Daughter of the Raven: The Bressoffs of Alaska, #2

By Cherime MacFarlane

1880s Siberia is no place for a woman alone… unless she is the Daughter of the Raven.

5 STAR Read, A woman's journey.
Anya Bressoff thinks she has found the answer to her prayers. The man she meets in San Francisco will take her all over the world. The first place he does take her is Russia after being warned to keep her out of Russia by her father, Dmitri Bresoff.
Kidnapped, Anya finds she can only go east across Siberia to find her way home to Bressoff Island. Anya's family had no idea what has happened and are told she is dead. Will the man she overlooked still be waiting if she can get home?
The man who has loved her for most of her life is heartbroken. If she can find her way home will she be forced to resume her marriage? Anya is determined to be free of her now unwanted husband, first she must get home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cherime MacFarlane
• Release date: Jul 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201683054

Cherime MacFarlane

Meet Award-Winning, Best-Selling Author Cherime MacFarlane. A prolific multi-genre author, she has a broad range of interests that reflect her been there-done that life. Romance, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal, all sorts of characters and plots evolve from a vivid imagination. As a reporter for the Copper Valley Views, Cherime MacFarlane received a letter of commendation from the Copper River Native Association for fair and balanced reporting. She was part of the Amazon Best Selling in Anthologies and Holidays, and Fantasy Anthologies and Short Stories. The Other Side of Dusk was a finalist in the McGrath house award of 2017.

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Copyright © 2013

Cherime MacFarlane

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, events or locales is completely coincidental.

Author's Note: I have taken as few liberties as possible with dates and the developments of the period. Many momentous things were taking place in that period of history

If ever a story was taken over and played out by its characters, this is it. Two decided they were not as I had first thought them to be. One did not even exist in the original book I planned. Yes, it is long, but blame it on those pesky characters.

License Notes:

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to a retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Artwork: The Graphics Shed

Dedicated to: women everywhere. May all my daughters and grand-daughters never lose heart regardless of the obstacles faced. Never give up, never give in.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Prologue a sneak peek

About the author:

Other books by the author:

Chapter One

DMITRI WONDERED AT the changes time wrought in one's life. Here he stood on the deck of another steamship with his wife and three children, waiting to dock in San Francisco. Stranger yet, he and his family would be staying with Camille's aunt and uncle. Considering how he and Samuel Devins had first become acquainted a little over eight years ago, it was a miracle he had not killed the man at the time. Now they were to be Devins' guests until their own residence could be occupied.

His son wiggled impatiently as he looked up at his father. Poppa! I cannot see!

Well, now. Dmitri Bressoff took off his hat and handed it to his eldest daughter, Anya. Would you hold this, please?

With a nod, she took his hat with one quick glance at it, unwilling to miss anything. The father lifted his eight-year-old son up onto his shoulder.

The boy wobbled a bit, grabbing anything to stabilize himself, Demi tangled his fingers in his father's blond hair. Ouch! Demi, I have you! The child released his hold.

Camille looked over at her husband. I do not believe he pulled too much out.

Hopefully not. Dmitri responded to her with a smile. Camille stood beside him with their daughter, Alexis, firmly planted on one hip.

Ilyia, one of the village girls from their island in Alaska, stood slightly behind Anya. She stared at the city laid out before them, her eyes huge in her pale face. Camille glanced over at Ilyia with a bob of her head. Do not worry. I understand how overwhelming all this is after living on the island.

Camille turned back to her husband. Leontine will be here to greet us. I am as anxious to see her as I am to be able to rest for a while. The press of city traffic is almost unnerving.

Dmitri nodded. Having traveled on and off throughout the past eight years, the sights and sounds affected him far less. Anya, his oldest child, stood beside him. Her excitement palpable. She had spent a year with Leontine seven years previously and had not been particularly happy to return home. A young woman now, she wanted to be in the thick of the social whirl which would now engulf them. Dmitri understood his daughter.

Alexis slipped a bit downward and Camille readjusted the little girl back on her hip. A bit small for her age, Lexie appeared to be three years old rather than four. The little blond had her father's coloring, but her mother's petite bone structure. Leontine had never seen Lexie or Dmi. Dmitri expected an emotional reunion.

The reason for the journey from Alaska to San Francisco came in the last letter Camille’s Aunt Leontine sent her. It hinted at a surprise and Camille was eager to learn what it might be. Almost as eager as Anya was to enter San Francisco society. Dmitri had packed up his small family and they had undertaken this journey in response to the women’s urging.

As the ship tied up at the dock, Dmitri knew the moment Camille spotted her aunt. She waved frantically while he stood quietly, Demi on his shoulders. The gangplank went down, and they disembarked first. The other travelers gave the slightly rambunctious family a wide berth.

Lowering the boy to the wharf, Dmitri reached down to take his hand. Retrieving his hat from Anya, he anchored it on his head with a sharp tap. A stiff breeze blew across the harbor and the Count did not wish to be put to the bother of chasing a hat.

Leontine, Camille, and Anya immediately hugged; then all three women chattered at once. Dmitri, Demi firmly in tow, stopped in front of Devins. The other man looked slightly uncomfortable until Dmitri offered him his hand.

How have you been, Samuel? Dmitri carefully injected a certain amount of warmth into his tone. The past was the past. And after all, if not for Devin's intervention, he would not have Camille and two more wonderful children to brighten his life. After a slight hesitation, Devins took Dmitri's offered hand in a firm handshake.

We are both well, Leontine and me. How was the voyage? Devins asked quietly.

Samuel Devins captained of one of the ships which regularly plied the Pacific Coast. He and Dmitri were partners in a joint venture providing lumber to various ports from Alaska to Southern California. Their company was known for supplying the best spruce to be found anywhere.

We had good weather. The child pulled at his father's hand. Dmitri looked down at Demi; the brisk wind teased his sandy blond hair. Dmitri, I want you to meet your Uncle Samuel. Mind your manners, please.

With a short nod, Dmitri Ivan Osvic Bressoff III extended his hand. Uncle Samuel, I am pleased to meet you.

Samuel Devins bent at the waist and shook the little boy's hand. It is a pleasure to meet you as well.

Dmitri glanced over at the women who were still intermittently hugging, crying, and trying to speak all at once. Samuel, I think we should get the ladies home so they can at least be comfortable while catching up.

Quite right! I have two carriages, one for the ladies and another for the luggage and us. I assume your ladies travel with as much as Leontine?

Dmitri and Samuel rounded up their womenfolk and got them settled in one carriage. The driver, an employee of Devins', was instructed to get his passengers safely home. The tall Russian placed his son into the second vehicle.

A seaman Dmitri had engaged to handle their luggage appeared with several trunks which he quickly stowed. Samuel and Dmitri boarded the carriage and he sat next to his young son. The driver immediately moved the horses forward.

Samuel shook his head with a smile. Only four trunks? However did you keep them from taking the entire house along?

Dmitri stretched out his long legs before removing his hat. Camille and Anya have every intention of spending as much money as possible. I expect we will make the trip home with crates of items, not just trunks.

Both men laughed at Dmitri's comment.

Is everything really well, Samuel? Leontine's letter requesting we make this trip and stay for a time was quite cryptic.

Samuel nodded. Yes. It appears after all these years of being married, Leontine will finally make me a father.

Well, that is certainly good news! Dmitri grinned at the older man.

Frankly, I am not sure how I feel about it all. For God's sake, man, I will be sixty-five when the child is twenty!

Dmitri chuckled. Samuel, there is nothing like a child to get an old body moving. He ruffled his son's fair hair. This young man keeps all of us quite active. Lexie is a bit easier to handle, but she is young. That may well change.

In any case... The older man took out two cigars, one of which he offered to Dmitri. I think I will be asking your advice on being a father. You seem to have taken on the role quite comfortably.

Turning his head to the side to avoid the breeze, Dmitri lit the cigar and took a few puffs before replying. I did not have any choice in the matter. I just do the best I can.

Samuel shook his head as Dmitri laughed at his own comment.

A FEW DAYS LATER, THE house was in a mild state of chaos. An invitation to a party had been received and Anya became the lodestone around which all revolved.

She refused to believe anything brought from the island would be suitable to wear. Camille, Leontine, and Anya had visited several dressmakers the day after their arrival, but due to the demands of the season, no gowns would be available in time for this event.

The ensuing turmoil drove the men to take refuge in the shelter of the Devins’ study. They were discussing the state of the nation and the world when a loud scream, punctuated with two not so nice Russian words, startled them both. Dmitri jumped up; he recognized Anya's voice and the curse words.

Camille! Dmitri is using my hairbrush on the dog! Miserable little rat! Give it back!

Demi raced down the stairs, brush in hand. Intent on escaping his sister, he did not notice his father in the doorway of the study. Dmitri seized the boy by the collar as he attempted to run past.

Oh, I think not! Young man get in here! Dmitri pointed to the chair he had just vacated. Sit!

On seeing her father take the offender in hand, Anya slowed her mad dash down the stairs. Thank you, Father! she panted out.

Dmitri stared at his daughter, who immediately fell silent. Count Dmitri Bressoff knew how to quell his children when necessary. Screaming like a fishwife, and I do mean a fishwife, does nothing to enhance your appeal. Wait here for a moment; I wish to get to the bottom of this.

He closed the study door leaving his grown daughter outside, knowing she would certainly do as he had instructed.

Now then! What were you thinking, Dmitri? You know you are not to take your sister's things.

I was not really going to use it on the dog. The boy glanced at his father then looked quickly down at the brush he held.

Then what was the purpose of this? Dmitri's one gray eye stared at his son.

She had it coming to her, the boy mumbled.

Explain! Dmitri strode over to the chair. Arms folded across his chest, he stood over his son.

She slapped me and I...

Excuse me. When did this slap occur? Further, what brought it about? Dmitri's spoke quietly to the boy who now refused to look at his father. His son's reply was almost a whisper.

Yesterday. Momma gave us cookies. The boy fumbled with the brush. Lexie didn’t eat hers, so... I took them.

Ah. I take it Anya saw this. So, tell me son, why did she slap you? That is not the whole of the matter.

The boy took a deep breath before looking up at the man standing before him. I called Anya a name.

What name did you call your sister? Stop fiddling with the hairbrush. I insist on an answer immediately.

I called her a Russian trollop.

His father nodded. Dmitri, your sister has loved you and cared for you since the day you were born. What a hurtful thing to say. You took Alexis's cookies and I would imagine she was not happy about their loss.

The boy shook his bent head. She cried. Anya heard her. That is why she came over to where we were playing.

Dmitri picked up his son, then settled himself in the chair with the boy on his lap. From the beginning, you were in the wrong here. You took from someone smaller and weaker than yourself. You hurt your sister's feelings sufficiently to cause her to slap you. Then you took her property to make her feel worse. How do you feel about your actions now?

The boy looked up at his father. His lower lip trembled. Not good, Poppa.

Dmitri pointed to Demi's heart. Do you feel a little bad in there?

Yes, Poppa.

You will one day be a man. I want to be proud of you. I want you to be proud of yourself. You cannot be proud of those deeds, but there is a cure, Dmitri. You are to apologize to Anya and to Lexie as well. There will be consequences. There will be punishment, but once you have acknowledged you did something wrong and pay the price, you will feel better.

He put the boy off his knee and set him on his feet. Demi held the brush out to his father.

No, son. You hold it. Go to the door and ask Anya to come here, please.

When Anya opened the door to enter the room, Dmitri noticed Camille and Lexie in the hall behind her. They made eye contact. Camille waited on her husband to call her in.

Anya, Dmitri has your hairbrush. He has something to say to you as well. Dmitri?

The boy held the hairbrush up to his sister. I am sorry for all of it—for taking things from Lexie, for calling you names, and for taking your brush.

Anya squatted down to his level. You are forgiven. She took the brush, gave the boy a pat on his shoulder, and rose to her feet.

Anya, you acted out of anger when you slapped Dmitri. I know he did something wrong, but you are not to mete out punishment. Camille and I are the parents here. We will administer discipline. Understood? You do see how something fairly simple escalated into something larger because it was not properly handled?

Yes, Poppa. Anya bent forward to give her brother a hug. I am sorry I lost my temper with you.

The boy returned the hug and Anya stepped to one side. Dmitri glanced at Camille. She entered the room, Lexie's hand in hers. Their son walked over to his younger sister.

Sorry I took your cookies. The boy gave his little sister a hug and his mother patted his head. I have not heard the whole of this, but I want you to go to your room, son. Stay there until your father and I decide what is to be your punishment.

She turned to Anya. Go along as well. Please take Lexie up to Ilyia for a bath. I will be up shortly to see what we can do about a dress for this evening.

The children left the study as Camille walked over to Dmitri. What shall we do here?

He took her hand as he smiled up at her. I think a day or so of no toys, nothing but four walls should serve.

I agree. Now let me see if I can help Anya solve the gown problem.

Dmitri kissed her fingers. Camille closed the door behind her on leaving the study.

There was the sound of several slow handclaps. Bravo!

Dmitri looked over to find Samuel smiling at him.

Tell me how you knew there was something underlying the theft of the brush.

Bressoff shrugged with a slight smile. I know my children. Remember we live on a small island. We do not have an army of servants available to watch them. That duty falls to Camille and myself. Frankly, Mama raised me that way. I do not think turning children over to a nanny and telling them goodnight every evening qualifies one to be a parent. Of course, a bit of help, such as Ilyia bathing Lexie, is a good thing, but children need parents.

Samuel put his chin in his hand. He stared at his guest in silence for a moment. That gives me pause. Perhaps I should arrange my business so I spend more time at home and less at sea after the child is born.

Dmitri re-lit his now dead cigar and took a few puffs. I would recommend that tactic to anyone who asked. I have not been sorry to curtail my business trips. I enjoy spending time with my family.

NEARLY AT THE END OF her patience, Camille shook her head as she stared at her step-daughter. Anya, regardless of the people who have seen this gown in Sitka, none in San Francisco have.

Camille hung up the aqua silk gown. It looks much better now that it has been pressed.

I suppose it is the best of the lot. I really need some new gowns. Anya sighed as she threw herself down on the bed. I have this feeling. Something momentous is just waiting to happen!

Leontine laughed at Anya's comment. At your age, something... anything... that happens is of major importance.

Easy for you to say, Aunt Leontine. You have not been stuck on an island in the middle of nowhere for years.

The young woman's thoughts flew off in another direction. I wish Helena was here! She has such a wonderful way with clothing.

Camille shook her head. First, Helena is where she needs to be. She is too old to be traveling long distances. Second, she is enjoying her grandchildren. So, miss, you will need to make do with Leontine and me.

Leontine laughed. I so love having you all here.

Camille gave her aunt a quick hug. It is good to be here with you. I quite intend to stay at least until the baby comes. Camille placed a hand on her aunt's stomach for a moment.

Anya smiled at her step-mother and Leontine. Well, at least I know we shall be here for nine months.

Leontine glanced at Camille then at Anya. I am so glad Dmitri brought you all to stay. It is such a nice treat to have you here. But, please, Anya, do not say anything to anyone else about my condition. I would not want to be confined to the house before the season is over.

Confined to the house? Anya looked at Leontine in amazement. Whatever for!

Why, for being pregnant, of course. It is not seemly to be running around in enceinte for all to see.

Anya looked at Camille then at Leontine again. Are pregnant women really confined to their homes here?

Leontine shook a finger at Camille. Whatever have you been teaching this child? She certainly has no idea of decorum.

I fear it is the case. I went all over Sitka when pregnant with Dmitri and Alexis as well. I did not in the least care who did or did not see me.

Camille's aunt frowned as she shook her head. That will not work here in San Francisco. Polite society would certainly be appalled and all invitations would quickly cease.

Camille laughed away Leontine's comments. Oh, I recall all the hide this, hide that mentality. It was shoved down my throat until I was fully stuffed with it by the nuns. I am not willing to return to that particular brand of absurdity. It almost cost me...

The young mother suddenly stopped speaking. Camille recalled there was a great deal Leontine had no knowledge of and Camille had no plans to enlighten her. "More than I wished to pay. Not to worry, Leontine, I shall not be shocking society and in the event I do, there is always Seattle or Bressoff Island for me to return to.

Leontine caught her niece's slip. I think you and I need to have a long heart-to-heart very soon. I get the feeling there is quite a bit I have missed in your life.

Yes, soon. In the meantime, though, we need to see about making ourselves ready for this evening's entertainment. Camille deliberately changed the subject. She had no intention of becoming embroiled in a long airing of past events. Such a discussion might open wounds which should stay closed permanently.

The entire household settled in for a short afternoon nap when Lexie did. It was likely to be a long night. Dmitri and Camille met on the landing after Camille had tucked their daughter in. Entering the room, the couple quietly closed the door behind them.

Is she settled in? Dmitri inquired as Camille removed her hairpins.

She is likely to be asleep for an hour or so. Anya is the one who is probably not going to rest before the party. She is very restless and said something about feeling as if something momentous was about to happen.

Dmitri picked up his wife's hairbrush from the dressing table. Moving to stand behind her, he used it to brush out Camille's long hair. Interesting. We shall see.

She closed her eyes, letting the rhythm of his strokes soothe her. What is this I hear about an Australian crash? As I recall, you have some investment there, do you not?

Humm, now where did you hear that, my love? He continued to run the brush through her dark hair.

I caught a glimpse of Samuel's newspaper. Camille tipped her head back.

You did see it correctly and we do have some investment there. However, I do not think we will be impacted as much as others. The smaller businessmen and shop owners will be the hardest hit.

Dmitri put down the hairbrush and tilted her head back to kiss her.

Camille opened her eyes as she smiled up at him. So what are we to do? Is there anything to be done?

You continually amaze me! How do you expect me to talk of financial matters when all I wish to do is kiss you? Dmitri tugged Camille up into his embrace. And kiss you. He kissed her while running his hands down her arms. And begin again where I started.

I cannot help it if you married a schoolteacher. We thirst for knowledge and I had to learn about financial matters to stay ahead of Stanislaus. Camille smiled at her husband.

Stanislaus! I almost forgot. He is now in town and will be meeting us at this thoroughly aggravating party. One I would much rather miss, providing I could have you for company.

Camille put her hands around his neck and leaned back, allowing his arms to take her weight. "Unfortunately, Anya would mutiny if we missed this party. However, I really do not think I want a nap. I prefer your method of relaxing, cher."

Dmitri lifted her into his arms. "I am very happy to hear it, moy sladkiy." He deposited her on the big bed. Sleep would come later; loving was far more pleasurable than napping.

Alone in her room, Anya put on the aqua-colored silk gown. She buttoned it up as far as she could reach. With her arms out at her sides, she practiced the waltz, then the two-step. Finally, she was going to a real ball! It would be so much fun. She could not even begin to imagine how entertaining this would be. There were sure to be other young people there.

Standing still for a moment, Anya reviewed what would be expected of her. This sudden entry into polite society did not come without its dangers. Leontine's comment about being ostracized simply for appearing out when pregnancy became visible was sobering.

For many years now, Camille had been telling Anya she would need to curb her impetuous nature if she were to survive in this other world. While they were driving to the event, she would ask Camille for a short refresher course.

This could well be the start of her life. Up until now, it had been too quiet. Perhaps now her father would see fit to send her on a tour of Europe. She could not go on her own, though, and would need a suitable companion. That requirement might pose a problem. Camille, with small children, could not accompany her on a tour. Her step-mother probably would not be willing to leave her father in any event.

Leontine was now pregnant, a condition which would certainly end her availability as well. Her father was not going anywhere any time soon. He had become such a homebody, Anya often despaired of getting him as far as Sitka.

Once more, Anya began to dance to music which existed only in her head and heart. It would all work out somehow. She would see to it.

Chapter Two

STANISLAUS MADE HIS preparations for the party. Being invited to attend with the Bressoff family filled him with anticipation as he would be seeing Anya. He smiled at his reflection in the mirror after shaving. Stanislaus knew he was out of fashion by not sporting either mustache or beard. It did not matter as he would never be in style.

He was far too tall and far too broad of shoulder to be looked on in social circles as fashionable. His wavy light brown hair did not lie nicely on his head unless he pomaded it down as if glued. Applying the preparation was far too much bother.

Turning sideways in the mirror, he glanced at the shoulder seams of his evening suit. The tailor had finally gotten his measurements correct. Nothing seemed to be strained. For day to day matters, he preferred the sack suit. Those he would be dealing with in the business arena would not have the luxury of being choosy regarding his appearance. Stanislaus would have much preferred a wool shirt, jeans, and boots.

In evening dress, he felt somewhat like an over-decorated floozy, but he would endure it to partner with Anya at this gathering. A waltz with Anya would be more than enough payment for having to be oh so polite to some people he had little or no regard for.

Dmitri and Camille were a different matter entirely. Stanislaus had always regarded them more as an aunt and uncle than employers. The Count and his father had been fur hunters together when both very young men.

Camille had gone out of her way to give him the best education of any child in the village. After the horrible confrontation when Ooskada attempted to kill Camille, Dmitri did everything possible for Stanislaus.

To his mind, he had only been doing what Dmitri asked, protecting the family. The knife wound from Ooskada left only a small scar. Something which did not bother him in the slightest.

He had come to San Francisco at the request of Dmitri and would be taking a job with a branch of the count's company. Finally, he would be putting the knowledge he had been soaking up for years into practice. That part of the assignment he looked forward to. Dmitri did warn him there would be an occasional social function to attend. Stanislaus did not look forward to the obligatory socializing. But waltzing with Anya? That was an opportunity he prized!

COME NOW, FATHER. THIS is just a little backwoods gathering in the Wild West. How on earth do you think it could have any bearing on my career?

Charles Keetering stood at the hall mirror, combing his hair. He supposed he had to go to the silly party. Attending the small gathering being given by a school chum would have been his preferred entertainment. It was a private party as well, but in a much less exclusive atmosphere. He fully expected there would be some ladies there of less than stellar virtue and therefore a great deal more fun.

You have not changed your mind regarding the position in the US legation in Russia? his father inquired.

Certainly not! I am quite looking forward to it. It could well be a springboard to a lucrative political position.

Since you are such a scholar, as well as an expert on Russian matters, then I should not need to tell you a very important person will be at the party.

The younger man raised one eyebrow in a well-practiced gesture of inquiry.

Count Dmitri Bressoff is to be there. And I understand his family, including a daughter, is attending as well. You might find the girl interesting. Marriage to a member of the Russian aristocracy would be a plus.

I am not interested in chaining myself to some flat-faced, blonde hulk of a woman for the balance of my life, no matter what her antecedents. Charles informed his father.

My source tells me the count is very wealthy, and I was given to understand the girl is quite lovely. The elder Keetering responded to his only son as he checked his watch.

The young man turned back to the mirror to pat his chestnut hair. With the finger of one hand, Charles made sure his mustache lay properly. Well, where has the good Count been keeping this marvel of young womanhood secreted?

In Alaska, my boy. They are only in San Francisco on a visit to his wife's family. They do have a home in Sitka. He owns an entire island, along with several estates in the motherland.

Charles shot his cuffs out before checking to make sure his cufflinks were properly aligned. It all resembles a fairy tale, but we shall see. Let me warn you; however, if the lay of the land is not good, I intend to make an early escape.

You have my agreement. The older man nodded his head. I assume we will be taking separate transportation?

Indeed, Father. He made a quick bow, then motioned for his father to precede him.

Charles dallied somewhat, allowing his parents to reach the party first. If he gave his mother at least a half hour, she would be able to point everyone out to him in short order. He would decide his course of action from there.

After providing his invitation to the servant at the door, Charles went in search of his mother. As expected, she hovered close to the punchbowl. Mrs. Keetering had already taken stock of the partygoers.

Well, Mother, where are the distinguished Count and his offspring to be found?

Now, Charles. His mother grimaced at his bored tone. There, the tall blonde man with the eye patch is Count Bressoff. The woman on his arm is his wife. His daughter is dancing with the very large gentleman over there.

Not having much interest in the father, Charles looked for the girl. When the large man twirled her around, Charles suddenly knew he was going nowhere else until he had made her acquaintance.

This was a fairy tale and he had discovered a real-life fairy. It did not matter to him that she stood taller than most of the other women in the room. Slim and delicate, the aqua color of her gown proved the perfect foil for the lovely mass of dark red hair. He had a deep desire to discover the color of her slightly almond-shaped eyes. Her heart shaped face added to the overall impression of a fairy or pixie.

The man she danced with towered head and shoulders above her. He was massively built and Charles dismissed him as nothing but bone and muscle. The two of them were laughing. If her partner were not so large, Charles would attempt to cut in. He restrained his first impulse, deciding to wait until the next dance to approach her.

Stanislaus could not be any happier. He and Anya had danced three times and he believed he had surprised her with his level of competence. They were making light conversation when Stanislaus got the distinct impression of being watched.

Glancing around, he noted the man in the area near the punchbowl. Indeed, they were under scrutiny. The intent expression on the face of the chestnut-haired man reminded him of a predator. Stanislaus had a distinct urge to place Anya behind him, out of sight.

Whoever the man might be, Stanislaus took an instant and deep-rooted dislike to him. Anya had not noticed the other's intense stare, but Stanislaus feared the next dance would find her in that man's arms and not his. The evening suddenly went sour.

Camille and Dmitri had danced a few waltzes, but none of the two-steps. They were watching Anya sparkle and shine. She and Stanislaus were obviously having a good time.

It was Camille who pointed out the young man to Dmitri. Over there, dear. Camille lifted her face toward him as she tapped her chin with her fan. She tipped the end of the fan toward the punchbowl.

That young man has been staring at Anya and Stanislaus for the entire dance.

Dmitri turned to get a good look at the individual Camille indicated. The chestnut-haired fellow?

The very one. Let us find Leontine. She will surely know who this young man might be.

They strolled around the edge of the dance floor until Dmitri spotted Samuel and Leontine. Camille used her fan to shield her question from prying eyes.

Leontine. The young man standing beside the lady in the blue dress, might you know who he is?

Where? Oh, over there! He is Charles Keetering. His mother is next to him. Why do you ask? Leontine inquired.

He has been staring at Anya in entirely too obvious a fashion. What do you know of him?

Anya should be quite all right with the boy. He comes from a good family. His father is an attorney. His mother serves on several charity boards.

Dmitri's attention stayed on Anya and