by Leslie North
The woman, Maria Julia Thompson, would be staying in St. Petersburg. Dmitry had arranged for her to stay at the family estate, as single young women did not live alone in this part of Russia. Not if they didn’t want every man within a ten-mile radius knocking upon their door. Russia still held to many old world principles, and the protection of one’s young women was high on the priority list.
He hoped that she was not one of those partying girls he had witnessed on his various trips to the US. Dmitry had travelled throughout the US and Canada, observing various mining operations and taking notes to bring back to Russia. He had spent the majority of his early twenties observing first-hand how American young women acted.
As most single young men, with a healthy sex drive, he had frequented the local nightclubs and been a willing participant in many one-night stands. The American women had flocked over him and vied for his attention. He had enjoyed their companionship, but that was America.
Here in Russia, single young women did not visit nightclubs by themselves, nor did they sleep with a different man each night of the week. Modesty, decorum, and self-control were the mottos of every Russian woman, and failure to conform would find the trespassers labeled as loose or worse. His board of directors would be watching her actions, just waiting for her to mess up so that she could be sent back home. He didn’t intend to give her the chance to mess up.
Pushing his intercom button, he waited for his secretary to answer, “Mrs. Rusnik? Could you please come in here for a moment?”
“Yes sir.”
Dmitry waited for his ever-efficient secretary to enter. She was an older woman, in her early forties with two teenage children and a husband who also worked for the company in human resources.
In an effort to ease the communication gap between themselves and the American headed their way, he had asked everyone in the office to start using English amongst themselves in the office. It had been viewed as a great hardship to some of the older workers, but his secretary had seen it as a challenge and had been doing a remarkable job so far.
“Sir?” Mrs. Rusnik asked, taking the seat in front of Dmitry’s desk.
“We have received the information about the Americans who will be arriving in the next few days.”
“Good. Would you like me to arrange a private office for him sir?”
“That was what I wanted to speak with you about. As you know, I spent the morning in the boardroom with the directors.”
“Yes, sir. You were in there quite a long time. Was there a problem?”
“That would depend on who you asked. The American who will be joining us is female. A twenty-five year old. Single. Female.”
Mrs. Rusnik said nothing as she let the significance of that information sink in. “So, not a private office.”
“No. I would like her to have an office where she can work, but where you can also keep an eye on her. I hate to impose, but I believe she may need a babysitter while she makes an adjustment to how women comport themselves here.”
Mrs. Rusnik nodded her head, “I understand. Having two teenage daughters at home sir, I will do my best to steer her in the proper direction so that her time here is not filled with conflict.”
“Thank you. I trust you will let me know if there are any problems.”
“Yes sir, I will certainly do that. Would you like for me to arrange to meet her at the airport myself?”
Dmitry hadn’t thought about the airport yet and nodded, “Yes, I believe that will give you a chance to observe her and start her out as she needs to continue.”
“I’ll make the arrangements. If you could forward the flight information to my terminal, I’ll take care of everything.”
“I’ll do it now. I’ll be heading up to the mines for the next few weeks. I want to make sure the other Americans are situated and given access to the information they will need. I would tell you to contact Alexey if any problems come up, but you might be better off calling my father back from the dead. I swear, I don’t know where his head is sometimes. He seems more interested in playing around than working.”
“He’s young and I don’t believe he ever saw himself as an integral part of this company prior to your father’s death, God rest his soul.”
“Well, that was then. Now, I need his help. I’m going to have a long conversation with him upon my return. That is, if I can actually get him into the office at the same time I am.”
Mrs. Rusnik smiled, having known the brothers for many years. She wasn’t the least surprised that Alexey was more interested in playing than working. The younger brother was full of life and energy, with a different model on his arm each week, and his face plastered across the tabloids for his outrageous acts.
Dmitry on the other hand was the reserved brother; always following in his father’s footsteps and way too serious most of the time. Mrs. Rusnik headed back to her desk, wondering just what it would take to wake up the sleeping beast that she could sense lie beneath his calm exterior. Dmitry Fedosov needed something to joust him from his routine, boring life and force him to act like the twenty-eight year old, single man he was.
Chapter 3
Julia Thompson stepped off the plane in St. Petersburg and inhaled her first breath of Russian air. She had always wanted to travel the world, but had never left the states until now.
When the exchange program had been first advertised, she had jumped at the opportunity and had only secretly hoped that she would be the one they picked. Her counterpart, David Jenkins, was not at all happy about the company’s choice and had made the last three weeks hell for her at work.
He had even gone so far as to follow her home one afternoon, trying to get her to withdraw her name so that he could be the one picked to spend the next year in Russia. Julia had all but laughed in his face.
At the age of 25, she was brilliant and had made the company more money in the two years she had been working there, than the nine years David had worked for them. Unfortunately, David thought of himself as a walking God amongst women, and Julia had discovered first-hand that keeping him at arm’s length was the only way to stomach the obnoxious man.
He had asked her out repeatedly, and it wasn’t until she had pointed out the section in the employee handbook about fraternization that he had backed off. That had not won her any points in his eyes, but Julia could take care of herself and she found that she enjoyed gaining an advantage over the man at every chance given her.
Thank goodness she wouldn’t have to put up with him for the next twelve months!
As she walked off the ramp and into the concourse, it suddenly occurred to her that all of the signs were written in Cyrillic – problem number one – Julia didn’t read Cyrillic. She didn’t even speak any Russian.
It had been a whirlwind of activity, from the time she was notified she had been chosen, right up until the day she got on the plane. She would have loved to spend several months taking one of those Rosetta Stone language courses, but there had been no time. The company had approved a Russian tutor or interpreter for her if she felt she needed it to complete her job.
They had assured her that Mr. Fedosov, the owner of DAV Mining, had been pleased to inform them that all of his key employees spoke English and would be happy to communicate with the Americans using their own language.
Julia was always up for a new adventure, and looked forward to learning all kinds of new things. She started following the mass of humanity, hoping that they were all headed towards the baggage claim and possibly a bathroom. As she descended the escalator, she was pleased to see an older woman standing right there holding a sign with her name on it: Maria Julia Thompson.
Julia approached her and pointed to herself and then the sign, “That’s me.” She smiled at the woman who promptly smiled back and shook her hand.
“Welcome to Russia. I am Mrs. Rusnik and I am here to pick you up and help you get settled.”
“It’s very nice to meet you. Let me collect my luggage and then I’ll be rea
dy to go.” She was amazed at how well the woman spoke English. She hoped other’s would be so accommodating as she sensed learning to speak Russian was going to take a lot of time and practice.
Julia spotted her two suitcases and quickly removed them from the carousel. Turning, she noticed a large man standing beside the woman wearing what appeared to be a chauffeur’s hat. When he took her luggage from her without saying a word, Mrs. Rusnik hurried to explain, “That is Sergei. He is Mr. Fedosov’s personal driver. During your stay here in Russia, he will be available to you whenever you need to travel.”
I get my own personal driver? Yeah me!! “Well, that’s unexpected, but very much appreciated. I didn’t have time to apply for an international driver’s license…”
“Not to worry my dear. Driving in Russia is an experience I assure you, you can do without.” Mrs. Rusnik started heading towards the exit doors and Julia followed.
The air was brisk as they exited the terminal and Julia glanced around in wonder. Turning to her companion, she asked, “What time is it here?”
“10 o’clock. Why do you ask?”
“But, I thought...,” Julia began, looking around and realizing she had evidently made a mistake in her calculations or reading of her plane ticket.
Mrs. Rusnik read the confusion on the young woman’s face and realized what was causing it, “You are wondering why it is so bright outside, no? You expected to arrive at nighttime?”
When Julia nodded, she continued, “It is 10 p.m., however, we are so very far north, for the next several weeks, it will never get dark.”
“Ever? You mean it will be light like this 24/7?”
“24/7? This term does not mean anything to me,” Mrs. Rusnik informed her.
“Sorry,” Julia laughed. She would have to remember to say exactly what she meant. American slang and abbreviated speech would most likely get her nowhere while in Russia! “24/7 refers to the 24 hours in a day and 7 days a week.”
Mrs. Rusnik smiled in understanding, “Oh, yes. It will be light 24/7.” She was grinning as she used the American term and Julia couldn’t help but smile back. “It’s called Beliye Nochi. White Nights.”
Julia attempted to repeat the Russian term and by the look upon Mrs. Rusnik’s face, failed miserably.
Patting her shoulder, she was told, “Never mind. Russian is a hard language and takes practice for you westerners.”
Julia soon realized how true that statement was. As they travelled to the outskirts of the city, Mrs. Rusnik was very accommodating in naming the various buildings and monuments they passed. All in Russian, of course, and most of which Julia didn’t have a chance of remembering.
When the car pulled up in front of a large residence, Julia looked at her questioning. She had expected to spend the next year living in a hotel, and after hearing the horror stories from some of the visitors to Russia during the Winter Olympics, she had been prepared for less than stellar accommodations.
The large residence, almost mansion-like in size, was stunning. With the stone facades and statues gracing the entrance to the building, Julia felt like she had been transported to another era. Looking around, as she stepped from the car, she saw enormous gardens that were meticulously maintained, as well as several terraces that appeared to be groomed similarly.
“Where is this place?” she asked her escort.
“This is the family home of Mr. Fedosov. You will be staying here while in Russia.”
Julia was shocked, “Here? I expected to stay in a hotel, or maybe even a small apartment.”
Mrs. Rusnik shook her head, “No. That would not be proper for a young woman such as yourself. Mr. Fedosov has decreed that you will stay here. The only other full-time occupants, other than the help, are Mrs. Fedosov. Since the passing of her husband, may God rest his soul, she has become a recluse. It is good for her to have someone else living under the same roof once again.”
Julia looked up at the massive house before asking, “All of this for one person?”
“Mr. Fedosov and his brother often visit, and you will find them staying here for short periods of time, but they both have apartments in the city. Now, Sergei will take your luggage up to your rooms. Come, I will see if Mrs. Fedosov is still awake and up for a visitor.”
Julia followed the woman inside, looking up in amazement at the high ceiling and massive balcony, which looked down from the second story. The only buildings she had ever been in that she could compare the house to were government buildings, courthouses and federal buildings.
Looking around, she realized the house should feel cold and sterile, but it did not. It felt very comfortable, lavish, but comfortable. It would definitely take a little getting used to.
Mrs. Rusnik entered what looked like a sitting room, and then gestured for Julia to join her. She spoke to someone sitting in a chair facing the marble fireplace in Russian, and then waved Julia over.
The woman sitting in the chair was absolutely stunning and Julia barely contained her gasp. She was an older woman, as was evidenced by the lines dancing around her dark blue eyes. Her hair was still a vibrant black and styled up, and secured with glimmering clips at the side of her head.
Her hands were graceful with long elegant fingers adorned by many rings with sparkling jewels and at her neck, she wore a golden rope intertwined with pearls. She was dressed in a dark rose dress that molded to her lithe body and as she rose, Julia realized the woman had to be close to 5’10” tall. She herself was only 5’4” tall and found herself looking up to meet the woman’s smiling eyes. “Velcome,” she was told, the W having a decidedly V sound to it.
Julia smiled back and her and shook the proffered hand. Mrs. Rusnik made the introductions, first in English for Julia’s benefit, and then in Russian.
Mrs. Rusnik explained, “Mrs. Fedosov speaks very little English. She can understand it better than she can speak it, but since you will not be spending much time here, that should not be a problem. Sergei will almost always be around and he speaks very good English.”
Mrs. Rusnik nodded her head towards the doorway, and Julia was relieved to see Sergei standing there, waiting at attention.
Mrs. Fedosov started speaking in Russian and after a few minutes, Mrs. Rusnik translated for her, “She hopes your travels were not too tiring and has had the Catherine suite prepared for your use.”
“The Catherine suite?” Julia asked, not making the connection.
“Catherine the Great. She once stayed here for a week. The suite was named after her upon her departure. I believe you will find the accommodations pleasant. If you should need anything, there is a phone next to the bed. Simply pick it up and someone will answer immediately. Day or night. The staff does not speak much English, although Mr. Fedosov has provided them an instructor each day for the past month.”
Julia was beginning to feel the effects of her travels and hid a yawn behind her hand, not wanting to seem ungrateful, but yearning for a bed.
Mrs. Rusnik bit her lip as she saw the young woman hide her yawn and visibly wilt before her eyes. The poor dear was exhausted. “Come, Sergei will show you to your rooms. I will have someone bring up a light snack for you before I leave. I will return tomorrow at 10 a.m. and we will go to the office together.”
Julia nodded, fading fast and wondering how she was going to be alert enough to do anything tomorrow. In the last twenty-four hours, she had travelled halfway around the world and the time changes were beginning to catch up to her.
Mrs. Rusnik spoke to Mrs. Fedosov briefly and then took Julia’s arm and led her out of the room and towards the stairs. Sergei led the way and Julia followed him up the stairs.
He took her down a long hallway, and stopped at the end, opening wide a double set of wooden doors to reveal a palatial looking sitting room with two more doors beyond. “The bedroom is to your left. I asked the staff to unpack for you. I will see you in the morning. Come back down the stairs when you are ready for breakfast and I will show you the way to the d
ining room.”
Julia nodded, still trying to take in the exquisite furnishings, wall art, and overall atmosphere of the rooms she was to live in for the next year. It was unbelievable, but her exhaustion demanded her attention, and she decided to explore her surroundings more thoroughly on the morrow. She quickly located the bedroom, rinsed her face and brushed her hair out in the adjoining bath, and crawled between the sheets with a long sigh.
She was asleep within moments and didn’t even stir when Mrs. Fedosov entered her room with a small snack tray in her hands. She stood in the doorway and watched the beautiful American girl for several moments before she quietly left, pulling the door shut behind her.
A small smile grew on her face as she tried to imagine her headstrong and very focused son’s reaction to the young American. She was beautiful, and even though she had only met her for a few brief minutes, she could see the fire of adventure and the self-confidence the young woman wore like a shield about her.
Dmitry was not used to having women in his business world unless they were secretaries or the like. It would be very interesting to watch how he handled a woman who valued her opinions as much as he did his. A woman not afraid of new experiences. One who had willingly given up the comforts of her American home to travel to Russia for a year. That woman would give her son a run for his money and she looked forward to seeing if they could work together.
Chapter 4
Three weeks later…
“Mrs. Rusnik, have you seen that report that was supposed to have come in from the refinery?” Julia asked.
Three weeks into her yearlong stay in Russia, and she felt things were going rather well. With the exception of Mrs. Rusnik and a few married women who worked two floors down, most of the company was comprised of men, but that didn’t seem to bother Julia too much.