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

Misplaced Affections

Photo: Countess Maria Vorontsova-Dashkova

Biarritz, Late August 1922

Irina

For Irina, finding a suitable lady-in-waiting was no easy task. Her upbringing in Paris had not prepared her for the intricate social hierarchy of Russian aristocracy, and her natural shyness made it even more challenging. The ideal candidate needed to be someone she could trust and confide in, while also having the necessary social status and influence. Additionally, there was the delicate matter of rank; as a mere Serene Highness, Irina needed a companion from a lower social standing, which greatly limited her options. Most young women her age held titles equal to or higher than hers, making the search even more daunting.

Most young women of her age held titles equal to or higher than hers, making the search even more arduous. Fortunately, guided by Olga's astute advice, Irina discovered a perfect match in Countess Maria Vorontsova-Dashkova. A native of Tsarskoe Selo, Maria boasted the coveted connections Olga had forewarned about, enjoying a close friendship with the children of Grand Duchess Xenia. More importantly, she possessed an undeniable charm and grace that made her equally at ease in the most exclusive Petrograd circles.

Maria was an extrovert at heart, yet possessed a remarkable ability to maintain discretion and poise. Irina not only admired these qualities but found them invaluable. While sharing Irina's love of books, Maria had a keen interest in fashion, a skill set that proved indispensable as Irina navigated the complexities of her first social events without her parents. Their friendship had blossomed naturally, and Irina couldn't have been more pleased with her choice.

Technically, Maria's attendance on Irina's foreign trips was optional. However, her fondness for Biarritz was similar to that of the rest of the family, and she accepted the invitation with enthusiasm. Work was the furthest thing from their minds in the two weeks since their arrival. Natalia, too, had taken a liking to Maria. Although their bond could never replace the special connection between Natalia and Irina, the three women shared many enjoyable moments together, their interactions remarkably free of conflict. Beach days, shopping sprees, leisurely strolls along the promenade, and indulgent ice cream treats became their shared pleasures.

The fact that Maria knew Feodor since she was born also proved to be more helpful in Irina's healing process than she could have anticipated. She knew she could confide in her, as she both understood Feodor's character and also respected her too much to let any of her confessions transpire to the outside world. In contrast, Irina found it impossible to share her innermost thoughts with Natalia. For the first time in her life, their perspectives diverged sharply. Natalia's anger towards Feodor was absolute, and she seemed indifferent to the genuine reasons behind his proposal.

Eight months had passed since the night that changed everything. A fragile sense of peace had begun to settle over her, and she now believed she'd made the right choice. Yet, her heart stubbornly clung to the past. She missed him desperately-his letters, their conversations, the way her tiny body felt safe and comfortable when he wrapped his arms around her. Knowing his family frequented Biarritz filled her with dread, a fear of an accidental encounter she tried to suppress. Not seeing him had been essential in her healing process. To confront him now, with his towering presence, his unruly hair, and those grey eyes that held the power to ensnare her soul, would undoubtedly shatter the fragile progress she had made.

Morning light spilt onto the terrace, casting dancing shadows on the polished table. Irina, wrapped in a soft wool shawl against the morning chill, sorted through her correspondence. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants mingled with the salty tang of the sea air. Maria, Natalia, and their father were already engrossed in their own breakfasts, their faces etched with varying degrees of concentration. Her father was reading the newspaper, while Maria and Natalia were going through their own correspondence.