“Please, Count Vronsky, do share with us,” said Rachel.
“Yes, amongst friends we may build our castles in the sky,” added Marianne.
“Perhaps, then, I would ask Tolstoy to give me something to hope for in the future.At my novel’s end, I am traveling to join a war in Serbia.But after the war, what then?I have no hint of what will come in my life, or whether I will ever find joy again.”
“That sounds dreadful,” said Marianne in horror.“No hope but war?I at least am married and happily settled in my new home with my husband.I do not know whether we will have children or live long and happy lives, but all evidence suggests that we are not wrong to hope for a bright future.”
“Me as well,” echoed Rachel.“I have married my dearest love and we, too, are hopeful for a full and happy life together.More and more I see that this Mr.Tolstoy has done you a disservice, Alexei.I would take up a correspondence with him immediately and demand he write you a new ending.”
“Well… unfortunately, Tolstoy died many years ago,” Aurelia said, hating to be the wet blanket to their enthusiasm.“A new ending seems unlikely.”
Their faces fell in disappointment, though Vronsky seemed unmoved.But then Marianne sat up and reached out to grasp his arm.
“We could imagine a better future for you, Alexei, could we not?”she asked excitedly.“Let us dream of one that might satisfy your wish for hope!”
“What good is imagining something that may never be?”Vronsky countered.
“What good is imagining the worst?”Rachel returned.“Our imaginings may not be possible, but likewise your dreariest visions for your future may not come to pass.”
Vronsky looked to Aurelia for support, but she raised her eyebrows as if to ask,Why not?
“Alright, then.I shall promise to consider the possibilities.Will that satisfy you?”
Marianne stood, linking her arm in Rachel’s.“For now.But only for now!Come, Rachel, let us walk and consider how we might improve upon whatever he devises.”The two women stepped away, heads bent toward each other as they began a lap around the mezzanine.
Vronsky smiled indulgently as he watched them talking, but Aurelia saw how quickly his smile faded.
“What happened to considering the possibilities?”she asked softly.
“Any future I imagine must take place without Anna.It is difficult to conceive of finding contentment in a life without her.”
“There must be some kind of future that could bring a little bit of joy into your life?”She thought for a moment, then asked brightly, “What about horses?”
Vronsky let loose a loud guffaw.“Horses?What about them?”
“You like horses and racing.What about a future where, after the war, you raise prize-winning horses?”
He grew thoughtful.“I do enjoy a good thoroughbred.”
“There—you see?There’s your hope.I mean, I think we can do better than just horses, but at least it’s a start.”
Aurelia noticed Sergeant Cuff peering up at her from the shop below, a playful smile lighting his face.
“Would you excuse me for a minute?I think Sergeant Cuff wants to speak with me.”
“Certainly.I shall remain here and continue thinking of horses,” Vronsky teased.
At the bottom of the spiral staircase, Aurelia found Sergeant Cuff waiting for her.
“You look like you have a secret.”
“Do I?”he demurred.
“Is this a secret you’re willing to share, or one you plan to dangle until I guess it?”
“I will continue to dangle it but shall give you one hint: you are coming closer to answering the question we discussed those few nights ago.”
“Am I?”
