Chapter 5

Letter addressed to Herr Ludwig came suddenly. Do not e-mail, but the most common paper, except that the paper was stamped, and all the inscriptions were made with ink.

Germany, with surprise opened the envelope and pulled out a letter, the contents of which struck no less than its appearance.

"Dear sir, Ludwig,

In order to dispel a lot of the most absurd rumors spread about me and my health, I ask you tomorrow Welcome to our dinner party in St. Petersburg to Tsarskoye Selo. I hope you will not take offense at such an unexpected invitation.

I look forward to your visit,

Russian Federation, Braginsky Anna"

While Germany was considering the content of the invitation sent by post, Italy called him.

- Ciao *, - carelessly started Feliciano - Have you received a letter? What a pity that it is winter! All told, the summer balls in Tsarskoye Selo were adorable. I have a half-day costume pick, to me, by the way, recently called Francis, asked to advise: a white shirt to wear it or pale blue? Are you ready?

- You know - a little dumbfounded started German - I just finished reading the letter and did not yet have time to take. You do not know someone to meet us in St. Petersburg?

- Of course, - replied confidently Italian - I have already contacted our embassy in Russia, so that we not only meet, but also driven to the right place. We all, that is me, you, Francis and Arthur meet at the airport. Matthew, Alfred and Kiku will get for themselves.

- Well, - thought for a second Ludwig - In this matter, I have full confidence in you.

- See - Italy disconnected.

Germany only had that to prepare for a dinner party and trying to remember the manners of the nineteenth century and the distant days when Prussia had taught him those manners.

Upon arrival in St. Petersburg Germany met with the rest of the invitation. Ludwig could not help but admit that it looked suspiciously satellites: France, carefully hiding, straightened his tie, Italy, too, clearly bothered by choosing a suit, even England, usually dressed in suits exclusively, today looked elegant.

In his suit, more suitable for the job than for a secular evening, the German felt a little uncomfortable.

Get to their destination was not difficult: the taxi was booked in advance.

The first thing guests see, there was a garden, of course, in the winter it did not look as impressive as in the summer, but still produced a definite impression.

- Is Tsarskoye Selo is not a museum? - Asked France, - I have heard that here for a long time carry tourists.

- But it is not far from St. Petersburg - said England - You too amnesia, or you really do not remember that this city was the capital of Russia?

- I still remember very well! Your shameless attempt...

- Look, - interrupted debaters Germany, which at the time carefully looking around, - To us, it seems, is a delegation.

And indeed, from the nearest building is rapidly approaching a group of several people. When all the greetings and formalities have been complied with, the countries reported that they now spend in Russia, which has already met with Japan, Canada and America.

- As soon as they were able to get ahead of us? - Puzzled by the way Italy - I'm trying so hard, that we first arrived...

- Hush. Now...

But what "now" Ludwig did not have time to finish. Interior luxury is not inferior to foreign luxury. Painting, gilding, mirrors, and architecture - in short, all the evidence suggests that there was once the summer residence of the emperor.

Russia met the guests herself. Interrupting a conversation with Canada, she welcomed the newcomers. With a pleasant smile and cheerful in the dress, the time of the nineteenth century, the girl seemed quite unusual, as if the country were in a beautiful old fairy tale.

- Bonjour, messieurs **, I hope your trip was enjoyable. I'm so sorry. At the present time - she shook her head reproachfully, - is absolutely impossible to have a nice party to the same mon régent *** from something restrict my freedom of action. Were restricted to dinner. I invite everyone to the table.

Coming to the table, everyone noticed that today everyone was seated not as usual. As a friend of Anna's right hand from the hostess sat Francis, place on the left hand unceremoniously took Alfred. On the other hand America sat England, Canada and Japan. On the right side of the settled Germany and Italy.

Evening was held tolerably well, as initially decided to Ludwig. Food and drinks were great, the conversations were interesting, and the jokes were funny, but it lasted exactly as long as the Germany did not notice that Jones pays special attention to Anna.

Alfred usually sharp against Braginsky today was meek as a lamb: no charges did not show, on the contrary, the whole evening has been doing that smiling to Russia. And then, apparently had the audacity, Germany decided for himself, inviting her for a walk in the garden. Heat-loving Americans are not troubled by wind or frost.

Fortunately, the Russian proposal on America refused, however, promised to move a walk the next day.

Other countries, too, no doubt, also tried to make an evening at the hostess was the most impressed.

- Oh, il est déjà trop tard. ****, - The girl said in frustration - I'm afraid our lovely evening would have to be completed. Do not worry about the hotel; - she added hastily, noting concern Japan - Rooms for you already booked. A car is waiting at the entrance. I hope you can stay with me at a party for a few days - Russia looked away, embarrassed and shrugged her shoulders, - the President said that communication can help me in restoring memory.

- Of course we will stay to support you, ma chère *****. The evening was just gorgeous - effusive compliments France, - I was not a hundred years on such a wonderful reception.

- Thank you, Francis, your praise...

- Ludwig, are you going? - Feliciano was waiting for his friend at the entrance - Hurry up. I think we should not wait for France, after a few glasses of wine, he gets very talkative.

- Yeah, you're probably right - with a last glance at the girl, and without the slightest pleasure noting that Jones again revolves around Anna, Germany headed towards the door.

The guests had left, the building dimmed lights - day came to its logical conclusion. Only single girl silhouette stood out against the backdrop of the bare garden. Suddenly her shadow wavered, and then ran on the heels of his mistress, which was coming very hard day tomorrow.

The guests had left, the building dimmed lights - day came to its logical conclusion. Only single girl silhouette stood out against the backdrop of the bare garden. Suddenly her shadow wavered, and then ran on the heels of his mistress, which was coming very hard day tomorrow.

* it. Hello.

** fr. Welcome, gentlemen.

*** fr. My ruler.

**** fr. Oh, it's too late.

***** fr. My dear.