“Misty, my dear. Of course I love you.”
Wilson kissed his fiancé - a long, deep and perfectly executed kiss.
Their kiss left Misty completely unmoved, like all of Wilson's kisses.
“It looks like they are ready to serve,” Wilson said, as he gazed back at the table where their parents were waiting for them. “Shall we rejoin them or run away together and elope like two mad lovers?”
Misty forced a smile. “We better go back dear. Neither of us can afford to disappoint our parents.”
“So true.”
Why do I feel nothing for Wilson? Misty chided herself. What’s wrong with me?
Wilson was the complete package.
He was also a complete bore.
From the moment of their first date, which was arranged through her father, Misty had been waiting for that “magic moment”, the moment when the cathedral bells would chime, birds would sing and she would fall madly in love with her ideal man.
Time was running short. She needed to hear bells.
She wanted Wilson to make her feel like Daniel made her feel, to stir her passion, to make her heart leap with joy.
What if that never happened? What would she do then?
“I can’t wait to see your children,” Sally Rubie said as Misty and Wilson rejoined them at the table. “We were all commenting on how stunning you two look together. Every eye in the restaurant was on you when you kissed.”
“You exaggerate, mother,” Wilson responded.
“No, it’s true. You two attract attention,” Anthony agreed.
“Are you happy dear?” Abby Buffett asked.
“Yes, mom. I am.”
“Good. Nothing is more important to your father and I than your happiness.”
Misty desperately wanted to believe that, but she knew it was a lie.
“So Anthony, tell us about the harvest,” Ben Rubie said as the first course arrived.
“It went very well, thank you for asking. Your son was magnificent. He will make a great wine maker.”
“You’re too kind,” Wilson said, with feigned modesty.
“You stepped right up and managed the harvest crews like an old pro. I have the highest degree of confidence in your abilities.”
“Our son the vintner. We could not be more pleased, Anthony,” Sally complimented.
“Not to mention the fact that we are all Catholics!” Ben exclaimed. “I suppose I would have warmed to you Anthony even if you were a Protestant, but it will be answered prayer to witness Wilson take the marriage sacrament in Mass with a beautiful Catholic young woman from a fine family.”
“Amen,” Sally agreed.
“A toast then,” Anthony said, raising his wine glass. “To Misty and Wilson. May God bless your union with years of happiness and many children.”
“Here, here,” Ben concurred.
“So tell me, Misty. Anthony says that you’ve taWilson on a new project, the education of some Russian boy who cares for the horses at the winery.”
“Daniel. Yes Sally, I have been spending some time with him. But he isn’t a project, like a chore or something.”
“Is he learning to speak English?”
“He is improving every day. Daniel is very smart.”
“It appears that Misty has some talent as an ESL instructor. I think that we should inform Father Silva that she is available to help the Mexicans learn the mother tongue,” Wilson said.
“That would be an excellent vocation for you, dear,” Sally agreed. “God knows those people need to learn how to speak English. We have a responsibility to give back to the less fortunate.”
“Daniel isn’t a …” Misty caught herself. She knew that she had to be careful. “Daniel is a photographer. Sooner or later he will pursue his dream, I’m sure.”
“Yes, he even helped Misty select the wedding photographer. I assume that Daniel approved of Mr. Perko’ work?” Anthony asked.
Actually, Daniel thought that Mr. Perko was a talentless hack, the worst photographer they interviewed.
That is exactly why Misty hired him.
“Yes, Dad. Daniel feels that Mr. Perko is very gifted.”
“My daughter the philanthropist. It’s good to see Misty busy with a project like Daniel. It will help her to become a better mother.”
“A moth…”
“Just don’t get too wrapped up in him dear,” Wilson said, interrupting his fiancé. “Boys like Daniel are fickle. One day you'll wake up and he’ll be gone. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“Solid advice, young lady,” Ben added. “Keep some distance between yourself and the young man. Detachment is a virtue Misty when you’re dealing with people like your Russian charge.”
What a bunch of pompous fools, Misty said to herself. I’m marrying into a family of arrogant, selfish bastards.
“Daniel is very good with our horses and he has been very kind to me. I do not expect him be around forever, but he is my friend. Helping him cheers me up.”
“Then I encourage the relationship,” Anthony agreed. “Help the boy as much as you can.”
“Yes Father.”
Wilson was growing more and more uncomfortable with Daniel Novikov. Instinct, more than anything else, was telling him to be wary.
He noticed something in Misty’s eyes whenever she spoke about Daniel. They lit up, almost betraying her expressions of friendly indifference towards the Russian.
From now on Wilson would be watching.
Watching very closely.
He needed to be sure that this vagrant foreigner posed no threat to his plans.
CHAPTER NINE
“We had a fabulous ride. Didn’t we gentlemen,” Wilson said.
The four men concurred as they dismounted.
“Daniel, let me introduce you to my friends - John, Cliff, Reggie and Porter.” Each man nodded as he was introduced.
“The five of us went to Stanford together. Brothers in arms, Sigma Nus,” Wilson explained.
“You were all in military?” Daniel asked.
“No, no,” Wilson said, laughing. “Sorry. Daniel still hasn’t quite mastered English yet. Brothers in arms - don’t interpret the phrase literally, Daniel. Sigma Nu is a fraternity. Stanford is a University, a school.”
“Ah,” Daniel said, “you went to University together. I understand.”
“You’re from Russia?” Reggie asked.
“Yes, from Moscow.”
“Is it true what they say about Russian women, Daniel? That an American can go over there and have his pick of the litter?”
“Pick of the litter?”
“Reggie. Speak plainly. Daniel thinks you’re talking about cats,” Wilson corrected.
“My fault. Beautiful Russian women want to have sex with American men?”
Daniel knew what they were asking.
The question was indiscrete.
They were spoiled, rich American playboys.
Daniel did not envy them, but he did wonder why they had not been taught proper manners.
In other circumstances he would have asked them, politely at first, to apologize. Had they not apologized Daniel certainly would have defended the honor of all Russian women.
“That is myth. When Communists fell many people were desperate. Women now are not desperate.”
“I don’t think a fine, blonde Russian lady would have to be desperate to want to be with an American man of means,” Cliff argued.
“Perhaps not,” Daniel said, hoping that they would change the subject.
“What about you, Daniel?” Porter asked. “How old are you?”
“Twenty.”
“Is there a girl back home waiting patiently for you to return with lots of dollars in your pocket?”
“Ah, no girl. I am a single man.”
“There has to be someone after you. You can tell us. What’s her name?”
“Well, maybe one woman. But she is unavailable.”
“Now were getting somewher
e,” Porter continued. “What’s her name?”
“Hard to translate into English. In Russian her name means “ancient” or “heiress”.”
“She’s a Russian?”
“In spirit.”
“Is she married or something?”
“Yes, she is married. I am afraid that I wait too long, how you say?, to make my move.”
“Not good with women, Daniel? Maybe a tad on the shy side?” John said.
“Yes, shy. Women are difficult to understand.”
“Daniel,” Wilson said, as he stood and stretched. “Let me help you. Women are not difficult to understand. They are actually very simple creatures, much like your horses.”
“Women are like horses?”
“Yes. A horse responds to your commands, does he not?”
“Ah. A horse will do what he is trained to do.”
“Exactly. Women are the same. First you must train them properly and then they will respond to your commands.”
“Genius Wilson, pure genius.” Porter laughed. “Complete horse manure, but pure genius.”
“All women want to be adored and protected. They want a prince, a knight in shining armor, to sweep them up and carry them away to the castle,” Wilson bragged.
“You are such a knight?” Daniel asked.
“I am. Misty is a lovely girl, simply the best. She wants the dream, to be married to someone of stature, with money and upbringing, someone she can be proud of, her prince.”
“If you are her prince, then she will obey you, like a horse?”
“That’s it. Now you understand women.”
“Wilson, that was the biggest load of crap I’ve ever heard, but it was very entertaining.”
“I don’t see your name on the social register yet, Cliff. Still searching for the right girl?”
“So Misty is a prize? A conquest?”
“My fiancé is a beautiful young woman who will make an excellent wife. She also happens to be the only daughter, the only child, of the owner of the Buffett Winery. Marriage is a union, a lifetime commitment. You went to Stanford, Cliff. Surely you learned something while you were there.”
“What is life without love?” Daniel asked. “Money is not love.”
“First rule, my naïve Russian friend. Without money, you have no love.” Wilson’s friends all laughed at his remark.
“I’m afraid that Wilson is finally speaking the truth, Daniel. A man without money has nothing to offer a woman,” Porter opined.
“He has his dreams. He has his heart. He has devotion.”
“Sounds nice, very romantic. But if you’re looking for more than just sex, a woman of quality will demand to examine your bank balance,” Wilson said.
“I see,” Daniel said. “If you give woman money then she obeys like horse.”
“Crudely put, but essentially right on the nose.”
“I’d put a cork in it Wilson, if I were you. Your “horse” is on her way over here,” Cliff said, pointing towards the main house.
“Thank you my friends for the fine conversation. I return to work now,” Daniel said, as he stood to leave.
“What’s your hurry?” Wilson said, as he put his hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “Don’t be rude. I’m sure Misty would love to say hello to you.”
Misty was dressed in tight jeans and a riding shirt. She was carrying a broad brimmed hat.
“Hi honey,” Misty said as she gave Wilson a quick peck on the cheek. “Hello guys. Good to see you.”
“Wilson has been regaling us with professions of devotion to you,” Cliff said. “You’re all he talks about now. I’m afraid our friend is lost to us forever.”
“How sweet,” Misty said. “Have you been saying nice things about me, dear?”
“I’ve bored them to tears telling them how much I adore you, sweetheart.”
“Well, you should. I’m your princess, after all.”
“If I didn’t know better I’d say that you were dressed for riding,” Wilson observed.
“I know this will come as a shock, but I’m going riding today with Daniel. He made me promise that if I taught him how to speak English, I would allow him to try and teach me how to ride.”
“But you are deathly afraid of horses, dear.”
“I’m even going to ride Sweet Pea. That was our deal and I’m sticking to it. You should be proud of me.”
“Sweet Pea isn't the same horse as she used to be, but that mare could still bolt at any time.”
“Daniel has assured me that I’m safe. I want to try.”
“Maybe later, Misty. Let me think about it.”
Misty laughed. “Wilson dear, I wasn’t asking for your permission for heaven’s sake. I’ll be fine. I’m in great hands.”
Daniel nodded at Wilson and said, “Misty is in no danger. I will stay very close to her at all times.”
“Let me discuss this with your father first and perhaps …”
“We’ll be back in a couple of hours. Nice to see you guys. Don’t be strangers. You are always welcome at the winery.”
With that Misty turned and followed Daniel into the barn to saddle the horses and go for a ride.
“You’ve got some work to do, old boy,” Porter said, chuckling. “Your 'horse' doesn’t seem all that obedient to me.”
Wilson wasn’t angry, he was furious.
The insolence, the assumption, it was inexcusable.
Daniel Novikov needed to disappear, sooner rather than later, before he did some real damage.
CHAPTER TEN
“Misty, may I ask you a question?”
“Of course Daniel, but let’s take the blanket out and sit under the oaks. I need to rest before we ride back.”
She knew exactly what she wanted to do when they got to Martin's Pond, dismount and spend as much time as possible alone together.
After she poured the wine and cut some cheese, Daniel spoke again. “I must know first, is it okay for me to ask you a personal question?”
“Sure, ask me anything you want.”
“If I offend you, you will tell me and I will apologize and stop. Agreed?”
“Don’t be silly, ask your question.”
“Do you wish to marry Wilson?”
Daniel was very perceptive.
No doubt he had picked up on her feelings toward him, at least to some degree.
She knew that she had to be careful in her answer, for both of their sakes.
“Wilson is a great guy. My father loves him and really wants him to take over the winery someday. He treats me very well.”
“That may be true, but you do not answer question.”
“I will answer your question if you answer one of mine.”
“I agree.”
“I will marry Wilson. What I want is not as important as what I must do. I have a duty to my family. Do you understand what I’m saying, Daniel?”
“Perfectly. You have answered my question. What is your question?”
All Misty could think of was, ask him if he’s in love with you. It took every ounce of willpower for Misty not to say this, but she restrained herself.
“What do you want out of life, Daniel? Do you want a wife and children? Do you want to go back to Russia?”
“That is three questions.”
Misty playfully punched Daniel in the arm. They laughed and looked at each other.
Their eyes connected again, in that special way.
Misty quickly turned and stared off into the distance.
One more moment spent in Daniel’s eyes and she would be hopelessly lost with no more self-control.
“I want to be a photographer. I love taking pictures. Mostly of people, but landscape also. It brings me joy and happiness and, how you say?, fulfillont?”
“Fulfillment.”
“Yes, fulfillment. I am most at peace behind camera.”
“You must miss your cameras terribly. It is a shame that you had to sell them.”
“Yes, a shame. But, I mu
st do what I must do. Soon I save and buy new digital camera and computer.”
“Question number two.”
“I want to find my true love and take her in my arms and never let her go.”
“Have you ever been in love, Daniel?”
“No…well, I cannot answer that question, Misty. I am sorry.”
“Oh, I shouldn’t have asked you that, I’m so …”
“It is okay,” Daniel said. “I very much want wife and children. Family is everything.”
“I’m embarrassed, Daniel. It probably makes you uncomfortable speaking of such things with me.”
“No, not true. I am very comfortable with you. More comfortable than with anyone else. Ever.”
“Daniel, I really need to tell …”
“May I ask you more questions?”
“You may.” Daniel let her off the hook again, she was about to say something really dangerous.
“American women, they must have money? I mean, a man must have much money to marry American woman?”
“That depends on the woman.”
“Not every American woman desires money more than love?”
“No. I suppose Russian women and American women are much the same. Some of us are hopeless romantics, others are quite practical.”
“’Hopeless romantics’ means?”
“Someone who believes that love is more important than anything else, more than money or duty or…” Misty stopped.
She stood and moved around, this conversation was hitting way too close to home.
“Perhaps we should ride back to the stables,” Daniel suggested.
“Yes, Daniel. I think you’re right. It’s getting late.”
They gathered up their things and packed them on Daniel’s horse.
Daniel gently helped Misty into her saddle.
When he touched her Misty felt his strength, his raw power.
Wilson was in good shape, but he wasn’t a strong man.
She liked strong men. She liked Daniel.
No, she said to herself as they turned their horses and started to ride back.
I don’t just like Daniel.
I have to face this and be honest, at least with myself.
There was no use denying it anymore.
I’m in love with Daniel.
With the Wind | A Short Novel Page 3
