Valerie's Russia Read Online Free PDF Page B

There were no diamonds around her neck but topazes as large as pigeons’ eggs linked with a chain of gold. More yellow stones dangled from her ears and a gold band across her forehead bore one gleaming stone in the centre of her brow.
    She possessed thick shiny black hair, which was coiled into a heavy knot at the back of her long neck, and she was the most striking female Valerie had ever seen. And the most unfriendly.
    Pyotr had been unaware of Sophia’s presence and as he caught sight of her he cursed Andrei for bringing her to this reception room. There were chambers enough for the guests to dine and dance in. Why had Andrei remained in this one so near the main staircase?
    However, there was nothing Pyotr could do about it so he led Valerie forward with a smile.
    ‘Why, this is Sophia Lukaev, the beauty of St Petersburg,’ hesaid easily. ‘And this is another good friend of mine, Andrei Odarka. Perhaps you have already met Andrei out at Tsarskoe Selo, Miss Marsh?’
    ‘I don’t believe so.’ Valerie inclined her head at the fair-haired man who was bowing smartly before her. Then she looked up into the yellow eyes of the raven-haired beauty.
    ‘Sophia, this is Miss Valerie Marsh from England,’ said Pyotr.
    ‘Andrei told me.’ Her unblinking stare took in every detail of the English girl’s gown, and the pearls in her hair and around her waist.
    The foreigner obviously had money, which was a danger in itself, but far worse was her air of innocence. This Valerie Marsh was the sort of female men would always find irresistible with her soft hair, and soft mouth, and cheeks as round and soft as peaches.
    Sophia was angry. This newcomer was stealing the man she loved and flaunting herself on his arm so all could see and gossip about their friendship.
    ‘I am pleased to make your acquaintance,’ said Valerie, hoping they could now move on. She did not want the evening ruined by the animosity of this lovely girl.
    Was Pyotr once her beau? Was Sophia still in love with him? Had Pyotr only agreed to escort
her
because the Tsar had ordered it?
    Andrei also wanted to move away from Pyotr and his bewitching companion. What had happened to the dreary Miss Marsh? What bábka’s spell had turned her into this shimmering vision of white satin and pearls?
    ‘They are playing your favourite waltz, Sophia,’ he said. ‘Come and dance with me.’
    Forcing a smile to her red lips, Sophia allowed herself to be led towards the nearest ballroom. But she was still fuming.
    From the moment she was born Sophia Lukaev had beenspoilt and adored by her parents, and she had grown up knowing she could have anything she wanted in life. When she was first introduced to Count Pyotr Silakov she had wanted him. She had wanted his title and she had wanted his love.
    Patiently she had waited for his proposal of marriage, knowing that her parents, and the Countess Irina Silakov, approved of the match. Now Sophia stared with blank eyes straight ahead of her as Andrei ushered her forward. Somehow she must get Petya away from that little foreigner. He belonged to her.
    Pyotr led Valerie in the opposite direction, out into a long corridor flowing with guests, and on to another ballroom.
    ‘We will be dining with some other friends of mine, and their wives,’ he said, as she remained silent. ‘The saloon where we eat is over there so we can dance in this nearby chamber.’
    He remained confident and at ease as they entered a huge crimson and gold ballroom where the chandeliers dripped with crystals. Looking up, Valerie thought they looked like icicles in the winter sunshine.
    ‘Now, Varinka, smile and look happy,’ he said, taking her hand as they joined a stream of dancers in the slow, processional steps of the polonaise.
    ‘I would like to know about Sophia,’ said Valerie. ‘Is she a family friend? Have you known her long?’
    ‘Ah, the Lukaev.’ Pyotr shrugged. ‘She is nothing, Varinka. Quite unimportant. The important one is
you
,