Mother Arrives

“AUNTIE MASHA, I THINK THIS GOWN MAY NEED A DIFFERENT SASH.” Before the Countess could respond to Kira, a woman in a yellow silk chiffon evening dress entered the room. Kira saw her image in the full-length mirror and cried out, “Mother.” She turned with arms stretched out.

Her mother remained rigid. “I understand there was trouble in St. Petersburg.”

Kira felt her cheeks flush and suppressed an urge to hide in the armoire. “You mean the attempt on our lives?” She knew full well her mother referred to the gossip about her and Roman. She entwined her fingers nervously then turned back to the mirror and adjusted her gown.

“You know exactly what I am mean, young lady.” The woman’s frown relaxed. “Although, I am grateful for your wellbeing.”

“Sister,” the Countess said. Kira’s mother dismissed her interruption with the wave of her hand.

“Kira, your father and I have cultivated this union to see that your station in life is well situated. To marry into the Romanov family would…” She paused.

“You mean your position.” 

“Don’t be impertinent, Kira.” She crossed the room, gently placed her hands upon her daughter’s shoulders, and spoke to her reflection in the mirror. “Your engagement has been arranged for years.  To alter plans now would cause severe embarrassment to our family and compromise your father’s political position. You know my dream is to return to St. Petersburg or here to Moscow.”

 “Sister,” the Countess interrupted. “Remember my situation and how I entered into a loveless marriage with a man much older than myself. You know the hardships that I faced. I still bear some of the scars. My only salvation was a stampede from a runaway carriage that freed me. Mikhail is too old and coarse for her youthful spirit. He is not the man for your daughter.”

Kira gave her aunt an appreciative smile. “Mother, I understand my duty, but I couldn’t stop myself. I simply fell in love with the lieutenant.” Kira hesitated to speak Roman’s name for fear of her own tears and another reprimand from her mother.

“I want what is best for you. You are a shrewd, intelligent, and sensible woman.” Her mother turned Kira around to face her. “This is your obligation as my daughter.” Kira threw her arms around her mother’s neck, buried her face in her breast, and sobbed.