A Garden Party

KIRA PICKED UP THE HEM OF HER DRESS and accompanied her father down the stoned steps to the garden. Roman, still under orders, followed close behind. The white rose pinned just above her ear symbolized her remembrance of the poem Roman had recited to her on the terrace at the grand ball.       

Tables and chairs dotted the lawn in intimate group settings. Servants meandered with trays of champagne and vodka. Several meters away groups of men and woman practiced archery, some played croquet, while others strolled aimlessly around the gardens. Many of the men wore top hats while others preferred straw. Women twilled colorful parasols that protected their faces from the sun.

Kira excused herself from a group her father had joined and wandered over to Roman. It had been several days since the picnic when they last saw one another.   

“Why are you staring at me like that?” she said.

“I approve of the rose,” He said

She tilted her head with a coy smile. “Shall we take a stroll around the garden?”

Together they sauntered down a pebbled walkway. Tall leafy trees lined one side, on the other, a long narrow multi-tiered artificial waterfall percolated. Half way down the path, they entered a canopy of purple wisteria that engulfed a trellis and hid them from meddlesome eyes.

Roman seized the moment. She leaned into his hands as he held her face. Her entire body tingled when his lips touched her cheek. She lost all her senses when he pressed his lips onto hers.

A bird rustled in the wisteria making her aware of her surroundings. She broke away. “We mustn’t.” He gently took her arm and drew her in. She nuzzled her forehead on his chest. “I’m promised to another.”

“I know.” He cupped her chin in his hand.

She gazed into his hazel eyes. “We leave for Moscow soon.”   

“Do you love me?” he said.

“Wedding plans have been arranged.”

“Do you love me?”

“My father is insistent.”

“Do you love me?”

“Yes.” 

He stoked her cheek. “Trust me, everything will be set right.”