It was time for several changes. As of this day, she intended to make her presence known as more than a figurehead. Bressoff Island was her home, and she was his countess. It was not a castle in Russia, but it was a massive estate which needed to be tended to. Dmitri needed to see his wife was not some silly little girl; she was a woman trained and capable of managing this home of theirs.
Very well! Camille thought to herself as she walked toward the dressing room. Anton would accompany her to the village. If the school building was finished, she wanted tables and benches constructed next.
Camille took the black gabardine walking suit from the wardrobe. A satin and lace blouse went with it. The suit jacket, when buttoned, hid the blouse well.
Camille smiled at her reflection in the long mirror. How proper she looked until she opened the jacket. Lace inserts gave a glimpse of the creamy skin beneath the cloth. Good. She pinned up her hair and walked into her bedroom. After ringing for Karin, Camille rumpled her bed covers. The young maid tapped on the door before shyly peeking around it at Camille's acknowledgment.
"Tell Nita and Helena I will have breakfast in the dining room this morning. Find Anton and send him to me there. You may also tell Gregor the Count is home. However, I do not want him disturbed until he wakes by himself. Thank you, Karin."
Camille smoothed her skirt with one hand as she walked out into the hall. Karin closed the door behind Camille.
"Yes, Madame."
Camille smiled at the slight young woman and received an answering grin. She recalled what Helena had said about Karin. The maid was the girl Alexis’ had been courting. Karin bobbed her head before dashing downstairs.
Across the hall, Camille opened the door to look into Anya's bedroom. The child was still asleep, but Anya would want to know her father was home. Camille slipped into the room, sat on the edge of the bed and shook the girl with a hand on her shoulder.
The child sat upright, wide eyed. "What's wrong?" Anya asked.
Camille shook her head. "Nothing is wrong. I thought you might like to know your father is home."
Anya tossed back the blankets, then hopped out of bed. She skipped to the window. "I must get dressed at once." Anya bounced on her toes in excitement.
"Calm yourself, cher.' He is not awake yet. I do not believe he will be for some time. I thought you might like to have breakfast with him later, just the two of you, as I am going to the village. If you have a bath now and wash your hair, you can be fresh and clean for your father."
Anya's gray eyes sparkled, as she smiled at Camille. "That is a good idea. Thank you."
"You are welcome, cher.'"
Camille walked over to the door after rising. With one hand on the knob, she turned to Anya. "Choose a nice dress. I will go downstairs and ask Tatiana to see to your bath."
With the wardrobe door open, Anya was searching through her dresses for just the right one when Camille shut the door behind her.
Breakfast was waiting for her in the sunny dining room, along with Anton. She asked if he had any pressing duties needing his attention before lunch.
"No Madame." The thin old man stood twirling his cap. She understood his action displayed his nervousness at being called in to her. Anton always got his instructions from Dmitri.
Camille took a sip of her coffee. With her eyes closed for a moment, she savored the taste of the fragrant brew. "I wish to go to the village after breakfast. I would like you to accompany me, Anton."
"Madame, I would be happy to. But if Anya wants to go riding, there will be no one to go with her."
As she considered his concerns, Camille sat back in her chair warming her hands around the china cup. It was very pleasant in the dining room, with the morning sun reflected in the polished wood of the table and buffet. Camille brought her attention back to Anton, who waited for her to speak.
"That is taken care of. Do not worry about her this morning. Anya is occupied. You and I will return before lunch. Anya will want to have lunch with the Count and me. It is doubtful she will be ready for an outing until late this afternoon."
She buttered a piece of roll, then took a bite. "Do you find it difficult to keep up with the child?"
The weathered face split into a toothless grin. "I am not a young man, Madame. The girl could wear out any young buck, let alone an old man like me. I find it hard to keep up with her. It has bothered me, Madame, and I meant to ask the Count for an apprentice. If I had someone on a full time basis to help with the horses and the daily work in the gardens, it would help. There are chores I have not done because there is so much to do. I need someone who can be here all the time, instead of the usual crew who helps with planting and harvesting."
Camille smiled at Anton, grateful he thought enough of her to place the problem in her hands. "Do you have anyone in mind?"
"I have given it much thought. The third Rakov boy would be a good choice. He likes working in the garden. I think he would be more than a match for Anya, Madame. He is a steady boy who has outgrown the age of pranks and foolishness."
"Can he ride well?"
"Well enough to stay on the horse and keep up with Anya. Stanislaus is a good boy. I could use his help."
Camille nodded. "I will speak to the Count about it. You may go now. I will meet you on the front porch as soon as I finish here."
“As you say, Countess.” Hat in hand, he left Camille to enjoy her breakfast.
The room was bright and cheery in the morning sun. Like thick golden honey, the sunlight hung in the air. The crystal fruit compote in the center of the buffet sparkled like a huge diamond. The vivid blue sky outside promised a warm day. A fine day for a walk, Camille decided, as she drank the last of her coffee.
Before leaving, she sent Karin in search of Tatiana with word of Anya's plans for the morning. After passing on instructions that Nita should put plenty of water on to heat, she hurried outside.
Camille stopped on the top step surprised to find Anton waiting with a small white and green surrey. A bright green canvas sunshade stretched up and over the seat. Anton stood next to the front wheel. His hat tucked under his belt; the old man smiled.
With reticule in hand, she hurried down the steps to where the stableman stood. Anton helped Camille into the surrey then got into the driver’s seat. With a flick of the lines, the dapple gray horse started down the path at a brisk trot.
"I had no idea we had a surrey. How nice!" She exclaimed.
"It needed repair. I started work on it the day you arrived. I am glad it pleases you."
Camille settled back to enjoy her outing. The air carried the tang of salt and the aroma of spruce trees as the sun warmed the forest. Gulls screamed overhead. Songbirds called to each other in the shadows of the trees. It was a beautiful day.
Helena shaded her eyes from the bright sun as she stood on the porch watching the carriage with its fresh coat of paint disappear between the trees. She had a deep affection for the young Madame. It was good to see her taking over management of the estate.
Her charge no longer resembled the pale girl who first arrived on the island. Helena did not know what Camille was recovering from, illness perhaps, or a broken heart. She was pleased to see the young woman gaining in health and strength.
***
Dmitri shifted position. The warmth had gone from the bed. Camille no longer lay beside him, but her fragrance lingered. With a yawn, he rolled over onto his back, stretched his legs and put his arms over his head. His bed was like heaven compared to the hard bunk in the ship.
He slept well last night, and Dmitri knew why. Camille's warm little body pressed against him soothed his tension away as no sleeping powder could. He wondered what she was doing this morning. Perhaps sewing? He would ask her to have breakfast with him. Camille would be pleased to hear he had purchased some of the school supplies and ordered what was unavailable.
He kicked away the covers, then lay there, enjoying the comfort of his bed. Rested and comfortable lazing in bed, Dmitri ran
g for Gregor. He pulled a pillow up under his head and flipped the covers across his hips. A few moments later, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," he called out.
The door opened. Both Tatiana and Gregor stood in the opening. Tatiana glanced at Gregor for an instant and with a nod, the native man stepped aside. Tatiana glared at Dmitri.
Face flushed, his old nanny’s eyes were wide. "I must speak with you alone."
The thin firm set of her mouth was a look Dmitri remembered well from his childhood. He motioned her into the room while tucking the covers tight about his waist. Dmitri pushed his body up against the headboard of the bed. Tatiana shut the door with a sharp click behind her. Body ramrod straight, she marched toward him. Like a small boy who had been caught in the act of a misdeed, Dmitri struggled to keep from showing his anxiety.
***
"We had a visitor yesterday." Tatiana looked down at him.
Dmitri’s sense of well-being vanished.
"Captain Marshall stopped by on his way to San Francisco. He was in Juneau at the same time you were."
Dmitri closed his good eye as he let his head fall back against the headboard. "And he saw me with a woman there." He finished the sentence for Tatiana, opened his eye and looked up at her.
Tatiana nodded her head in confirmation.
"Does Camille know?" Everything in his world came to a sudden grinding halt as he waited for Tatiana's answer.
"I do not believe she heard us. I answered the door, and I alone spoke with him. The Captain was advised that you had remarried a short time ago. I asked him to tell everyone of the good news. I did not say it for your benefit, Dmitri, I hoped to protect both your daughter and your wife."
"Thank you, Tatiana. I am grateful."
His voice held a note of contriteness, which took her off guard. Since the man didn’t leap to defend his position, she realized the news disturbed him. Tatiana moderated her tone. "I have never known you to be cruel. Whatever possessed you to touch one of those women and in your backyard? You know what a closed society we have. Anyone in Sitka could let that piece of information drop at the wrong time. Sooner or later, you will have to take Camille to Sitka."
"Tatiana...I."
She silenced him with a wave of her hand. "You are a man, Dmitri. Do you think me fool enough to believe any man could remain faithful to a dead woman for ten years?"
"No," He whispered.
"Then why now, of all times, would you do such a thing in your home territory, where everyone knows you?"
"Everything you say is true. All of your concerns are valid. I do not think I can explain. I will try to straighten things out, but it will take time. Have patience with me. I find my life is in turmoil. Help me keep Anya and Camille from harm. I will fix things; I promise you."
Her expression softened as she listened to him. "I did not mean to take you to task so harshly, but even your mother would have said the same things."
Dmitri looked up at her, his face drawn. "I know. I depend on you for the truth. You have never lied to me. I do not ask for that kind of mindless service now."
Tatiana longed to brush the hair from his forehead and place a kiss there as she had done when he was a child. Instead, she turned to leave the room. Dmitri was a man now; he must behave like a man of honor should.
***
Dmitri was silent as his man shaved him. His thoughts raced around a closed track. Just as reason took the lead, desire closed on the inside. He would try to stay away from Vanessa, but it would be difficult. He wanted her with a lustful need that was almost as great as his budding love for Camille. Dmitri's quiet life had been laid waste by the demons of love and desire.
As he was buttoning his shirt, Dmitri realized he had not asked Tatiana about Camille's plans for the day. He checked her room. The blue and white bedroom was empty. Dmitri closed the dressing room door. Where was she this morning? He wanted to be with her. The urge to hold her was strong.
He took the steps two at a time in a mad dash down the stairs. Then he caught himself humming a tune. Dmitri wondered about his sanity. How could he be so cheerful after Tatiana's lecture?
All she had said to him, along with her anger over his foolishness, was justified. Disaster loomed on the horizon, yet he was inexplicably cheerful. He burst into the dining room like a fresh ocean breeze.
Anya rose to her feet, her small heart-shaped face glowed with pleasure at the sight of him. Dmitri’s good mood ebbed as he realized how much he looked forward to his wife's company. Her absence settled into his heart with a pang of yearning.
But Anya would be hurt if he left her to go searching for Camille. The child had on her best dress. Dmitri knew she wanted to have breakfast with him. For her sake, he tried to maintain his good humor as he pulled out the chair at the head of the table before sitting down. Anya sat on his left, and a smile beamed up at him.
During the meal, he learned Camille had suggested Anya join him for breakfast. When Karin entered to clear the table, Dmitri asked if she knew where the Countess was.
"Yes, Sir. Madame and Anton have gone to the village. They will return in time for lunch."
With a nod, Dmitri dismissed the maid. He stared off into space. Anya rose and took a step closer to his chair. She shook his arm to get his attention.
"Come for a walk with me, Father. Please?"
Startled out of his daydream, Dmitri looked at his daughter. Her gray eyes were the color of the cold arctic sea. Now he had hurt her feelings by ignoring the child. With his left arm around her small shoulders, he gave her a quick hug.
"I have work I must attend to this morning, milaya. Would you mind helping me?"
Anya’s smile returned. "Of course not, Poppa. I would love to help you. What is it you want me to do?"
The chair slid backward as he rose and held out a hand to the child. Dmitri folded his hand over hers. Together, they walked into the study. After he had placed a chair in front of the desk for Anya, he gave her pen and paper. From a drawer, he took several invoices he had received at the post office in Sitka. Dmitri gave her the task of checking the total of the bills. Then he sat opposite the silent girl, to deal with his constant correspondence.
He had a plan to expand the meat packing plant he held the controlling interest in. One of the other two minority partners stood in his way. The uncooperative partner was blocking negotiations on the parcel of land adjoining the plant; acreage Dmitri had worked hard to acquire.
Enough was enough. Dmitri would have his way. The dissenter was about to be shut out. Harrison’s motives were plain. The man wanted to use his share in the meat packing business as security for another venture. That investment would increase his personal fortune, and he did not care if he stood in the way of the other two partners.
If the plant was in the midst of renovation, Harrison's banker might not be willing to advance as much of a loan as the defector needed. It was unfortunate for Harrison. The man should have waited until he was in a better, more secure financial position.
The plant would provide sufficient revenue once the expansion took place for any of the three of them to proceed in whatever investments they chose. Dmitri did not intend to have the future of the business put in jeopardy by another investor's impatience.
Harrison had two large loans held by bankers who had been far too lenient with the man. After purchasing the loans, Dmitri possessed a tool to bend the other man to his will. One delinquent note was about to be called in. If Harrison wished to keep his property, he would accommodate Dmitri's wishes.
In the end, he planned to buy Harrison’s interest in the facility. His recalcitrant partner would have the money he wanted for his speculative venture, although, perhaps not as much as he would like. Dmitri would proceed with his expansion program unhindered.
Tinned meat was a popular commodity because of its convenience. Dmitri knew a moneymaker when he saw one. He finished the proposal to Harrison, then sealed the envelope.
"Poppa?
" Anya pushed the bills across the desk. "I have finished. The totals seem to be correct."
"Seems is not good enough, doch." He kept his tone light as he glanced at each of the bills, and then her figures, comparing the two. "Either they are correct, or they are not correct. Which is it, my dear?"
"They are correct." Anya sighed. "Some of them were long."
"Yes, they were, which is why I needed your help. Thank you, Anya."
Dmitri pulled out his watch. It was near time for lunch. Three letters sat finished and ready for the first ship to stop at their harbor. Since they were important, he would have the southbound pennant flown from the flagpole on the point. Perhaps after lunch, he and Camille would ride out to the headland, and he would raise the banner himself.
On hearing a horse whinny, Dmitri looked out the window and watched as Anton helped Camille from the surrey. After stacking the bills, he glanced at Anya and patted her hand.
"Go along and wash up. You have ink on your fingers. Hurry now, doch'. Lunch should be ready soon."
The child gave him a quick kiss before leaving the room. Dmitri heard Camille's husky voice, as she greeted Anya. The sound of her voice quickened his breathing. He was like a boy in love for the first time. If just the sound of her voice turned his insides to jelly, what would he do when she touched him? God! It was such a shame that Camille found lovemaking repulsive. Or, was it only him that disgusted her?
Anger flared up and engulfed him. If he ever found her with another man, someone would die! His conscience stabbed him with the truth of the double game he was playing. Dmitri calmed himself with effort. How on earth could he even begin to think such things? Camille was not indulging herself with a lover on the side; he was!
His heart ached as if someone had ripped it apart. What would he do if Camille discovered his perfidy? Dmitri heard the doors of the study open. Pretending absorbed interest in the pile of papers before him, he tried to regain control of his emotions. One of Camille's small hands covered his and her lips touched his cheek in a hesitant kiss, then pulled away.
Behind the Raven Mask Page 21