Chapter 11
They met again at breakfast next morning.
"Did you sleep well, Anna?" the Baron asked.
"Oh, very well, indeed, Vladimir Ivanovich. I slept like a dad man, should I say," Anna responded with her mouth full.
Vladimir generously ignored Anna's unsuitable display and said, "I am glad to hear that. Today it is going to be a hard day for us. Do not forget your bonnet. You cannot go without your bonnet in the city. That would be an absolute faux pas."
"Er ... what?" Anna asked.
"I said 'Faux pas'… it is French, meaning an awkward situation."
"Ah, yes," nodded Anna. "May I leave now?"
"No, not quite, wait a moment, Anna. I must give you something," replied Vladimir as he removed a document from a large case. After that, he went around the table and put the document in front of the young lady.
"What is this?" asked Anna, a bit uneasy as her fingers broke the seal on the list.
"It is something that a companion cannot do without," said Vladimir slowly.
Anna read the first line, "Release document… Master, are you giving me my freedom?" Anna could not believe her own eyes.
"Of course, I am. You cannot continue to be a serf in your new position," Vladimir replied with a smile, hoping that his impulsive companion would not ran away on the first occasion.
But Anna decided to act as a young lady rather than a hoyden. So, she took a deep breath and bowed to the Baron, telling him, "Thank you, Vladimir Ivanovich. If that is all for now, let me go change my clothes before our first lesson."
"Of course. I will await you at the hall, Anna," Vladimir agreed.
In half an hour, Anna came down to the hall, clothed in a brown dress and a smart bonnet. The Baron met her halfway, offering her his hand, and they went out to the yard.
"Oh, we won't really promenade through the yard, will we?" asked Anna.
"Yes, we will. You must unlearn all that you have learned. I am serious," said Vladimir plainly. Anna let out a sigh.
"There is no need to sigh. I believe you will enjoy it. We can talk during the walk," Vladimir tried to cheer Anna up.
"Talking, you say, hmm. Again some stupid questions on weather? Or are you interested in whether I prefer a top hat or a fur-cap?"
Vladimir could not help but smile.
"We can talk about anything. No one will disturb us. Do you not want to tell me about your life? I have known you as a small girl, but I do not know this young lady staying at my side," Vladimir continued.
"Very well, what are you really interested in?" asked the young lady.
"I am interested in every detail... Now, slow down a bit. It is not a race but a walk."
This remark made Anna laugh and so she replied, "I will try to, Vladimir. But it is quite difficult for me. Well, I had to hurry all the time when I was a serf. The work had to be done quickly. After that was the time for entertainment," said Anna smiling as she slowed down. She was quite uncertain; the slow steps made her feel off balance.
"You are doing well, Anna. See, by walking slowly there is time enough to enjoy the landscape," Vladimir noticed.
"Wonderful! But where is the landscape, my dear Baron?"
Vladimir made a sidelong glance at Anna to catch her expression and said, "For the time being you can study the structure of the plaster). I mean, it is not a bad sight."
"Certainly, it is very interesting. You can give me a lecture on geography, Baron. I will pretend to be looking at the map of the North America," said Anna who had started to feel a bit bored.
"No, it is not North America but South America. Do not trick me, Anna. You must keep your head high; not look at the ground," Vladimir said, appearing displeased.
"I do keep it high. You are watching at the wrong time."
"No, you do not, Anna. Do not lie. You are still keeping your eyes on the ground. You cannot leave this yard until you manage to walk in the right style. Please, try to understand."
"You really think I cannot?" Anna shot back in a loud voice. "And who will prevent me from leaving? You yourself gave me the release document this morning, did you not? So, I am free now and can go outside the house whenever I like."
Vladimir scowled and, with the stern look of a skilled soldier, responded, "It is not that easy, Anna. You are free. But that does not mean you can do whatever you like. You cannot make a footstep without my assent. I am your guardian now."
Though the Baron did not intend so, his words sounded harsh. Anna began to shiver but her eyes flashed. "What did you say, Vladimir?" she asked.
"I told you that I am your guardian. It was a part of my agreement with Varvara," Vladimir repeated calmly.
"No, this is not, no..." Anna could not finish her sentence. She turned back and slowly approached the house. Her steps gradually quickened. She entered the house and automatically continued to the corridor that led to the street. Without thinking she opened the door and ran out. She ran faster and faster until she could feel the sharp breeze stinging her cheeks. She wanted to feel it. She needed a bit of fresh air to settle her mind.
In the meantime, Vladimir recollected himself and returned scowling to the house. He met a petrified serf, Anatoliy, at the door.
"Baron, did something happen to Miss Anna? She ran out to the streets, without any escort," the serf announced to his master.
"Good Lord!" cried Vladimir and stormed out of the house.
