ‘I was shown your portrait of Princess Volkonsky and the poor infant de malheur. It’s very well executed. I find it despicable a mother should abandon her child.’

A smirk touched Tanya’s lips, her hand fluttering demurely at her throat. Anna glared at her.

‘Major Renin would like you to paint his portrait, Anna.’ Valentina raised her voice. ‘I’ve assured him you’ll be delighted. It’s the least we can do in return for his magnanimity.’

‘But Mama,’ she said flushing. ‘I no longer do portraits. Besides, I haven’t painted in weeks.’

‘Well, I must say…’ Valentina began, her nostrils flaring. ‘Major Renin doesn’t expect a masterpiece. If he can spare the time, then so can you. Besides, you’ll need something to occupy you when Sofia cruelly deserts us.’

Anna felt a muscle tighten in her jaw. She hadn’t expected this of Mama. How could she be so disparaging of Sofia? Surely, her mother realised Boris Renin wasn’t to be trusted. He was an opportunist and a likely fortune hunter. He’s cunning as a jackal, she thought. How can Mama and Papa be taken in by him? Is this a desperate attempt to regain their position in society?

‘With your permission, Countess, I’d like a word in private with Anna Ivanova.’ Boris Renin flashed Valentina an ingratiating grin. ‘Perhaps she would take a turn with me about the room?’

‘Of course.’

Valentina smiled and Anna was obliged to come to her feet. Without a word, she followed the major to the hearth at the far end, her pulse thumping with irritation.

‘I want to offer my deepest sympathy for your loss. Indeed, it’s been a terrible time for all of us.’

He held out his hand, but she ignored it and kept her gaze on the mantelpiece. She was aware of Boris Renin’s eyes on her and wondered what he was going to say.

‘You should understand I’m your friend, dear Anna – not your enemy.’

‘I have friends enough already.’ Anna was blunt to the point of rudeness.

‘And, alas, most of them seem to be on the verge of abandoning you.’

Anna turned her head slowly. ‘Michael Pavel’s a good friend of mine and he’s not leaving the city.’

‘Not as yet… However, should your sister-in-law take advantage of His Majesty’s generosity and travel further than Moscow, it may not bode well for Captain Pavel’s prospects.’

‘The tsar promised the families of Decembrists they would face no further persecution.’ She used the word deliberately, then paused, taking care to modulate her voice. ‘Are you saying he’s not a man of his word?’

‘His Imperial Majesty is a trustworthy and enlightened tsar.’ The major leant so close that Anna could smell the mint sprigs he used to freshen his breath. ‘He knows that, for the good of our nation, recent events must be confined to oblivion. Your friend, Olga Bulgarin, has taken a wise decision. Once her appointment is confirmed, an illustrious future awaits her.’

She wondered if Renin knew about Olga and Peter Dashkovy? He must do – but why mention her now? The man doesn’t care about people, Anna thought. He wants a wife as an adornment to parade in front of the tsar – and the richer the better.

‘I look forward to our first sitting,’ Renin continued, letting the word linger like the hiss of a snake.

Anna drew her shawl closer to her chest. ‘Forgive me but I have pressing matters to attend to. My Aunt Tanya will be delighted to entertain you.’

‘I came to see you .’ Renin’s upper lip twitched beneath his moustache. ‘I presume we may start the painting later this week?’

He took her hand, turning it over so the palm faced upwards, and lifted it to his mouth, letting his tongue slip between his lips. Anna tried to draw back but he held fast to her wrist. ‘I’m a patient man, Anna Ivanova. I always get what I want in the end. It would be a mistake to try and escape.’

Did Boris Renin suspect what was in her head? Or was he hoping to frighten her? Intuition suggested the latter. As he pursed his lips in imitation of a kiss, Anna looked down at the tips of his polished boots and gave a shudder.

‘You’re hurting me, sir,’ she muttered between gritted teeth. ‘Release me at once!’

Renin let her go and stood rigidly as Anna dropped a curtsy and walked stiffly to the door, glancing at Valentina as she went past. Mama and Papa want me to marry Renin to wipe out the stain on our family name – but I can’t help them anymore. I love them and can’t bear them behaving like this. I will see this through, whatever the cost, she thought with a pang as she went out. Let Tanya be the bait for Boris Renin. I must have the courage to do what is right.