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— Yes, if you help us? another asked, and in French.
— Such a cute cavalry guard, — the third smiled, — soon the ball in the Palace, and I would be glad to dance with you.
The fourth was silent, frowned, often looked at the young guardsman. But, the first one gave a demanding hand to the cadet. He supported her, and the lady went to the ground, rustling the hem of a silk dress. Then, Burlin helped both the second and the foreign beauty with black curls, so cute framing her dark, chiseled face. And he managed to catch in his arms a lady, his interlocutor. Everyone in the carriage escaped danger.
The rear axle still fell off the carriage, and such a pompous structure with a crash settled on the ground, fell on its side, confusing the frames. Horsho that the soldiers were able to grab the reins, tempering the ardor of the horses from the team. Burlin turned his head and heard:
— What are you turning away, my savior? ‘the woman said with a smile.. — or, am I in your captivity now?
— What are you… Just couldn’t do it any other way.
Burlin felt everything in her arms, she was not at all weightless. He smelled perfume, her strong hand on his shoulder. I suddenly realized that I was painfully red, and hurriedly lowered the beauty to the ground. Everything, however, ended very quickly, but it seemed to him that an eternity had passed.
“You are very sweet, my knight,” the lady remarked calmly, “I will be glad if you visit our house on the second line.” Princess Glinskaya, Elizaveta Ivanovna.
— Junker of the Cavalier Guard regiment Alexey Burlin.
— Your Excellency, I sent a soldier for a carriage, — added the cornet that arrived, — Lunin 2nd, at your service!
— We will be grateful to you, cornet! — Glinskaya noticed, — my salon, of course, is a pleasant place to communicate. And, Isabella Lancini herself, a singer from Italy, is visiting me. Kindly agreed to visit our northern Palestine.
The countess nodded very sweetly to the black-haired woman. She, apparently, realized that they were talking about her, and with some flirtatiousness made kniksen. And this lady was unusually good-looking, full of charm and charm of alien, southern beauty.
It was even funnier to look at Lunin. He did not sit, and instantly dismounted, getting off his black horse. I didn’t even look to see if the private picked up the occasion. But, kissed the hands of all the ladies, considering it his first duty.
True, this idyll, on a forest path, stopped with the arrival of an open wagon. On the goats sat the batman, everywhere the successful Fedor. He was calm, as if he was preparing to do such an important thing all day. Well, the cornet, as a senior in rank, took over the most important business — he supported the ladies, helping them settle in the wagon. Well, Burlin, went up to the batman, and calmly said:
— Then, Fedor, go back to the apartment, do not hesitate. And take a closer look on the road.
— I will do everything, master, do not hesitate.
Yes, Burlin had no doubts, of course. He just showed these beauties that this is his batman. So to speak, there would be no doubt, or there, what inaccuracies.
Finally, the wagon started, Alexey bowed a little, as well as Lunin.
— It happens, — Alexey said a little shaken.
“It doesn’t happen here, Burlin. However, junker, now the ladies will not forget you with their mercies. Glinskaya, and even that, silent, Orlova, they are the maids of honor of the empress herself. So your zeal will certainly not be forgotten. Okay, let’s move on, our watch is not over yet.
Junker nodded, and calmly sat down again in the saddle. He played with a stirrup, shaking his foot, and sent his horse forward, step. He looked after the departing carriage. Now I was thinking about Glinskaya, but thoughts about Anna Grigorievna completely disappeared from my head. And Burlin, even did not want to scold himself for this or could not. Although, of course, I would be glad to see the girl to whom I wrote every week, sending messages on purpose.
New party for Anna Grigorievna Kurolesva
Anna was slowly and calmly doing business. In general, nothing of the kind, just slowly, without haste, embroidered. I must say, she did not consider such an occupation to be work, but rather, attraction. It was nice to disassemble the silk threads, cook the heels, pulling delicate fabric on the steel rings. Further, slowly sit down on the couch, or settle in a chair, cover your legs with a soft cover, and start embroidery. Papenka, Grigory Ilyich, never prevented this, but even supported his daughter. He personally brought silk threads, cuts, from Astrakhan, where he was sent as needed.
Anna habitually prepared a thread with a needle, made several test stitches. She looked at her preparations again. I was quite pleased with myself. Here, however, it was not without help, although the young lady loved to do everything herself, as her heart told her. However, this time the figure from French magazine brought her a friend, Maria Semibratova. And so she said, goodbye:
“In this simple flower, there is a deep philosophical meaning, understandable, but not to everyone!”
And, as she left, she nodded her head for a long time. she smiled mysteriously, and Anna, almost laughing, saw such difficulties.
The girl sighed, and continued to embroider the painted thistle flower. Its inflorescence came out bright, bright, blood-red, surrounded by dense green spiny leaves. And for them there were shiny silk threads. But, the drawing itself, again attracted her attention. Such a dull beauty, but so passionately defending herself… Anna in thoughtfulness carefully ran the pad of her index finger across the silk surface of the flower, as if she was afraid to prick herself on a sharp thorn.
And then, in the room, her parents, Grigory Alekseevich, and Zoya Pavlovna entered. Both smiled as if something unusually good had happened. It was strange, usually, at such a time no one bothered her.
Well, and their daughter, in alarm, jumped up, and the veil and sewing fell to the floor. Anna, hurriedly rushed to raise.
— Wait, daughter… Let’s share great joy with you… Daddy began to say.
However, he was also worried, agitated, and endlessly pulled the gates of his silk dressing gown. Mamenka looked at her father with concern, and led her shoulder a little nervously.
— Yes, here, Annushka… A good, rich groom, Colonel of the Ladoga Infantry Regiment, Mikhail Arkadyevich Kostetsky himself, is wooing you. Mr. Kurolesov began his speech.
— He has five hundred souls of serfs, and several villages, a linen factory, — added the mother, — income comes out, rather big. And a prominent man. Handsome… Everyone will envy you.
— How old is he? ‘the girl asked uncertainly.
“Forty just turned. Stately and prominent, a great game for you, — explained the mother, — From a good family, influence.
— Yes, I… Here, Alexey Mikhailovich Burlin, writes to me all the time. And you, he was received in the house… He is also a young man from a good, rich family… And so pleasant…
— So he is still young, — and Grigory Ilyich, sat down on a chair, looking at his daughter as an unreasonable child, — you are with him, your peers… Is this suitable? Where can he start a family, in his years? And you have already entered age, sixteen have already turned. You will not get such a groom anymore… He is a good officer, in full view of the sovereign. You look, in five years, Kostetsky will be promoted to general.
“I don’t like him… Anna broke down in tears.
Father and mother looked at each other, sighed in agreement. And, mother began to console the unreasonable child
— You will not immediately understand that the groom is good for you… — and Zoya Pavlovna kissed her daughter on the forehead, reassuring, — Look closely, think. And they only say good things about him. And we will be calmer. Think about us too, daughter… You will always follow such a spouse in peace.
— I brought his portrait, — Grigory Ilch quietly said, putting a small image on the table, — look. A prominent, responsible person.
Anna looked at the picture through tears. A thin strong-willed face looked at her, with expressive eyes. Judging by the portrait, Kostetsky was not bad, for his age, of course.
“We’ll have dinner tomorrow. You, come out, accept the dear guest, — did not order, namely, Grigory Ilyich asked.
— Be clever, daughter. — said Zoya Pavlovna, adding her penny, and kissed, calming a cute baby on the cheek.
Both parents left their daughter’s bedroom looking at each other with a sense of accomplishment. And Anna, falling to her knees, burst into tears, in severe exhaustion. Hands and feet seemed numb, I could not even get up from the floor. For a long time she stroked the burdock embroidered by her, shining with purple and greenery on white silk, and whispered quietly to herself:
“You, here, although beautiful, yes, you can stand up for yourself… And I… I’m completely weak…”
First Watch
— Good day, gentlemen! — loudly said Lunin, attracting attention to himself, — Prince Repnin reminds that today, by ten o’clock, the squadron officers should be at the grand palace of the Sovereign. His Majesty follows the service to the church next to the Grand Palace.
Burlin had already seen this five-domed cathedral of Peter and Paul, erected in the reign of Elizabeth Petrovna by Bartolomeo Rastrelli himself, but had not yet been inside. According to rumors, everything shines there with beauty and exquisite luxury. He ordered himself that he would certainly visit this place.
— And, today in a ceremonial, red uniform. You will see our service.
Fedor was not in the bag, he removed the red uniform from the chest, and, armed with a brush, began to put in order all this ammunition. Alexey slowly put on a fresh shirt.
But here, on horseback went to the road, where they joined the squadron officers. They ate with a lynx, led by Prince Repnin, the squadron commander.
They dismounted at the horse-drawn horse, the palace grenadiers took up the horses. And the cavalry guards, bypassing the guards, lined up at the Front Entrance.
“Stand still, gentlemen! We will be in front of the emperor himself! Repnin recalled.
The colonel bypassed the ranks of officers and cadets, and, it seems, was quite pleased with the alignment of his subordinates. They lined up, and prepared, waiting…
The Sovereign himself left the Parade at exactly nine o’clock. The eyes of all the courtiers were riveted to him, because, no doubt, he was so young and handsome. Clean, right face, was poor and focused. Superbly complex, noble posture distinguished him from the generals of the retinue. True, judging by the manners, Alexander Pavlovich felt trapped, as if locked even here, in the beautiful Peterhof Park, in his own palace. He quietly and courteously said something to General Arakcheev, and then to General Uvarov. He nodded, and quickly walked to the guard of the cavalry guards, and said:
— Good day, gentlemen. The sovereign is very pleased with your alignment and zeal for service, and brings his gratitude. Thank you, Prince, “he said for Repnin.
“Lestna praise from the Sovereign,” replied the squadron commander.
— And, I see zeal for service and junkers, — added Count Uvarov.
The adjutant general returned to his retinue, and Burlin felt how he smiled. And then, praise from the chief of the regiment was so pleasant! Well, here, all the officers stretched out in a string.
The doors were opened, and Burlin at first thought that he had visited them today, on this bright morning, the Angel of the Lord himself. Empress Elizaveta Alekseevna herself descended the stairs, shining with unearthly beauty. She wore a white morning dress, a straw hat covered her lovely blonde hair. The facial features were striking in beauty and correctness, this perfect Greek profile, large blue eyes, was combined with a clear oval face. The figure, surprised by grace and grace, flying gait, she passed by her honorary guard.
Well, then, stats ladies followed, and among them the powerful Golovina, and a little behind, among other maids of honor, Alexei noticed his friend, Countess Glinskaya. I regretted that now he was hiding his face in a helmet, I thought that he would not be recognized at such a moment. But no, this gorgeous lady smiled sweetly at him, and hastily turned away. Nearby walked, and that, a little gloomy woman, whom he also remembered. And, the first helped to get out of the carriage.
When the retinue of the empress disappeared into the church portal, Albrecht turned to a friend and quietly asked:
— Yes, you brother, already got into the higher spheres? Met Elizaveta Ivanovna Glinskaya and Princess Natalia Petrovna Drubetskaya?
— Perhaps only with Princess Glinskaya. And that, the second? Who is this lady?
— Well, the one that frowned displeased when Elizaveta Ivanovna gave you signs of attention. She is, Natalya Petrovna Drubetskaya.
— And, I understood… A little here, it’s hot, in supervest on top of the colet, — Burlin answered out of place.
The young man corrected the red cape with a white cross. She squirmed a little, losing her impressive appearance.
“That’s our service. Red uniform, and supervest in addition, — said Albrecht, — And in the evening, a ball awaits us… Be ready, Alexey.
First ball
Let’s just say Burlin, I’ve heard of balls before. Usually, such celebrations were arranged by their neighbors, Kamensky. Guests on beautiful carriages gathered at the large pavilion of the Main Palace of their estate. Noble gentlemen and ladies tried to surprise each other with expensive horses, the ladies shone with silk newfangled dresses and thousands of jewelry.
They, still boys, could only watch all this bustle from behind the bushes, imagining how they themselves would enter this hall, brightened with lights, with festive illumination. How their outfits will shine in the light of hundreds of candles, and their shoes will slide on wax-rubbed parquet, spin in dance with cute young ladies. After all, there, on the balcony, a wonderful orchestra will play, giving out the best melodies for the audience. Polonaise, Gavot, Landler, Mazurka, and, Cotillion, maybe, will be performed by some kind of charm and pas de shale (Pas de Shal).
— Fedor, is the uniform ready for the ball?
— So everything is in order, master, — the batman answered with a sense of accomplishment.
He looked at the young man encouragingly, and Alexei expected that he would stroke him on the head, calming him down. As happened in that distant childhood. But, Burlin, he said to himself that he was calm and collected. Indeed, what were those wacky doubts about? No wonder he was taught by real french governer, all dance figures.. Well, of course, and fencing. True, Monsieur Jastine Verdier, in order to probably set aside his efforts, voiced for him the most sophisticated French curses. So, Alexei Mikhailovich felt sowing to the publication of a completely prepared person.
Looking in the mirror again, Burlin was pleased with himself. Iundir, pantaloons, ball shoes, everything was in order.
— Barin, and a sword? The clerk gave his voice again.
— At the ball, they don’t take it. Like pistols, Fedor. Now prepare my dipole, and wait for Alexander Ivanovich.
— Of course, master. Already going.
— Don’t forget the clean shirt.
“It will be done, sir.
Well, in the yard Burlin took up an important matter. Armed only with a purchased pipe, and began to stuff it with glorious, “captain’s” tobacco. Exhaled, anxious, and still lit a cigarette. He immediately coughed, but did not think to quit.
— Personal handset. Good morning, Alexey, — Albrecht greeted him.
— Good morning, Alexander. Now Fdor will give us a crew and go.
— Sidor will stand on commas. Where am I without a batman?
— I agree, Burlin added.
He tightened again from the tube, and coughed again. Albrecht allowed himself complete equanimity, pretending that nothing like this happens… Burlin, as if in conceit, left a smoking pipe on the table, and, a little shamefully retreated.
— Une journee de merde! (what a shitty day) — burst out at him.
— Ce n’est as si mal. (not so bad) — answered Albrecht with a smile.
Then the wagon rolled up, with Fedor sitting on the goats. Junkers settled down for a shine, and Sidor stood on the steps.
— But, sick! — the batman cheered up the horse, — “He lives in good, who has a horse in the yard”! — Fedor gave his next opus.
However, the couple in the harness ran quite cheerfully, and reached the Grand Palace quickly. Then society gathered, the carriages drove away, dropping off the ladies and gentlemen at the entrance to the hall. I met the guests, of course, not the owner of the celebration, but the butler in elegant livery. Couple after couple climbed the marble staircase, already illuminated by lanterns. True, the guests were families, like the ladies, without companions, only with the Donnes. They also noticed the officers of the regiment, some were with their spouses. Well, Burlin and Albrecht, cheerfully walked up the stairs, not thinking about the dangers, as true knights should do.
It was believed that the ball was not held by the emperor at all, but by Count Nikolai Petrovich Rumyantsev, Minister of Commerce in the Committee of Ministers. And now, Count Rumyantsev, at the entrance to the hall, met the guests of the holiday. Surprisingly, this important dignitary was alone.
“Good evening, gentlemen of the cavalry guards,” said the count, “it’s nice to see you here.”
— Thank you for the invitation, Your Excellency! Albrecht replied.
— I will say hello from you, young man, to your father, — was Rumyantsev’s answer, — have fun this summer night! Carpi diem, gentlemen!
Burlin understood the words of an important dignitary. Live real, live while you are alive! What could be more true than these words! True, the cavalry guard was surprised. How is it that Count Rumyantsev, such a rich and noble nobleman, was not married? And, quietly said, so I would only hear Albrecht:
— Why is the count not married?
— Big mystery, Alexey. However, known to everyone. But, I warn you, they don’t talk about it out loud.
— I will be silent like everyone else…
— Rumyantsev is in connection with Empress Maria Fedorovna, widow of Pavel Petrovich. Such a sad story…
Albrecht said this, casually, calmly, which finally struck Burlin. On the other hand, the cadet recalled Potemkin of Tauride, Count Orlov, and some more… Favorites of Empress Catherine. Razumovsky, favorite of Elizaveta Petrovna. But, there was no time for that, they met Lunin, Nikita Sergeevich. He went up to his comrades.
— What are gentlemen? Fine wine is served there in the room. Soblan is too big, and you need to do something… I suggest, drink a glass, and not slow! Cornet offered.
Junker looked at each other. And then, the offer was too explicit and strong to refuse it. And both, without saying a word, nodded in agreement.
A beautifully trained footman in livery, with white gloves hiding his hands, poured wine over his glasses. Perfectly chilled, honey-colored, attracting and promising rest from all pains and worries. The ringing of Murano glass and then a couple of sips of wine lifted Burlin’s spirits.
— Maybe more? Lunin remarked.
Albrecht shook his head negatively and looked at Alexei. He created a concerned person, and gave out:
— An important thing, Lunin. You understand. We have to go.
And while the cornet, having thought, was looking for a suitable and reasonable answer, the cadets retreated, left this battlefield. Actually, a court orchestra began to play, located on the balcony of the dance hall. Comrades stood against the wall, watching the audience.
— Gentlemen, you are here, — said the important prince Repnin-Volkonsky, their commander, — my wife, Varvara Alekseevna.
The young men bowed, clicking their heels, and in turn attached themselves to the hand of such an important lady. Yes, the Repnin-Volkonsky family was the richest and most famous, and Varvara Alekseevna was marked by the attention of Empress Elizaveta Alekseevna, wife of Alexander Pavlovich. Indeed, Madame Princess was extremely beautiful, that bright, brilliant beauty that distinguishes women with stump hair. The right features, bright, brown expressive eyes were simply extraordinary.
— Very pleasant young men, — Varvara Alekseevna favorably noted, — now the dance will begin, and you should find yourself suitable ladies. Otherwise, here they will consider that the cavalry guards are too shy.
— Yes, Albrecht and Burlin, the cavalry guards have a reputation, and you must comply, — noted the prince.
— Untimely, — said Alexander, — looked after the party better!
Varvara Alekseevna smiled kindly, however, hiding her face behind an open fan. True, fortunately, the squadron commander and his wife left them, hurrying to Count Rumyantsev.
“Really, it’s time to act, Burlin.
— No doubt…
Either lucky, or just so happened, the stars apparently converged, but Alexey noticed the lady he knew, Princess Elizaveta Ivanovna Glinskaya. Not one, in the society of a prominent and elderly dignitary, with orders and ribbons. It would be impossible to get lost, especially since he was noticed. The young man with a vigorous step approached, nodded, introduced himself:
— Junker of the Cavalier Guard regiment Burlin, let me invite your lady to the dance!
— I told you, Fedor Ivanovich, here is our savior! Helped us safely get to our dacha!
— I am grateful to you, young man! I will be glad to see you in my house! And, — he smiled, — your batman, very busy!
“Too much communication with my tutor Verdier, your ladyship. I mastered French and Latin, almost better than me. But, very executive and sensible.
— Elizaveta Ivanovna, please, — the husband kissed his wife’s hand, and handed it over, like the greatest jewel, to the cadet.
Alexey, bowed, and led the lady to the couples who were already gathering. Steward. with a rod in his hands, stood and expected. The conductor, just expected, and now, followed… Three blows with a rod on the floor, and the violins and waves began to bring out the solemn melody of Polonaise… Here Burlin did not believe his eyes — Alexander Pavlovich himself opened the ball with his wife, Elizaveta Alekseevna. And behind him, Count Rumyantsev and the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna marched. Prince Repnin-Volkonsky was not deprived of honor, with his wife, Varvara Alekseevna, following them.
Burlin tried to show some distraction, maybe satiety, detachment. What they say, he is not so impressed by the light reflected from crystal chandeliers, wonderful music, and even more so, the secular society that gathered here. But, only as long as he did not cast an admiring glance at his lady.
Princess Glinskaya proudly marched under feathers, decorated with flowers and diamonds, sometimes casting glances with the appearance of seeming innocence, easily controlling the waves of silk, slightly tapping the heels of her brocade shoes. The typesetting oak parquet of this hall, it is true, was unworthy to carry this beauty on itself. Sometimes the princess fanned herself, as if sliding in her flexible thin fingers. She walked, as if not noticing the gaze, admiring and envious glances from the gallery, like a true lady Godiva. She was very proud to be here and happy about what was happening. And the gentleman who set off her beauty, like an excellent frame for precious stones, was handsome. The princess even praised herself for this wonderful choice.