Beneath the Parisian Skies

by Alli Sinclair

  The bright blue sky outside the window framed two dozen roses sitting in a vase on the small table. Yellow, pink and white petals caught the sunlight streaming through the pane. A few steps took her to the table and she picked up the envelope and pulled out the card embossed with the Cheverin family crest. Beautiful swirls of the penmanship showed effort, and she had a feeling Erik had written it himself, not one of his staff.

  Dear Viktoriya,

  Thank you for making last night extraordinary. It certainly was an evening full of surprises, not least how much I enjoyed your company. Your smile warms my heart and I hope you will offer me the luxury of your presence again very soon. One night was not enough.

  I am doing what I can to make your dreams come true,

  Erik

  She dropped the card and envelope on the table.

  No wonder Alexei had been upset.

  ‘They’re lovely, aren’t they?’ asked Yana.

  Viktoriya nodded, wishing she could fully appreciate their beauty.

  Yana stood and said, ‘Look at this.’

  She demonstrated the steps Viktoriya had taught her. Yana’s thin frame bent and stretched, forming perfect lines with ease. She finished the sequence then looked at Viktoriya, her young face expectant.

  ‘You are unbelievably talented,’ Viktoriya finally said. ‘How do you feel when you dance?’

  ‘Like all the worries of the world disappear. It feels like…like…’ Her face flushed bright red and she looked away.

  ‘There’s nothing to be embarrassed about,’ Viktoriya said. ‘What do you feel in your heart?’

  ‘It feels like there’s hope in my world,’ she muttered.

  Taking a deep breath, Viktoriya rose and moved to her young companion. ‘Then we must ensure that this feeling lasts.’ She motioned for Yana to follow her instruction. Viktoriya welcomed the distraction from her troubles. ‘Now you know the basics, we can move on to something a little more complicated. Let’s use this body of yours that seems to love dance so much.’

  Yana’s enthusiastic smile wrapped around Viktoriya, and any reservations she had about getting this girl deeper into ballet flew into the ether. Yana was not Dina. Yana would not attract unwanted attention from an army lieutenant who would pursue her relentlessly. Yana would not die at the hands of a drunken pig.

  ‘Viktoriya?’

  She shook her head, trying to dispel images of her young charge’s body lying battered and broken in the gutter. ‘What did you say?’

  ‘I asked if this was right.’

  ‘Show me again.’ This time, Viktoriya concentrated on Yana’s steps and gently adjusted the girl’s arm a half-inch and moved her torso around a fraction. Her ability to remember steps only shown to her moments before was incredible. ‘You are such a beautiful dancer.’

  ‘How can I be?’ She waved her long arms about. ‘I’m all legs and arms and no coordination.’

  ‘I wish you could see what I see,’ Viktoriya said, a smile breaking out on her lips. ‘Come to the theatre.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘You can watch yourself in the mirror, then you might believe me.’ Viktoriya sighed. ‘Please, come to the theatre tomorrow.’

  ‘Fine.’ Yana frowned but her attitude didn’t annoy Viktoriya. Of course the girl lacked confidence, nothing had gone right in her world for some time. Perhaps seeing her reflection in the mirror would help her see the grace that had Viktoriya in awe.

  * * *

  Viktoriya studied Yana as she walked around the rehearsal room, her long fingers running lightly along the barre. She walked over to the piano in the corner of the room then sat on the stool, placed her fingers on the keys and a moment later, the vast expanse filled with Bach.

  ‘You play piano?’

  ‘A long time ago,’ Yana said, concentrating on the keys. ‘I’m a bit rusty.’

  She played beautifully, every haunting note crisp and clear. Yana’s playing told Viktoriya she’d come from money. Yet another piece of the puzzle from Yana’s past. Not wanting to interrupt the child because so much joy came from the notes being played, Viktoriya closed her eyes and got lost in the music. A moment later Yana stopped and the lid slammed shut. Viktoriya’s eyes flew open and she found Yana facing the wall, angrily wiping away a tear.

  ‘What’s wrong?’ Viktoriya went to Yana but the girl moved away.

  ‘I’m fine, it’s nothing.’ Her voice shook and she refused to look Viktoriya in the eye.

  ‘If you’re not up to dancing today then—’

  ‘No, let’s do it. We’re here now.’ Yana moved to the middle of the room and stood with her feet in first position. She held her chin high, accentuating the length of her neck, her body in perfect symmetry.

  Viktoriya stood in front of her but just to the side so Yana could watch herself. Viktoriya showed Yana the steps and she followed them with ease. Viktoriya’s heart swelled with pride.

  ‘Dip to the left. Point. Left arm in fifth—’

  ‘Who is this?’ Diaghilev’s deep voice reverberated around the room.

  Viktoriya spun to find her boss standing in the doorway, his large frame filling most of the space.

  ‘She’s with me,’ Viktoriya said matter-of-factly.

  ‘What is she doing here? This is for dancers with the company only.’

  ‘It’s after hours and no one’s using the room,’ said Viktoriya, feigning more confidence than she felt. ‘She’s a wonderful dancer and I wanted her to see for herself in the mirrors.’

  ‘Hmm,’ grumbled Diaghilev. ‘Show me.’

  Yana’s wide eyes pleaded with Viktoriya and she could sense the girl’s panic.

  ‘It’s all right,’ she used her best soothing tone, ‘Gospodin Diaghilev will enjoy watching you dance. I promise. Why don’t you go back to the start of the last sequence and show him what you can do?’

  ‘But…’ Yana’s voice was barely audible.

  ‘I don’t have all day,’ Diaghilev said.

  Viktoriya counted her in, guiding her young charge. Yana’s body moved with precision, her steps fluid, her arms and legs stretched gracefully, her turns perfectly balanced. Every so often Viktoriya glanced at Diaghilev, who stood statue-like, his gaze fixed on the girl. She finished with an arabesque, her balance faultless, the line of her legs and arms flawless. Moving to a standing position, Yana looked from Viktoriya to Diaghilev and back again.

  After what felt like an eternity, Diaghilev finally said, ‘How old is she?’

  ‘Thirteen,’ said Viktoriya, trying to contain her smile. Under immense pressure, Yana had held it together.

  ‘Where has she trained?’ he asked.

  ‘Nowhere. Well, apart from under my tutelage.’

  He entered the room, clasped his hands behind his back and slowly circled Yana, whose bottom lip now quivered. Her eyes had turned glassy and Viktoriya feared Yana would dissolve into tears if Diaghilev so much as looked at her the wrong way. ‘Where is she from?’

  Viktoriya didn’t appreciate Diaghilev not addressing Yana directly but it was probably for the best. ‘She’s from Moscow but is now living in Paris.’

  ‘Family?’

  ‘None. It’s a long story and—’

  He held up his hand. ‘I don’t need to know the details. There’s potential. Have her take some lessons with Massine. Let’s see her prove her worth.’

  Diaghilev strode out the door, leaving it wide open. His footsteps echoed down the hall while Yana and Viktoriya stared at each other.

  ‘What…how…’ said Yana.

  An incredulous laugh escaped Viktoriya’s lips. ‘I am not really sure what happened but it looks like someone else can see your amazing talent.’

  ‘I only did what you taught me.’

  ‘The point is that you did it so well. Diaghilev has a wonderful eye and he knows a natural when he sees it. I’d heard he was looking out for young talent he could mould.’

  Yana stepped away. ‘Is that why you got me here?’


  The hurt in Yana’s voice saddened Viktoriya. ‘Of course not. When you dance there’s a special beauty that’s mixed with innocence. The only reason I asked you to come here was for you to see yourself and realise how lovely you are.’

  ‘But I’m just a girl from Moscow without any parents.’

  ‘You are so much more than that. I wish you believed in yourself as much as I believe in you.’

  The tears that had been welling in Yana’s eyes now flowed freely down her cheeks. She wiped them with the back of her hand, her brows creased with annoyance. ‘I’m not the person you think I am.’

  ‘Well, I see a girl who needs a break and who has found something that makes her happy. That something could lead to a world of wonder and a future full of possibilities.’

  ‘The ballet?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘But other people have trained since they could walk. How could I ever be good enough?’

  ‘Didn’t you just hear what Diaghilev said? He always says what he means. Although I’ve never subscribed to such a thing as serendipity, I can’t deny that it has led you to me so I could lead you here to Diaghilev. You’ve been given an opportunity so many covet but never receive. And once Massine sees you dance…’

  ‘Who is Massine?’

  Viktoriya placed her arm on Yana’s thin shoulders. ‘My darling girl, your learning curve may be steep but there is no doubt in my mind you will achieve great heights.’

  CHAPTER

  21

  Paris, 1917

  Viktoriya basked in the late afternoon sun streaming through the window of her room as she guided Yana through some new positions. The girl was a quick study and the more she learned, the more enthusiastic she grew about her lesson with Massine.

  ‘Soften your elbow more.’ Pride in her student overcame Viktoriya as Yana did exactly as asked. ‘That’s it!’

  Yana dipped and spun, pure joy written over her face. There were so many elements of Yana’s movements and poise reminiscent of Dina. Viktoriya let her shoulders fall. Would it ever be possible to think of Dina and not be left with an aching heart?

  Yana held her arabesque, her alignment perfect.

  ‘Beautiful,’ Viktoriya said, chastising herself. She had to get over her feelings of guilt over Dina’s death and embrace these moments with Yana. Maybe Viktoriya had been offered a chance to get things right, to take a young girl under her wing once more and help her make something of herself, help her create a future.

  Viktoriya’s fingers stroked the fuchsia scarf. She’d clung to this material with the hope of…what? What did this scarf represent? The life of a young girl ripped away so carelessly and cruelly? Shared moments of laughter between Dina and Viktoriya as they spun across the living room? Or the hope that one day this scarf would find a new owner who would go on to live the life that Dina never had the chance to experience?

  Viktoriya ran the fabric across the back of her hand. A shiver ran up her spine.

  ‘Yana.’

  The girl stopped, concern in her eyes. ‘Did I do it wrong?’

  ‘No, not at all. Please.’ She patted the bed. ‘I’ve got something to tell you.’

  Yana warily made her way over and sat as asked, her light frame barely making a dent on the mattress.

  ‘This scarf was given to me by someone I loved very much. Like you, she is…was…beautiful and talented, had a caring heart and brought joy to all who watched her dance.’

  ‘What happened to her?’

  ‘The angels took her before anyone was ready to say goodbye.’

  ‘Oh. I’m sorry. How…’ Yana shook her head. ‘It’s not my place to ask.’

  ‘One day I’ll tell you but not now. Just know she was a loving soul who managed to bring sunshine to the lives of many in her short time on this earth.’

  Yana looked at the scarf. ‘This was hers?’

  ‘Yes, and I want you to have it.’

  Yana frowned as she looked at the fabric. ‘I’m not sure…’

  ‘I am positive she would want you to have it. She gave it to me as a good luck charm and it’s served me well.’ Viktoriya held out the scarf and Yana took it, holding the fabric in her palms. ‘Now it’s your turn. If you want it, of course.’

  Yana’s lips drew together in a tight line as she examined the gift. ‘It’s very pretty.’

  ‘It is.’

  Yana handed it back. ‘I’m sorry, I can’t take it. It means too much to you and I…I don’t deserve it.’

  ‘Yes, you do. Take it with you when you see Massine.’

  Tears welled up in Yana’s eyes. ‘I do not deserve your kindness.’

  ‘Don’t be silly.’ Viktoriya placed an arm around Yana. ‘What’s wrong?’

  ‘I really don’t deserve it.’

  In a slow and steady voice, Viktoriya said, ‘Why would you think this?’

  ‘My parents wanted to come to France because it would give me and my sister an opportunity we wouldn’t have in Moscow. They made that trip,’ a loud sob escaped her quivering lips, ‘because of me. And now they’re dead. And so is my sister. I don’t deserve happiness. This is wrong, it’s so very wrong.’

  ‘Oh, my darling girl.’ Yana rested her head on Viktoriya’s shoulder. ‘I don’t know your parents but if they were brave enough and loved you enough to risk everything so you could have a better life, then I am positive they would want you to embrace every opportunity that came along.’

  Yana’s entire body shook.

  ‘Sweetheart, maybe we’re moving too fast here. Just let the idea sit with you until you’re comfortable. Diaghilev will have to learn patience and let you do lessons with Massine when you’re ready.’ Viktoriya had no idea how she’d pull it off but she had to find a way. This child had suffered enough and she didn’t need any more pressure.

  A heavy knocking on the door made Viktoriya jump.

  Letting go of Yana, Viktoriya smoothed her hair and crossed the room. ‘Who is it?’

  ‘Delivery,’ came a young male voice from the other side of the wood.

  Twisting the knob, she opened the door a fraction, just enough so she could see the smartly dressed man holding a large white cloth bag that ran the length of his body.

  ‘Mademoiselle Budian?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘This is for you. Baron Erik Cheverin sends his best wishes.’

  She shook her head. ‘Tell him thank you but the flowers were more than enough. I appreciate his generosity, but no more. Please.’

  ‘He said you may say this and I have been given strict instructions to stay here until you take this.’ He held out the cloth bag.

  Breathing in heavily through her nostrils, she tried to remain calm. ‘I cannot accept more presents.’

  ‘But I must—’

  ‘Please. Tell him thank you, but no.’ She quietly shut the door, feeling terrible, as the young man was only doing his job. The flowers had caused enough problems and she didn’t want to be beholden to the baron any more than she was. Accepting gifts meant she’d only get in deeper.

  She turned around to find Yana directly behind her.

  ‘Why didn’t you take the present?’ Yana sighed, a faraway look in her eyes. ‘How lovely to be courted by a baron. Is he handsome?’

  She couldn’t help but smile at Yana’s girlish enthusiasm. ‘Yes, he’s handsome.’

  ‘Is he nice? He must be nice if he keeps sending you presents. Do you think he has a younger brother?’ Yana giggled and Viktoriya rolled her eyes in a playful manner.

  ‘You’re too young to think about such things but maybe in a few years time…’ Viktoriya let the words fall away, realising she’d just introduced an elephant into the room.

  ‘I won’t be here.’ Yana’s matter-of-fact tone hurt Viktoriya.

  ‘You don’t know that,’ she said.

  ‘Of course I do. This ballet thing is a pipe dream. I don’t have the training that others have. And I know you helping me out is only temporary and I promise you, I
am grateful, but this,’ she swung her arm wide, taking in the tiny bedroom, ‘can’t go on forever. It’s only a matter of time before you lose patience with me.’

  Viktoriya stepped forward and took both of Yana’s hands in hers. ‘I will never lose patience with you.’

  ‘You will eventually. Everyone does.’

  ‘Yana,’ she squeezed the girl’s hands, ‘there is so much I haven’t told you, so much I want to tell you, but I’m just not ready.’

  ‘You don’t trust me?’ Her wide eyes sent a wave of sadness through Viktoriya.

  ‘Of course I trust you. I wouldn’t have brought you into my world if I didn’t. One day I’ll tell you everything but just not now. When I do, you’ll understand how important it is for you to be in my life. How important it is for me to do everything in my power to help you make a future for yourself.’

  Yana’s shoulders dropped as she mumbled, ‘All right.’

  ‘For as long as I am here on this earth, I will look out for you, Yana.’

  ‘You can’t promise that. No one can. There’s a war outside those doors,’ Yana said. ‘We could all die tomorrow.’

  ‘We could but we can’t live in fear. I’ve learned the hard way that borrowing problems from the future is a sure-fire way of sending yourself crazy with worry. All we can do is live one day at a time and keep hope in our hearts that the future will turn out rosy.’

  ‘You’re a romantic.’

  Yana’s observation surprised Viktoriya and now that she thought about it…‘Maybe I am but it’s that hope that gets me through, even when it feels like my world is falling apart around me.’

  This talk with Yana lifted Viktoriya’s spirits. Although young in years, Yana’s insight made her so much older, even if it was sprinkled with cynicism. No one could blame her for that.

  Viktoriya turned her attention to the roses. The petals melded together beautifully, each flower unique but united by the same scent. She touched the soft, velvety flowers, admiring the way the sun highlighted the delicate veins on each petal. When she looked up, she found Yana settled in the corner, reading a book given to her by one of the dancers down the hall. A strand of hair kept falling across her eyes and she blew it out of the way only for it to fall back again. This continued as she read, her concentration incredible. Whatever Yana set out to do, she did well. She really would make an excellent dancer and now with an opportunity to have a lesson with Massine…