A Single Moment

Chapter 4 ~ Bitter Sweet

She would often talk with her footman, but it had never been a deep and meaningful conversation. As she turned to him, Reesman was confronted with a mixture of sadness and joy. "I don't know what I will do." She said as they reached the steps of the mausoleum.

"What do you mean?" The footman asked as he sat with Maria on the steps.

Dozens of replies came flooding to mind, yet not one she dear utter. "Nothing, forget it." Looking up into the clear night, the stars looked so bright. Delicate snowflakes started wafting down to earth; melting on the Tsarina's skin. "I remember visiting the snow in New Zealand when I was ten years old. Mother took us kids for a night hike, my brothers loved going hiking, and I loved to look up at the stars." Maria said as she continued. "Look about you, she had said. God made every star in the sky, and he knows them all by name. I was a curious child, so I asked what their names were, and she told me."

Her footman quietly listened as his boss talked. All the staff was well aware of the Grand Duchess' health and the stress and worry it put on the Tsarina. "Ma'am, with all respect I think we should get out of the cold," Reesman said as he looked at his Tsarina then at his watch.

"Ah, yes of course and you can carry Susan," Maria replied.

~~~

Dressed in their finery the Duke and Duchess were at the Russian Ballet in London; in particular Swan Lake. The Duchess was renowned for her patronage of the arts and her regular attendance at such events. She dazzled as she wore a beautiful embroidered sequinned lace dress with the Burmese Rose Tiara, a gift from Queen Elizabeth before her death.

It was a late night for the Duchess, but she was glad in a way; it meant that she would be able to call her eldest daughter who was, by now, in Australia. Being a definite mother hen, Amelia found it hard to have Elizabeth so far away.

Arriving back at Frogmore, she headed straight for her office; her dresser following. As the phone rang her dresser gently removed the large tiara and other jewels she was wearing. Finally, Elizabeth answered, her voice so bright and joyous.

"I love to hear your voice mother," Elizabeth said as she looked out her window to the rainy day. "It is pouring today." She said.

"Oh is it?" Amelia replied. "How was speed friending. Did you go with Taflin?"

"Yeah, it was tiring. I tested all the theology students handshakes, most of them were pitiful. Taflin, scared a few, with her philosophy major. A few of them believed that she was a doctoral student." Elizabeth recited with a chuckle. "All in all, it was an enjoyable evening... How was the ballet?"

"It was good. The orchestra sounded good as always." Amelia replied, holding the phone to her ear. She was running out of things to say and didn't want to end up sounding like she was about to interrogate her daughter.

"It must be very late." Came Elizabeth's voice in return. "And you do sound tired."

"I love you."

"I love you too mother."

Hanging up the phone, Amelia turned to see Emmeline standing at the door. Dressed in her nightdress, the ten-year-old smiled as her mother ushered her over. "Was that Elizabeth?" She asked.

"Yes, I called to see how she is going. Now should I get Frau Stuttgart in trouble for letting you stay up so late or should you be in trouble?" Amelia asked jokingly as she cuddled her youngest daughter.

"I was the naughty girl." She replied as she giggled.

"Come on then; I'll tuck you in and tell you a story."