Month to year. Defense of Sevastopol. 1853—1855. Eastern War. Love and death do not know barriers
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– How awkward everything, – escaped from the woman.
Mr. Grudnev looked at the interlocutor, not understanding what was the matter.
– Not you, Lev Evgenievich, not you… So what are we talking about? Alexandra Fedorovna was very interested in storing the food of the palace, – the conversation continued.
Pleshcheeva held a conversation, writing Grudnev’s remarks in a notebook with a lead pencil. Thoughts began to stray, she was angry with the interlocutor and herself. But finally the negotiations ended, and she returned home, where the fast Praskovya put on a samovar and took out snacks.
– Who was? On the road? Why did you dry up? the governess quickly asked.
– Yes so…
– Pashka, enough! – and Plesheeva grabbed her palm on the table, – take me out!
– Yes, the lady, – and she looked up, – Three junkers rode, Golitsyn, Repnin, yes Zalepsky. Golitsyn distracted your friend with everything, but he noticed you, your face was colored as soon as his uniform became, and they galloped on.
– What is it, – and Pleshcheyeva cried from resentment, – and it would be okay really, Grudnev was my gentleman… But things were discussed. But I will not blame him either! I will not write anymore, let him think!
– Exactly, exactly, – Praskovya yielded, seriously frightened by Pleshcheeva’s anger, and even more than her tears.
***
The junkers left the horses in a horse tie, and walked to the palace to admire the fountains. There was something to see, that’s for sure! Cascade of fountains, beautiful statues, as if made of gold.
– In Italy, I only saw this, – Serge said quietly, and Repnin nodded, agreeing, – there is no such thing anymore…
– And in Moscow?
– I visited Sheremetev’s estate, but there are no fountains. Let’s go to him, he loves to show off a collection of porcelain. It’s entertaining there.
Golitsyn went ahead, as a man who was angry more than once or twice, Zalepsky lagged behind, and, as if by chance, Repnin approached him.
– You don’t need to despair right away, and think that Olga Nikolaevna is having an affair with others. Perhaps this is just a relative, or an official, – said Nikita, – Ksenia did not say anything about the fact that Pleshcheeva gives anyone signs of attention.
– The answer is not entirely unambiguous, don’t you think?
– Sure… Write, what’s the matter?
– Perhaps…
After returning to the apartment, Michelle quickly sat down at the table without saying a word, but the observant Yakim brought paper, pen and ink, and the master began to compose a message. Finally, everything was ready, the envelope was sealed, not pink-cheeked and small, but tall and mustachioed, having survived a lot, Cupid carried this letter. Not even on the wings, but on the master’s brick.
Our messenger of love rode, culturally, meaningfully. Everyone saw whether a non-combatant was traveling, or a batman on important matters. If so, then a serious person. Tsarskoye Selo was not a courtyard, and soldier guards in booths were not uncommon here, no matter who disturbed the royal family. But now, the cavalier houses reached out, and finally he saw the cherished house behind the white fence.
Out of habit, Yakim pulled up his uniform, settled down, and rang the bell above the door of the house.
– Who’s there? ‘the beloved voice rang out.
“I am, Yakim. Open it, Praskovya.
The bolt creaked and the oak door opened. Pasha stood in front of him, resting her hands on her sides. Someone looked out behind her, but immediately disappeared, noticing that Yakim saw an observer.
– Good afternoon, I brought a letter for the hostess.
– Give me a letter. Here, wait, – the governess answered gloomily.
– Pour him tea, – the voice of the hostess rang out, – and bring the letter here.
– Thank you lady, long years, – Yakim immediately answered, giving the letter.
The maid took the envelope, quickly returning, and brought the messenger to the dining room.
– Are the boots clean? ‘she asked.
“It’s cleaner than ever. – willingly explained the Warriors, – for nothing that a soldier’s cut, but from the best goat’s tour leather brought from Constantinople itself!
– Healthy to curl. What will you drink?
– So vodka, of course.
– The lady said tea.
– So tea, if only in your society, Praskovya Lukerievna.
The maid went to the hot samovar, poured water puffy with heat from it, then poured it from the teapot. The tea was ready. Thinking, I put a piece of sugar in front of the guest, and tongs, prick sugar.
– However… – trying tea with sugar, the batman was surprised, – sweet, just like you, Praskovya…
“Enough,” she said quietly, “like a master?”
– I was upset that Olga Nikolaevna was walking with me, but Repnin and Golitsyn reassured him. I wrote a letter, I brought it.
– Long years to his friends… Okay, – only the maid answered, and poured herself tea.
So together they drank teas, with half an hour or more. The woman was quite happy to see her gentleman, and he was her.
– Praskovya, let Yakim come in, – the voice of the lady rang out,
– Let’s go… ‘said, standing up, woman
The warriors entered the office, and the bedroom at the same time, Pleshcheeva was sitting in front of him in an armchair, in a simple summer checkered boomaze dress. She was unusually sweet, so Yakim was even happy for the master.
– Yakim, take the letter, here is a box for the master, this is a gift. I saw that he was interested in Peterhof, so on Wednesdays, after six in the afternoon, and on Sunday, after three in the afternoon, I am free from the service of the empress, he can call. Did you understand, do not confuse? she smiled, – this is your work, – and a graceful hand put a chervonets in his palm.
– I will do everything, I will not forget anything. On Wednesday, after six in the afternoon, and on Sunday after three in the afternoon. I won’t forget anything.
“Go then.
– It’s happy to stay – and although he was not in the service, he saluted the military, he knew that women adore it.
Praskovya walked him to the wicket, and looking around that there was no one, she herself kissed Yakim tightly.
“You’re just great with me. See you later.
The soldiers climbed into the brick and slowly rolled into the Pavlovskaya Sloboda, into the officers’ apartments. Praskovya’s kiss warmed the soul, perhaps more than the lady’s chervonets. The road was slightly dusted, although here it was even watered in the heat. The Denshchik dismounted near the stables, put the horse in the Dennik, and taking the parcel, went to the apartments of the cadets. Two, von Rosen and Alexey Tokmakov stood tall, practicing fencing. Lunge, repulsed, lunge-repulsed, walking with his feet, and again a series of blows and repulses. Both were excellent fencers, the cuirassier looked at this action. Finally, sighing, he passed by and went into the apartment of Zalepsky and his friends.
Golitsyn and Repnin placed chess on the board and started the game. Zalepsky read Ershov’s book and was simply subdued by the syllable and plot of “The Little Humpbacked Horse.” On the table in front of him was a jug of cold water, and Michel poured himself into a mug, unable to get drunk.
– Barin? Yakim said, can we talk?
And the Warriors looked expressively at the door from home. Michelle nodded, got out of bed, and threw a frock coat over his shoulders, and put on a cap. He, leaving, nodded to his comrades on the street, and went to the trees surrounding the house.
– What do you say? Zalepsky asked eagerly, what kind of secrets?
– I gave your letter, here is the answer and you a gift… And in words:
“I saw that he was interested in Peterhof, so on Wednesdays, after six at noon, and on Sunday, after three at noon, I am free from the service of the empress, he can call in”
Here, her own words, Mikhail Dmitrievich.
– Pleased, thanks… And that no one heard, it’s also good… Here, to you, – and the young man put two rubles in the hand of the batman.
The young man, in a great mood, took the gift and letter and returned to the apartment. Denshchik kept in the palm of his hand two coins presented to him.
– So believe that women are stingy, – said the Warriors to himself, – Especially from the noble… And who loves more than anyone… Well, the master, of course, does not receive a large salary, so for him there is a lot of money for him, well, however, Dmitry Ivanovich also sends his son two hundred rubles a month.
Yakim went about his business, and Zalepsky quickly opened the box, and saw a shirt from a beautiful Dutch thin canvas, and instantly changed clothes. He opened the envelope, began to quickly read the letter on pink paper, and smiled happily.
Dear Michelle!
Glad you’re in Peterhof too. I hope I’ll see you soon, there are free evenings two days a week, I told your day boy about it. Hope you like my gift.
Olga.
The young man returned to his friends’ room, both at once broke away from chess, smiled knowingly, and continued the battle.
– Nikita, I also advise you in St. Petersburg atelier Monsieur Leon Rocher. Beautiful seam, cut above all praise, excellent Dutch canvas.
Mr. Zalepsky, apparently, was imbued with the spirit of aristocracy, and became very sophisticated.
– Serge… Barely said the flashed Zalepsky – this is just a gift from a good friend, my sincere friend.
– Yeah… – only Golitsyn said.
“I owe a great deal to your friend, Michelle. Very, – said Repnin, smiling.
– The week of competitions is coming soon. First shooting, then racing for two versts… The tradition of cavalry guards is not to participate in these races, but we participate.
– I didn’t understand???
– Not on combat horses, but on their own, or horses of horse breeders. Many send horses to give them temporarily to the best riders of the Empire. Guards cavalrymen. Well, our races – in the fall, in the Mikhailovsky Manege.
Date night
The usual service in the regiment ended, and Zalepsky was in a hurry. But, in fact, Yakim prepared everything in the best possible way. Junker thought, took out and put the camera and tripod in the brick.
“For a walk?” Golitsyn inquired, looking at his friend’s preparations.
To be honest, during this time Zalepsky took pictures for everyone, and now daggerotypes flaunted for everyone. True, the pictures needed special care – but everything was done in the best possible way.
– On the views. It’s beautiful nature here, Serge. I would like to take some pictures.
“Of course. But good flowers can be bought very close… Repnin knows. Right, Nikita?
“It is. Ksenia loves roses and daffodils. Flowers are simple. Moreover, the theater will soon arrive from St. Petersburg, the summer stage. Life will simply begin to beat the key.
– Michelle, and check your choke tomorrow, in two days prize shooting.
– I regularly lubricate and clean myself. Thank you, Serge. It’s time, it’s evening.
Zalepsky quickly went out, adjusted his cap, and instantly settled in the wagon.
– Yakim, flowers.
“I know it’s not far here.
So first Mikhail Dmitrievich drove to the pavilion next to the greenhouses and got an excellent bouquet. Champagne was also with you. The horse walked in steps, but the sprung wagon did not tire, and after fifteen minutes Zalepsky was already knocking on the wicket at home.
– Ah, master, – Praskovya greeted, – they are waiting for you.
Michelle, leaving her cap in the canopy, on a hanger, with a bouquet in her hands, went into the woman’s room. Olga was reading a book, and got up from her chair when she saw the invited guest.
– Olga, very glad to see, – said Zalepsky, – Good afternoon. The weather is excellent, I wanted to offer a walk. And this is for you – and the bouquet was put on the table next to the woman.
– Beautiful, – she answered, and put a gift in a free vase, Maybe better tea? I make great fees – with thyme, mint, lemon balm.
“I won’t say no, but I wanted to give you a present. The newfangled thing is a daggerotype. It seems like a portrait, but through mechanics and physics. It’s just better to do it now, while the lighting allows.
“I don’t mind, curious…” the woman replied uncertainly.
– Now.
Zalepsky quickly went out and brought a box with a device and a tripod. He put the device on the floor and assembled it by screwing the camera to the base. Glass plates were at the ready, and took their place in the device.
– Sit in a chair, bulge your back, – said Michelle, – turn your head a little to the left and lift your chin a little… Here, great… Freeze for a couple of minutes.
The photographer quickly turned the hourglass and looked at Olga. She was very beautiful now. He opened the curtain, the sand measured the time, and the job was done.
“A dark room?” ‘he asked.
The woman raised her eyebrows and nodded at the door, and the junker climbed there to carry out difficult manipulations. Finally, the deed was done, and the portrait of two inches was ready, and Michel proudly presented it to Pleshcheeva.
“It’s a gift. I guarantee, few people have such things.
– Very interesting – and Olga studied herself for a long time – perhaps more interesting than the portrait… but, in gray – black and white colors… Great.
– Just do not put on a bright light..:
– All right.
And Olga put a gift behind the glass of the bookcase. And, smiling, she motioned to sit down next to her on the sofa.
– You know, they will soon open a message with Moscow, in August. Squadrons of Cavalier Guards and Horse Guards will also go to accompany the sovereign. As well as the battalion of Prebrazhentsev and Semenovtsev. Have you been to Moscow? ‘she asked as if by chance.
“I didn’t have to. Near Gdov, he lived on the estate, and studied there privately.
– There is also a railway here.
– Heard… Thunders hard…
– But you can get to St. Petersburg in an hour. And an orchestra often plays in the station pavilion. I started talking, the samovar ripened – she jumped up, adjusted her skirts, and left the room.
A few minutes later Praskovya brought a samovar, then porcelain appliances, and Olga proudly marched with a small porcelain teapot, exuding a divine aroma. As for tea, the hostess did not praise herself at home, rather, she was modest in assessing her abilities.
The maid brought cups of blue porcelain, with gold rims. It was evident that Pleshcheyeva loves home comfort. Finally, she smiled, and poured tea.
– Great aroma,” Michel praised, “and taste as well,” when I tasted it.
– Do you like thyme and mint too?”
– Sofya Mikhailovna, my mother, brews dry raspberries with currant leaf in autumn and winter.
– Yes, in winter such tea warms well. And the taste is great.
Praskovya brought cookies that became fashionable according to English and French customs. Time ran fast and it got dark. Juncker rose from his chair, kissed the lady’s hand.
– I have to go. It’s already uncomfortable to stay. Shooting contests Friday.
– All right. Alexandra Fedorovna, right, will also want to attend, which means that I will be there too. So I wish you success.
Olga escorted the guest, and Praskovya closed the door behind him. Zalepsky went down the steps, Yakim sat on the bench and smoked a pipe.
– Let’s go to the apartments.
– Now.
The Denshchik gave a dipole, and a slightly creaking crew rolled an unusually thoughtful cavalry guard to the place of overnight stay.
Prize shooting
Thursday, in addition to official duties, was the day of checking weapons. Michel cleared the chamber, checked the percussion mechanism. Everything was in order – both capsules and cast lead bullets. There were no little things here. The junker slept a little anxiously that night.
After breakfast, all the officers and cadets of the regiment who wished to participate arrived at the shooting range. The weather was sunny, albeit with small clouds. The shooters were from all over the guard, but it is clear that these were officer shootings. A flat platform a mile long was covered with wooden logs for safety. For shooters lay bags of wool, put under the knee. Two exercises – standing shooting and shooting from the knee entered the competition. Lying did not shoot. The targets were set one hundred fathoms and two hundred.
Zalepsky looked at the spectators standing slightly to the side and behind the shooters. There were many ladies, and among them Alexandra Fedorovna with maids of honor and Nikolai Pavlovich with his retinue. The chief of the guard explained the rules to the sovereign. Finally, the first six, with their nozzles, on command, began to charge. After the shots, the site was shrouded in smoke, and the messenger ran to remove the targets. Senior officers checked the list, recording the results on a yellow sheet of paper.
Finally, it was Michel’s turn. On command, he threw the nozzle at the ready, showed that it was discharged, and quickly walked to the shooting line.
– Charge! Major Life Gamekeeper shouted.
As usual, he freed the chamber with a lever, filled it with gunpowder, put a bullet and wad, and sent the chamber into the barrel and capsule with a lever.
– Shoot without command!
Zalepsky raised the fitting by the forend, put a butt on his shoulder, feeling the usual heaviness. The target is in place, with his number. And not far. He pulled the trigger and fired first. Gunpowder was quickly carried away by the breeze, and now, shots were already pouring nearby. Targets are marked and the next exercise is shooting from the knee. In battle, this is even more important than standing shooting. More precisely… Shot… He left the trigger down and pulled the charging chamber with the lever. An officer from the rangers looked, nodded approvingly, and Zalepsky hung his gun on his shoulder with his barrel up with his right hand. The targets are checked, and the officer announces to the mouthpiece:
– Junker cavalry guards Zalepsky in the next stage!
Michel went to his own, two officers from the regiment nodded approvingly.
– Well done, – admired Repnin, who approached him with a quick step.
– Great, two more stages – and you are among the best guards shooters! The target at the very end will be carried four hundred fathoms. – explained Golitsyn, – so, you look, and you will take the prize.
– What’s in there?”
– The first prize is the hunting rifle of the Littich master Croisier, and binoculars and breget. The second place is the gun of master Bofan.
– However…
– The prize in horse racing is a horse from the imperial stables… The thousandth stallion, – sighed Repnin.
– Nothing, Nikita…
– Yes, we have few chances… Hussars will take a prize or life – Cossacks.. If there were only cuirassier races, and this… – and he waved his hand in grief, – In the Mikhailovsky Manezh, a different matter
Michel shook his head, and sadly agreed. The hussars themselves are smaller, and their horses are different. Yes, any hussar will be on his shoulder, and what a weight!
But now, two stages of shooting came, and Zalepsky went among the best to the headmistress. With them was still only an officer from the Preobrazhensky regiment, and the rest were cheerful and smiling life rangers, four young lieutenants. Junker looked at their weapons – and the gamekeepers had chamber fittings, as did he.
– Let’s have a young cavalry guard, – one of the lieutenants smiled, and rubbed his shaved hem, – you need to come to us, young man!
– Height is too big! ‘joked Michelle.
– In the first company, – a new acquaintance grinned, – Grigory Petrov, at your service, – the officer called himself.
– Get ready! Major shouted
– Mikhail Zalepsky, cadet of the cavalry guards, – the young man quickly called himself, and was already tackling the shutter lever.
Connector is charged. Michel looked at the target, and only sighed. Four hundred fathoms is not a joke… Huntsmen charged Sporo, straight sight, and already the nozzles are ready for shooting.
– Shoot without command!
The first one failed to shoot, it was necessary to be the last… The target was in place, pulled the trigger with his thumb…
– Bang!
“To the leg! Major commanded.
Two minutes to check, everyone was charged, and now, Michelle got down on his left knee, leaning on the bag. Shot first, done. Now – just wait… But this is a troublesome business, and he was very tired.
– They will bring it soon, – he heard the speech of the life huntsman.
– More likely, – agreed junker.
Finally, a major passed with the targets, and smiling asked the cavalry guard:
“Would you like to see us, young man?”
Michel did not have time to answer, only in excitement he corrected his cap. The shooters left the position, and Zalepsky returned to his own.
– how are you? Repnin asked, saw where he got?
– Where is there… Without a spyglass in any way…
– Arrows will build!
On command, the competitors stood in a row, it is clear that Michel was on the right flank. In front was the sovereign himself, towering like a tower, above the officers and generals of the retinue, dressed today in the uniform of a life ranger. And he walked, hiding a contented smile in his sideburns, Major General Brevern de la Gardie. Nikolai looked around the young man, looked at Brevern and the chief of the guard.
– Well shot, cornet. Well done, Zalepsky.
“No way, Your Majesty! – the young man reported, – cadet Kavalergardov.
“That’s for sure. Cornet, life squadron, – answered Nikolai Pavlovich, – you shoot great. Appointment – immediately after the summer training camp. Well, if you want, then in the life – huntsman staff captain.
“No way, Your Majesty! I would like to stay in the cavalry guards!
– And now, honestly deserved, – and the emperor’s adjutant began to serve a gun in a case, a box of binoculars and another box – you were praised, and for diligence in the service. You see, Brevern, how great you are!
– That’s right, Your Majesty! – the general replied.
– Let’s go, say hello to the life – rangers, – Nikolai Pavlovich noted, – today they are in sadness…
Alexandra Fedorovna approached, fanning herself, talking with the maids of honor and the officer on duty. Next to her was Pleshcheeva, dressed in an unusually beautiful dress. Zalepsky stretched out into the frunt, Yakim stood at a distance with gifts from the emperor, with difficulty holding the case of the gun, and everything else.
– You shoot well, cornet, – her majesty praised the winner of the competition, – and from me a gift. Here, take it, – and personally held out a case with a gold chain for the watch, – Exactly, well done, he, Olga Nikolaevna, – and the queen looked at Pleshcheyeva.
– Above all praise, Your Majesty,” said the lady-in-waiting clearly.
Pleshcheeva was holding a scarf with embroidery in her hand, suddenly, out of awkwardness, she dropped this piece of matter. Michelle, with his left hand he picked up a falling batiste, so much so that he did not even have time to touch the ground.
– You dropped… said the young man softly.
– This is for you,” the young lady answered softly, and quickly returned to Alexandra Fyodorovna.
Prize horses
Yakim went to the shop for wine for the third time. The holiday was unspoken, so the whole regiment knew about it. Junker looked with some envy at Zalepsky’s epaulettes. Michel himself was perfectly happy, and even with a glass of good wine in his hand.
– Glad for you, Zalepsky,’ Golitsyn repeated a little overwhelmed, ‘well, Repnin and I will risk performing at the races. Three horses were sent from the factory. Would you like to join us?
– With you – ready. Although he is not strong in show jumping. Yes, and in races with obstacles too..
– Nothing, Michelle. You are lucky, and we can give the victory to the life – the Cossacks and hussars are out of hand. Regimental authorities are also happy. There are members from the regiment, but not officers. Damn, forgot about you…
– So I won anyway?
– Well, yes, you won the first of the cavalry guards among the guards regiments. You need to go and introduce yourself to the squadron.
– I’ll go tomorrow.
– Ride, in all form you will appear to captain Count Nikolai Karlovich Tolya, it will be better. And now, you can have fun! Mikhail Fridrikhovich, is it your fault?