Konrad and Alexandra (PDF) - Rolf Gross

Infected by Dadiani’s jovial mood, Konrad asked him about the origin of his blue eyes."Ah, these are the eyes of the Mountain Georgians. My mother was a Dadeshkeliani from Svaneti. The nose also comesfrom there. We have a saying that one can build generations on the noses of the Dadeshkeliani!"Dadiani laughed so heartily that Konrad was completely taken in.On the porch in back of the house a table had been laid for two. "You had a taste of a Georgian feast, let us be civilized."Dadiani invited him with spread arms. "This is a small repast for the two of us." A servant offered a choice of red or whitewine. "Start with the white," Dadiani suggested him, "it is an excellent year from the estate of my brother-in-law inKakheti. He makes the best wines in Georgia."They toasted to their meeting and Konrad found that the dry wine compared well with any from his own country, heavierand fuller than the wine from the Palatinate, but with more character than Italian wines. Dadiani nodded. "It is not easy toproduce a dry, elegant wine in this hot climate. George Chavchavadze has put his admiration for Germany into thiswine."They clinked glasses."You see," continued Dadiani, "I am a squatter in the house of a cousin of my wife’s. This house was built by IliaChavchavadze and his wife Olga Guramishvili. The Guramishvili own the land. Zaguramo means chez Guramo and shviliis the son in Georgian. Ilia is the scion of the Kvareli branch of the Chavchavadze. He is such a famous Georgiannational hero that he had to leave for Europe for a while. His journal Iveria got him into trouble with our Russianbenefactors. His nationalistic stance has long been a thorn in their side."Dadiani cocked his head and thoughtfully looked at Konrad, questioning his political allegiance. "You will soon discoverthat not all is well in this praised land." Konrad smiled and thought of his first conversation with Alexandra. He remarkedthat he had noticed some tensions, but the details and reasons eluded him.With a dry laugh Dadiani said. "We can discuss these problems another day. We own a large townhouse in Tiflis, but Ilove this place. It is exceptionally comfortable and allows me a simple life in a beautiful rural setting, close enough toTiflis and the Gymnasium to travel back and forth as often as I please.""How is your Georgian?" Dadiani asked casually. "Not that you have any need of it in Tiflis, where every educated personspeaks several languages, but it is an interesting language for the curious linguist."The question caught Konrad off guard. The idea of asking Alexandra to teach him Georgian had tempted him.Considering their difference in social status and the conventions of Georgia, he had dismissed the notion aspresumptuous. But he had discussed the subject of learning Georgian with Leist. Had Dadiani talked to Leist and wasreferring to this conversation? Konrad assured Dadiani that he was most anxious to learn Georgian; his interest in thiscountry grew daily. But Leist had discouraged him, Georgian was difficult and unusual, because its vocabulary andgrammar were unrelated to any other known language."Nun ja," said Dadiani with a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes, "how would it strike you, if Alexandra taught youGeorgian. I am sure you will have less problems in mastering it than our Russian friends, who have very poor linguistictalents."Konrad blushed. Had Dadiani second-guessed his secret dream, or was he attempting to probe what interests he mighthave in his daughter? Violating the complicated, indirect approach of the Orient, he decided to take the bull by the hornsand shorten the lengthy drama of bargaining for Alexandra’s participation in his expedition."For a planned research expedition to Tusheti and Khevsureti I urgently need an interpreter who speaks several East-Caucasian languages and is familiar with the territory. Your daughter has assured me that she could be of help in both.Would you give your permission and allow Alexandra to participate in this expedition?"Dadiani twirled his mustache, embarrassed by Konrad’s insensitive approach to the touchy subject. "Alexandramentioned that you had invited her. She is an excellent rider and has been to parts of the highlands that you plan to visit.She would be of great value to you. She speaks three East-Georgian dialects, and besides you may have an incompleteidea of the wild tribes who live in these regions and of their old feuds. These mountain men show limitless hospitalitytowards a stranger, but great tact and circumspection is required not to offend their unwritten tribal rules. Alexandra hasthis knowledge and could serve you in more ways than as a translator."Dadiani lowered his gaze and concentrated on the walnut-filled aubergines and the spinach puree on his plate. After afew bites he continued. "I have considered the question of Alexandra’s participation in your expedition. It is unthinkable inour society that a young woman would participate in such an undertaking without a chaperon. You as the teacher andleader of the group would have this responsibility. I respect you as a considerate and thoughtful man whom I trust, but Iam not convinced that you are equal to her."Konrad, finally made aware that his bluntness had been a mistake, waited quietly for an elaboration. Dadiani looked athim thoughtfully and when Konrad blushed under his gaze, Dadiani overlooked it tactfully. "You hardly have an idea ofthe determination and the willpower of this girl. She has put it into her head to participate in your expedition and neitheryou nor I will be able to talk her out of it. I could only forbid her to participate and would like to avoid that."Such honesty! He saw the dilemma of this father. Not to reveal his affection for Alexandra he chose to remain silent."I am less worried about my daughter than about you, Herr Rost. Alexandra’s willpower can be dangerous for a man."14