Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Nineteen
A s the droshky galloped down the frozen road, Anna no longer felt brave. Dawn was breaking and a damp mist hung over the Neva making her bones ache. When she’d said goodbye to Sofia last night, her sister-in-law had cried, but Tanya was watching and Anna kept herself under control. She had retired early and waited until Mazra left the bedroom before she opened the desk. She found the letter she had written to her parents, read it over, then placed it in an envelope and scribbled a note to Mazra, asking her to give it to Count Brianski once Sofia had left. Finally, she packed her bag for the journey with a single change of clothes, a Kashmiri shawl and a pair of indoor shoes. Her precious jewellery was hidden in a leather folder next to her sketchbooks and paints at the bottom. In case of any unforeseen problems, she had the addresses of Maria’s cousin, Princess Zinaida, and Nicholas Bulgarin in Moscow.
Anna had stayed awake until the church bells chimed five. The fire gave off little heat as she dressed by the light of a single candle. She had chosen carefully: a red woollen coat that reached her ankles, strong leather boots and her warmest fur-lined cape. The house was asleep as she went down to the vestibule and only the night porter on duty. She told him she was visiting a sick friend and asked him to find her a cab.
She was on her way to an inn near the city gates where she would wait for the carriage, then swap places with Lila and send her home in the droshky. The pony was fast and Anna pulled her hood low over her face, listening to the hum of runners on the icy snow as they flew through the streets of St. Petersburg. So far, everything had gone to plan. The last few days had been so nerve-wracking, there had been no time to consider the enormity of her decision. Now she thought: I’m running away and abandoning my parents. I pray they’ll forgive me. It’s not forever. I’ll come home to them before the summer. I can’t change my mind now.
The droshky slowed down as they approached the southern gates of the city. It was still early, but a few people were about and a wagon loaded with birch logs pulled up at a small square building with the painted sign of an inn. A woman with a basket of bread and salt approached the droshky. The driver waved her away. Anna twisted around and looked back up the road until the Brianski dormeuse finally came into view. The carriage was drawn by four black horses and swayed as it came to a halt. Omelko, his hat tight around the head with its brim turned up, gave the reins to his companion. Anna recognised Jacob, one of her father’s grooms, as Omelko climbed down from the box seat and walked over to the droshky. The freezing wind had turned his eyebrows white and his voice gruff as he paid the driver.
‘Wait here. There’s a passenger to be taken back.’
With Anna hanging onto his arm, they crossed the short distance to the dormeuse. The horses snorted, tossing their heads and stamping their hooves, as Omelko passed up her bag to be stowed on the roof. Then he let down the steps and opened the carriage door. From the spacious interior two pale faces peered out of darkness.
‘Heavens save us, what’s this?’ Sofia cried out.
‘Don’t be alarmed. It’s only me. Anna! I’m going to take Lila’s place. It’s all arranged. There’s a droshky waiting to take her home.’
Sofia seemed struck dumb as Lila’s luggage was handed down. When Anna told the maid to go with Omelko, Sofia clasped the girl’s hand. ‘Goodbye, dear Lila. Take care of yourself. May God grant we meet again.’
Lila nodded, glancing suspiciously at Anna as she descended the narrow steps. The dormeuse was designed for long journeys with a well-sprung body and seats that could be converted into beds. Sofia sat facing forwards. Anna removed her cloak and settled down beside her. There was a creaking sound as Omelko mounted the driving board and her shoulders dropped with relief.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.’
‘But why? I don’t understand.’ Sofia’s grey eyes were concerned and bewildered. ‘What are you doing here?
‘I promised Sasha to look after you. I couldn’t let you make the journey alone.’
‘But you didn’t say anything. Oh Anna … your poor parents!’
‘Tanya will stay with them for as long as they want.’
‘Even so…’
‘It’s alright, Sofia!’
She had expected her to be grateful, not make her feel guilty. The two women were silent for a while as the carriage picked up speed.
‘I thought you’d be pleased,’ Anna finally ventured.
‘Oh, I am, darling. But where are you planning to stay in Moscow?’
‘I hoped I might find accommodation at your home.’
‘But that’s impossible! My parents won’t speak of your family. They refuse even to mention Sasha’s name. They behave as if he’s dead.’
Her words ended in a sob and the next minute Sofia was in Anna’s arms, her body convulsed as they held each other close. Anna was crying too, her face pressed to Sofia’s cheek as she gave way to the strain of the last few days. Sofia’s been too brave, she thought. I understood her heartbreak for Sasha but not the pain of her parents’ anger. Hot tears ran down her cheeks and Sofia’s arms tightened about her neck.
‘I’ll never forget this, darling,’ she whispered. ‘My family are only allowing me home in the hope of preventing me from leaving Moscow. But where will you stay?’
‘I have Princess Zinaida Volkonsky’s address. Maria’s staying with her, is she not?’
‘Yes – only Maria doesn’t arrive in Moscow for another ten days.’ Sofia’s forehead knitted before she broke into a tearful smile. ‘But I’m sure the princess will be delighted to have you. Maria says she’s the kindest person in all of Sergei’s family.’
Dearest Mama and Papa
I write to you in the hope you will understand and forgive my sudden departure. Before the events of last month, I gave Sasha my word that I would take care of Sofia. I must fulfil my promise and therefore am going with her to Moscow. If all is well, we will then travel on together to Siberia.
Please be assured that neither Omelko nor anyone else is involved and this is entirely my own decision. Omelko was acting under my orders and had no prior knowledge of my intentions. He will return to St. Petersburg from Moscow and I will come home as soon as I am assured that Sofia is safe. You must not worry about me and I ask for your blessing.
I will pray for you every day, my dearest parents.
Your loving daughter,
Anna