Sergey Solovyov The Cavalier Guards 1805. Austerlitz cold sun

Lunch at the Kurolesovs. Colonel Kostetsky

— Come to the table, Mikhail Arkadyevich! Everything is already ready! — Zoya Pavlovna said in a sweet, simply sugar tone.

— I’m very glad. Very nice in your apartment, the kindest Grigory Ilyich, — answered the officer.

— Yes, you know, service, for the Mining Department. And so they would live in our village, in the Tver province. Beautifully very, forest, and pond available.

— And I, in the Pskov province, near Gdov two villages. Yes, I can’t be often, service. And now, in such times, I’m afraid I won’t achieve vacation, if only next summer.

— Why so, Mikhail Arkadyevich? Zoya Pavlovna asked again.

— Not brought to us. And the duties of the chief of the regiment impinge on me considerable duties, — said Kostetsky, often looking at the silent Anna, — you know, great difficulties with the delivery of food. All the time you have to remind local landowners of their duties, according to the layout. They strive to hold the grain until winter. when the price is higher. It happens that Prince Bagration himself has to intervene, shame the landowners.

— Well, let’s go to the dining room, everything is ready there! — Mr. Kurolesov recalled the tone of the cordial owner.

— Of course!

And the colonel stood up himself, stretched out his hand, helping Anna Grigorievna to rise. He felt that her fingers were colder than ice, and his eye did not lift him. However, Kostetsky was glad of this turn of events. The bride was marvelous. And, even if they did not give a lot of dowry for her, but all one thing, she would be the only heiress of the estate. Yes, and Grigory Ilyich Kurolesov, as Kostetsky knew, was in full view of Count Rumyantsev himself, the head of the Mining Department, and, with the rank of state councilor, and there, even before the rank of real privy councilor, there were very few.

— Come on, Anna Grigorievna. See me off, “the colonel added.

— Yes, of course, — the girl barely opened her mouth, hardly answered the prominent gentleman.

And the colonel looked very impressive, as Anna Grigorievna nevertheless noticed. The order turned white in its buttonhole, shading the red gate of the military frock coat. The picturesque gray hair turned white on the temples, thick hair fell on the very eyebrows of Mikhail Arkadyevich, adding something lion-like to the image, and breathing courage.

But now, the Kurolesov family and their guest sat down at the dinner table. Efim Ilyich, already elderly, served, topping up wine in empty glasses, and delivered snacks perfectly arranged on porcelain dishes.

After they served excellent coffee, perfectly brewed by Efim. The servant sharpened in this matter, accompanying Grigory Ilyich on long trips.

— Simply excellent, — Mikhail Arkadyevich praised, — perhaps, better than I in Milan tried.

— Have you ever been to Italy? said Anna.

— Of course, in the campaign of Generalissimo Suvorov himself. I was then in the rank of lieutenant, and participated in the Italian company, under the command of General Bagration. The places there are really beautiful, but there was no time to admire. The marches were heavy, but they were able to surprise the Frenchman… And, they beat General Moreau on the Adde River. The terrain is not easy, mountainous, but nothing, managed. They captured the troops of General Serurier. And there, the city of Milan opened the gates for us… Italians greeted us just enthusiastically…

Anna listened to this, and tried to imagine such distant places about which she had only read. I knew for sure that this was a seasoned warrior, a true hero who had looked death in the eye more than once. Standing at the same time without shooting under enemy bullets and cores. Not some figlar from Nevsky, flanking the Palace Embankment in search of invented jokes. And now she looked at Kostetsky, with completely different eyes. This slim, fit colonel seemed to her already significant, interesting, inspiring confidence.

— And then, the battle of Trebia, the pursuit of MacDonald. The heat, already terrible, was very difficult for us. And on the fourth of August, Novi had a battle, we defeated the French, General Joubert himself was killed. Well, I was wounded in the arm, and dropped out of the army. And, in the Swiss campaign did not participate, maybe God took me, saved…

Soon, Colonel Kostetsky bowed out and left the Kurolesovs’ apartment. Grigory Ilyich settled in a chair, imposingly laying his legs on a bench. I filled the tube and lit it with pleasure. Zoya Pavlovna smiled patronizingly, but coughed, and waved her palm in front of her, dispersing tobacco smoke.

“What are you, Grigory Ilyich,” the woman said reproachfully.

— The day passed perfectly, Zoya Pavlovna, — Kurolesov noted.

— You really think so?

— Undoubtedly.

— What will Annushka say? Mama asked her daughter with a smile.

— Good man Mr. Kostetsky, — the young lady said with difficulty, — I am not against this marriage. Once you like it.

— Ah, my daughter! Zoya Pavlovna replied with delight.

The woman was already going to kiss her daughter in abundance of feelings, but she got up from the table, and stubbornly added:

— All one thing, I don’t like him! — at the same time, stamped her foot.

She said that, and hurriedly left the living room, and then just ran down the corridor. Ksenia, with a tray in her hands, simply pressed herself against the wall, saving the master’s porcelain, and Anna, having torn the handle of the door to her bedroom, rushed to the bed, covering her head with a pillow. I sobbed, endlessly feeling sorry for myself at that moment. I remembered Alexei again, but then I squeezed my eyes with my hands, as if I could make myself forget, get out of myself this impossible love. Lay for so long. Here, still calming down, she was able to fall asleep. Only everything felt how cold her legs were.

Squadron on exercise

Alexey sat on Ugolka, sometimes adjusting the stirrups. Yesterday, they played ball with Albrecht, and he slightly pulled his leg. Now, this interfered with him a little, he could not feel the stirrups. And today, after all, he was in the ranks, among the officers of the squadron.

The field was chosen excellent, without potholes and rifts, the best for horse exercises. Not only a squadron, but a whole regiment and even a division could be built and maneuvered here.

— Disband the flankers! Colonel Repnin commanded loudly.

The bugler, in a helmet with a red crest, sounded loudly, giving this signal to the shooters. And, twelve cuirassiers each, with carbines, had already trotted on the flanks of the squadron.

— Broadsword, out! ‘the following order followed.

And, with a clang, the huge blades left the cold sheaths of the huge riders, and were already shining over the formation, as if forming another line. Albrecht and Burlin rode behind the squadron officers, on the right flank, also with broadswords overhead. Alexey felt the full weight of this serious weapon, clutching the steel handle with his palm, covered with a white leather glove. We had to get used to it, stay in the saddle, control a mighty horse, and be ready to fight with cold weapons.

And, I must say, this whole system, one hundred and thirty fighters on black horses, simply shocked. A squadron badge roared over the cavalry guards, with a Jerusalem white cross on a red background. And the horsemen, not just reminded, but were the true knights of the Order, crusaders. Three rows of horsemen. skillfully maneuvered, obeying a skillful commander, without slowing down the pace. During turns to the left, to the right, the formation was not violated, the cavalry guards jumped with a trot, built in three rows, with a line of forty horses. They were truly indescribable…

Here, Burlin, noticed a small retinue traveling to them, and Prince Repnin hastily commanded:

— What!

The fourth squadron stopped. The captains hastily deployed the lines, and Burlin finally understood why. Ahead of the retinue of two generals — Depreradovich and Count Uvarov, Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich himself rode on a thundering bay stallion.

“Well, again,” Albrecht said quietly with a touch of annoyance.

It was not noticeable that Alexander was glad to see the chief. As if he had a premonition of trouble.

— What is it? Alexey did not understand.

— Constantine Pavlovich again in equestrian uniform… Look, again we will get nuts… Something, but bad, will find… Or, again, one of the gentlemen of the officers was caught on what cover.

Well, the young man knew about the long-standing rivalry between the regiments and their chiefs. Moreover, Konstantin commanded the entire imperial guard, and, of course, the authority was higher than Count Fyodor Petrovich Uvarov. True, Alexander Pavlovich himself favored the Cavalier Guards more, which further hurt the Horse Guards. And, their boss, Konstantin Pavlovich.

— Entrusted to me the fourth squadron on horse exercises! — Nikolai Grigorievich Repnin gave a report, approaching the Grand Duke.

— I see, I see, — Konstantin answered, — your Cavalier Guards are in perfect order, Prince. The alignment is excellent. Horses, very good. Thank you!

But, the Grand Duke, it seems, was in good spirits, and favorably listened to the report of the squadron commander, Prince Repnin. Depreradovich drove forward to the horse formation, and loudly said to the soldiers:

— Thank you, brothers, for diligence!

— Yay! Hooray! Hooray! — in response, according to the Life Guards.

Then, Depreradovich drove up to the officers, nodded to the squadron commanders.

— Great alignment, gentlemen. You keep the system in perfect order. And I am pleased with your diligence, and, Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich as well. Count Uvarov today will certainly report to the sovereign himself about such successes.

“We are trying to justify the favors of the Sovereign,” Repnin was already responsible for all.

— I was always sure of you, Nikolai Grigorievich, — said Depreradovich, and returned to the retinue.

Yes, the regiment commander was doing well, sitting on his thousandth stallion. And the horse, for sure, was like his saddle, was also with character. Flaunted, got hot, raising his tail. As if he understood and was proud of his place in the ranks.

The Grand Duke and his companions went on to check the teachings of the cavalry. And, Repnin, adjusting the belt of his helmet, raised his hand, giving a signal to the bugler. The squadron began to rebuild in marching order, with a badge, in the form of the Jerusalem cross, at the head of the column. Here Alexei presented himself as a knight, a crusader, going on a campaign to the Holy Land, under the sacred banner. I regretted, however, that he did not have a shiny cuirass on his chest, so it would be completely fine.

Theater, love and swords

— So what, Alexey? And we, junkers, are allowed into the theater today.

— Maybe if necessary. I’ll come for a while, “Burlin answered evasively.

To tell the truth, he expected some news, especially possible after yesterday’s note, which read with Spartan brevity:" Wait.” And, familiar with discipline, Junker, patiently waited. Moreover, the letter was from Elizabeth Ivanovna herself, Princess Glinskaya, and he smiled dreamily. Albrecht made a surprised face and made another argument:

— Mrs. Lancini herself will sing today. Isabella is extremely beautiful, isn’t she?

— Undoubtedly. True, a whole swarm of cavaliers winds around it, — Alexey noted a little carefully.

— That’s understandable. Beauty attracts.

— Yes, around her the boyfriends curl like flies.

— Do you, Alexey, think that Isabella, washes only flies? You know, another word, and I’ll call you! Alexander spoke with the threat made in his voice.

— Not really… I wanted to compare it with sweet honey. Well, like “flies on honey,” you know the proverb?

But it seems that Albrecht did not even notice these words. In front of a small mirror, he carefully studied his uniform. It seems that only now the person offered to do business, take a walk, shoot at each other. And here, as if he had forgotten about everything. Here Burlin only spread his arms in amazement.

— Sidor, cleaned my hat? Boots? Alexander Ivanovich asked sternly, without stopping to check the buttons of the colet.

— So everything is ready, your nobility. In the best possible way, you can appear in front of the young lady. Just handsome…

— Why did you decide so?

“How else?”

“I’m going to the opera.

— But what to do in the theater, except not on a date with a young lady? — the batman was sincerely surprised, — you love horses more, your nobility!

“The voice of the people, the voice of God,” Burlin said immodestly.

Juncker could hardly restrain himself, so as not to laugh at the top of his voice. Especially, as a comrade’s stretched face noticed at once.

“You don’t know too much about art, Burlin. Here you understand, you need some refinement, and you lack it. Therefore, you need to go to the opera.

“The arguments are quite convincing.

— And, our junkers from the regiment also gathered. And I need to accomplish some feat…

— Are you longing to win the heart of Sophia Vladimirovna herself, Countess Stroganova?

— I, of course, not Hercules and not Theseus to reach the gates of Hell for the sake of beauty. You just need to get a bouquet of flowers.

— The way is simple, non-winding, Albrecht. Let’s send my wretched orderly, not burdened with excessive throwing of conscience. And, here, for you, five rubles. I think it will be enough to seduce the greenhouse servant with a small gift.

Burlin, in fact, knew that Ivan Lvovich was not too pampering his son with money.

— I will be obliged, Alexey. Call your hero, — Albrecht readily agreed.

— Fedor, come. I suppose I heard everything already? Burlin said loudly.

The Denshchik appeared from the fence, not letting go of the master’s boots, which he almost lovingly cleaned with black wax. Diligently pretended to be a snoop, which is terribly busy now. Even my face was dirty.

— So, of course, Alexey Mikhailovich, — he began, — Famous places. There the Pomeranians grow, they have already ripe, — the batman gave a whole speech, — but flowers, which means flowers. There are also pink bushes… And, my friend, Proshka, he works there in gardeners. Will sell flowers, only, of course, not a whole basket. Well, from the heels, probably…

Colored paper, too, is not difficult to get, it will get into a two-mannered stand, — he slyly looked at the master. — and what kind of bouquet without paper?

— At you and two-green.

— Well, then I’ll go, once you send. Only, here, I will change into a particular dress. It’s not a reason for me to go under the rods if I come across a guard.

— Give, hurry, cunning… — Burlin lost patience.

— And Sidor, we will cook dinner. There are provisions, here, corned beef and potatoes, — Albrecht noted, — let’s eat, just Fedor will return.

Juncker seems to have calmed down, and sat down at the table. Well, Sidor began to fuss at the stove, and soon appeared with a tray, from which he deftly put out a ready-made treat. There was nothing to complain about, and why not. The young people quickly ate, the batman only cleaned the dishes, as they knocked loudly.

— Sidor, look, who’s there?

— Now, your nobility…

The batman went to the door, but quickly returned to the living room. The face of NGO became, a little concerned.

— So, your nobility, cadets from the regiment came…

Three fellow servicemen, Timrot, Minich and Zimin, piled noisily into the room.

— What are you? Still here? It’s time to get ready, — Minich began from place to place in the quarry, — Melpomene is not pies, she will not wait! All the more so you, Albrecht. We all thought that you were wandering at the back entrance of this pavilion with the most mysterious view…

— Give up, Minich, right word, not funny…

— Are you in love with Senorina Lancini?

— Not signorina, but senorita, Lancini. She is single, which means senorita.

— What a pity! Minich laughed, I love to look after married ladies!

— Minich, aren’t you in love with Isabella? Timrot added.

— No, I just dream of ardent passion. I’m courting, I’m courting this lady, and you, aren’t you? I remember how you sent her a box of marzipans? Or, am I wrong?

Albrecht blushed and jumped out of his chair. He came closer to his comrades with the most decisive look and said:

— I don’t like the way you say it, Minich…

Juncker in response slightly bowed his head, looked at the interlocutor, then, slapped him on the shoulder, and calmly replied:

— I would agree with you to fight on schlegers, Albrecht, with that Paukanten didn’t leave a place.

— Goth to cross a blade with you, Minich.

— However… No, I would not want your chosen one to admire shmiss, the scars on your face, Albrecht…