Page 58 of The Unseen
“And who would print this paper?”
“You would. And I would contribute articles and back matter.”
“What back matter?” Stanislav had stopped chewing and was watching her intently.
“I would think that some of these Russian families are always on the lookout for Russian-speaking maids, nannies, cooks, and even tutors. And it’s usually the women who see to hiring staff. Perhaps the back page could be used for advertisements, for which we could charge a fee. There could also be write-ups of current fashion trends, maybe some society gossip. These womenmight not speak English, but they are very well aware of who is who, all the same.”
“What type of articles would you write?”
“Well, for one, I would like to keep a running commentary on the suffragette movement. I know that many of the older ladies are staunchly opposed to women voting, but the younger ones are intrigued and would like to know more. I thought I might also do a monthly feature on some extraordinary woman, like Florence Nightingale. I read an article about her recently and thought that writing about her might inspire some young women to go into nursing.”
“You’ve really thought this through, haven’t you?”
“I’ve been thinking for a long while that I need to find a way to earn some money, and once I saw what you were doing, I thought it was rather brilliant. I have a little bit put away, so I could reimburse you for your expenses. We could put out several issues and see how it goes. Perhaps a pamphlet at first, and after a time, an actual newspaper. What do you think?”
“I think it’s a very interesting idea. Let me consult Max. I can’t agree to anything without his approval. We’re in this together. We have plans of starting our own publishing house one day, so we can’t afford to take any unnecessary risks.”
“I completely understand. Do let me know your thoughts, but be discreet. I wouldn’t want Dmitri Pavlovich to know what I’m up to.”
“Would your articles be anonymous?”
“No, I’d take a pen name.”
“Have you already thought of one?” Stanislav grinned at her. He understood her better than she’d expected.
“Yes. Vera Vechnaya.”
“Oh, clever play on words. Eternal Faith. I like it. Very optimistic sounding.”
“Truthfully, I couldn’t think of anything else. I thought the religious overtone of the name might appeal to the matrons, while the notion of eternal optimism might strike a note with the younger generation.”
“I think it’s brilliant, Miss Kalinina.”
“Please call me Valentina.”
“Only if you call me Stan.”
“Deal.” They laughed as they shook hands. “If we’re to be partners, we can dispense with the formalities.”
“I can’t promise you a partnership, but I will certainly try to convince Max. I think it’s a good idea. Innovative.”
“I’ve never thought of myself as innovative.”
“No one does until suddenly they’re not happy with the status quo and want to do something to change it. You’re a woman of the twentieth century, and I have a feeling that you’re all on the verge of something truly amazing.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Women are fighting for their rights for the first time in history. That’s truly amazing already. If they don’t give up, which I don’t think they will, real, legal changes will come to pass, changes that will affect future generations. Women will become a power to be reckoned with.”
“Would you want to marry a woman who challenges your ideas and wishes?” Valentina asked, impressed by Stanislav’s take on the women’s movement.
“My mama wouldn’t be too pleased, but I want a partner when I marry, not a servant who has no opinions of her own. To be honest, I’m tired of my mother’s matchmaking attempts. Some ofthese girls have been in England for years, but in their minds, they still live in some nameless shtetl.”
“What’s a shtetl? I’ve never heard that word.”
“A shtetl is a small Jewish settlement.”
“Did you grow up in a shtetl?”
