Inventing Wonders

Chapter 28: Unexaggerated Influence

The first frosts brought Countess Vovk concerns about rising heating costs for the house, as well as a new fur coat. The last time she had witnessed such excitement over a fur garment was when Kondraty had been gifted a coat with a beaver collar. Evgeny Petrovich had casually mentioned that this luxury had cost the company Ryleyev worked for seven hundred rubles.

That morning, the oppressive atmosphere in the house drove Alexandra Feodorovna and her children out for a walk in the Summer Garden. Of course, Larisa Konstantinovna and Fedya, who had already formed some semblance of friendship with the grand duchess's offspring, were called to accompany them.

As for the gloomy moods in the Romanovs' house, they were quite justified. For some time now, news of the deteriorating health of the Emperor had been coming from Taganrog. Enduring the whispers of gossip and the constant anticipation of any new information was unbearable for everyone. Thus, Lara, as the chief instigator of Alexandra Feodorovna's entourage, invented new entertainments daily.

While everyone was praying for Alexander I's swift recovery, Larisa Konstantinovna began to act more decisively. First, noticing a hint of doubt in Evgeny Petrovich regarding the necessity of any revolt, she quickly took the rebellious soul into her fold.

"My dear prince!" Lara addressed the prince who had long been inviting her to visit.

"Larisa Konstantinovna, what an incredible surprise! I didn't expect you today... Allow me to introduce my good friend, Colonel Shipov, perhaps you have met at Ryleyev's."

Obolensky spoke quite quickly, but with genuine pleasure. He and Larisa Konstantinovna had developed some invisible understanding. The prince missed her during her long absences from Ryleyev's house and wrote her letters regularly, often without any deep meaning.

"Ivan Pavlovich and I are indeed acquainted," the countess nodded, sitting closer to the officer.

Lara was indeed acquainted with Ivan Pavlovich, but they had been introduced to each other thanks to Nikolai Pavlovich. Evgeny Petrovich could hardly know that he was surrounded by supporters of the monarchical regime. Not just the regime, but Nikolai specifically. Lara and Shipov had bonded over their shared belief that Nikolai Pavlovich should ascend the throne, not Konstantin. These conversations had seemed rather pointless at the time. But when the first news of the emperor's worsening condition arrived, Larisa Konstantinovna began to take action. Therefore, upon visiting Evgeny Petrovich, Lara made the main topic of conversation the doubts that had been plaguing Obolensky all year: can a small society decide for an entire vast nation.

At that time, Lara still believed she could prevent bloodshed, that she could save those she loved.

"However, Larisa Konstantinovna," concluded Evgeny Petrovich, "knowing your peace-loving nature, I hasten to assure you that we do not plan to obstruct Konstantin Pavlovich's ascension..."

"I'm glad to hear that," Lara sighed, glancing at the irritated Shipov, who clearly had some personal animosity towards the heir. "However, my dear prince, I must remind you that your concerns about this entire project are close to my heart. And I hope that together we can find the strength to come to the right decision."

Once outside, Lara addressed Ivan Pavlovich with some disappointment:

"I'm afraid, Shipov, our interests will not find support among them."

"Larisa Konstantinovna, perhaps I will be the last scoundrel, but it is within our power to tell at least Nikolai everything..."

"That's the problem, my friend. We would be the last scoundrels if we told, and traitors if we remained silent."

"We are poor conspirators, Countess, too compassionate."

"You know what's the scariest?" Lara suddenly stopped, only now realizing the truth. "If their enterprise fails, they will drag us down with them. Because only God knows how strong their desire to stop injustice is..."