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

Longing

Vladimir

After the performances were done, the dancefloor was cleared and the jazz band that had been waiting in the corner all evening took centre stage. It was the cue for the older, more distinguished guests to take their leave, although their young sons and daughters looked longingly at the band as they tuned their instruments and prepared for an animated night ahead.

Vladimir's parents lingered for a few songs but soon discovered that the music wasn't to their liking. They took their leave after giving Natalia a final, tight embrace. From across the room, Vladimir couldn't help but chuckle. Among everyone present, only Natalia could convince their elderly parents to bring a jazz band into their home without so much as a request. They had simply asked around to find out what would make her happy for her birthday, and here they were, delivering it without hesitation, delighted to see their youngest daughter enjoy herself.

Shortly after, Irina and Feodor announced their plans to retire for the night as well. Irina looked pale and weary, and no one, not even Natalia, pressed her to stay. Throughout the evening, a peculiar air had surrounded Irina, and the siblings had discussed it quietly among themselves, agreeing to let Natalia have her special day before turning their focus to their sister.

Once they left, the ballroom transformed into a lively scene dominated by the youth. Young aristocrats who had successfully convinced their parents to remain now revelled in the experience of witnessing a jazz band for the first time, mingling with some of the performers who had graced the stage earlier.

Though Vladimir considered himself an old soul in many ways, he had surprisingly come to appreciate the sound and artistry of jazz. While he wasn't bold enough to attempt the new dance styles himself, he took pleasure in watching others fill the dancefloor. If he were to be honest, his attention was primarily fixed on one dancer, though he tried not to let it show too much.

Perhaps it was the time apart—seven long months—but he felt that Tata grew more beautiful and irresistible each time he saw her. Dressed in a crimson gown with golden embroidery that swirled around her knees, she danced energetically with Natalia and Alexei. While he didn't particularly enjoy the dancing, he thought quietly to himself that he might be willing to try if it meant getting closer to her.

The house had been bustling with people since Vladimir's arrival, leaving them with little chance to exchange more than a few words of greeting, thanks to Tata's skill at maintaining the facade of their relationship in public. He had spent the day plotting ways to find some time alone with her, but he knew that doing so here would be more challenging than at Ai-Todor, where the estate's vastness offered plenty of hidden corners.

After watching the dancers twirl and spin across the floor for a while, Vladimir decided to take a break. He made his way to the refreshment table, weaving through the crowd as laughter and music enveloped him. As he poured himself a drink, he glanced back at the dancefloor, his thoughts still lingering on Tata.

Just then, he caught a glimpse of her slipping away from the crowd with her crimson dress flowing gracefully behind her. She approached him with a smile that lit up her face, and for a moment, it felt like the rest of the world faded away.

"Hey," she said softly, leaning against the table beside him. "I thought I might find you here."

"I was hoping you would notice," he replied, unable to hide his own grin. "How have you been? It feels like an eternity since I last saw you."

Tata's eyes sparkled as she shrugged lightly. 

"Seven months is far too long to be apart."

"Every moment has felt like a lifetime," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've missed you more than I can say."

She bit her lip, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. 

"I was about to say you don't have to talk to me as if you're writing a poem every time we see each other, but, I can't deny I liked that." She took a break to take a sip out of her drink. "I've missed you too. It's been hard, pretending everything is normal when I'm counting down the days until I see you again."

Vladimir nodded, a mixture of relief and longing washing over him. 

"I thought I was supposed to be the one doing that."

Tata chuckled at that and the sound made every fiber of his being shiver. He could swear that he felt a tickling sensation on his fingertips, just from the overwhelming want to reach out and touch her hand, which was lying suffocatingly close to his.

"It seems that times have changed," she replied with a soft smile.

"I was worried I wouldn't get a chance to talk to you tonight. It's so crowded."

"Me too. I thought it would be impossible to get a moment alone," Tata said, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "But I'm glad we did. It's nice to be able to talk."

He took a sip of his drink, savouring the fleeting moment. 

"I wish we could find a way to spend more time together, just the two of us."

Tata smiled a hint of mischief in her eyes. 

"Maybe we can sneak away later, even if just for a few minutes. I'd like that."

Vladimir's mind raced as he thought of a place where they could escape the noise of the party.

 "You know," he began, "there's an annexe to the house that's usually empty when my sister Maria isn't here. It's quiet, and I think we could have a moment there. What do you think?"

Tata's eyes brightened at the suggestion. 

"I know the one you mean. It's tucked away at the end of the corridor, right? I noticed that it's always locked."

"Exactly. Do you think we could meet there later, once everyone's in bed?" he asked, feeling a thrill at the thought of being alone with her.

A mischievous smile crossed Tata's lips.

"Oh, look at you! Planning clandestine meetings like a seasoned rogue. I think I've created a monster."

Vladimir felt a flush rise to his cheeks at her teasing tone, a mix of embarrassment and excitement. 

"Maybe," he admitted, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "But it's been hard to think about anything else since Ai-Todor. I can't focus on anything without wondering when I'll see you again."

Her teasing gaze softened. 

"I understand. It's hard for me too. I've thought about you every day since then."

He leaned a little closer, lowering his voice. 

"I honestly think I might die if I don't kiss you soon." 

The words slipped out before he could stop himself, and his heart raced at the vulnerability of his admission. Tata's expression shifted, a mixture of surprise and warmth lighting her features.

"Is that so?" she whispered, teasing me. "I don't want to be blamed for murder. We should try to fix this as soon as we can."

Vladimir's breath hitched, the tension hanging thick between them as he felt a magnetic pull drawing him closer. 

"I really think we should," he replied, his voice low, filled with a want he was unable to hide.

Just then, laughter erupted from the dancefloor, pulling them back into the reality of the party. Tata glanced toward the noise, her playful demeanour returning. 

"Well, let's not keep our friends waiting. I'll find you later, is that alright?"

"Definitely," he promised, watching as she turned to blend back into the crowd.