Maid of Baikal: A Novel of the Russian Civil War

Ned noticed Natalia Ivashova whisper something to Corinne as the couple approached, and he sensed that it was something derogatory. Could Ivashov have told his wife about Ned’s affair with Yulia? Or was Natalia simply registering her dislike for the widely unpopular Lebedev? Ned watched the look on Yulia’s face change from bland disinterest to squirming discomfort as she recognized Ned from a distance. He swallowed hard. Could Lebedev have brought Yulia to a reception at the Metropol without telling her that Ned was its host?

Ned’s mind raced to decide how best to respond. Under normal circumstances, his ever-gracious wife would insist that he invite an old acquaintance to stay for dinner, whether invited or not. Another place could always be laid at table. But, this time, such a gesture would not do at all. Ned detested the pompous Lebedev but, even more, wanted to avoid embarrassment between Yulia and Corinne at all costs. He considered taking Yulia aside to explain the situation, but that seemed unwise. Instead, he put on a jovial expression, stepped forward to greet the former Chief of Staff and quietly led him away without first acknowledging the man’s wife. As if taking a cue from this, Natalia gamely exchanged kisses with Yulia and introduced her to Corinne, while Ned prayed silently that somehow the three women would keep the peace.

“What a remarkable surprise to see you after all these years,” Ned greeted Lebedev, once they were away from the women. “You appear to have prospered since we last met. Am I right?”

“Russia has prospered, and we have all shared in her blessings,” Lebedev replied with uncharacteristic humility, but nearly crushing Ned’s hand in his powerful grip. “Excuse me for appearing here uninvited, but my wife and I were on our way to the dining room to join friends. When I saw your face at a distance, I simply had to offer my greeting.”

“Thank you, and congratulations on your marriage, Dmitry Antonovich,” Ned responded. “You are fortunate to have found such a lovely bride.”

“Ah, I cannot deny it,” the Russian said with a loud guffaw. “Nor do I fully deserve it.”

“You are still the Vickers representative in Moscow, then?” Ned responded, feeling immense relief that the couple had other plans for dinner.

“I am, and business has never been better. And you, Mr. du Pont, are you finding success in Russia?”

“Oh, we make a few shipments every year and are grateful for it,” Ned answered with a deprecatory wave. “But my visit on this occasion is more of a social nature. My good friend, General Barrows, is the new American Ambassador here and I wanted to give a small party in his honor.”

“Of course, the new American ambassador!” Lebedev roared. “I understand completely! I promise to leave you to your guests in a moment. But first, please allow me to introduce you to my wife.”

The two men rejoined the three women while Natalia was in the midst of telling a humorous anecdote. She took no offense at the interruption, allowing Lebedev to introduce Ned to Yulia, and allowing Ned to introduce Lebedev to Corinne and Natalia. At the mention of Natalia’s married name, Lebedev’s eyes widened, as he was doubtless aware of the key role that her husband now played in Russian military procurement. He gave Natalia a very low bow indeed.

“Ladies, I must tell you in what high esteem I hold your husbands,” Lebedev went on. “Many years ago, when I was Admiral Kolchak’s Chief of Staff, these two men brought to me a young girl who, to everyone’s surprise, insisted on leading her own brigade to fight the Bolsheviks. After much convincing, I took a chance and gave the girl her command. The rest is history. May God bless your husbands for their faith in God and the Maid!”

Upon hearing Lebedev’s words, Ivashov sputtered and nearly choked on his drink.

Lebedev summoned a passing waiter bearing a fresh bottle of champagne and ordered him to refill their glasses.

“To the Maid’s sacred memory!” he announced before draining his own at a gulp and demanding a refill. “Please, let no ill feeling remain among us from those dark days.”

Lebedev cast a comforting glance at his wife that made clear to Ned that the man had no inkling of Yulia’s earlier affair with Ned. All eyes were now on Yulia, whose expression showed subtle traces of strain.

“I have done my best to wipe those terrible times from my memory,” she declared, looking directly at Ned. “In those days, I was fortunate to sell off what I could of my family’s holdings and return to my sons in England. Many years went by before I saw my house in Petrograd again. It was there that Dimitry and I first met.”

But Yulia’s look dwelled on Ned a moment too long and Corinne seemed to detect the telltale signs of a past liaison between them. She and Yulia then exchanged searching looks that took the full measure of one another. And in that instant, Ned realized that his earlier relationship with Yulia had not lain concealed from his wife at all.