The Paleys (1921-1927) - An Alternate Romanov Story

School

Later that day, the answer to Vladimir's issues seemed to be handed to him on a silver platter, quite in an unexpected manner.

He was sitting alone with his father in the library after his mother and sisters had already retired for the day. His father was going through his personal correspondence, something he liked to do in the quiet hours of the evening, while Vladimir tried to pair more than two sentences in the book he was trying to read without being distracted by thoughts of Tata's exposed ankles.

"Apparently my niece Marie is sending her daughter Ileana to school in France," his father mentioned nonchalantly as he scanned the letter. "It's quite interesting how times have changed. In the past, it would have been unthinkable for a Royal Princess to attend boarding school."

His mind was in a haze and it took a while for his father's words to register. They were jumbled, like pieces of a puzzle waiting to be put together. School. France. Princess. Finally, everything clicked and he widened his eyes in realization, turning to his father with an unexpected eagerness.

"Maybe Natasha should go too," he blurted out without thinking.

His father raised an eyebrow and gave him a confused look. He was already reading another letter, his mind absorbed by some other minor news from another relative. "What are you talking about?"

"Boarding school," Vladimir clarified, the idea becoming more appealing by the second. "In France."

He was aware that his father must thought him strange and unpredictable at that moment. He couldn't see his own face, but he imagined it was an open book, with his eyes wide and pupils dilated as a million thoughts raced through his head. That was it - the perfect solution to all their problems. Natalia's education had been severely impacted by the years of war. While Irina had worked hard to overcome the difficulties, Natalia had taken advantage of the situation to avoid studying diligently. She relied on her charm to manipulate teachers into giving her easy grades, though she was undoubtedly intelligent and had Vladimir's photographic memory. This also explained her skills as an amateur actress; she had a natural talent for memorization.

The issue of her education had been ongoing for several months now, especially since Irina had left her classroom. She had become even more careless and their parents were at a loss on how to handle her. Under different circumstances, Vladimir wouldn't have considered boarding school as a viable option. However, since Grand Duke Michael refused to intervene and separate Alexei and Natalia, this seemed like the best course of action.

"You believe it is wise to send Natasha away to a boarding school?" His father repeated slowly, making sure he had heard his son correctly.

"Not just any school. Perhaps an all-girls school. We could even ask Queen Marie for recommendations, as she has already sent her own three daughters there," Vladimir clarified, leaning in. "You and Mama were concerned about her education and were searching for new tutors. This way, you won't have to worry about any of that. Plus, she would have the opportunity to make new acquaintances..."

"I don't think Natasha needs assistance in that regard," his father interjected. "If anything, Irina would have benefitted more from that type of environment. And yet, I did not allow her to attend university, remember?"

Vladimir took a moment to think over his father's statement. It was a valid concern - there was a possibility that Irina would feel overlooked when they sent Natalia abroad for further education, while she wasn't even allowed to attend the university that was just a few miles away from the palace. But he could explain the reasons to her later, he was certain she would understand.

"Well, perhaps this will drive her to work harder to compete against her classmates," Vladimir offered, hoping his father wouldn't realize he was coming up with reasons on the spot. "She wouldn't want to be at the bottom of the class, right?"

To his surprise, his father seemed intrigued by this argument. He set aside the letter he was reading and reached for the one from his niece instead.

"I suppose it's not a bad reason to send her," he said slowly. "But, still, why should we pick a school abroad? I'm sure there are perfectly adequate schools in Petrograd that can..."

Vladimir interrupted him this time. "Do we want to send her to an adequate school or the best? You know how advanced the French education system is. Plus, I'm sure Natasha would love the opportunity to spend a year abroad," he said, pausing to consider his next words. "Or maybe even two."

"I have no doubt she would be thrilled, that's what worries me," his father said, running his fingers through his chin. "If we were to go through with this idea- and keep in mind, it's just an idea for now since it's so sudden and the school year is about to begin- we would need to find trustworthy people to go with her."

"What about Tata?" Vladimir suggested, hoping it would sound like a casual suggestion.

"Misha's stepdaughter?" His father asked sceptically. "Isn't she around the same age as Natasha?"

"No, she just turned nineteen," Vladimir clarified. "And I know that Grand Duke Michael and Countess Brasova are eager for her to improve her French, so this would be a perfect opportunity. Of course, we can find other guardians who are more responsible, but Tata is Natasha's closest friend; she would be ecstatic to go."

Vladimir conveniently left out the fact that sending Tata away with Natasha would also solve one of his current issues. If Natalia went with Tata to France or any other country, he could keep his position as George's tutor and maintain his close relationship with Grand Duke Michael without endangering his stepdaughter's reputation.

Really, Queen Marie was probably writing a fantasy novel or decorating a lamp somewhere without realizing that her casual suggestion of sending her daughter to school had unintentionally resolved the two issues that had been plaguing Vladimir's mind for weeks.

"I would have to think about it," his father concluded, readjusting on his chair. "And talk this over with your mother and Natasha, of course."

"Certainly," Vladimir agreed, returning his gaze to his book.

Coming from his father, a "maybe" was one of the most hopeful responses one could get. It took all of his strength not to blow out a great puff of relief.