-oOo-

To aid the reader of this tale, what follows is the cast of principal characters:

-oOo-

The Trans Siberian Railway from Moscow to Vladivostok is over 9,289 kilometers (5,772 miles) in length and spans eight time zones and today takes six days to travel between the termini without stops.

-oOo-

The journey from Omsk to Chita was arduous and took almost eight days since the train was delayed several times when the line proved to be blocked and needed to be cleared. However, Eugénie and Anatole did not seem to mind. They were happy and content in their compartment. Marusya brought them their meals and sometimes ate with them, but she preferred to eat with some of the countrymen that she met during the journey and was happy to speak her dialect again.

The journey was made happy as the train was filled with the sounds of balalaikas, sometimes happy and sometimes melancholy. Eugénie and Anatole would lie in each others arms late at night and listen to the lilting strains of a lone instrument which often brought tears to Eugénie’s eyes, as it reminded her of happy days gone by. Anatole would comfort her and tell her that they had more happy days ahead, as he kissed her tears away.

There was also much singing on the journey together with clapping and the stamping of the feet. Occasionally the young couple would venture out together with Marusya and pass some time singing and watching the dancers while listening to the wondrous music made by their traveling companions. The music often reflected the area they were passing through and many old folk songs were heard that had been learned by Eugénie at childhood. Marusya was especially happy at these gatherings as she loved to sing and always clapped heartily. Eugénie loved to sing also and knew many of the folk songs since she had been taught them by Marusya and by the children of the Hamlet. Poor Anatole was not used to singing aloud, but with Eugénie and Marusya’s coaxing, he soon began to join in although he proved not to be a great singer, much to the amusement of Marusya, which caused the young gentleman to blush with embarrassment! (Although Prince Anatole was sophisticated and worldly in some ways, but in other directions, including family interactions, he was naive, but he was trying hard to understand them and to fit in.)

The weather on The Eurasian Steppe was especially hard at this time with vast snowfalls occurred and bitter winds howled around the train.  They were unable to see out of the train’s windows since they were frozen over with inches of ice. At times the train would stop and the carriage doors opened and the passengers were allowed to descent the train and take the air. The countryside throughout the journey was beautiful with its covering of snow, and was perhaps at it most spectacular when the train travelled alongside of Lake Baikal.

Along the way, the train stopped at a number of cities. At each one, they were met by friends of Eugénie’s parents and, where time permitted, were treated to either lunch or dinner, depending on the hour, at a nearby restaurant. At departure, they were plied with gifts and plenty of fresh food, for which they were very grateful. And at each stop, Eugénie was sure to leave a letter to be posted onto her family.

-oOo-

Prince Karl could not be sure that the Grand Duke would search only the routes to Poland in his quest to find the young couple.  As a result, he arranged for three tickets not to be purchased from Omsk to Chita, but to Vladivostok. This might confuse him in his quest, should he choose to search for them in the east.

-oOo-

The Journey From Chita to Qiqihar in Manchuria 

There were many goodbyes along with hugs and kisses as the train, at last, arrived at the station in Chita. The couple and Marusya were met on the platform by friends of Prince Karl and quickly taken to an awaiting coach. The friends were Count Rostov and his wife, the Countess Theresa who lived in a large house in the centre of the city. They were to rest there for a couple of days before embarking on the next part of their journey that would finally take them into Manchuria, and hopefully out of the grasp of the Grand Duke. But one could never be certain until they arrived at  the home of her Aunt and family. The Count said that he would accompany the three to the border with Manchuria where he would leave them in the capable hands of officials sent by Eugénie’s Uncle Demetri and Aunt Mary.

-oOo-

They were to take The Chinese Eastern Railway (CER; Trans-Manchurian Railway) to Qiqihar which is a large city in the Province of Heilongjiangin Manchuria. The city was a center for Russo-Chinese tradewith a large military depot and arsenal there. As Princess Caroline’s sister and her family liv ed here, this would be journey’s end for the young couple and Marusya.

The coaches of the CER were basic to say the least. The seats were wooden and the heating system seemed to work erratically. But neither Eugénie nor Anatole seemed to be concerned about the travel arrangements. They were happy just being together. However, Marusya was less then pleased and complained about everything to do with the train. The train moved slowly, but after innumerable periods of stopping and starting, train eventually arrived at the border between Siberia and Manchuria. Everyone had to descend the train for questioning by the authorities.

Fortunately, three smartly dressed soldiers walked up to Count Demetri, saluted and the officer introduced himself and led the group passed the officials who were busy rummaging through the baggage of the fellow passengers. The group was led into a small building where the young officer introduced himself. His name was Captain Maxim Smirnov and was sent by General Count Belousov, the uncle of Princess Eugénie. He said that he, along with Sergeant Andreev and Corporal Petrov, who each saluted, were sent to escort the Princess Eugénie, her nurse and Prince Anatole to Qiqihar and then on to Jiamusi, a city  in northeast China, where General Count Belousov was in-charge of the army of the Head Official.

Once hands had been shaken, Count Demetri wished the young couple well and said that he would now leave them in the hands of Captain Smirnov. He shook hands with Anatole and kissed Eugénie’s hand and wished all three well. Both Eugénie and Anatole expressed their grateful thanks to him. The Count smiled and bowed his head slightly in acceptance. Finally he shook hands with the Captain and told him to guard his precious charges well. The Captain saluted Count Demetri who then left the building.

-oOo-

The Lieutenant next asked the group to follow him to the train. The sergeant and corporal followed at a slow march.  After what seemed an age, the train finally moved on and began the long trip to Harbin. Sadly, the trip was not filled with music, much to the irritation of Marusya, and the group were left to make their own amusement. However, they soon discovered that both the sergeant and the corporal had a number of stories which they were happy to relate.

Anatole enjoyed talking to the Captain, as they had much in common, both having served in the Russian Imperial Army at one time.  Anatole was happy to discuss his army days and told the Captain that he hoped that he would find a position in the army of the Head. They also both enjoyed a game of chess and spent most of the daylight hours engrossed in playing a game and relating past army events.

As the journey passed Anatole remembered the Captain’s name and the scandal associated with it. After some further discussion, the Captain felt comfortable enough to relate his story to Anatole. It seemed that at one time Captain Maxim Smirnov was considered to be a high-flyer, and destined for a position of note. However, and like so many young men before him, he found himself to be at the centre of a scandal involving the wife of a minister. It was suggested to the Captain that he should leave Russia for safety reasons, and to do so quickly. He was given two choices: leave Russian and travel east or leave Russia and travel west! He said that he chose to go east and so came to Manchuria where he knew he could continue his life as a soldier. Anatole understood the Captain’s plight and sympathised. The Captain said that he was happy in his assignment and that General Count Belousov was a fair leader and offered those who were willing to follow orders and show initiative advancement. What more could a soldier wish for?

-oOo-

Marusya and Princess Eugénie were instantly attracted to the many children on board the train and began to busy themselves helping their mothers care for them. Marusya said that this was good practice for Eugénie since it would not be long before she would have her own child. Eugénie mentioned this comment to Anatole who turned white at the thought of a child! He said that they needed to be settled before thinking of a family. This caused Marusya to laugh loudly and say that nature did not work that way! Anatole chose to ignore her comment.

-oOo-

The Captain said that arrangements had been made for them to be met at Qiqihar by and small guard which he would lead and then guide them to their final destination.

When they arrived at the station, it was alive with people with huge families waiting to board the train. They group were unsure if the train arrived on-time or late since it appeared that such distinctions were meaningless here.  People came to the station and waited for the train to arrive. Since this seemed to be the custom, it was thought best for Aunt Mary not to meet them at the station, but rather to allow the Captain to escort them to her.

The young couple and Marusya eventually moved their way through the mass of people on the platform and out into the street to the awaiting coach. The street was as busy as the platform, but was also filled with perfumes from the numerous barrels and stalls offering strange and exotic goods for sale. The coach eased its way slowly through the streets which did not appear bother Eugénie, as she was fascinated by the people she saw. After a while, the coach passed through two enormous gates and into a driveway of what seemed to be a park. At the end of the driveway stood a large house which would prove to be where Aunt Mary and her family lived. Once the coach came to a halt, the coach door was opened and Eugénie, Anatole and Marusya stepped out.

Aunt Mary came forward and immediately embraced them and welcomed them to her and her husband’s home and then bade them enter their new home. 

-oOo-

Her Grace turned to Her Aide, which was the signal for him to stand and speak. He said that this would be sufficient for today. At this, Her Grace rose and smiled and thanked the group of journalists for their time and patience. And then Her Grace, Her Aide and Marusya left the room leaving the journalists standing and wanting more of Her Grace’s life story, but they knew that any hope that they had of continuing the audience that day was clearly gone.

At first the journalists were silent and then a low buzz of voices were heard which eventually became louder. The journalists were each speculating about what happened next? …….

Did the Grand Duke find Prince Anatole and Princess Eugénie? ……. Were the young couple reunited with their families? ……. What events occurred to bring Her Grace to Cumberland County? ……. etc etc.

-oOo-

A few days later, a communique was sent to each journalist who had been present at the Press Conference. It was from Her Grace’s Aide de Camp and read as follows: 

Her Grace appreciates that you, as a journalist, have many remaining questions to ask of my life. Forgive my bringing an end to the audience, but some past events are painful to recall. I ask for your understanding and patience, and promise that I will continue with my tale soon. I hope you will attend and that my story will continue to interest you.

-oOo-

Once Her Grace left the Reception Room, she, along with Marusya, went straight to her private apartment. Her Grace’s Aide de Camp soon heard the dulcet sounds of a Russian love song being played on the accordion by Marusya. The melody was very sad and was guaranteed to bring tears to the eyes even when one did not understand the language. This music was soon transplanted by the more robust  sounds of Gypsy Music and soon both Her Grace and Marusya could be heard singing. The tragic merriment went on long into the night.

-oOo-

-oOo-

-oOo-