Konrad and Alexandra (PDF) - Rolf Gross

case than medicine?She would have a child, and was traditionally expected to stay at home and devote herself to him entirely. She hadgrown up cared for by a succession of nursemaids and governesses. She would get a live-in nursemaid for the child andcome home as often as possible during the day; both the university and the hospitals were close.She had no doubt that Konrad would let her do what she wanted and made such excellent sense in every way. No longerdid she have to worry about her father’s opinion.Where was Konrad? She needed to share her excitement with him.To calm herself she went into the kitchen and prepared dinner. Cooking had become one of her favorite pursuits. Shedecided on risotto con pollo to remind Konrad of Fiesole, and as she patiently stirred the rice, her self-control andcomposure returned."Yes, that is what I need to do, for myself, for him, for the child, and for our future."Konrad had been detained in a conference organizing the upcoming summer ball, which was to take place in two weeks.She suppressed her excitement and took him into her arms. "Come, let’s eat. I have prepared one of Sally’s favoritedishes to take us back to Fiesole."She asked him about the events of his day and let him unburden himself of his concerns, who was to be invited to theball? What to serve? Should he hire a modern dance band in addition to the traditional university orchestra playingMozart and Glinka?"I am tempted to startle the establishment and engage a belly dancer. What do you think? The ladies would die ofshock."Alexandra remembered his shock at their wedding but said nothing. Why should he not engage a belly dancer?"Ask in the Armenian community, they surely have one. Why don’t we invite Izabel and Marti? He could help you."Alexandra prepared a Turkish coffee, brought some fruit for desert and faced Konrad. "May I ask your advice in a seriousmatter?"Konrad raised his eyebrows. "A surprise? Oh, dear woman, I married you, so that my life would never be boring again!What is on your mind?"With great self-control she described her new plan, explaining the advantages and complications it would bring. Sheended in an expectant silence, the tenseness of which hung palpable between them.Konrad looked at her with loving, serious eyes. "Are you up to five or six years of hard work? The child will be a burden toyou, and a second one will have to wait until you are finished with your degree, don’t you think so too?"She agreed. She would engage a live-in nanny, which she had wanted to do in any case. "I believe that with yourcooperation I can manage the child and my studies. I am only twenty-two, before I turn thirty I could be an experienced,practicing physician.""You see," she continued, "this idea is only partially selfish or an insurance towards our future in potentially unstabletimes. If I look at the human misery in this city, I feel a responsibility to help. Maybe this stems from my listening to Ilia,whose ideas also have a social aspect hidden below their Georgian nationalist rhetoric and to Aunt Sophia who works asa midwife in their villages. I admire young Dr. von Haffner. And sometimes I am reminded of Walter who suspects that weEastern Europeans are unable to take responsibility for our own actions."Konrad, very serious, sighed. "Yes, my love, I will support you in this difficult venture with all I have."She hugged him in all her joy, unbuttoned his shirt and put her hand on his heart."All this time I have tried to suppress my excitement in order to be able to look at this decision soberly, will you make loveto me? Very gently, so Brimus does not get upset."The bureaucrat responsible for admissions to the medical faculty scrutinized Alexandra with unconcealed disdain. Heruniversity credentials from Tiflis were sufficient for entering the medical program, but the waiting list for admission waslong, and—he was not rude enough to actually say so—she was a woman!She had to use her full name, Princess Alexandra Iraklievna Dadiani and her husband’s professional position in theuniversity to get his attention.Thereafter the balding clerk’s demeanor became almost deferential."Yes, Princess Dadiani, the faculty committee might consider your application. You will need a recommendation from awell-known medical doctor and a written permission from your husband. You see, you have one thing in your favor, wedesperately need good physicians in this country."The man rose, formally kissed her hand, and with the mumbled remark très enchanté Princesse Dadiani held the dooropen for her. She walked out in style.She decided to visit Dr. von Schliemann, a highly regarded German gynecologist and friend of the Mouravis, to sign upwith him to care for her and the child and to ask him to write the needed letter of recommendation.She felt pleased with herself and decided to share the news with her beloved brother Niko. She found Niko in the smallapartment he shared with Otar. Otar was still at school. Niko had the same good looks as she but dark eyes. He was atleast as intelligent a she. But lazy! He took life easy.54