Page 36 of The Unseen
“Neither did my mother, but times have changed, haven’t they? It’s prudent to economize and do with what we have. We did have roasted chicken the other day, and Petr caught a few trout last week.”
“I don’t care what I eat as long as I fill my belly. The rations are pitiful. We’re getting less and less meat. It’s all potatoes with bits of gristle.”
“We’ll feed you around the clock while you are here,” Valentina said as they approached the house. Vera Konstantinovna had seen them from the window and came flying out the door, her arms outstretched as she pulled Alexei into an embrace.
“Sinok, thank the Lord you’re safe. I was so worried. How long can you stay?”
“Two days, Mama.”
“Come inside. You must eat. I’ll tell Masha to bring fresh tea.”
Alexei buttered a thick slice of bread and ate a boiled egg in two bites. “Is there any bacon?” he asked. “I haven’t had svenina in months.”
“Yes. Masha, bring some bacon,” Aunt Vera called out. “And more butter.”
The servant came rushing out of the kitchen, bearing several more boiled eggs, a plate of sliced cured pork, and a dish of butter. She set everything in front of Alexei, who was gulping down a glass of milk.
“Are they not feeding you?” Aunt Vera exclaimed. “You’re thin as a reed.”
“Keeping us fed is not a priority right now. The foot soldiers are close to mutiny, and several officers of my acquaintance have deserted and switched sides.”
“They’ve gone over to the Bolsheviks?” His mother gasped. “That’s treason.”
“Let’s not speak of it, Mama. I need a break.”
“Of course, son. Whatever you need. I’ll have Polina make up a bed for you. Would you like to sleep for a while? You look tired.”
“No, actually I’d like to take a walk with Valya, if she’ll join me.”
“Of course. We can walk in the woods, if you like,” Valentina suggested. The woods were dense and private, a place where they could talk without interruptions and maybe even steal a few kisses. She’d missed Alexei desperately, and having had a taste of his passion, she longed for more intimacy.
“A walk in the woods sounds heavenly.”
Alexei finished his breakfast and pushed his chair away from the table. “I feel truly full for the first time in weeks. I hope I don’t get sick as a result of my greediness.”
“Walk it off,” his mother suggested. “That’s just the thing for a full belly.”
Valentina and Alexei walked in near-silence until they reached the edge of the woods. The dew had burned off and now the sun was beating down, the heat building as the hour grew closer to midday. The woods were cool and fragrant, the thick green canopy overhead dappled with sunlight.
Alexei scooped up Valentina into his arms and kissed her hungrily. “I’ve been dying to do that since the last time I kissed you.”
“I missed you so much, Alyosha. I hate not knowing when I’ll see you again.”
“Valya, I might be able to get another furlough next month. They’ll give me a few days off if I tell them I’m getting married.”
“You’d lie to get time off?”
“I wouldn’t be lying. I want us to get married. There’s no sense in waiting.”
“But our parents would never agree. They still want a proper wedding, with a church service and a wedding feast.”
“Valya, we can still have a church service, but the celebration might have to wait. Things are very uncertain at the moment. There are many who believe there’ll be another armed rebellion. The Bolsheviks are gaining power and military support. If they succeed, the Imperial Army will most likely be disbanded, or worse.”
“Worse?”
“The highest-ranking officers might be executed to prevent the army from reforming. I want out, Valya.”
“You’d desert?”
