Anna's Return (6 page)

Chapter Eleven

Anna found it hard to believe that six years had passed
since she started working for the Voronins. Rationing had ended, and there was
a pretty young queen on the throne. Britain was finally recovering from the
austerity of the war years, and had become more prosperous. This was evident in
the cheerful music coming from the cafes and bars, and the bright clothes in
the shops.

They had been six happy years for Anna. Madame Voronina had
been a mentor to her, teaching her not just things about her own land she had
not known, but also how to dress properly and use make up to good effect.

“Not that you need much,” Madame had said. “You are a
naturally lovely girl, with good colouring, so whatever you do, don’t go
plastering your lips with bright red.”

Although Madame agreed she could never take the place of
Anna’s mother, she treated her like a daughter. Madame was just the same with
Tasha. Although the girls were employed by the Voronins and therefore paid a
salary, it never felt that way.

“You girls are my rock,” Madame would sometimes say. “You
make this family what it is.”

 Anna also had a best friend in Tasha. Often Tasha would
accompany Anna and young Nikolai to the park, just so they could chat.

That morning was different. Anna was alone with Nikolai in
the park, and her young heart was troubled. She did not like to complain,
knowing how fortunate she had been to find the Voronins when she needed them
most. But over the past few weeks, she had often been left out of
conversations, or discussions ended when she left the room. Only that morning,
she and Tasha had been due to go to the park with Nikolai, but Madame had
called Tasha back.

“We could go later,” Anna had offered.

“No, no, you go, Anna,” said Madame. “Take Nicky to Hyde
Park. I will give you money for a taxi.”

Hyde Park was quite a long way from the Voronins’ house in
North London. She seldom went into central London, preferring to stay on the
outskirts.

Going to Hyde Park meant that Anna and Nicky would be gone
most of the morning. Anna could not help feeling that she was being got out of
the way for some reason. And it was not the first time it had happened.

Sighing, and watching Nicky feed the ducks on a bright
spring morning, she told herself not to be so childish. Of course she could not
expect to be privy to every private conversation between Madame and Tasha. But
it was not only that. Several times over the past weeks, she had been told to
take dinner with Nicky, and not with the family. She was beginning to fear that
she had done something to displease Madame.

“Anna!” Nicky called. He was standing near the base of a
tree.

“Don’t climb the tree!” Anna cried, panicking.

“I am not going to climb it,” said Nicky. “I will spoil my
new trousers.”

Anna smiled. She had never met a child so fussy about how he
looked. Nicky already had the look of a little diplomat.

“It is  you, Anna,” said Nicky.

“What?”

“This picture on this tree. It is you.”

Anna walked across and just as Nicky had said, there was a
flyer with a picture of her. It was faded, suggesting it had been there for a
long time. Anna took it off the tree, carefully and put it in her pocket. There
was a telephone number on the bottom, and a message asking to contact a Mr. and
Mrs. Stephens. She became afraid that the money she had returned to Mr.
Stephens had not reached him. Perhaps he was angry with her for taking it and
wanted to have her arrested. Her heart beat rapidly.

“Come on, Nicky,” she said, taking the little boy’s hand.
“We had better return home.”

“Not yet, Anna. Mama said we’re to be sure not to return
until lunch time.”

“When did she say that?”

“This morning. She said ‘Make sure you and Anna stay at the
park until lunchtime’.”

“I see…” It seemed to Anna that a cloud passed over the sky.
Not only was Madame trying to get her out of the way, she was involving Nicky
in their subterfuge. “Oh well,” said Anna, determined not to let it bother her.
“I think that calls for an ice cream, don’t you? Unless you are afraid it will
spoil your clothes,” she teased.

“I think I can manage not to make a mess. I am nearly
seven.”

“In ten months time!” Anna laughed. She would not be
miserable in front of Nicky. He was not to blame for whatever was happening. He
merely obeyed his mama as any good child should.

They wandered through the park to the ice cream van, then
sat on a bench, eating a 99 cornet. “Which do you think is best?” asked Nicky.
“The ice cream or the chocolate flake?”

“Hmm, I like them both.”

“Personally I like the strawberry sauce,” said a voice from
a few feet away from them. “Hello, Anna.”

“Janek…” Anna almost dropped her ice cream. In all her years
in London, she had never once bumped into him again. Now here he was, looking
even more handsome than the last time she had seen him. Along with anyone else
who read the newspapers, Anna had quickly learned that Janek was not an
employee at Carmichaels, but one of the owners. In fact, he was very much
considered the only owner, with his sleeping partner keeping very much out of
the spotlight.

The company had also become a chain, opening hotels in New
York and Paris. Carmichaels hotels were synonymous with olde worlde charm, and
the sort of elegance that had been lost due to the ravages of war.

“It’s very good to see you again, Anna,” he said, giving her
a devastating smile.

“How do you do,” said Nicky, standing up and holding out a
slightly sticky hand. “I am Nikolai Voronin.”

“I am very pleased to meet you, Mr. Voronin,” said Janek,
holding out his own hand. “Am I to assume that you are Anna’s intended?” He
grinned.

“No, silly. She is far too old for me. She is our au pair,
though Mama says I’m not allowed to say that because Anna is family now.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” said Janek. “I’m also glad to see you
doing so well, Anna. I’ve often thought of you.”

Anna, rendered speechless by seeing him again, managed a
smile. “Not as well as you’re doing, I notice.”

“Carmichaels hotels are doing well, yes. You should come and
see us one day. I’ll treat you and young Mr. Voronin here to a high tea. Would
you like that, Mr. Voronin?”

“I would love to,” said Nicky. “And as you’re a friend of
Anna’s you may call me Nicky. I’ve always longed to stay at Carmichaels.”

Anna laughed. It was news to her. She could only assume that
Nicky found Janek as impressive looking as she did.

“Will you come?” This time Janek spoke only to Anna.
“Please.”

“Yes, we would like that, wouldn’t we, Nicky?”

“What about tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow? I er…”

“The thing is, I have to fly out to New York the next day
and I may be gone for a week or two. I would like to see you again before I
go.”

“Yes, if Madame Voronina agrees, we’ll come tomorrow,” said
Anna.

“Janek!” A woman’s voice rang across the park. Anna looked
and saw a very glamorous young woman, standing a few feet away. “Janek, where
did you get to?”

“I’m sorry, Mary. I’ve just met an old friend. Mary
Carmichael, this is Anna…”

“Palmer,” Anna cut in quickly. Whilst Madame knew about her
father and Silverton Hall, Nicky did not, and she was reluctant to confuse the
child.

“That’s just what I was going to say,” said Janek. “I’ve
spoken to Florentyna quite a few times about you.”

“You have?” Anna looked at him wide-eyed.

“Of course. I’m sorry you had such a bad time at…”

Before he could say anymore, Mary had covered the distance
between them and put her arm in his. “Janek, darling, you can talk to your
little friend another time. We have to go and meet Mike for lunch, remember?”

“Forgive me, Anna,” said Janek. “Business and duty calls.
But I shall see you and Nicky tomorrow.”

Anna watched as they walked away, whilst Mary picked
imaginary bits of fluff from Janek’s pristine coat.

“We can go, can’t we, Anna?” Nicky sat back down next to
her, pulling at her sleeve.

“I’m not sure, Nicky…” It was ridiculous that she should
feel so jealous of Mary Carmichael. She and Janek were virtual strangers now. This
did not explain why the two very brief times she had seen him since their
adventure, her heart flipped uncontrollably. He did not belong to her, just
because they had shared a desperate experience a very long time ago. She wished
him to be happy, and if Mary made him happy, so be it.

“I shall ask Mama,” said Nicky. “I’m sure she will allow
it.”

Chapter Twelve

“She’s a pretty girl,” said Izzy. “Is she your sweetheart?”

Teddy looked up startled. He had not heard Izzy come into
the kitchen. He shook his head. “No, this is Anna, my half-sister.”

“I had no idea you had a sister,” said Izzy.

“I’ve just made a cup of tea. Would you like some?” asked
Teddy.

“Your mother would have a fit if she knew you were in the
kitchen. But yes I would like one very much, thank you.” Izzy sat down at the
kitchen table.

“You can have half of my luncheon meat sandwich if you want.
I haven’t touched it yet. It’s all very well Mother saying I can’t come into
the kitchen, but since she frightens away most of the staff, I don’t have much
choice. Anyway, times are changing, Izzy. The days of spoilt little rich boys,
living off their Trust Fund and unable to fend for themselves have gone. I just
wish Mother would understand that.”

“You’re going to be quite a man when you grow up, Teddy, do
you know that?”

He put a cup of tea in front of Izzy and smiled. “I think
I’m quite grown up enough.”

Izzy laughed indulgently. “Oh, in a couple more years maybe.
So, tell me about Anna.”

Teddy sat back down in his own seat, and once again offered
half his sandwich to Izzy, which she took gratefully.  “Do you remember me
telling you the other day that I’d done something awful?”

“Yes. And I said I doubted it.”

“Well, I did. Because of me, Anna was accused of attempting
to … well to cause me serious harm. Then she ran away and I don’t know where
she is. I just wish I could find her, and tell  her I’m sorry.” Once he had
started to speak, Teddy could not stop himself. He wanted Izzy to know
everything.

“Slow down, Teddy,” she said, putting her hand over his. He
wished he could hold her hand forever, but she had made it clear she thought
him too young for her. “And tell me everything from the beginning.”

So that was what Teddy did. He told Izzy all about how Anna
came into their lives, right up to what happened when he climbed the tree. By
the time he finished, he took a deep, cleansing breath.

“Oh, Teddy, you were only a little boy,” said Izzy. “You’re
being much too hard on yourself. If Anna running away was anyone’s fault, then
I’m sorry to say it was  your mother’s. She must have known Anna would not
really do such a thing.”

“She wouldn’t do anything like that,” said Teddy,
vehemently. “I used to tell her she was a peach of a girl and she really was.
Only Anna and Mrs. Palmer spoke to me when I was at home. I mean really spoke
to me, like I was somebody.”

“You are somebody.”

“You wouldn’t think it, from the way Mother and Father speak
to me. Oh, the old man’s not so bad really. He’s just as frightened of Mother
as everyone else is. But mother only ever spoke to me to scold or to
mollycoddle me.”

“She loves you very much, Teddy. You can’t criticise her for
that.” If Izzy was anything, she was fair-minded, and always tried to see the
best in people. “Maybe it was genuine fear when you fell out of the tree that
caused her to accuse Anna of causing it.”

Teddy shook his head. “No, she hardly bothered about my
injuries. Such as they were. I had a bit of a bruise on my head and my leg,
that’s all. My pride took the biggest beating.”

“Has no one heard from Anna since?”

“She wrote a letter to Stephens, our old butler, and sent
him a ten shilling note. That was about a month later. We didn’t know it at the
time, but she’d borrowed the money off him. All she said was that she hoped I
was alright and that Mrs. Palmer would understand why she had to run away. It
was posted in London, so Mrs. Palmer and Mr. Stephens had some thoughts of
looking for her there. I don’t know if they ever found her. Soon after they
both left. Mrs. Palmer was going to run a guesthouse in Filey with her sister,
and Mr. Stephens was going to lodge with them.”

“Perhaps we could go and ask her,” suggested Izzy.

“Who, Mrs. Palmer?”

“Why not? It’s possible they found Anna but just didn’t tell
you.”

“Because they were angry with me, you mean?”

“No, I was thinking more to protect her from your mother. I
really think we could go in search of Mrs. Palmer.”

“We?”

“I’ve got a few days off and I fancy a trip to the seaside.”

“I’m surprised you want to spend any time with me after what
I’ve told you.”

“And I’ve told you to stop upsetting yourself over something
that happened when you were a little boy. I’m sure Anna doesn’t blame you.”

“What if she does blame me, Izzy? What if I find her and she
hates me?”

“From what you’ve said of her, Teddy, she doesn’t seem like
that sort of girl.”

“It depends what’s happened to her in the meantime, doesn’t
it? Who knows what she’s suffered?”

“Now you’re being melodramatic! You told me yourself that
Anna somehow managed to escape from war torn Europe, when she was only ten
years old. It seems to me that if she’s resourceful enough to do that, she’s
resourceful enough to survive anything.”

“I hope you’re right, Izzy. I really do.”

“So, when shall we go to the seaside?”

Chapter Thirteen

“I think a high tea at Carmichaels is a wonderful idea,”
said Madame. She was sitting in her bedroom, applying make up. “I would like to
meet Mr. Dabrowski myself. I had no idea he was the one who escaped from Europe
with you, Anna.”

“I knew,” said Tasha, who was sitting on the bed. “I kept
trying to persuade Anna to go and visit him, but she put it off every time.”

“I didn’t want to impose on what was only a very brief
acquaintance,” said Anna. In reality she had been afraid that Janek would
believe she only wanted his friendship now that he was rich. The more famous he
became, the more difficult it was for her to go and see him. It was as if a
wall a thousand feet high had been built between them. “But now I have been
invited, Madame, I am sure he would not mind you accompanying us this
afternoon. You too, Tasha. I would ring up and ask first, of course, so as not
to be rude.” Anna wondered if Madame were offended at being left out of the
invitation.

A look passed between Madame and Tasha. One of their
increasingly secretive looks that gave Anna the impression they were carrying
on a private conversation about things to which she was not privy. “No, no,”
said Madame. “I have things to do, and I need Tasha’s help. You and Nicky must
go and tell us all about Carmichaels. I hear the high tea is the very best in
London.”  

Anna and Nicky arrived at Carmichaels at around four o’clock
that afternoon. Even in her best yellow summer dress and pristine white gloves,
she felt out of place. As the papers had said, Carmichaels harked back to a
bygone age of quiet elegance. The interior of the hotel was decorated in the
art deco style, lit with Tiffany lamps, and with a few nods towards classical
architecture, it really was the most beautiful building.

She was acutely aware of her heels clicking on the white
marble floor as they entered and wished she could walk more quietly.

Her voice was barely above a whisper when she informed the
desk clerk of her name. “Mr. Dabrowski is expecting us, I believe,” said Anna.
“Of course if he is busy…” If he were busy, she could go away and stop her
heart from fluttering so rapidly.

“I am not busy, Anna,” said a voice from behind her. “I have
been waiting for you. Hello, young Nicky, how are you today?”

“I’m very well thank you, Mr. Dabrowski. We came by tube!
Mama doesn’t usually let us, but she said we could today. It was very exciting.
I’m very happy to be here.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Whereas Anna looks as if she would
like to run away.”

“I feel scruffy in such sumptuous surroundings,” said Anna,
trying to make light of her nerves.

“You look lovely, like the epitome of summer,” said Janek.

Oh dear, thought Anna, now he would think she was fishing
for compliments. “Thank you,” was all she could manage to say.

“I thought we’d take tea up on my terrace,” said Janek. “It
has a wonderful view of the city.”

“Brilliant!” said Nicky.

That calmed Anna a little. At least if they were in private,
she would not be so aware of how she compared with the truly elegant ladies who
sat in the foyer, drinking tea and chatting eagerly about their Harrods
purchases.

High tea at Carmichaels was everything it was said to be. As
Anna and Nicky looked out over London, with Janek pointing out landmarks to
them, a member of staff brought up plates full of tiny sandwiches and small
cakes. Pride of place in the middle of the table was an enormous fruit cake.

“Can we take some back for Mama and Papa?” Nicky asked.

“Nicky,” Anna chided gently.

“Of course you may,” Janek interrupted. “I should have
thought to include them in the invitation. I hope you’ll forgive me, Nicky, but
I was so eager to be able to see Anna again, I completely forgot my manners.”

The afternoon seemed to be made up of Janek addressing
comments to or about Anna through Nicky, so she followed his lead. Having Nicky
there, almost as a chaperone helped to ease some of the tension.

“Are you very rich?” Nicky asked Janek, as they ate their
sandwiches. Anna was about to chide him again but thankfully Janek laughed.

“I don’t do too badly. It was not always so, as Anna will
tell you. When we first met, I was a starving teenager.”

“Yes, I remember,” Anna said. “Janek ate all my bread and
cheese. Not that I minded. He needed it more than I did.”

“Mama says that people in Russia are very hungry,” said
Nicky. “And that Russia now owns Poland. Is that true, Mr. Dabrowski?”

“No, Russia is merely borrowing Poland at the moment. They
will never truly own my country. We belong to ourselves.”

“Have you been able to return?” asked Anna.

Janek shook his head. “No, sadly if I were to go there, I
may not be allowed to leave again. I am applying for British citizenship.
Perhaps then I will have a chance to return. And you, will you go back to
Russia when the Voronins do?”

“I don’t really know,” said Anna.

Bored with the grown up conversation, Nicky took a sandwich
and went to look out over London.

“They always talk of being called back,” said Anna in a
quiet voice. “I’ve worked with the Voronins for just over six years, and every
day they have the same fear. But I’ve come to believe it’s a little like a
child worrying about a monster under the bed. Or at least I did.”

“Something has changed?” asked Janek.

“I don’t know… it’s just that lately…” Anna paused and
checked where Nicky was. He could come to no harm on the terrace as the
railings were too high, but she did not want him to think she was criticising
his parents. “I’ve felt that something is going on,” she continued. “They’re
always eager to get me out of the way and I can’t help wondering if I’ve
displeased them. Yet Madame is as kind as she’s always been. Oh I’m sorry, I
shouldn’t be bothering you with my worries.”

“We’re friends, Anna, and have been for a long time. You can
always come to me with your worries. You never told me why you left Silverton
Hall. Florentyna told me they were very unkind to you there.”

Anna shook her head. “No, not really. I mean, my father
barely noticed me and my step-mother hated me but no more than she hates most
people. Mrs. Palmer – do you remember her? – and Mr. Stephens, the butler were
always kind enough. They made it bearable.”

“Yes, I remember Mrs. Palmer. A frighteningly efficient
woman but a good ally to have, I should think. So why did you leave?”

Anna wanted to tell Janek the truth, hoping that he would
understand, but the secret of what happened with Teddy was something she had
locked up inside herself for so long, she could not put it into words. What if
Janek decided he did not want to be her friend anymore? What if he told the
Voronins and they fired her, because they no longer trusted her with Nicky? “I
just decided I wanted a different life for myself. Admittedly I’m still a
servant, but it’s no hardship when it’s for such a wonderful family.”

“I’m glad the Voronins treat you well, but I still don’t
think you should be a servant. Not with your background.”

“My background is that of an illegitimate child, Janek. My
beginnings were hardly respectable.”

“Such things should not matter in a civilised society.”

“Oh but it is a so-called civilised society which frowns
upon such things. You should know better than anyone what it is to be an
outsider. I presume there is a reason the hotel is called Carmichaels and not
Dabrowskis.”

“You are right. I was afraid that with all the anti-European
feeling after the war, naming the hotel Dabrowskis would not guarantee its
success.”

“So we are both victims of either real or imagined
prejudices.”

“Perhaps that’s why we made friends in the first place,
Anna. We recognised a kindred spirit.” He smiled, and it seemed to Anna as if
the sun shone a little brighter. “And now, because I owe it you, I am going to
let you have the last cheese sandwich.” He pushed the plate towards her.

“I would not deprive you of it,” she said, laughing.
“Besides, I owe you much more. You came back for me when the train crashed. I
think at the very least that has earned you the last cheese sandwich.”

Janek became more serious. “I didn’t come back to you when I
promised I would. After I left you with the Silvertons. And for that I am
sorry.”

“I was hurt at first,” Anna admitted. “But as I’ve grown
older I realised that it would never have been possible. I was not your
responsibility for a start. I understand that you said what you had to say to
calm me when I was afraid, and I bless you for that.” She did not tell Janek of
the nights she had sat by her window, waiting for him to come back. Only as the
war went on and she grew older had she finally admitted the truth to herself.
That he was not coming back and probably never meant to.

“Thank you. I promise you that I will never turn my back on
you again, Anna. I am your friend and if you ever need me, you only have to ask.”

“But I am still not your responsibility.”

“What if I decide that you are?”

They looked across the table at each other for what seemed
like an eternity, but which could only have been a few seconds.

Nicky came bounding back to the table and picked up the last
cheese sandwich, biting into it with a huge smile on his face.

“Well,” said Janek, laughing. “That settles the argument of
who gets the last cheese sandwich.”