Konrad and Alexandra (pdf) - Rolf Gross

The adults laughed, and the Mrs. Schulenburg suggested that their children show Otto
their toys.
Herr von der Schulenburg good-naturedly stroked Otto’s head. "Splendid, a Germanspeaking
playmate, that will shorten the long journey. My wife brought a young German
governess along who will watch the children."
Annoyed by the gesture of the good uncle, Otto took a step back and with a toss of his
head vanished with the two Schulenburg children. Alexandra asked the Schulenburgs to their
compartment. They surprised Konrad, who had the presence of mind to produce a bottle of
Georgian cognac.
While the men discussed Transcaucasian politics, Alexandra calmed Mrs.
Schulenburg’s apprehension of the "wild" Tiflis. It will be good for me to describe Georgia to
her, thought Alexandra, I have almost forgotten how beautiful my beloved country really is.
Over supper in the dining car, Konrad suggested that Schulenburg and he should take
the postal carriage along the Georgian Military Road. Amalia von der Schulenburg protested,
her Russian was poor. She spoke no Georgian and could not handle the children by herself on
this long trip. Alexandra, who saw Konrad’s excitement, persuaded her. They did not have to
change trains and would be three women, Amalia should leave the organization to her.
Konrad got an emotional welcome by Deda, Irakli, and Otar when he surprised them half
a day earlier than expected. The following morning they all drove to the station. Irakli had hired
a band in the bazaar. Four bazarliks carried garlands and a welcome sign.
When Joachim and Clara von Bredow arrived at the station they found Konrad already
there, who took a fiendish pleasure in producing Schulenburg. This nearly resulted in a
complete confusion. A representative of Vorontsev had shown up with a brass band hired from
the German Club and two photographers from the papers. They finally negotiated a peaceful
compromise, the bands would play alternatingly German and Georgian music, and
Schulenburg offered to climb back onto the train to pose with his wife for the photographers. It
became the biggest welcoming reception in memory.
Alexandra, overwhelmed by this unexpected production, surprised herself by emotional
tears at so much good, old Tiflis. Otto self-importantly saluted the band, Deda cried, and Irakli
had an unquenchable attack of laughter. Irakli had grown visibly older, his hair was now
completely white, but his black mustache was still a splendid affair. Alexandra hugged him. Did
he dye it?
Two days later, led by Niko and Claudia, the Dahls arrived. They had taken the boat
from Italy to Batumi.
Niko volunteered to pick up Vladimir at the station. Alexandra, feeling giddy, had found
an excuse not to go. Use your head, she admonished herself, he is a good friend, no more.
Vladimir showed himself from his best side, the perfect gentleman without affectations
or airs. He quickly won everybody’s liking.
The big house had not seen so much life since Alexandra’s wedding. Deda, alternating
between crying and clowning, was happy. Alexandra searched Deda’s still delicate face, now
full of creases and wrinkles. "How are you, dearest mother of mine?"
Deda stepped back, she now had trouble seeing things close up, pouting and rowing her
arms in the so familiar gesture, her head cocked at an angle. "I am at peace and happier than
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