Daughter of the Raven

by Cherime MacFarlane

  The young mother suddenly stopped speaking. Camille recalled there was a great deal Leontine had no knowledge of and Camille had no plans to enlighten her. "More than I wished to pay. Not to worry Leontine, I shall not be shocking society and in the event I do, there is always Seattle or Bressoff Island for me to return to.

  Leontine caught her niece's slip. "I think you and I need to have a long heart to heart very soon, Camille. I get the feeling there is quite a bit I have missed in your life."

  "Yes, soon. In the meantime we need to see about making ourselves ready for this evening's entertainment." Camille deliberately changed the subject. She had no intention of becoming embroiled in a long airing of past events. Such a discussion might open wounds which needed to stay closed, permanently.

  The entire household settled in for a short afternoon nap when Lexie did. It was likely to be a long night. Dmitri and Camille met on the landing after Camille had tucked their daughter in. Entering the room, the couple quietly closed the door behind them.

  "Is she settled in?" Dmitri inquired as Camille removed her hairpins.

  "She is likely to be asleep for an hour or so. Anya is the one who is probably not going to rest before the party. She is very restless. Anya said something about feeling as if something momentous was about to happen."

  Dmitri picked up his wife's hairbrush from the dressing table. Moving to stand behind her, he began to brush out Camille's long hair. "Interesting. We shall see."

  She closed her eyes, letting the rhythm of his strokes soothe her. "What is this I hear about an Australian crash? As I recall you have some investment there, do you not?"

  "Humm, now where did you hear that my love?" He continued to run the brush through her dark hair.

  "I caught a glimpse of Samuel's newspaper." Camille tipped her head back.

  "You did see it correctly and we do have some investment there. However, I do not think we will be impacted as much as others. The smaller businessmen and shop owners will be the hardest hit."

  Dmitri put down the hairbrush and tilted her head back to kiss her.

  Camille opened her eyes as she smiled up at him. "So what are we to do? Is there anything to be done?"

  "You continually amaze me! How do you expect me to talk of financial matters when all I wish to do is kiss you?" Dmitri tugged Camille up into his arms. "And kiss you." He kissed her while running his hands down her arms. "And begin again where I started."

  "I cannot help it if you married a school teacher. We must keep on acquiring knowledge. Furthermore, I had to do something to stay ahead of Stanislaus." Camille smiled at her husband.

  "Stanislaus! I almost forgot. He is now in town and will be meeting us at this thoroughly aggravating party. One I would much rather miss, providing I could have you for company."

  Camille put her hands around his neck and leaned back, allowing his arms to take her weight. "Unfortunately, Anya would mutiny if we missed this party. However, I really do not think I want a nap. I prefer your method of relaxing, cher."

  Dmitri lifted her into his arms. "I am very happy to hear it, moy sladkiy." He deposited her on the big bed. Sleep would come later, loving was far more pleasurable than napping.

  Anya put on the aqua colored silk gown. She buttoned it up as far as she could reach. With her arms out at her sides she practiced waltz steps, then the two step. Finally, she was going to a real ball! It was going to be so much fun. She could not even begin to imagine how entertaining this was going to be. There were sure to be other young people there.

  Standing still for a moment, Anya reviewed what would be expected of her. This sudden entry into Polite Society did not come without its dangers. Leontine's comment about being ostracized simply for appearing out when pregnancy became visible, was sobering.

  For many years now, Camille had been telling Anya she would need to curb her impetuous nature if she were to survive in this other world. While they were driving to the event, she would ask Camille for a short refresher course.

  This could well be the start of her life. Up until now it had been too quiet. Perhaps now, her father would see fit to send her on a tour of Europe. She could not go on her own and would need a suitable companion. That requirement might pose a problem. Camille with small children, could not accompany her on a tour. Her step-mother probably would not be willing to leave her father in any event.

  Leontine was now pregnant, a condition which would certainly end her availability as well. It was an absolute certainty her father was not going anywhere any time soon. He had become such a homebody, Anya often despaired of getting him as far as Sitka. Once more, Anya began to dance to music that was only in her head and heart. It would all work out somehow, she would see to it.

  Stanislaus made his preparations for the party. Being invited to attend with the Bressoff family filled him with anticipation, as he would be seeing Anya. He smiled at his reflection in the mirror after shaving. Stanislaus knew he was out of fashion by not sporting either mustache or beard. It did not matter as he would never be in fashion.

  He was far too tall and far too broad of shoulder to be looked on in polite society as "fashionable". His wavy light brown hair did not lie nicely on his head unless he pomaded it down as if glued. Applying the preparation was far too much bother.

  Turning sideways in the mirror, he glanced at the shoulder seams of his 1evening suit. The tailor had finally gotten his measurements correct. Nothing seemed to be strained. The suit was a necessity. For day to day matters, he preferred the sack suit. Those he would be dealing with in the business arena would not have the luxury of being choosy regarding his appearance. Stanislaus would have much preferred a wool shirt, jeans and boots.

  In evening dress, he felt somewhat like an over decorated floosy. But it was something he would endure in order to partner with Anya at this gathering. A waltz with Anya would be more than enough payment for having to be oh so polite, to some people he had little or no regard for.

  Dmitri and Camille were a different matter entirely. Stanislaus had always regarded them more as an aunt and uncle than employers. The Count and his father had been fur hunters together when both very young men.

  Camille had gone out of her way to give him the best education of any child in the village. After the horrible confrontation with Ooskada when Ooskada attempted to kill Camille, Dmitri did everything possible for him.

  To his mind, he had only been doing what Dmitri asked, protecting the family. The knife wound from Ooskada left only a small scar. Something which did not bother him in the slightest.

  Stanislaus was in San Francisco at the request of Dmitri. He would be taking a job with a branch of the Count's company. Finally, he would be putting the knowledge he had been soaking up for years, into practice. That part of the assignment he was looking forward to. Dmitri did warn him there would be an occasional social function to attend. Stanislaus did not look forward to the obligatory socializing. But waltzing with Anya, was an opportunity he prized!

  "Come now Father. This is just a little backwoods gathering in the Wild West. How on earth do you think it could have any bearing on my career?"

  Charles Keetering stood combing his hair in the hall mirror. He supposed he had to attend the silly party. Attending the small gathering being given by a school chum was his preferred entertainment. It was a private party as well, but in a much less exclusive atmosphere. He fully expected there would be some ladies there of less than stellar virtue and therefore, a great deal more fun.

  "You have not changed your mind regarding the position in the US legation in Russia?" His father inquired.

  "Certainly not! I am quite looking forward to it. It could well be a springboard to a lucrative political position."

  "Since you are such a scholar, as well as an expert on Russian matters, then I should not need to tell you a very important person will be at the party."

  The younger man raised one eyebrow in a well practiced gesture of inquiry.

  "Count Dmitri Bress
off is to be there. And I understand his family, including a daughter, is attending as well. You might find the daughter interesting. Marriage to a member of the Russian aristocracy would be a plus."

  "I am not interested in chaining myself to some flat faced, blonde hulk of a woman for the balance of my life, no matter what her antecedents!" Charles informed his father.

  "My source tells me the Count is very wealthy. I was given to understand the girl is quite lovely." The elder Keetering responded to his only son as he checked his watch.

  The young man turned back to the mirror to pat his chestnut hair. With the finger of one hand, Charles made sure his mustache lay properly. "Well, where has the good Count been keeping this marvel of young womanhood secreted?"

  "In Alaska, my boy. They are only in San Francisco on a visit to his wife's family. They do have a home in Sitka. He owns an entire island along with several estates in the Mother Land."

  Charles shot his cuffs out, before checking to make sure his cuff links were properly aligned. "It all resembles a fairy tale, but we shall see. Let me warn you however, if the lay of the land is not good, I intend to make an early escape."

  "You have an agreement." The older man nodded his head. "I assume we will be taking separate transportation?

  "Indeed Father." He made a quick bow, then motioned for his father to proceed him.

  Charles dallied somewhat allowing his parents to reach the party before him. If he gave his mother at least a half hour, she would be able to point everyone out to him in short order. He would decide his course of action from that point.

  After providing his invitation to the servant at the door, Charles went in search of his mother. As expected, she was in close proximity to the punch bowl. Mrs. Keetering had already taken stock of the partygoers.

  "Well Mother, where are the distinguished Count and his offspring to be found."

  "Now Charles!" His mother grimaced at his bored tone. "There, the tall blonde man with the eye patch is the Count. The woman on his arm, is his wife. His daughter is dancing with the very large gentleman, over there."

  Not having much interest in the Count, Charles looked for the girl. When the large man twirled her around, Charles suddenly knew he was going no where else until he had made her acquaintance.

  This was a fairy tale and he had discovered a real life fairy. It did not matter to him that she was taller than most of the other women in the room. She was slim and delicate. The aqua color of the gown was the perfect foil for the lovely mass of dark red hair. He had a deep urge to discover the color of her slightly almond shaped eyes. Her face was heart shaped which added to the overall impression of a fairy or pixie.

  The man she was dancing with was head and shoulders above her. He was massively built. Charles dismissed him as nothing, but bone and muscle. The two of them were laughing. If her partner were not so large, he would attempt to cut in. Charles restrained his first impulse, deciding to wait until the next dance to approach her.

  Stanislaus was as happy as it was possible to be. He and Anya had actually danced three times. He believed he had surprised her with his level of competence. They had been making light conversation when Stanislaus had the distinct impression he was being watched.

  Glancing around, he noted the man in the area near the punch bowl. Indeed, he was watching Anya. The intent look on the face of the chestnut haired man reminded him of a predator. Stanislaus had a distinct urge to place Anya behind him, out of sight.

  Whoever the man was, Stanislaus took an instant and deep rooted dislike to him. Anya did not notice his intense scrutiny. Stanislaus knew the next dance would find Anya in that one's arms and not his. The evening had suddenly gone sour.

  Camille and Dmitri had danced a few waltzes but none of the two steps. They were watching Anya sparkle and shine. She and Stanislaus were obviously having a good time.

  It was Camille who pointed out the young man to Dmitri. "Over there Dmitri." Camille lifted her face toward him as she tapped her chin with her fan. She tipped the end of the fan toward the punch bowl.

  "That young man has been staring at Anya and Stanislaus for the entire dance."

  Dmitri turned to get a good look at the individual Camille indicated with her fan. "The chestnut haired fellow?"

  "The very one." Camille wondered who he might be. Leontine would likely know. "Let us find Leontine. She will surely know who this young man might be."

  They strolled around the edge of the dance floor until Dmitri spotted Samuel and Leontine. Camille used her fan to shield her question from prying eyes.

  "Leontine. The young man standing beside the lady in the blue dress, might you know who he is?"

  "Where? Oh, over there! That is Charles Keetering. His mother is next to him. Why do you ask?" Leontine inquired.

  "He has been staring at Anya in entirely too obvious a fashion. What do you know of him?"

  "Anya should be quite alright with him. He comes from a good family. His father is an attorney. His mother serves on several charity boards."

  Dmitri's eye was on Anya and Stanislaus. As the dance ended, the Keetering fellow cut across the floor at an angle with the clear intention of cutting the couple off before they reached the spot where Dmitri and Camille had been standing. He watched, as Keetering with one hand in his pocket, stuck his other hand out toward Stanislaus. He was clearly cutting in.

  Stanislaus looked around the crowd and caught Dmitri's eye. The look on his employee's face told Dmitri what he had suspected for some time, was true. Stanislaus was in love with Anya. Anya however, did not return his affection in the way the boy would have wanted.

  She looked on him as a big brother, her protector and friend. Dmitri felt a pang of sorrow for Stanislaus. It was hell to know the one you adored did not feel the same about you.

  Camille watched the small vignette unfold. Anya had turned into a beautiful young woman. Camille wondered if she truly knew her own heart. For a moment Camille deeply regretted coming to San Francisco. But, there was nothing to be done about it at this point. Leontine needed her and that was that. Whatever came of tonight, the wheel of fortune was spinning. Anya's words came back to her. Indeed, something momentous had happened.

  "Good evening sir, I am Charles Keetering. I have not had the pleasure of being introduced to you and your lovely companion." Charles thrust out his hand.

  Stanislaus had no choice but to politely respond. "Stanislaus Rakov. My companion is Anya Bressoff."

  Charles took both of Anya's hands in his. "I am so very pleased to meet you."

  Stanislaus reluctantly walked away. Keetering had captivated Anya.

  Dmitri watched Keetering preen as he turned on the charm. Anya was immediately smitten, Dmitri stifled a groan. San Francisco was not going to be a good experience.

  Camille's gaze flitted from Stanislaus to Anya and back again. Keetering had Anya back on the dance floor as soon as the music resumed.

  Stanislaus quickly made his way over to Dmitri and Camille. The young man mumbled it was time he was going. He pled the necessity of having to rise early for work. Camille squeezed Dmitri's arm as they watched Rakov leave the field. Keetering had him outgunned and he knew it. He had lost her.

  Anya felt her world had suddenly taken on unlimited dimensions. Charles spun and twirled her to the music. She was not sure if she would ever recover from this totally enchanting night. Attentive, he assured her she was the most beautiful woman at the party.

  Charles fetched glasses of punch before escorting her to the garden. There, he carefully draped her wrap around her. The young man inquired if it would be possible to call on her the following evening. Anya agreed. He was a dream come true, her every fantasy come to life. Anya left the party head over heels in love.

  Charles Keetering left the party with Anya's address tucked safely in his inside pocket. It had not taken any effort at all. It was time to enjoy a bit of hell raising with his friends. Anya Bressoff was his territory now. If no terrible secrets emerged regar
ding her background or health, a wedding could well be in the offing.

  She would do well as the mistress of his house and mother of his children. The absolute best would be if she could be an adequate bed partner too. In the event she was not, there were other places for a man to find what he wanted.

  At this moment, he felt an urge for a bit of fun. All the waltzing had given him a need which required release. Quite sure the private party put on by his friends was still going, Charles was determined to attend. He would give everyone a good laugh. Charles Keetering had chosen his bride.

  Having already looked in on the children, Camille sat on the side of the big bed her hands in Dmitri's. "Did we really witness Anya falling in love this evening? Is that what happened tonight?"

  Dmitri shook his head. "I wonder about the young man. Regardless of Leontine's assertions to the contrary, there is something about him ....He does not appear genuine."

  Camille leaned against Dmitri's shoulder. "It was as if he were acting a part in a play. Unfortunately, Anya has no doubt he is her dream come true."

  Dmitri sighed. "Leontine needs you. She is a bit old to be carrying a child. It could be hard on her. If it were not for her, I would pack up. We would all be on the next vessel north."

  "And likely without Anya. She would not go easily and ......"

  Dmitri shook his head. "Come, dearest, all the worrying in the world is not going to make a difference tonight. We need to rest."

  The very next day a large bouquet of roses arrived for Anya. In the evening, Charles made an appearance. The following day it was a carriage ride and the day after that, a basket of fruit arrived. Evening found Charles paying another visit to Anya.

  Dmitri came to hate the sound of the name, 'Charles'. Camille attempted to talk with Anya regarding their mutual likes and dislikes, trying to discover if they were at all compatible. All Anya could talk of was his plans for the future.