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

Moving On

Paris, Late November 1922

Irina

The car wound its way through the familiar streets of Paris and Irina gazed out the window at the city she had always called home. The golden light of the early evening bathed the buildings in an inviting glow, softening the edges of the grand boulevards and the intricate facades of the Haussmannian buildings. The sight of the Seine, gently reflecting the last colours of the sunset, brought a small smile to her lips. She had missed this-the comforting hum of life in Paris, the elegant rhythm of the city that had been the backdrop of her childhood.

Yet, despite the comfort she felt in returning home, there was a bittersweetness that lingered in her heart. Natalia's impending absence already weighed heavily on her. The house would feel emptier without her sister's laughter echoing through the halls, and the knowledge that Natalia was off to a prestigious boarding school only deepened the ache. Irina was genuinely happy for her, proud of her sister's opportunities, but it was impossible to ignore the sharp sting of envy and disappointment that had settled in her chest.

She was more grateful than ever for having Maria, her lady-in-waiting, in her life. They had grown closer than ever in the aftermath of her disappointment at Natalia's departure and even her family had welcomed her with open arms. She now spent a great deal of her time with them, as she slowly came to terms with the injustice her parents had put her through.

She even suspected that Maria's older brother, Roman, was starting to develop feelings for her. He had even tried to say as much once, but Irina had gently pushed him away. Her heart was still locked and, to her infinite annoyance, it was Feodor who held the key. She had loved him for so long since she had been little more than a child, that it seemed almost impossible to let anyone else in. People often praised her for her loyalty, but, in this case, she wished she could teach herself how to turn it off.

On that evening in particular, it would have been useful, since they were on their way to a soirée at the house of the Duke of Guise, the father of Isabelle, the woman who Feodor had been in a relationship with for months now.

The Duke had been her father's friend since their Parisian days and they had often been at each other's houses over the years, but his daughters had always been just a little distant towards Irina and her siblings. They were polite, but they kept their distance and they had never been friends. Even in Paris, some people did not consider Grand Duke Paul's second family worthy of the same treatment as other full-blooded relatives.

As they drove through the streets of Paris, dressed in their best clothes, Irina considered how brilliant Isabelle's match with Feodor really was. Everyone knew Feodor's grandmother, Aunt Minny, had long wished for one of her sons to marry an Orléans princess. Now, her wish seemed close to fulfilment through her grandson. Irina tried to understand why this prospect bothered her so much. Hadn't she been the one to push Feodor away? To tell him to forget her, just as she would try to forget him?

She recalled Natalia's words when she discovered about his new relationship, her face red with rage: "It's one thing to forget, but it's quite another to forget so quickly." Perhaps that was it-perhaps it had been too soon. But, then again, they hadn't spoken or written to each other for almost a year.

Despite everything, Irina felt as calm and collected as she possibly could. She knew the house, she knew the hosts, she knew most of the guests and she would be there with both Maria and Natalia. She just needed to walk in, greet the hosts, watch the performances and then wait until it was time to leave. She had the plan clearly traced in her mind and had even practised her indifferent expression in the mirror that she planned to use when she inevitably ran into Isabelle.

Once they walked in, she managed to greet the Duke and Duchess of Guise gracefully, noticing that they seemed happier than usual but she tried not to dwell on it. However, it all fell apart as soon as she walked into the drawing room.