Laces of Love, page 14
Finally, Sonya fell asleep. She dreamt of a wedding: she was standing in front of the altar, in a white dress, a veil covered her face; the bridegroom was next to her - in a black tail-coat and, of course, with a black bandage that hid his eye... A priest appeared, he laughed... This laugh caused goose bumps, running through Sonechka’s back. And finally, the priest took out his right eye and handed it directly to her... Sonya cried out in horror. And the priest just smirked, “Well, darling! Will you marry me? After all, I am one-eyed, too!”
Sonya woke up in cold sweat. She was scared to death: oh, why did she persuade Marfusha to augur before Christmas? The maid said, “It is a sin! Now it is a payback time ...”
***
Sergey Voronov had been galloping on a horse since early morning and until three o'clock in the afternoon, preparing for the parade. The Governor-General kept his word and came to inspect the preparations for the upcoming parade, dedicated to the arrival of the imperial personas.
At first, he also sat astride his excellent black, almost raven's wing color stallion, but then it was too hard for him because of his elderly age. The very important guest was accommodated on a chair with his legs wrapped in a warm fur blanket.
The Governor-General constantly mumbled something under his breath, snorted with displeasure and drank brandy with slices of lemon. Sergey understood: the regimental authorities will get into a trouble, as His Excellency obviously looked unhappy.
The lieutenant was freezing: his dolman, decorated with fur, was not designed for such weather; his hands, even in gloves, were shivering and his legs almost froze in to the sides of a poor horse...
Finally, His Excellency could not stand it any longer: to everyone’s joy, the preparation for the parade was officially over. Frozen hussars could return to the barracks.
As soon as Sergey got warm, he received a short note with a messenger,
“My dear friend!
As recent as last night, I found out the following: Baron Von Unger visits hot spots and has fun with actresses. Moreover, his black eye bandage is false; both his eyes are in perfect health.
Albert Guardi.”
Sergey literally lost his speech: why did the Baron play this whole performance? Just to pretend to be a person who had seen life, or to look presentable in front of young and naive Sonechka?
He was enraged, and full of jealousy. Feelings flooded: what did he want from his cousin? After all, they had known each other since their childhood; he was always close to little cute Sonechka! And now he was twenty years old, and she was sixteen! Did he only have kindred feelings for his cousin-sister, or was there anything bigger? Why did he worry about her relationship with this Baron?
Sergey was confused. But the only thing he knew for sure was that he should definitely find out why Baron Von Unger pretended to be someone else.
***
Albert sent a messenger to the regiment with a letter for Voronov and was having coffee, looking through the newspapers. The printout was full of different news. Unwillingly, he opened the “MoskovskyVestnik[16]” on the Secular Chronicle page and read: on Sunday, the nineteenth of February this year, Baroness Von Veisen arranges the ball in honor of the engagement of her daughter Amalia Karlovna Von Veisen and Vladimir Viktorovich Romanovsky, the son of the notorious...
“Oh yes!” a thought crossed Albert’ mind. “I completely forgot about the ball at Von Veisen’s! Sofia Nikolaevna will be there!”
Unintentionally, the lieutenant got excited; he had the same feeling when he first saw Sonya. Alas, the men friendship faded in front of her beautiful gray eyes, and nobility and honor had been sidelined.
Albert nervously lit a cigar and tried to distract himself. But...
He got up and rushed around the living room. Still small voice reproached him: it seemed that he was committing betrayal against his friend...
“Why did I write a letter to Sergey? What a dummy! In love - every man for himself! After all, Sofia Nikolaevna has a right to choose. Forgive me, my friend, but I will certainly take an opportunity to take care of your cousin at the ball at the Von Veisens. And as for the Baron... I have to think... Maybe I should challenge him for a duel...”
***
Chapter 7
Sergey could not leave barracks to meet Albert in order to discuss Baron Von Unger's misbehavior.
And he decided to write the answer.
“Albert!
Thank you for your help, I hope you had a good time in the house of the Biroevs. I am confused: why did the Baron start this masquerade? Only one answer comes to my mind: he has planned to win my cousin's heart. Please do not leave it, find out as much as possible about this Von Unger. I suspect that he does not have any Pskov estate, but simply bankrupted and is hunting for a wealthy bride. And, as far as I know, Sofia Nikolaevna’s dowry is sufficient enough to lead a comfortable, decent life.”
***
Albert put on a raccoon fur coat, ordered his coachman to prepare a sleigh and headed for Krivokolenny Lane. He had no definite plan of action, hoping for the Russian "roll the dice". He approached a Tatar janitor, who cleared snow from the pavement, and asked, “My friend! Could you tell me where is Baron Von Unger’s apartment or house?”
“Von Unger?” asked the Tatar. “It is there, two houses ahead. You will see the forged gates, and so it is the Baron's house...”
Albert got into a sleigh and moved to the indicated house. There, behind a wrought-iron gate, beautified with an intricate monogram of the Von Unger family, he saw a three-storey house. It seemed small, but very well maintained.
“Perhaps, the Baron has mortgaged his house? It is most likely that he has got a decent amount in the bill of exchange at the bank,” Albert thought.
The lieutenant wondered how much the bank estimated the Von Unger family's estate. According to his calculation it should have been approximately ten thousands rubles or two and a half thousand silver[17].
While thinking about it, he got out of the sleigh and pulled the rope of the bell that was hanging on the gate.
Soon, a footman appeared in the quilted winter jacket.
“What are you looking for, sir?”
“My friend, is Baron Von Unger home?” Albert asked.
“Forgive me, sir! It has been two weeks, since my benefactor with the whole family travelled to Germany, to visit their relatives, also Barons.”
Albert was taken aback, but still gave tips to a footman.
“Well, well... It is interesting how it turns out now: Baron Von Unger is in Germany, but who visits the Biroevs' house then?"
And suddenly the lieutenant understood: it is an IMPOSTOR!
***
Albert was literally dumbfounded by the result of his investigation. He went to the Biroevs' house and frankly speaking, he wanted to see charming Sofia Nikolaevna, but of course, hoping to meet the impostor Baron there as well.
The lieutenant was looking forward to disgracing the scoundrel who had penetrated a decent house by deception.
During those short winter days, Sonya normally either was reading novels or was embroidering or was looking after flowers in the greenhouse. Thanks to her efforts, begonias of various grades and shades rapidly grew and blossomed.
When Albert came to the Biroevs, Sonya was watering flowers from the little watering can. The lieutenant followed the maid, who escorted the guest to the greenhouse.
Sonya looked lovely in her home dress; her curls were disheveled, falling on her face. She constantly tried to throw them back, but all in vain.
“Good afternoon, Sofia Nikolaevna!” Albert bowed.
“Ah,” the girl was confused. “It is you... I am sorry, I am in this dress...”
“Sofia Nikolaevna, you are charming in any dress. Do not even worry about it. How are your mama and papa doing? Are they all well?”
“Yes, sir, thank you. Mama, as usual, scolding domestic servants for their negligence; Papa is at work and will most likely be late.”
“Then, I hope you will kindly agree to have a walk with me? I have a carriage on a sleigh and I assure you that it is warm and cozy. Please do not refuse me,” Albert pleadingly looked at the girl.
“I really do not know... This is so unexpectedly,” she was confused.
“If you do not feel comfortable, I will ask your mother’s permission.”
Sonya removed another naughty curl that fell on her face.
“Alright... Where will we go?”
“Wherever you want, mademoiselle. We can just ride around Moscow, or we can go to the restaurant, I know quite decent one... It is up to you!”
“We will take a ride first, and then will go to the restaurant,” Sonya summarized.
“Excellent, thank you! And what about the Baron? Was he going to visit you today?” Albert asked, as if he was just curious.
“He sent me flowers with a note that he was having urgent doings... It did not get me upset though.”
Albert looked at the girl in disbelief.
“You mean to say that you do not have feelings for Von Unger?”
“Well... I am not sure... Baron, of course, is an interesting person and a wonderful interlocutor...”
“Yes, and he recites poems like a real actor,” continued the lieutenant.
Sonya nodded.
“Yes, this is true. But...”
Albert listened attentively.
“Speak, Sofia Nikolaevna.”
“There is something about him I do not like. I cannot understand what exactly. Although I must confess: at first, he fascinated me. But please, do not tell anyone, especially my cousin-brother, Sergey Vasilyevich. You promise?”
“Word of honor,” the lieutenant assured her. “Forgive me for my insolence, but why Sergey? Why, for example, not your mother and father?”
Sonya was embarrassed.
“Sergey is like a brother to me; we grew up together. He became an orphan early, and my parents took care of him.”
“Related feelings are beautiful, Madam. But it still seems to me that there is something else...”
The girl rounded her eyes.
“What do you mean, Albert Veniaminovich?”
“What you feel for your cousin is something more!” blurted out lieutenant and stopped short. “I am being impudent! Forgive me! I just thought that...”
“You perplex me with your conclusions, sir!” exclaimed Sonya.
“But please let me finish! It is by the will of fate that I came to your house! When I saw you for the first time, I realized that I was betraying my friend... as you... you struck me right in my heart...”
Albert was worried and pulling the button on his coat.
Sonya blushed, hearing such a confession: for her it was the first declaration of love. The girl was confused, but deep inside her soul she felt satisfaction: she can impress a man!
“Sofia Nikolaevna, you will not go out with me now? Should I leave?”
“No, no... Talk to mama, and meanwhile I will get ready. In fact, I have never been to a restaurant. I am afraid that mama...”
“Do not worry, I will find the right words. I am an officer and a nobleman! And you are not a child but a lady!”
Agrippina Leonidovna listened to Albert extremely calmly, taking into account his famous family name, relationship to the Von Veisens, as well as his friendship with her beloved nephew Seryozha. She agreed to her daughter’s promenade, of course, after the gentleman’s emotional promises to behave in a decent manner. She did not doubt in his dignity, though.
Sonya did not know what would be the best to wear, and she did not want at all to consult with her elder sister. Therefore, she chose a dark-cherry velvet dress with a modest neckline. The hairdresser combed her hair into a lovely hairstyle, decorating it with flowers matching her dress: and the young charmer was ready to go to the restaurant with a man for the first time.
The girl put on a hat, a fur mantle, recently bought by her mother in a fashionable store in Sretenka, and walked to the carriage, holding an arm of her guest.
They sat down, the coachman slammed the door, and the carriage moved off toward Krivokolenny Lane.
***
Sonya felt cozy and, honestly speaking, Albert thrilled her imagination. The girl decided: since mama has nothing against Guardi, then this is destiny! And it is all matches with fortune-telling now: a handsome gentleman, one-eyed, and from a decent wealthy family.
Although Sonechka knew: her dowry would be enough for a comfortable life.
Thanks to a sleigh the carriage moved smoothly. Albert, being not able to hide his delight, admired his beautiful companion. However, still remembering the promise made to Agrippina Leonidovna, abstained from a frank conversation. He wished to embrace Sonya, hold her in his arms and... passionately kiss her lips! He barely restrained himself.
“Sofia Nikolaevna, on the way to the restaurant we will stop by one house for a minute.”
Sonya was surprised.
“What for?”
“Do not worry, you will not even have to leave the carriage. Just listen to the person whom I’ll speak to.”
Sonya nodded, having no idea of what was going on.
Finally, the carriage drove into Krivokolenny Lane and stopped near the house of Von Unger. Albert got out of the carriage and, just like last time, pulled the rope of the bell. A muffled light lit the first floor of the house, and soon a footman appeared at the front door.
He went to the gate and shone a candle: who was disturbing him so late?
“Oh, sir, it is you,” the footman has recognized Albert. “But I reported to you yesterday, sir: Baron along with his whole family went to Germany.”
“Yes, my dear, I remember well. But my companion would like to hear it from you. Could you repeat for her what you said earlier to me?”
The footman sighed, but, seeing the banknote in Albert’s hand, immediately took out the bunch of keys from his pocket and opened the gate.
Albert and the footman approached the carriage. The lieutenant opened the door.
“Please, my friend, don’t be shy – get in. It will be more convenient to talk.”
The footman obeyed.
“Sofia Nikolaevna, I am sorry, but I have got a company.”
Sonya raised her eyebrows, “Who are you?” she turned to the footman, who timidly sat on the seat opposite her.
“Madam, I serve at the house of Baron Von Unger as a footman all my life.”
“So you belong to Baron?!” Sonya exclaimed in surprise.
“Yes, Madam, I am a serf.”
“My friend, please tell the lady: where is your Master and benefactor is right now?”
A footman opened his mouth, but, having gathered his thoughts, repeated again, “Baron Von Unger went to Germany, along with his entire family.”
Sonya blinked in confusion.
“What do you mean? How could he go to Germany? I do not understand... And when?”
“Yes, well it has been a while...” drawled the footman.
The girl looked at the footman, then at Albert.
“What does it all mean?” she exclaimed.
“Madam, why are you so surprised?” the footman was perplexed. “Baron will come back, he did not leave forever...”
Albert saw that Sonya was in utter confusion.
He pushed the footman toward the door.
“Thank you, my dear, go now.”
***
Sonya could not clear her thoughts and remained silent. Albert did not know where to start, and finally, he said, “Sofia Nikolaevna, I just wanted to prove to you that the person visiting your house and impersonating Baron Von Unger is a cheater.”
The girl could not stand it and burst into tears.
“I beg you not to tell my parents! What a shame! How could someone act in such a way?!” she was indignant.
“Calm down, please! After all, nothing terrible happened! We caught a man who is a scoundrel and a rogue. He will not dare to come close to your house or I will challenge him for a duel and shoot him down!” the lieutenant declared decidedly - and he could shoot extremely well.
***
Chapter 8
The carriage drove to the “Angliter” restaurant on Petrovsky Boulevard. Sonya finally calmed down. She felt obliged to the lieutenant – he literally saved her from dishonor. Moreover, now they were bound by a secret and this was valuable to the both of them.
They left the carriage and headed towards the door of the restaurant. A doorman amiably greeted the guests and opened the door in front of them.
Inside, another servant took their fur coats and hung in the cloakroom. Sonya went to the huge mirror in the lobby to see if her curls are in order.
The lieutenant appreciated his companion’s look and immediately commented, “You look excellent, Sofia Nikolaevna!”
The girl smiled, blushing: she liked Albert more and more. Unconsciously Sergey, the object of her perpetual dreams, was gradually fading into the back of her mind.
Right away, they saw a couple coming out of the dining hall. A man of thirty years old and very pleasant dapper appearance was accompanied by a woman who seemed to be a wealthy widow. It was noticeable, considering her outfit and expensive jewelry. The widow was obviously ten years older than her gentleman, however, still incredibly attractive and looked at him with adoration.
And what a surprise expected for Sonya and Albert, when in this Lovelace they unmistakably recognized the imaginary Baron Von Unger. The girl lost her courage, she felt like there was not enough air. She sharply opened her hand fan and started fanning herself.
