Leonid straightened up and opened the door. He took the tea tray from one of the maids and went into the library with a practised smile carved on his face.
Stumbling away from the scene, Alexander wandered in the direction of the kitchen. He entered it and slumped on the stool. Katharine was leaving and there was nothing in his power he could do to prevent it.
“Why are you upset?” his mother asked.
He entwined his fingers on his lap and stared at his hands. “Katharine is leaving.”
“That may not be such a bad thing. I am certain she will learn a lot of new things where she is going.”
“I don’t want her to go,” he mumbled.
His mother stopped cleaning the dishes in the basin. “What did you say? I could not hear.”
He had to do something, no matter the cost. If Katharine left, his heart would empty of all emotion, and he would become a living husk—a being with no purpose or love. Stop being foolish. There was purpose in his life. He had promised his mother that he would find a way to buy her a home, so she would not need to suffer for the rest of her days working as a servant. And that promise he would keep.
“Mama, do you think Yosef will permit me to learn business? I could help him with the store.”
“Alexander Usilov Vasilievich, where do you get such wild ideas from? Are you not content with a roof over your head and food in your stomach? Must you jeopardise our safety to fuel your asinine ideas?”
He circled the table and took his mother’s left hand into both of his. His eyes watered at the sight of her cracked and blistered skin. “I want to see you happy again. Not the false smiles you give everyone here but the real ones, where your whole face brightens and the wrinkles around your eyes become more pronounced. If I could, I would turn back time to the moment father was still with us. Back then, you were happy. Back then, you glowed.”
Tears rolled down her weathered cheeks from her shining eyes. She stroked Alexander’s platinum locks. “You remind me of him. With each passing day, I notice more and more similarities in your appearance, in the way you walk and talk to others. It also reminds me that he lives on in you, my son. There is no need to wind back the clock and suffer the same hurt. We must remember the good times and cherish what we have this day.”
Alexander lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I will do everything I can to protect you and give you a comfortable life.”
“I only want you to be happy. That alone will make me content.” His mother moved her hand and cupped his cheek.
Alexander leaned into her touch. He would keep his promises to her even if it killed him. With new-found determination, he smiled and ran out of the kitchen. He passed Leonid, who had a disapproving frown on his face. Alexander ignored the old man and stopped in front of the library. He fought to control his rapid breathing and swallowed before knocking on the door.
“What?” Yosef called from the other side.
“Sir, it’s me, Alexander,” he said in a trembling voice.
After a brief pause, Yosef called from the other side, inviting him in.
Alexander entered. The room felt cool since the fireplace remained lifeless. He squared his shoulders and waded further into the room.
“Sir, I know this is not something I have the right to ask you, but would you consider giving me a chance and allowing me to learn business at your store?”
Taken aback, Yosef’s eyes widened. Then, his expression quickly returned to being unreadable. His dark eyes bore into Alexander as if trying to find fault in him—and there were plenty. His attire was made up of cheap, baggy linen trousers, which he had mended too many times, and a low-grade brown cotton shirt. His shoes had holes in the soles and the sides.
Yosef let out a disappointed sigh. “Why do you want to learn business?”
“I feel I would be of more use to you and your family if I came to understand more about it,” Alexander replied.
“And do you believe that you do not understand us well enough after cleaning out our chamber pots, taking care of our horses, and watering our plants?”
Alexander nibbled on the inside of his right cheek as he evaluated his responses. Yosef was a smart man. On top of that, he was a businessman. Alexander overheard many heated conversations this man had with gentlemen who came to visit him. Yosef bowed to no one, not unless they were royalty. He held his head high and studied his opponent with the eyes of an eagle.
Forcibly, Alexander relaxed his body. He looked back into Yosef’s eyes—an action he knew was considered to be daring. “I value the life you have given me and my mother, sir. My only wish is to repay you in the best possible way. You do not have to raise my wage or provide anything else. I will work voluntarily and learn everything you are willing to teach me. I believe that my knowing such matters may improve your business. If it does not, then you may fire me from the store, and I will question my position no further.”
Yosef planted his elbows on the desk and rested his chin on his clasped hands. Time passed at an unnaturally slow pace, and Alexander felt the blood from his face retreating to his legs that seemed to choose this moment and pretend they were made of dough. He willed himself to remain upright. Everything hung on the next word from Yosef.
“Very well, Alexander. You have a deal. After my daughter departs for her studies, you may resume helping in the store. But I expect you to keep working here also. I do not want this chance to affect your work at home.”
Alexander wasn’t certain if he was standing in the library or still sleeping in his bed. If this was not reality, he certainly felt like it was a folktale. His heart was ready to burst out of his chest and dance on Yosef’s desk from the excitement that budded within him.
“You will not regret your decision, sir! I will take my leave.” Alexander bowed his head.
“Oh, and one more thing,” Yosef began, his dark eyes growing darker. “If you make a single error in either job, I will have you removed from here. Are you still eager to accept my offer?”
Speechless, Alexander stared at him. What would happen to his mother if he lost his job at this house? No. I cannot let these dark thoughts sway me. He had many reasons to continue down this path. Reasons he assured himself were for her benefit.
Alexander bowed his head again and smiled. “My father taught me to never back down from a challenge, and I intend to do just that. With your permission, of course.”
He left the library. A heavy feeling had settled in the pit of his stomach. Although he was trying to act tough in front of Yosef, this was not a game he played well. He stumbled to the nearest wall and slid to the ground. His body could no longer provide the strength he falsified earlier.
Faint feminine chatter came from the staircase. When he finally felt he was strong enough, he stood up and edged towards it.
Katharine was arguing with a red-faced maid on the landing. She pouted, turned on her heel, and descended. On the last step, she stumbled and fell into his arms.
“Oh my, I am awfully sorry,” Katharine said and shoved a piece of paper into his hand.
Alexander helped her down the last step and let go. “No need to apologise. I am glad I could be a wall that kept you from hurting yourself.”
Katharine giggled lightly. Her small hand once more created a barrier that muffled the sound.
The maid rushed down the steps after Katharine, her skirts were kicked around as if attempting an erratic jig. “Lady Katharine, are you hurt? Should we see a doctor?”
Katharine glared at her. “Would Papa permit me to stay if I broke my neck?”
The young woman stumbled over her words, too flustered to form a reply.
Katharine rolled her eyes. “I doubt it also.” She purposely marched away.
Grinning, Alexander lifted his hand and studied the piece of paper she had left with him. He unfolded it and silently thanked his father for teaching him to read.
Meet me at the market at five o’clock. I will rid myself of the spy my father assigned to me and se
e you near the apple stall. You know, next to the woman with the most stupendous wart on her nose.
Your love,
Katharine
CHAPTER 4
Alexander ran through the streets of Moscow. The sun was high up in the sky, warming his already sweltering body. The dust in the air and the damp locks of his platinum hair clung to his sweaty face. He would give anything for a pair of trousers that did not have patches and holes in them or a new set of shirts. He spied the market stalls ahead and a smile appeared on his face.
He brushed past a few people, absently mumbling an apology each time. When he reached the apple stand, he bent over and grasped his knees as he pumped his lungs full of oxygen with large gulps of air. Curious bystanders eyed his arrival with much suspicion.
“Did Leonid chase you with a broom?” Katharine’s soft voice came from beside him. She had a dark brown shawl covering her head and—much to Alexander’s disappointment—it hid most of her features.
Alexander, still panting, grinned. “I must correct you. It was a dirty cloth and, with much luck, I managed to outrun the old bat.”
Katharine giggled. “I love your jests. They always make me laugh.”
“As your loyal servant, it pleases me that I am fulfilling my duties to the fullest,” Alexander said, straightening up.
She patted him on the shoulder. “Come. Let us find a quiet spot in the park.”
She looked around before she started making her way through the crowd.
Alexander followed her with haste. He pushed to stand next to her. Her small shoulder brushed his arm, and he smiled to himself. Being this close to her felt as if God was rewarding him for some virtuous deed he had done in his past life.
“So what made you want to meet with me?” he asked.
Katharine lowered her head, focusing her attention on the footpath. “I am furious with my father. He made all decisions by himself without consulting me on whether or not I wished to be wed to some pompous aristocrat.”
“What if he is not pompous at all? What if he turns out to be a gent of the highest quality?”
Katharine snorted. She immediately covered up her mouth with her hand and scanned his face with surprise in her green eyes. “I did not mean to do that…”
“I won’t tell a soul.” He winked.
“You are too kind.”
They finally broke through the crowd, crossed the road, and entered the park. The trees swayed lightly with the caresses of the wind. White puffy clouds drifted across the sky at a leisurely pace.
“Kindness has nothing to do with it, I assure you.”
She stopped and faced him. “Is it love, perhaps?”
Alexander’s face heated. This time, the rays of the sun had not been the culprit. He lowered his eyes, studying the dirt trail they stood on. He opened his mouth to speak when she took his hand and pulled him to sit in the shadow of an old chestnut tree.
“Do not look so frightened. You do not need to answer,” she added.
Alexander took her hand in his. “I harbour feelings I should not, of that I am certain. But for now, I do not have a title or wealth that I could use to support you.”
“Did I ask for a title or vast holdings? I believe it is what’s inside one’s heart that matters most. I do not wish to be like my friends, in a loveless marriage where they are surrounded by servants all day because their husbands are too busy to spare them a moment.”
Alexander entwined their fingers. He raised her hand and kissed her knuckles, one at a time. “I am certain that whoever is your future partner, he will be unable to take his eyes off you.”
Katharine nibbled on her plump lower lip. She used her free hand and tugged her shawl down. Like a siren calling her sailor, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.
Alexander’s breath caught in his throat. The warmth of her soft lips threw more coal into the engine that was his heart. She opened her mouth only a little. Her tongue traced his with deliberate slowness, and he grunted.
He broke the kiss. “If your father finds out, you will be whipped until dawn and I banished from his home with half my bones intact.”
“Hush, Alexander. Put those worries aside and kiss me. Show me how much you love me.”
The voice of reason in his head was silenced once more. He grabbed her head with both hands and drew her into a hot, passionate kiss. His pulse elevated, driven by the adrenaline as he feared the worst. His breathing mingled with hers while their lips and tongues melded together as if trying to become one.
He pulled away, and she smiled at him.
“I have thought of a way out,” she told him.
“I hope your machinations have more to do with what happened mere second ago,” he teased.
She schooled her face into a serious expression. “We could run away together. I have no qualms about leaving my father and his cold household. We could—”
Alexander shook his head. “I’m sorry. I cannot leave my mother behind. Yosef and Leonid would not hold back their anger, and she is too frail to withstand it.”
She seemed thoughtful for a moment. “We could take her with us.”
“She would not support this course of action, but I will do this…” He shifted so that he was kneeling on one knee in front of her. Alexander took her hand again and touched her knuckles to his forehead. “Until you return from your studies, I will do my utmost best in gaining your father’s approval.”
“He would never—”
“He made a deal with me. I can learn business at his store as long as I can do two jobs at once.”
Katharine brushed his hair with her hand, which made him look at her. “Very well, Alexander. I will trust you. But believe me when I say that my father will do anything to make you fail.”
“Oh, I am counting on it.”
The week flew by, and Katharine was ordered to remain in her room after Yosef found out that she had abandoned her maid in a tea house. Although her father threatened to beat the answer out of his daughter, she kept the secret of their meeting hidden. Alexander was glad Yosef’s wife cared greatly for Katharine’s health and could pacify the anger in her husband with a few words.
Alexander placed Katharine’s trunk at the back of the carriage and secured it with ropes. Looking to the entrance of the mansion, he saw everyone, with the exception of the servants, standing outside. Katharine was weeping into her mother’s chest.
Her father rolled his eyes and tapped his daughter on the shoulder. “Your tears will not get you anywhere. Hurry up and get in the carriage.”
Katharine glared at him. “Oh, Papa, you have great tact when it comes to women.”
“I hear no complaints from your mother,” he grumbled.
Katharine wiped her face with a rose handkerchief. “Mama is too good for you!”
“I am anticipating the peace this household will have for a year,” Yosef replied.
Karina scowled at Yosef. “Tell your darling daughter the truth—that you will miss her and wish her to be well.”
Yosef pouted. “If my darling wife says so, I guess I must.”
Alexander cleared his throat. “Sir, Lady Katharine’s belongings have been placed in the carriage.”
Yosef nodded. “Good. Now, daughter, go and do not disappoint or disgrace your family while you are away from home.”
“Oh, I don’t know, Papa. I was planning on eating as much as possible. In four seasons, I should be larger than a horse.”
“Then I will ask your instructors to make you run in the field all day whilst carrying a man on your back since that is what the horses do best.”
Katharine glowered at her father and marched to the carriage. She waved to everyone and shot her father one last glare before climbing inside and closing the door behind her.
The carriage rode away with the sound of hooves hitting the cobbled ground. Alexander silently said his goodbye and started his retreat to the house.
Yosef grasped his elbow. “I believe there are
matters we must discuss.”
“As you wish.” Alexander bowed his head and followed him to the stables.
“Get out two horses. We will go to my store today,” Yosef announced.
“At once, sir!” Alexander almost skipped into the stables. He saddled both horses—one of which was Yosef’s favourite—and led them outside. He handed the reins of an ivory steed to Yosef.
His master nodded and mounted the horse with little effort. For a man of forty and nine, Yosef was very virile.
Alexander awkwardly climbed onto the back of a grey horse with a large black patch on his nose.
“Have you ridden a horse before?” Yosef asked.
Alexander shook his head. “I have looked after them but never had the pleasure or permission to saddle the beast before.”
Yosef chuckled. “Then you should follow my lead.” He shifted his hips and squeezed the horse with his calves, prompting it to move.
Alexander eyed the animal beneath him with warmth and followed his master’s lead. He whispered to the horse, “Thank heavens my father taught me to ride in secret, eh?”
Yosef’s business was a popular tea house on Sofiyska nabereszna with a perfect view of the Moscow River. The street bustled with energy. Many workers busied themselves with unloading cargo ships. Right behind the store was the storage room where all of the imported goods were kept. Yosef had one man on guard at all times, keeping watch for thieves.
Alexander tied the horses to a post next to the storage room. Yosef was already inside when he entered the tea house. The ground floor was divided into a store and a tea house for the local populace to enjoy a cup of the finest imported teas. There were five tables thoughtfully arranged next to spotless windows. The flooring was an expensive lacquered beech and the furniture was fit for nobles and certainly not the hardworking men outside.
“Quit dawdling, Alexander, and come here,” Yosef ordered from behind the counter.
Alexander approached him and studied the man standing next to his master. He was youthful, perhaps thirty years of age. He had short chestnut hair and striking blue eyes.
Alexander: Memoirs (A Vampire In Love Book 1) Page 3
