The Rebel Daughters

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Two

D aylight whitened the inside of her eyelids and Anna stirred. Lifting her head, she yawned, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, and saw Nicholas standing by the window. He was dressed, his greatcoat lying on a chair, and the fire was alight.

‘I hope you slept well? No nightmares of wolves?’ Nicholas glanced over his shoulder. ‘Stepan would like to set off within the hour. There’s breakfast waiting in the kitchen.’

Anna stretched her arms and did not reply.

‘Don’t tell me you’re in a huff? I endured the discomfort of a cold, hard floor at your bequest.’

‘So, you’re the perfect gentleman,’ Anna answered.

‘Come now, smooth your ruffled feathers. You should be grateful nothing happened. You’re a very desirable woman and I’m flattered.’

He was smiling. Nicholas took everything in his stride, Anna thought. How could he be so calm with the memory of last night in his mind? Perhaps this kind of thing happened to him all the time. When he came over and sat down on the bed, she pushed herself back against the pillows and drew her knees up to her chest.

‘Why did you change your mind about Peter Dashkovy? I thought he was the love of your life.’

‘It was a childish infatuation, nothing more,’ Anna said loftily, wishing she had never mentioned it. ‘I hope he and Olga will be very happy.’

‘Is he good enough for my sister?’

Anna did not answer, and he repeated, ‘Is Captain Dashkovy good enough for Olga?’

‘He’s your friend. You should know. They love each other – that’s all that matters—’

‘Such love comes at a high cost. I’m glad you came to your senses.’

Anna was accustomed to his cynicism, but she bristled. She longed to speak tart words but held herself in check. ‘Would you please leave now? I want to get dressed.’

‘In a moment… And don’t be angry. I have great respect for your resilience and honesty.’

His eyes flickered over her face as he took hold of her hand. It wasn’t what she was expecting and she glanced up at him in surprise.

‘It’s what I like about you most – and the same with your art. You dispense with convention and reveal what’s in your heart.’

They were double-edged compliments and Anna tried without success to pull her hand free. ‘Don’t be so presumptuous! You’ve no idea what’s in my heart.’

Nicholas laughed and released her. ‘You’re as transparent as glass, my dear. It’s both your strength and weakness.’

His tone was condescending, and Anna shot him a frowning glance. ‘I don’t care for personal observations,’ she said coolly. ‘How much longer before we reach your estate?’

‘A couple of days. Tomorrow, we’ll leave the imperial highway and head across country. It will be more dangerous and it’s important we trust each other.’

‘More dangerous than wolves?’

‘Far more. We might come across deserters from the army, vagabonds, Cossack bandits. They’re the most lethal horsemen on earth. We should be prepared for every eventuality.’

‘I won’t swoon or have hysterics, if that’s what’s worrying you?’

‘I don’t doubt your courage, Anna. You’re an admirable woman – apart from your rash impetuosity–’

‘And you’re a mudac!’

She had had enough of his patronising remarks but, as the word came out, Anna’s jaw dropped in embarrassment. It was an insult Omelko threw at the stable boys when he was angry – a word never to cross a lady’s lips. She could have bitten off her tongue, but Nicholas didn’t seem shocked. Laughter danced in his eyes and he was trying not to smile.

‘Thank you for proving my point. I’ll meet you downstairs.’

With some difficulty, he assumed a serious look and moved away from the bed, picking up his greatcoat as he headed to the door. With his hand on the knob, he stopped and looked over his shoulder. ‘Just one more thing. I advise you to be more discreet with your favours in future. I may not have the forbearance to refuse a second time.’

He went out, shutting the door as Anna swung her legs over the side of the bed. She had always been spontaneous. It didn’t mean that she acted without thinking. All the years her mother had spent trying to make her a lady were superfluous in a world that had changed. The old rules were done away with, as surely as her old way of life. Despite all the bantering, Nicholas was attracted to her. That much she knew.

I want him, she thought simply. I want to be close to him and feel his strong arms around me. I don’t want to be alone anymore. I don’t care if Nicholas thinks I’m rash and impetuous. I won’t give up on this bright ray of hope.