Read Online Silver Nights by Jane Feather - Free Book Online

back, the vast expanse of the steppes stretching on all sides, offering their freedom. Clutching a casket containing a not-so-small fortune, wearing a thin muslin gown, she was hardly equipped to taste that freedom and to challenge the man who would curtail it. She returned to the house.
    The great gong sounded from the courtyard, signaling the dinner hour over the entire estate. Craftsmen and laborers downed tools and went to their homes or the kitchens of communal houses; the domestic serfs gathered in the big kitchen of the mansion, the soldiers congregated in the parlor set aside for their use; Count Danilevski and Prince Golitskov came together in the dining room.
    â€œWhere is Sophia Alexeyevna?” the prince asked Anna, who was placing a dish of sliced pork upon the table.
    The housekeeper sniffed. “Couldn’t say, lord. There’s borscht and salted cucumbers on the sideboard. The pirozhki went to the dog.”
    â€œWhat the devil are you talking about, woman?” snapped the prince.
    â€œOne of the dogs stole the dumplings from the kitchen.” Sophie spoke distinctly from the door. “I beg you will excuse me from joining you, gentlemen. I find I have no appetite and would prefer to ride.”
    Both men turned in some surprise. She was wearing her riding habit, her hair twisted into a knot at the nape of her neck. She gave Adam a look of ineffable distaste. “Which one of your soldiers is deputed to follow me, Count? I will alert him to my departure.”
    The count’s gray eyes sparked sharp anger at her look and tone. “Excuse me, Prince.” He bowed to his host, then stalked past Sophie into the hall.
    â€œSoldier!” He beckoned the sentry at the door. “Take Princess Sophia to the stables. If Boris Mikhailov is available to accompany her on her ride, then you may wait there until her return, when you will accompany her back to the house. If Boris Mikhailov is not available, you will escort Her Highness to me without delay.” He marched back into the dining room. “In such a circumstance, I will make some other arrangement to accommodate you, Princess.” He gave her a mocking bow.
    â€œYou are too kind, Count. I am overwhelmed by your consideration.” She bobbed a curtsy, her lip curling. “I suppose I should be flattered that you consider twelve men necessary to guard me. I had not thought myself so fearsomely dangerous, I must confess. In general, I only shoot rabid wolves.” She whisked herself from the room.
    With a furious exclamation, Adam took a step after her, then turned back to the table. The old prince appeared unperturbed by the manner of his granddaughter’s entrance and exit. “I cannot help feeling, Prince, that you have sadly neglected your duties where Sophia Alexeyevna is concerned,” the count declared savagely.
    â€œQuite possibly,” agreed Golitskov with a placid smile. “She does have a mind of her own, doesn’t she? Allow me to pass you the pork.”

Chapter 4
    The first jubilant, bragging crow of the farmyard cock was quickly answered by his fellows from farms for miles around. The hens began their gossipy gabble and the new day dawned.
    Sophie had been dressed for an hour. She sat on the window seat of her bedchamber, watching as Tanya fussed over the portmanteau, putting garments in, then taking them out again, grumbling to herself. The maid had long since given up expecting any decisions or assistance from Sophia Alexeyevna, and contented herself with this scolding mutter that made no impression whatsoever on its intended recipient.
    The awaited knock came at the door. Sophie, still determined that she would show no indication of consent to this forcible removal, had refused to present herself downstairs of her own accord. Tanya opened the door to Prince Golitskov.
    â€œIt is time,” he said quietly. “Do not make it any harder upon either of us than it must