The Amber Keeper

by Freda Lightfoot

  And there they all were, a dozen or so young women gathered in the vestibule area, all welcoming me with smiles, and lots of hugs and kisses. As they quickly took my coat and settled me into a chair with a cup of tea and a bun, I instantly felt as if I was among friends.

  ‘No picnics at this time of year, sadly, but there are one or two concerts lined up. Even the odd bridge night. And the Christmas party, of course. Plenty of fun to look forward to,’ a blonde-haired young woman who introduced herself as Ivy, assured me.

  ‘Are you musical? If so then don’t bother to join the choir as it seems to be a requirement that members should not be able to sing,’ another warned.

  Everyone laughed, seeming to think this highly amusing.

  ‘I doubt I shall have much time to join anything. The Countess and the children keep me pretty busy.’

  ‘Oh, do make sure you get it written down what time off you are to be allowed.’

  ‘And when you are to be paid,’ another girl added. ‘Employers in financial difficulties can put off paying your wages, which isn’t right at all.’

  ‘The Belinskys are definitely not in any financial difficulties,’ I hastened to assure them. ‘I’m sure everything will be fine, once I’ve settled into a routine. But first I have to organise the refurbishment of the schoolroom.’ I went on to explain how the Countess wanted it to be in English style, so more advice followed on how best to achieve this in Russia. The most useful information came from Ruth.

  ‘I can certainly recommend a good carpenter to build the toy cupboard and everything you need. Stefan attends here regularly as his own mother came over last century to work as a governess herself for a Russian factory owner. She eventually married one of the employees. He’s bilingual and feels very much a part of the English community. He might well be around this afternoon. We’ll go and look for him after we’ve had tea.’

  I set down my cup and saucer. ‘Perhaps we should look now as I really should be getting back.’

  We found the young man in question and Ruth quickly explained my need for a good carpenter. He was tall and lean with well-muscled shoulders, red-brown hair and only the finest bristle of a moustache on his upper lip, rather than the heavy beard that was considered fashionable. I thought him rather good-looking.

  ‘So you work for Count Belinsky? Interesting. He is said to have considerable influence with the Tsar.’

  ‘That’s not what I’ve heard.’ I remembered the conversation over afternoon tea when the Count had spoken of the bullying uncles.

  ‘Oh, so he tells you his secrets, does he?’

  ‘That’s not what I meant.’

  ‘Ah, so you were listening in to a conversation? That’s interesting too.’

  My cheeks grew warm, and, noticing my embarrassment, he laughed out loud. But I could hardly deny it to be true.

  ‘Stop teasing her, Stefan.’ Ruth chided him. ‘We all hear things we shouldn’t. It’s part of life in service, as you well know. And Count Belinsky is a very important minister.’

  ‘He’s certainly that,’ he agreed. ‘Although whether I’m prepared to work for a member of the rich aristocracy is open to question.’

  The man was beginning to irritate me but, stiffening my resolve, I looked him straight in the eye. They were a fascinating greeny-blue, sparkling brightly as if he was finding this entire conversation hugely entertaining. ‘It’s the Countess who has ordered this work, but if you’re not interested then I’m sure I can find another carpenter, equally good.’

  ‘I very much doubt that. I’m the best there is.’

  ‘Oh, and do you have any references to that effect?’ I must have sounded rather haughty, for he laughed all the more.

  ‘I can provide any number, should they be necessary.’

  ‘It is not I who will require it, but her ladyship may well demand assurance of your . . .’

  ‘. . . competence? Can it even be in doubt?’

  I almost wanted to slap his arrogant face, and was grateful when Ruth again intervened with a chuckle. ‘Do behave, Stefan. Millie is only doing her job as well as she can, otherwise she might lose it.’

  He sobered instantly and, giving a little bow of the head, agreed to come round to the Belinskys’ flat the very next day to discuss what was required. I was glad to make my escape. But there was something about the way his eyes followed me as I left the building that set my heart beating just a little faster.

  The next morning, shortly after breakfast, I was summoned by the Countess to her boudoir. I knocked politely on the door, waiting for almost ten minutes before receiving permission to enter.

  She coldly looked me over with a narrowing of her dark eyes. ‘It was brought to my attention that you went out yesterday, without permission.’

  ‘O-oh, I didn’t realise that was a requirement,’ I stammered, realising at once my mistake.

  ‘You do nothing without my agreement. Is that understood? You are certainly not employed to dawdle with this new friend of yours.’

  ‘I beg your pardon, your ladyship, I will remember that in future.’ I fell silent, lost in a maelstrom of self-doubt and guilt. Then, dipping a curtsey, I folded my hands neatly at my waist and began a pre-rehearsed speech. ‘With regard to my time off, milady, such details were not properly settled when we were in Carreckwater, so perhaps we should discuss the matter now.’ What was it about this independent streak of mine that always led me into trouble?

  ‘You will be available for my children at all times. Once they are in bed and asleep then you are free to occupy yourself as you wish, or simply go to bed.’

  This gave me pause. ‘I’m sorry, milady, I don’t quite understand. So when is my day off, exactly?’

  ‘I may agree to grant you a free afternoon, perhaps a few months from now when you’ve proved yourself. Time off needs to be earned.’

  ‘But that cannot be right,’ I protested, beginning to feel very slightly cross. ‘I sincerely apologise for making the mistake of going shopping, albeit for a few essential items, without permission. I did, however, arrange for Nyanushki to look after the children, and every employed person deserves some respite in the form of a day off.’

  Her lovely dark eyes widened at my temerity in daring to challenge her. ‘You are under my rule here and will do as I say.’

  My heart sank to my new boots. How very naïve of me not to settle such matters before I even accepted the Countess’s offer of employment. Had I been flattered, or too eager for the opportunity to travel to properly protect myself? It was rather late in the day to be thinking of the right questions now. Nevertheless, I was determined to stand up for myself and not be bullied. ‘I came to work for you in all good faith, your ladyship. I trusted you, not for a moment thinking you would let me down and deny me my rights.’

  ‘How dare you suggest such a thing! What rights can you possibly have when you are little better than a peasant?’

  I almost gasped out loud at this, though wisely held my shock in check, attempting to maintain my dignity as I carefully responded. ‘I know my rights because my parents too were in service, but in no way could they be classed as peasants.’

  She gave a little shrug of her shoulders, elegantly draped in a peignoir, as if my background were of no account or interest to her. ‘If you’re not satisfied, you could always find employment elsewhere, assuming I were to provide you with the necessary reference.’

  ‘I’m sure I’d find no difficulty in securing a new position,’ I rather recklessly remarked. What was I thinking of? This wasn’t England, and apart from Ruth I knew not a soul, couldn’t even speak the language, so how could I simply walk away if the terms weren’t right? Yet I bravely stuck to my point. ‘I already have an excellent reference, from Lady Rumsley. However, I hope that won’t be necessary since I’m quite sure we can come to an acceptable agreement, if only for the sake of the childr
en. Speaking of the children, while visiting the British and American chapel yesterday I was introduced to a good carpenter. He will be calling later today to receive instruction on what is required for the schoolroom. Would your ladyship wish to be present?’

  Her silence now almost froze me more than the Baltic winds, but then she suddenly put back her head and laughed out loud, a brittle sound with little humour in it, but nonetheless a relief.

  ‘Indeed not. That is your job, as I have already informed you. I have better things to do with my time.’

  ‘As you wish, milady. Can we agree, then, that I have Wednesday afternoons off so that I might meet up with the other British governesses at the British and American chapel? And perhaps every other Sunday?’

  She let out a heavy sigh. ‘Very well. That will do for the present.’ And with a wave of her hand, she dismissed me.

  I dipped a curtsey, thankful that in the end common sense had prevailed. But as I quietly closed the door I felt no sense of triumph at this apparent success. Countess Belinsky was the kind of autocrat who would not easily tolerate a challenge to her authority, not without some form of redress.

  ‘I’m delighted that I won the issue over a day off as I need to be relieved of duties every now and then,’ I said to Nyanushki. ‘Once I’ve got the children to bed, I’m usually exhausted.’

  ‘I could do with a bit more rest myself. The children do at least go to bed early, unlike Madame. She loves a good story and when her eyes tire of reading she falls into bed and hands the book over to me. I’m often reading to her till after two in the morning and I’m fair worn out. But while she can sleep in till midday, I still have to be up by six to help the Countess dress, since she has no lady’s maid at present. How many pairs of hands do I have, I wonder? Nowhere near enough.’

  I laughed out loud, giving the old nanny a warm hug. ‘Then let me help. Some nights you can read to the children and go to bed early, and I’ll sit up with Madame.’

  Nyanushki readily agreed to this arrangement, and I too would be glad of a change of activity.

  Raisa Ilyinsky, the Countess’s mother, or Babushka as the children affectionately called her, lived very independently, spending her evenings quietly with little company besides the old nanny and the occasional visit from a friend. There were none of the silk draperies or gilt framing so beloved by her daughter in the dowager’s rooms. Her part of the flat was very simply furnished in chintz with maroon brocade curtains, cosy and comfortable, almost English in style save for a collection of Fabergé eggs. She would sit reading long into the evening by the light of a spirit lamp that stood on a round mahogany table she always kept at her side.

  On my first visit I offered to read Jane Eyre. ‘It’s quite a favourite of mine and I thought you might enjoy it too, Madame.’

  ‘I’m sure I shall. I’m also fond of Dickens. Did you bring any of those with you?’

  ‘I have The Old Curiosity Shop, and David Copperfield.’

  This news brought forth a beaming smile. ‘Lovely. I think our tastes will prove to be quite similar. Sadly, many of my friends are no longer with us, so I shall enjoy your company. It will make a pleasant change from Klara’s moans and groans.’ This comment was softened with a little chuckle, as if to make it clear she was quite fond of her old companion. ‘Are you settling in all right?’

  I kept my expression bland as I assured the old lady that I was most content in my new position.

  ‘I’m relieved to hear it. My daughter can be a difficult woman. She always was a handful, even as a small child. What of your own childhood?’

  I explained that my mother was French, and that a busy lady’s maid she worked long hours, as did my father acting as chauffeur for Lord Lonsdale. ‘I was often left in my grandmother’s care. She was an old fashioned Methodist with very firm ideas of what was right and proper, but I enjoyed a most happy childhood. I do hope to provide that same love and support for Master Serge and Miss Irina.’

  ‘I’m sure you will, dear girl, but do not make the mistake of spoiling them. Children need proper boundaries set. Olga too spent a great deal of time being cared for by others and I made the mistake of spoiling her out of guilt, feeling I was neglecting her. It may surprise you to know that even aristocrats have duties and responsibilities they do not always welcome.’

  ‘Oh, I’m sure you do,’ I hastened to say.

  ‘I acted as lady-in-waiting for the Tsar’s mother, Maria Feodorovna, for many years. There were dozens of us but it was demanding work. Oh, but how I loved to see the Cossacks lead the Empress down the long gallery in her full Russian costume with red velvet and gold train, ablaze with jewels, her maids of honour all dressed in pale blue velvet. Even the room itself glittered with gold, lined with glorious works of art and vases filled with flowers.’ She was looking quite misty-eyed at the memory. ‘The splendour of old Russia was a sight to see.’

  ‘It must have been quite magnificent.’

  ‘I even accompanied the Empress to England on one occasion when she visited her sister Princess Alexandra, who married your King Edward VII. It was lovely to see the two sisters delighting in each other’s company. They remain close to this day.’

  ‘Is that how you learned your perfect English?’

  Babushka smiled. ‘I’m flattered by the compliment, but yes, I suppose it must be. Maria Feodorovna was a Danish princess called Dagmar, who was originally to marry her husband’s brother. Tragically, he died and she and Sasha, which is what she called Alexander, grew close as they both grieved for the loss of the young man they both adored. Then they fell in love and married, very much in keeping with their parents’ wishes.’

  ‘How romantic.’

  ‘Oh, it was indeed. She even changed her religion for him. They were ever a devoted couple but their children, Nicholas and his siblings, were raised some distance from the court and St Petersburg. It was an isolated childhood with little in the way of culture or high society, which is probably why the Tsar still prefers a quiet life in the country.’

  ‘Is that a bad thing?’ I asked, fascinated by what she was telling me.

  ‘In some respects perhaps not, yet it would have benefited Nicky to be a little more cosmopolitan, and more aware of how many of his subjects depend upon the land for their living, struggle to pay their taxes and are not even literate.’

  ‘It is not always a good thing to spoil children, I agree,’ I said, thinking of Serge. ‘Although you cannot spoil them with too much love, only in how you present it, I suppose.’

  ‘Maria Feodorovna was devoted to her children but made the mistake of secluding them in a sheltered world where they saw few people beyond servants and their precious pets. Alexander too adored his children but again was over-protective, insisting upon a strict routine that never allowed them to gain confidence or think for themselves. As a consequence Nicholas was never properly prepared for the task fate assigned him following his father’s death. Bringing children up in the real world is vital, do you not think?’

  I nodded. ‘I’m sure you’re right, Madame. Do I understand that you are advising me to be firm with Serge and Irina, but also to provide them with wide experiences and a good education?’

  ‘That is exactly what I’m saying, dear girl. I believe we made the same mistake with Olga, partly because she was our only surviving child, three having died within months of their birth.’

  ‘Oh, I’m so sorry. That must have been hard to bear.’

  ‘It made us spoil her dreadfully. My darling husband was so rich he simply allowed our beautiful daughter to have whatever she desired. In retrospect, it was not such a good idea, as greed and desire often overtake common sense, certainly in Olga’s case. We were delighted when she set her sights on the Count, believing it to be a love match, but it was his title she’d fallen in love with, and his wealth.’ The old lady gave a long-drawn out sigh. ‘Now history is repeatin
g itself with Serge, although so far as Irina is concerned, a little more attention would not come amiss.’

  I could hardly believe that she’d actually admitted the Countess’s affection for her daughter was somewhat lacking, but I made no comment.

  Leaning closer, the old lady whispered, ‘Serge is a practical joker, rather like the Tsar’s younger brother George. Do keep a close watch on the boy in case he gets up to his tricks.’

  I gave a wry smile. ‘I’ve learned to do that already.’

  ‘Excellent. Then I think you’ll do well, dear girl. Now if you would make me a cup of hot chocolate we’ll settle down with Jane Eyre. Oh, and do call me Babushka. I much prefer it to Madame.’

  Spending an evening with the dowager had taught me a great deal, and given a much-needed boost to my confidence.

  ELEVEN

  Stefan the carpenter came, as promised, and I showed him the shabby state of the schoolroom, the overflowing toy box and toys scattered about the floor. ‘As you can see, it is rather urgent as we have nowhere to put anything. The children also need a desk each, and shelves for the books I brought out for them to read.’

  ‘Very well, I’ll start tomorrow.’

  ‘Oh, that would be wonderful, Mr . . . ?’

  He grinned, his eyes holding mine for a moment longer than quite seemly, that familiar challenge sparking in their green-grey depths. ‘Kovalsky, but I thought we’d agreed that you can call me Stefan.’

  Once again I felt my cheeks start to burn, this time for no good reason, and I turned away to pretend to tidy a pile of books, not wishing him to see how he affected me. ‘I would be most appreciative of your help in this matter ‒ Stefan ‒ although I should warn you that the Countess demands only the best.’

  ‘Which I can provide. Is that the plan?’

  I was acutely aware of his closeness as he came to bend over the little sketches I’d made of the furniture I’d like, and the plans I’d drawn up for the schoolroom. ‘The Countess insists it must be in the English style.’