The Amber Keeper (10 page)

‘She wouldn’t dare! And don’t think
you
can tell me what to do. If I so wish it, your job here won’t last five minutes. I can get rid of you as easily as I did Mademoiselle.’ Then as if to prove his point he began to empty the milk jug on to the floor in the wake of the porridge, followed by the orange juice, egg shells and contents of the jam pot. I started to protest but
Nyanushki
put a gentle hand of restraint on my arm, and gave a little shake of her head as if warning me against taking further action. With a big grin on his face, Serge marched off to play with his train. Swallowing my anger and heart beating like a drum, I began to mop up the mess, feeling very much as if this small boy had declared war.

Each evening the children were expected to take dinner with their parents. I too was expected to attend, something of a trial as I found it embarrassing to have my chair pulled out for me and to be waited upon by the white-gloved butler as if I were a member of the
family
. It was so very different from the life I had led at Carreck Place. But it was good for the children to be included in such an occasion in what was evidently a very cosseted and sheltered life. Even so it came as something of a shock to discover that they were quite
incapable
of dressing themselves.

Nyanushki
and I helped Irina, and Serge was assisted by a manservant in the privacy of his bedroom. Irina would put up her arms for
Nyanushki
to slip the dress over her head, making no attempt to do up the buttons, or to put on her stockings and patent leather shoes. Not for a moment had it occurred to me that they would be completely helpless without assistance.

‘Perhaps a few more skills need to be learned here,’ I quietly suggested, pointing out this failing.

Nyanushki
blinked in surprise. ‘Indeed not! No lady is expected to do a thing for herself when she has a maid who can do it for her. Nor any gentleman either, save perhaps for the Count who takes rather a different outlook, being so very practical. I’ll admit there’s nothing his lordship likes better than to help in the garden whenever we are in the country, whereas most aristocrats would not demean themselves with such peasant-type activities.’

‘I’m delighted to hear it.’ I was beginning to be increasingly intrigued by this man who would be paying my wages, and looking forward to getting to know him better.

When the children stood before me ready for inspection, I was instantly perturbed by the expression on Serge’s face, recognising the signs of further rebellion.

‘How very fine you look,’ I said, anxious to calm him as he twitched and tugged at his new clothes. He was dressed like any well-to-do young English boy, in a smart green tweed suit with
Norfolk
jacket and knickerbockers.

I smiled with relief as he preened himself at the compliment, but then Irina started to giggle. ‘You look very silly, Serge.’

Her brother glowered at her. ‘So do you in that fluffy pink frock with that big green sash and stupid hair ribbon.’

‘It’s better than your soppy tie and big collar,’ she shouted back.

Serge instantly started tugging at the tie, trying to take it off, at the same time attempting to ease the stiff Eton collar.

‘Please don’t do that, Master Serge.’ I hastily put out my hands to stop him, but he slapped them away.

‘Don’t like it. Won’t wear it!’

I half glanced at
Nyanushki
, again wondering how best to deal with such outright disobedience. She gave a resigned little shrug as if she’d seen this many times before. ‘I’m afraid they do tend to become rather quarrelsome when shut up too long in this flat. What would you like to wear, then, my lovely boy?’ she asked.

‘Don’t care! Not this,’ he yelled, and snatching up
Nyanushki
’s sewing scissors he chopped off the tie just below the knot. Then as his sister burst out laughing he quickly turned on her and chopped off the ribbon, together with a chunk of her hair.

Irina screamed, instantly falling to the floor to drum her heels in a fit of hysterics. Terrified that the Countess might hear this
dreadful
noise I rushed to pick her up and quieten her.
Overwhelmed
by a sense of failure at not having guessed his intent, matters went from bad to worse as despite my begging her to hush, her hysterics
continued
unabated.

Then
Nyanushki
spoke in a calm, firm voice. ‘If you don’t stop this noise at once, Miss Irina, I shall have to call Mama, and you know what she will do.’

Silence followed this threat as Irina instantly stopped screaming. Rubbing the tears from her eyes she got slowly to her feet, making no further protest as I retied her hair, carefully disguising the missing lock.
Nyanushki
fetched Serge a new tie, and even he appeared chastened despite his glum expression.

‘What would the Countess do?’ I asked
Nyanushki
in a whisper.

‘Fasten up their naughty mouths with sticky tape,’ she softly replied, sliding her plump fingers over her lips to demonstrate.

I was horrified. ‘But they would not be able to eat, let alone speak.’

‘Indeed not. That is the point. The children live in fear of this punishment, although there are worse.’

Recalling the incident over afternoon tea I dreaded to think what further punishments the Countess could inflict upon her children, particularly on Irina. ‘I have an idea,’ I quickly announced, anxious to calm their fears and stop the tears and sulks. ‘If we get ready quickly I’ll teach you how to sing
Pop Goes the Weasel
and
Diddle Diddle Dumpling
. I love silly rhymes, don’t you?’

‘Ooh, yes please,’ Irina said, and we had a jolly sing-song, Serge particularly enjoying
I Went to the Animal Fair
, which we sang in French.

One afternoon after taking the children out for their daily walk, I returned to the schoolroom to find Ruth taking tea with
Nyanushki
. ‘Oh, how lovely to see you,’ I cried, giving my new friend a war
m hug.

‘I thought I’d call to see if you’d settled in all right, and if I could help in any way,’ she told me.

‘Why don’t you take your friend to your room to talk? I’ll look after the children for a while.’

‘Thank you,
Nyanushki
,’ I said, with heartfelt gratitude.

It was such a relief to have some time in private, to be able to share my concerns over the recent squabbles and misbehaviour and how inadequate I felt at dealing with the children.

‘According to
Nyanushki
, the last governess took such a dislike to Serge that she deprived him of his food and half starved him,’ I said. ‘No wonder he’s such a trial, the poor boy doesn’t trust anyone. Even his own mother is either over-indulging him, or encouraging him to play silly practical jokes.’ I finished by telling Ruth what had happened back home at Carreckwater when he’d almost drowned Irina in the lake.

She was shocked. ‘It is important to set out your rules and acceptable standards of behaviour from the start. But it shouldn’t be necessary to impose dreadful punishments. A little talk, perhaps, or sent to bed for a rest until they recover from their tantrum.’

‘Quite. It seems to be mainly Irina who suffers. The child was made to stand in the corner with her hands on her head at tea the other day. She might have been there for ages had her father not intervened,’ and we were soon both laughing as I told the tale.

‘I’m sure matters will improve. They’re just testing you.
Anyway
, the real reason I called was to offer to help you buy the right clothes. Winter is coming and you can’t wear that old
shuba
of mine for church or the theatre. It’s an absolute disgrace. We really should go shopping. Then I’ll introduce you to the British and
American chapel.’

‘Oh, that would be lovely.’

Nyanushki
agreed to sit with the children the following
afternoon
, and the outing was duly arranged.

My new job had not begun well, due largely to my lack of experience. But I realised that if I was to hold on to it, and protect the children from their bully of a mother, I would need to quickly improve.

TEN

I
t felt wonderful to be out and about discovering the delights of this beautiful city of canals, rivers, islands and bridges, with its well-deserved title of ‘Venice of the North’. Ruth took me to see St Isaac’s Cathedral with its classical pillars and golden dome, and then we made our way to the Palace Square, or Dvortsovaya
Ploshad
, dominated by the magnificence of the Winter Palace, before entering the Nevsky Prospekt. This seemed to be the very heart of the city, a busy thoroughfare with impressive architecture, amazing statues, street artists and any number of fascinating shops.

‘I’m already growing quite fond of the children,’ I told Ruth as we strolled along arm in arm, ‘particularly Irina, despite their naughtiness at times. But it’s good to enjoy a little adult company for a change, and be free of the worry and responsibility of them for an hour or two.’

‘I know the feeling,’ she laughed.

I bought a new warm coat, complete with hood and fur lined, although with cony, not beaver; a pair of woollen trousers that fastened underfoot; and beautiful beige felt
Valenki
boots that came right up to the knee.

‘They are so soft and warm,’ I said, hugely impressed.

‘You can wear them indoors to keep warm on cold winter days, or when outside you can slip a pair of galoshes or rubber boots on top to keep out the wet. You’ll find this particularly necessary when the thaw begins.’ The shop assistant hurried away to fetch me a pair of those too.

Ruth next insisted I buy a large packet of envelopes, and carefully wrote out my new address in Russian on one of them. ‘Now you can copy that address on to all the other envelopes and send them home for your parents to use.’

‘Wonderful! You have been so kind to me.’ We were standing on a bridge overlooking the canal, admiring the golden cupola of a nearby church glittering in the bright sunlight. This beautiful city with its gilt spires, blue and green domes and white houses had proved to be beyond my expectations. I was beginning to grow quite fond of Russia.

‘We ex-pats must stick together. Speaking of which, we’ve just time to pay a quick visit to the British and American Chapel.’

It was a typically plain Congregational-type building, very
spacious
with simple wooden pews where I could imagine ladies sitting very properly for Sunday service in their best hats. And as Ruth had explained, it was not simply a place of worship, but very much a social club.

‘It provides evening classes, a library, picnics, a chess club, a choir and many other cultural activities. I’m usually here every
Sunday
morning and on Wednesday afternoons, as today, when we governesses get together to enjoy tea and a gossip.’

And there they all were, a dozen or so young women gathered in the vestibule area, all welcoming me with smiles, and lots of hugs and kisses. As they quickly took my coat and settled me into a chair with a cup of tea and a bun, I instantly felt as if I was among friends.

‘No picnics at this time of year, sadly, but there are one or two concerts lined up. Even the odd bridge night. And the Christmas party, of course. Plenty of fun to look forward to,’ a blonde-haired young woman who introduced herself as Ivy, assured me.

‘Are you musical? If so then don’t bother to join the choir as it seems to be a requirement that members should not be able to sing,’ another warned.

Everyone laughed, seeming to think this highly amusing.

‘I doubt I shall have much time to join anything. The Countess and the children keep me pretty busy.’

‘Oh, do make sure you get it written down what time off you are to be allowed.’

‘And when you are to be paid,’ another girl added. ‘Employers in financial difficulties can put off paying your wages, which isn’t right at all.’

‘The Belinskys are definitely not in any financial difficulties,’ I hastened to assure them. ‘I’m sure everything will be fine, once I’ve settled into a routine. But first I have to organise the refurbishment of the schoolroom.’ I went on to explain how the Countess wanted it to be in English style, so more advice followed on how best to achieve this in Russia. The most useful information came from Ruth.

‘I can certainly recommend a good carpenter to build the toy cupboard and everything you need. Stefan attends here regularly as his own mother came over last century to work as a governess
herself
for a Russian factory owner. She eventually married one of the employees. He’s bilingual and feels very much a part of the
English
community. He might well be around this afternoon. We’ll go and look for him after we’ve had tea.’

I set down my cup and saucer. ‘Perhaps we should look now as I really should be getting back.’

We found the young man in question and Ruth quickly explained my need for a good carpenter. He was tall and lean with well-muscled shoulders, red-brown hair and only the finest bristle of a moustache on his upper lip, rather than the heavy beard that was considered fashionable. I thought him rather good-looking.

‘So you work for Count Belinsky? Interesting. He is said to have considerable influence with the Tsar.’

‘That’s not what I’ve heard.’ I remembered the conversation over afternoon tea when the Count had spoken of the bullying uncles.

‘Oh, so he tells you his secrets, does he?’

‘That’s not what I meant.’

‘Ah, so you were listening in to a conversation? That’s interesting too.’

My cheeks grew warm, and, noticing my embarrassment, he laughed out loud. But I could hardly deny it to be true.

‘Stop teasing her, Stefan.’ Ruth chided him. ‘We all hear things we shouldn’t. It’s part of life in service, as you well know. And Count Belinsky is a very important minister.’

‘He’s certainly that,’ he agreed. ‘Although whether I’m prepared to work for a member of the rich aristocracy is open to question.’

The man was beginning to irritate me but, stiffening my resolve, I looked him straight in the eye. They were a fascinating greeny-blue, sparkling brightly as if he was finding this entire conversation hugely entertaining. ‘It’s the Countess who has ordered this work, but if you’re not interested then I’m sure I can find another carpenter, equally good.’

‘I very much doubt that. I’m the best there is.’

‘Oh, and do you have any references to that effect?’ I must have sounded rather haughty, for he laughed all the more.

‘I can provide any number, should they be necessary.’

‘It is not
I
who will require it, but her ladyship may well demand assurance of your . . .’

‘. . . competence? Can it even be in doubt?’

I almost wanted to slap his arrogant face, and was grateful when Ruth again intervened with a chuckle. ‘Do behave, Stefan. Millie is only doing her job as well as she can, otherwise she might lose it.’

He sobered instantly and, giving a little bow of the head, agreed to come round to the Belinskys’ flat the very next day to discuss what was required. I was glad to make my escape. But there was something about the way his eyes followed me as I left the building that set my heart beating just a little faster.

The next morning, shortly after breakfast, I was summoned by the Countess to her boudoir. I knocked politely on the door, waiting for almost ten minutes before receiving permission to enter.

She coldly looked me over with a narrowing of her dark eyes. ‘It was brought to my attention that you went out yesterday, without permission.’

‘O-oh, I didn’t realise that was a requirement,’ I stammered, realising at once my mistake.

‘You do nothing without my agreement. Is that understood? You are certainly not employed to dawdle with this new friend of yours.’

‘I beg your pardon, your ladyship, I will remember that in future.’ I fell silent, lost in a maelstrom of self-doubt and guilt. Then, dipping a curtsey, I folded my hands neatly at my waist and began a pre-rehearsed speech. ‘With regard to my time off, milady, such details were not properly settled when we were in Carreckwater, so perhaps we should discuss the matter now.’ What was it about this independent streak of mine that always led me into trouble?

‘You will be available for my children at all times. Once they are in bed and asleep then you are free to occupy yourself as you wish, or simply go to bed.’

This gave me pause. ‘I’m sorry, milady, I don’t quite understand. So when is my day off, exactly?’

‘I may agree to grant you a free afternoon, perhaps a few months from now when you’ve proved yourself. Time off needs to be earned.’

‘But that cannot be right,’ I protested, beginning to feel very slightly cross. ‘I sincerely apologise for making the mistake of going shopping, albeit for a few essential items, without permission. I did, however, arrange for
Nyanushki
to look after the children, and every employed person deserves some respite in the form of a day off.’

Her lovely dark eyes widened at my temerity in daring to
challenge
her. ‘You are under
my
rule here and will do as I say.’

My heart sank to my new boots. How very naïve of me not to settle such matters before I even accepted the Countess’s offer of employment. Had I been flattered, or too eager for the opportunity to travel to properly protect myself? It was rather late in the day to be thinking of the right questions now. Nevertheless, I was determined to stand up for myself and not be bullied. ‘I came to work for you in all good faith, your ladyship. I trusted you, not for a moment thinking you would let me down and deny me my rights.’

‘How dare you suggest such a thing! What rights can you possibly have when you are little better than a peasant?’

I almost gasped out loud at this, though wisely held my shock in check, attempting to maintain my dignity as I carefully responded. ‘I know my rights because my parents too were in service, but in no way could they be classed as peasants.’

She gave a little shrug of her shoulders, elegantly draped in a peignoir, as if my background were of no account or interest to her. ‘If you’re not satisfied, you could always find employment
elsewhere
, assuming I were to provide you with the necessary reference.’

‘I’m sure I’d find no difficulty in securing a new position,’ I rather recklessly remarked. What was I thinking of? This wasn’t England, and apart from Ruth I knew not a soul, couldn’t even speak the language, so how could I simply walk away if the terms weren’t right? Yet I bravely stuck to my point. ‘I already have an excellent reference, from Lady Rumsley. However, I hope that won’t be necessary since I’m quite sure we can come to an acceptable agreement, if only for the sake of the children. Speaking of the
children
, while visiting the British and American chapel
yesterday
I was introduced to a good carpenter. He will be calling later today to receive
instruction
on what is required for the schoolroom. Would your ladyship wish to be present?’

Her silence now almost froze me more than the Baltic winds, but then she suddenly put back her head and laughed out loud, a brittle sound with little humour in it, but nonetheless a relief.

‘Indeed not. That is your job, as I have already informed you. I have better things to do with my time.’

‘As you wish, milady. Can we agree, then, that I have
Wednesday
afternoons off so that I might meet up with the other British
governesses
at the British and American chapel? And perhaps every other Sunday?’

She let out a heavy sigh. ‘Very well. That will do for the
present
.’ And with a wave of her hand, she dismissed me.

I dipped a curtsey, thankful that in the end common sense had prevailed. But as I quietly closed the door I felt no sense of
triumph
at this apparent success. Countess Belinsky was the kind of
autocrat
who would not easily tolerate a challenge to her authority, not
without
some form of redress.

‘I’m delighted that I won the issue over a day off as I need to be relieved of duties every now and then,’ I said to
Nyanushki
. ‘Once I’ve got the children to bed, I’m usually exhausted.’