Page 27 of The Unseen
“That would be the ideal solution, but right now that doesn’t seem likely. Grand Duke Michael has been named successor, since he’s next in line for the throne, but he hasn’t accepted. He’s asked for ratification of his claim by an elected assembly.”
Valentina gaped at her father. She’d always been taught to believe that the Romanovs had divine right to rule. They’d been emperors of Russia for three hundred years. To ask an elected assembly to sanction a tsar was like asking your groom whether you might have permission to ride your own horse. She’d nevertaken Grand Duke Michael for a coward, but he clearly feared the revolutionaries and had no desire to put himself in harm’s way.
“Will they ratify his claim?”
Ivan shook his head. “I don’t think so. At this stage, no elected assembly will agree on anything. Do you remember that Krylov fable I used to read to you when you were little, about the swan, pike, and crab? You loved that story.”
“You mean the one where the swan, pike, and crab were harnessed together to a wagon, but couldn’t move forward because they were all pulling in different directions?”
“That’s the one.”
“Are you saying that’s what’s happening in this country, Papa?”
“In simple terms—yes.”
“So, what would have to happen for this situation to resolve itself?” Valentina asked, but she already knew the answer. One of the factions would have to break free of the others and seize control.
“I don’t know, Valya. I really don’t know. Come summer, I will be sending you all to Pulkovo, to the Petrov dacha. You will be safer there, away from the city.”
“What about you, Papa?”
“Count Petrov and I will remain here in Petrograd. We will come to visit you, but we must protect our interests and our investments. Your mother will try to argue with me and demand that we go to our own dacha at Tsarskoye Selo, but it’s not safe right now.”
“I will back you up, Papa. Don’t worry. I like the Petrov dacha better anyway. It’s more private and we’re not constantly under the watchful eye of other summering families.”
“I just don’t want you near the Alexander Palace.”
“Why?”
“Because that’s where the royal family is being kept under house arrest.”
“Do you think they’re in danger, Papa?” Valentina asked. She hadn’t given the royal family much thought over the past few weeks, but she suddenly wondered what became of a dethroned tsar. What would be his role in this new Russia, and how long would the revolutionaries keep the family under arrest? Surely they had to release them at some point. Perhaps they would seek asylum in Europe until things settled down, and maybe, in time, Tsar Nikolai would be invited to take the throne once again.
“I don’t think they’re in any immediate danger, Valya, but their situation is certainly unique, to say the least.”
“Will you keep me up-to-date, Papa?” Valentina asked.
“I will do better than that. I will save the newspapers for you so you can read the articles for yourself, but please, do it while Tanya and Kolya are at their lessons and your mother is otherwise engaged.”
“It will be our secret.”
“Our secret,” Ivan agreed and came from behind his desk to kiss Valentina on the forehead. “You’re a good girl, Valya. May God keep you safe. Now and always.”
FIFTEEN
DECEMBER 2014
London, England
Quinn set aside the necklace once Alex began to fuss. He’d been asleep for over two hours and would now need a clean nappy and a feeding. She enjoyed the hours of peace and quiet while he slept, but was always happy to spend time with him when he woke. Alex was a happy baby. As long as he was dry and fed, the world was his oyster. Quinn deftly changed the baby and put him to her breast, happy to see him suck greedily. He had a good appetite and was putting on weight: signs of a healthy baby. She loved seeing his little hand splayed on her breast, as if he were holding on to her, afraid she’d take the breast away before he was truly full.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’ll never leave you hungry,” she said to him, her voice brimming with tenderness. “You take as much as you need.”
Alex continued to suck happily, oblivious to the doorbell that buzzed unexpectedly and startled Quinn out of her reverie. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Perhaps it was a parcel delivery. Gabe might have ordered something online. Quinn carefully got up without disturbing the nursing baby and went to check the little screen by the door. Sylvia. For one brief moment, Quinn considered not allowing her to come up, but then she dismissed the idea. Sylvia had come all this way. It’d be rude not to let her in. Quinn buzzed her up.
“Oh,” Sylvia said as she came in and saw the infant at Quinn’s breast. “I didn’t realize you’d decided to nurse.”
“It’s better for the baby.”
