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— Remove the frames! Burlin abruptly ordered.
The soldiers looked at each other, but did not talk, and quickly completed the order. The belts fell on the sand, and the horse walked proudly, raising its sheared tail high. Alexey gave a little forward, hitting the sides with the heels of his boots. The stallion bent his neck, rustled, abruptly threw up croup, but the rider is used to this. Easily kept in the saddle. Horse, moved to a gallop, famously passing along the contour of the Manege. Burlin has so far given free rein to the stallion, only supported the bridle. A lot of time passed until the horse ran out of steam and sweated. Then, Alexey, pulling up the reason, made the horse take a step, and then stop. Then the young man dismounted, and holding the stallion about, led him to the soldiers.
“Yes, really good,” Burlin said, looking at Albrecht.
— Yes, and you, Alexey Mikhailovich, a real doshadnik, — answered a new acquaintance, — We held on, just fine. I propose to switch to “you.” Melchior, in fact, is very cool in temper.
Burlin grinned, looked with regret at his pantaloons, now covered with horse sweat. But it seems that it was worth it, and calmly said:
— So we won’t shoot, Alexander?
— I think that misunderstanding between us is exhausted, Alexey.
And Albrecht gave him his hand. Burlin shook her with pleasure, accepting the rules of friendship.
Visit to the Kurolesov family
— What are you, Fedor, unhappy? That’s what a palm uniform you sewed? — Alexey laughed, sitting in a two-wheeled hat, — the buttons glisten!
— So for what, your nobility? And now I am at the service.
— So now, moreover, you, Fedor and got a decent surname, are listed in our regiment, like Fedor Ivanovich Alekseev.
— This is young for you, the main thing is that the view is fair and cool. In order to instill respect in respectable people, and love experiences for girls of a noble title. Why do I need it? I, after all, at a respectable age, and became completely indifferent to the fair sex.
The batman finished this detailed speech, and meaningfully corrected his forage cap. Say, he sacrificed everything for the master, even peace of mind.
Alexey said nothing but rubbed his chin. Actually, Fedor was not entirely indifferent to female charms. Burlin noticed how his servant visited Maria’s cook last night. But he considered it wrong to interfere in these amorous pleasures. He himself was sinful, and could not engage in moralizing with a pure soul. Therefore, he just rolled over onto the other side, and fell asleep calmly.
Well, and even more so, Fedor showed some agility, collecting a present for the Kurolesov family. A couple of bottles of wine, citrons, even cakes. Shawls for Zoya Pavlovna and Anna Grigorievna, and a smoking pipe in a case for Grigory Ilyich. Alexey Mikhailovich considered it indecent to appear empty-handed. And then, a pleasant impression should have been made, and this was not always an easy matter. As a young junker, he knew firmly from someone else’s experience, in the absence of his own.
In the meantime, the crew drove along the Trinity Bridge. It was hard to get used to these perfectly straight streets here in St. Petersburg, in this beautiful city on the Neva. And here, on Vasilievsky Island, there were not even streets, and there were only lines, everything, as commanded by Peter the Great himself.
— Fyodor, did you forget the address? — Alexey was worried, — Universitetskaya embankment, Skipper channel, 14, seventh building, — he recalled.
— As you forget, your nobility. This is not the first time you remind…
— Make it easy…
— You ask yourself, then keep quiet, — the denman grumbled displeased under his breath.
Alexey was in too good a mood to pay attention to the dissatisfied murmur of the servant. With great pleasure he touched the hilt of his new sword.
***
The house seemed slightly gray and dull, standing not far from the water. They drove into the courtyard, where Fedor stopped the crew. A janitor approached them, removing his hat on the move and bowing.
— I’ll pay a visit to Kurolesov. Junker of the Cavalier Guard regiment Alexei Mikhailovich Burlin, — the young man introduced himself with pleasure.
— So to you on the third floor, your nobility, apartment, on the right. There is a sign on the door.
— Clear, — noticed junker.
He fished a patch out of the veneer, and put it in the janitor’s hand. He bowed again, with great pleasure.
— You, dear, look after the crew for now. Fedor will come soon, — explained Burlin.
— So I will perform everything in the best way, do not hesitate.
Alexey nodded, and the batman picked up the convolutions, and hastily followed the master. The stairs of the front entrance went up to the third floor, where two doors were siren, one opposite the other. Juncker glanced at one brass plaque, then another. Yes, and on the one on the right, an exquisite knit inscription is engraved: “State Councilor Kurolesov, Grigory Ilyich.” Here Alexey immediately, without hesitation. rang the bell at the door. The hand jerked itself, read, against his will.
And opened, already familiar to him servant Ksenia. So right and froze on the doorstep, as if she was crazy, seeing such a guest.
— Fodor, what are you doing? — quietly said the junker, — bring gifts!
— Zoya Pavlovna! Grigory Ilyich! A young man came to us! — Ksenia let the owners of the apartment know a little hectic.
Mr. Kurolesov himself came out to meet, in a home outfit, with a soft frock coat of light gray color.
— Day is kind, young man… Although, already in the imperial service, — he added, noticing the guest’s uniform, — you, Alexei Mikhailovich, this suits you. Come into the living room.
Burlin followed the owner, removing the harness with a sword on the move. Still, at home, it would be indecent.
— Here, put, — noted the excitement of the guest Kurolesov, — sit down. Glad you came. And ladies, come now. Let’s start drinking tea.
They sat down on a sofa lined with old, blue silk, French work. In the middle of the room there is a table covered with a tablecloth, six chairs. In the same place, adding adventure, there was a tray with a decanter, and half a dozen elongated glasses of Murano glass. An old cabinet full of elegant dishes humped against the wall. On the walls painted in olive color hung paintings, with landscapes of places unknown to Burlin, and in the middle, making the situation more strict, was a portrait of their young emperor, Alexander Pavlovich. The two windows of this room gave quite a light, so that for beauty and convenience they were hidden by the Iranian curtains. In general, the atmosphere was not luxurious, but not poor, but rather pleasant, comfortable and cozy.
— Maybe a little wine, Alexey Mikhailovich? Kurolesov suggested.
— I will not refuse.
— Tokayskoe, — explained the owner of the house, filling glasses, — I, you know, appreciate it more. Pleasant, especially if in summer. What do you like more?
— So you understand, more milk, or berry vozvar. Due to his age, — the guest answered with a smile, — however, the taste is pleasant, — he noticed, taking a sip from his glass.
Here, Alexey hastily jumped up, greeting the ladies who entered. Having set aside the wine, he kissed the hand of Zoe Pavlovna, and then, with joy, touched Anna Grigorievna’s cold fingers. I noticed the truth, like a young lady, with undoubted approval in her eyes, looked around his uniform.
— To us, Alexey Mikhailovich granted. Also, came to St. Petersburg. Now, in the sovereign service, decent to his position, — Kurolesov said a little flowery.
“We’ll drink tea now,” added Zoya Pavlovna, “we are glad to see you, Alexey Mikhailovich.” Here, and you try pies, they are glorious with us.
— I allowed myself to come with gifts. Everything, from a pure heart, and Burlin showed on a shawl and a pipe in a case.
— Nice, and to the face, — said Zoya Pavlovna, throwing her shawl over her shoulders, and decorating Anna Arkadyevna with a similar board, — and here, the samovar ripened…
The face of any decent house, of course, was a tea set. It was so accepted. The guests looked at the wealth of the house in such subjects.
For example, Burlin remembered that mom and dad loved French porcelain, and here strict devices of the St. Petersburg Imperial Plant were in use. But, the young man was more pleasant was the society of Anna Grigorievna, who was sitting opposite him. The girl occasionally looked at the prigozhny junker.
The treat was wonderful, Alexey tried everything, so, little by little. And Anna, sat down at the harpsichord, and began to play a pleasant melody. Grigory Ilyich stood in a chair, and lit his pipe, with a dinny, almost an inch, chubuk.
Zoya Pavlovna quietly approached Burlin, put her hand on the back of his chair, and barely audibly asked:
— After all, Alexey Mikhailovich, you can be at the ball at the Rumyantsev? In the fall?
— Polk will return in September to St. Petersburg, Zoya Pavlovna. Must be.
— We will be glad to see you. So Anna will be sixteen, her first ball will be. You see for yourself, your daughter is quite favorable to you…
Such words were quite pleasant for Alexei. I really thought that I would have to unsubscribe to my father, but then I decided to postpone it until the fall. Not because he was scared, but there is nothing to run in front of the horse himself. In the meantime, in my heart it was good and calm, pleasant music filled the living room, everything seemed easy, pleasant and achievable. He seems to have been perfectly happy now.
Cavalier Guard Regiment
Here we go
— You see, Alexey, in half the day and get to the regiment, why should we wear horses in vain? Albrecht replied lightheartedly. — Time, endures, I say for sure, we will not be late.
— So the road is noble, and we left early, only dawn. Yes, the campaign turned out to be noble, and I received a whole bag of letters from Prince Repnin. We must deliver everything intact,
— So with purposeful anything quickly comes out. Although there is a postal station in Peterhof, but all one thing is better. But, you told the truth, your stallion is good.
— So it is, my Corner, — and Burlin gladly stroked the horse’s mane, — and your Melchior, he will bypass any article.
— Father sent, from our estate, Boilers. He grew up in free meadows. Everything is by the sea, not far from St. Petersburg. And this road, also sovereign Peter the Great himself ordered to build. Wow, good places! And the wind is fresh, from the Gulf of Finland.
Indeed, it was very beautiful. They drove through the suburbs of St. Petersburg, past the most picturesque estates of agile and loyal courtiers who arranged here, saoi possessions And with his rescript, he approved the newly conceived. The size of the plots turned out to be small — 200 fathoms along the sea for 2000 fathoms inland from it. At first, no one believed that noble nobles would wish to settle here. And they thought that these wastelands would be forever free grazing, with herbs growing on these hills.
However, the artstocrats began to compete with themselves in the construction of new shelters, which grew into rich and well-arranged estates. Gradually, estates drowning in greenery appear along the road, belonging to the best aristocratic families of the Russian Empire! So, the desire of Peter the Great and here, was realized, and surpassed by the great creator.
This road now stretched along the sea, so beloved by the Russian tsar, it was not inferior in beauty to the road from Paris to the royal residence in Versailles, which in 1717 captured the tsar during a trip to France on the affairs of the Northern War. And the Peterhof road began from Fontanka (where the city border passed in the 18th century), bypassing the Narva outpost and stretching along the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland for 40 miles to Krasnaya Gorka itself. The history of the Peterhof Road is probably already well known to everyone who has visited the suburbs of St. Petersburg, located along the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland, at least once. Any traveler has certainly heard about how Peter 1 decided to create a picturesque road from St. Petersburg to his ceremonial naval residence Peterhof. And, I found nothing more kind and reasonable than to distribute the newly conquered Russian lands to noble courtiers, There are considerable plots, in general.
“In the meantime, my friend Alexei,” Alexander said with a laugh, “you must touch the legend of our seaside places.”
— And what is the legend, or is there a secret here? Burlin asked eagerly.
— What, look for yourself, — answered Albrecht, — the favorite resting place of our comrades…
“It seems an ordinary old inn.
— This is the same “Red Zucchini” itself, erected by the works of Peter the Great. And here we will certainly stop, so that you feel the hospitality of its owners. By his decree of November 16, 1706, the tsar presented a land plot on the 10th verst of the Peterhof road to his “pusher” Semyon Ivanov “for his service, wounds, full patience and leaving the field.” Near the donated site on the road, a passing house is being built for the rest of the tsar and military ranks on the way to Strelna and Peterhof. In 1713, by decree of June 7, the tsar also gave this building to the translator Ivanov “for the construction of a free house in it according to German custom (tavern) for the sale of vodka and tobacco.” In the decree, the tsar forbade Ivanov to sell zucchini.
— And what, and now it is held by descendants of this tolmach?
— Well, alas, nothing lasts forever under the moon. Now the institution belongs to Colonel Garnovsky, secretary of Grigoriy. Potemkin. There are rumors that here back in 1762, during the days of the palace coup, the future Empress Catherine the Great herself spent a sleepless night from June 28 to 29, on the eve of the coming to power, with a detachment of guards who had just sworn allegiance to her. But, this tavern serves noble German dishes, with veal or corned beef. The institution is famous for its magic waffles. And what punch and mulled wine offer! Taste, just unfussy! Yes. and many come here, just for waffles.
Alexey did not even think to refuse. Both young men calmly entered the hall and settled at the table. In the corner, sat a pleasant girl, in a simple German dress, with a wonderful musical instrument. They found there a completely empty hall and one poor girl, a harpist, who was extremely happy with such a visit and began to sing with special zeal. Well, kabatchik, approached the guests. He was a dense middle-aged man, short-haired, in a knitted cap and a German dress.
Albrecht spoke to him in a respectful tone:
— Good day, sir. Serve us a pork shank with cabbage and black bread. I know that such a dish is especially good here.
— And mulled wine?
— Undoubtedly.
The conversation was in German, however, Burlin perfectly understood this language, thanks to his home teacher. He decently taught him five whole years of sciences, foreign languages and fencing, all the necessary noble sciences.
Large clay dishes contained hefty, rather huge portions. But, attracting the aroma of meat and sauerkraut, surpassed all doubts. Burlin, armed with a fork and knife, bravely attacked the fried leg, deftly trimming the softest meat from the bone. Taste, was like look, and attracting smell. Alexey underestimated his strength, and contrary to doubts, completely emptied the plate, leaving only a lonely shiny bone on the dish. Kabatchik cleverly removed the empty plates, and the hot mulled wine changed the roast. And this treat impressed the young man. The smell of cinnamon gave a little to the nose, cloves, nutmeg pepper and anise gave a fresh taste to the drink. Burlin finished hot wine, almost to the bottom.
— So how? Albrecht asked.
“Brilliant. And so simple, and so good. You can, however, and worry about my coal… I am very heavy.
— Nothing, drive…
Further the path was much more fun. They passed the English palace of Giacomo Quarenghi, the beautiful Dacha von Minikhov, the estates of Pavlino, counts of Vielgorsky, Maryino, counts of Tolstoy.
— But in Ulyanka, the possession of Counts Sheremetev, the regiment always expects a treat. As the regiment should in summer camps, so the count meets us with a solemn dinner, “Albrecht explained.
“But look, the postal station is not far away, we can rest again,” Burlin said.
This travelers shelter looked attractive, and, at the same time, more than usual. A squat red brick building behind a low fence. Not one or two of these was visited by Burlin during his journey from his father’s estate.
— Sidor! Drive a brick into the yard! Then get the horses drunk!
Albrecht wasted no time. He quickly dismounted, adjusted his hat, cheered up, and looked around, as if he wanted to see something extraordinary here. Burlin understood the futility of such desires of his comrade. There were no other guests here, and the sexual immediately approached friends who took a seat at the table.
— What, gentlemen… I can offer a rural hodgepodge, and a beautiful jellied meat with horseradish. Everything that is.
— And, perhaps, a tub of beer, Albrecht added graciously.
— We’ll do everything… You won’t have to wait long.
And, soon they were already treating themselves to a beautifully cooked dish with appetite. It is clear that there could not be pickled olives, but smoked ham, salted cucumbers, mushrooms, all this was available. And with fresh bread, even such simple food seemed just a treat. Jellied meat, or jelly, seems to be peasant food, for those who understand, is always a joy or pleasure. Horseradish soaked in vinegar adds sharpness to this food, and even subtlety to the taste.
— In Peterhof everything will be simply amazing, life, as if in the native estate, fresh air, river, lakes are nice. True, he himself has not been there yet, but captain Lunin told. And a lot more. A whole staff of maids of honor, so we won’t get bored.
— Yes, I, as it were, already represented by one good young lady.. Burlin replied very slowly.
— Nothing, it’s just like an adventure. Even the holy duty of the officers of the regiment. That test you have to pass. Remember, the motto of our regiment: “The position obliges!.”
Alexey, without answering a friend, took a big sip of beer from a clay mug. What was the answer? Albrecht spoke so confidently, and Burlin was born and grew up in a village, far from the Light, and all the wisdom associated with him. Somehow vaguely, all this seemed…
***
Any road, any path always have a beginning and an end. Infinity, in general, does not happen. And they, past the barrier, a soldier of the garrison regiment raised a log painted in black and white, giving them a way.
“Here we are. New village, the location of our regiment. Now, we must go to introduce ourselves to the chief of the regiment, Adjutant General Count Uvarov.
Burlin could answer nothing. He only handed over Coal to Fedor. Here, at the headquarters, he only continuously managed to salute the officers of the regiment, to whom he had not yet been introduced. Some, apparently appointed to serve in the sovereign’s palace, were dressed in supervests over white columns. And the cross of John of Jerusalem seemed to sparkle on scarlet cloth.
Well, who did not know about the differences between Count Uvarov? Fyodor Pavlovich Uvarov received his first baptism of fire in Poland, where in 1794 an uprising broke out under the leadership of Tadeusz Kosciuszko. The dragoon squadron, under the command of the count, is surrounded, and within 36 hours repels the attacks of the Poles, after which it risks a breakthrough and soon connects with the main Russian troops. For this feat, Uvarov receives the rank of prime major (assistant regiment commander). And a year later, Alexander Suvorov, whose troops crushed the uprising, produces him as lieutenant colonel. Apparently, Alexander Sergeevich himself favored the dashing horseman. And after the death of Catherine II, Paul I ascends to the Russian throne. For Uvarov, the first “happy time” comes. In 1797 he was transferred to St. Petersburg by the colonel of the Yekaterinoslav cuirassier regiment. The next year he was already a major general, and from 1799 he was the chief of the cavalry guard regiment. In 1800 — a new promotion — to lieutenant general, and then, adjutant general. Gossips, however, whispered that the matter was in the patronage of Lopukhina, the royal property. Well, Burlin did not want to think about this.
— What, come in, you’re expected, “Albrecht interrupted his thoughts.
“I’m going,” and Burlin pulled his hat under his left hand, and calmly went inside, through the open door.
The general was sitting at the table, looking through the papers. What to say? Their dashing commander was young, handsome. An excellent uniform, undoubtedly expensive English cloth, was impeccable.
— Junker Burlin? Glad I arrived on time…
Then there was a knock, and an ordinary regiment entered, a messenger, a tall soldier and with a carbine on his belt, in his right hand he held a package in a brown envelope.
— Your Excellency, there was an order to deliver the package without delay.
— How good, Prokofiev, go. And don’t let anyone in here.
— Will be executed! — and the soldier famously trumped, holding two fingers to the visor of his leather helmet with a copper forehead.
Uvarov waited. until the door closes. He looked attentively at the cadet, as if assessing the young man. It is not clear what this prince, the favorite of the young emperor, wanted to say. But, he continued the conversation.
— So here… You understand, the service is not easy, in front of the sovereign. No omissions can be justified, and the view is strictly consistent with the Charter. Yes, I see that both the braid and the hair powder are all present. In the location of the regiment, the uniform is required. This white prick, not a burden, but the dignity and privilege of those who serve in the regiment. Do you understand that?
— Yes, of course, Your Excellency.
— And, you must be very delicate, be able not to deliver what you hear in the Palace… And, society… I mean I will give the High Light… For the officers of the regiment to appear at the balls of the Sovereign is not just a privilege, but an obligation… And, you must be able to entertain the ladies. Now you not only serve the Sovereign, but also became a Knight, moreover, under the banner of Ioann of Jerusalem. And the Knight must be gallant, that is, truly Brilliant in everything… Here, and the motto of our regiment: “Nobless obligade” Exclusivity calls… We true aristocrats, Burlin…
— I will try to justify, Your Excellency!
— I hope in two years, graduate to my regiment cornet. But, as you will know, not all cornets remain in the Cavalier Guards. In the shelf, only two vacancies will open, nothing more.
— I understand!
— You are appointed to the fourth squadron, under the command of Prince Repnin-Volkonsky, Nikolai Alexandrovich. As I heard, your horse is a raven, this is just the suit of your squadron. And, you will also receive a combat horse from the treasury. Further, in the service… The head of the entire Life Guards is irreplaceable with us Sovereign Tsesarevich, Konstantin Pavlovich. He is demanding and strict on business. He follows, and delves into everything, delves into all the little things, so be sure that he will not ignore a single mistake and omission. And you will be quartered with other cadets of the regiment, today you will get to know them. Mr. Albrecht will accompany you and familiarize you with the daily routine in the regiment.