Granny Dan by Danielle Steel Read Free Book Online Page A

cottages for her convalescence. She could be well cared for there, and make the long recovery she would need, without tormenting herself by being right in the midst of the ballet. Being in Tsarskoe Selo would be restful for her, she could be well supervised, and well nursed, and convalesce in just the way she needed, to make a full recovery and return to the ballet.
    After they left Danina's room that afternoon, the doctor asked Madame Markova what she thought of the Czarina's invitation. She was still more than a little startled. It was an extremely flattering invitation, but she had no idea how Danina would feel about accepting. She was so tightly woven into the ballet, Madame Markova couldn't imagine her wanting to leave it for a minute, even if she could not dance now. Though admittedly, being there and watching them, and not being able to dance with them for months, would eventually drive her crazy.
    “It might be very good for her to get away,” Madame Markova admitted, “but I'm not sure we can convince her of that. Even if she can't dance, I suspect she will want to stay. She hasn't left us in twelve years, except last summer for her visit to Livadia.”
    “But she liked that, didn't she? This would be more of the same. And besides, I can keep an eye on her there. It's hard for me to get away as often and for as long as I have in the last few days. I have my responsibilities to the Czarevitch.”
    “You've been very kind to her,” Madame Markova admitted freely. “I don't know what we'd have done without you.”
    “I did absolutely nothing to help her,” he said modestly, “except pray, just as you did. She has been very lucky.” As much in the support of the Imperial family as in the attentions of their doctor. “I think the Czarina, and the children, will be very disappointed if she doesn't come.” And then he reminded Madame Markova gently of what she already knew. “It is a very unusual invitation. I think Danina would really enjoy it.”
    “Who wouldn't?” Madame Markova laughed honestly. “I have at least a dozen ballerinas, if not more, who would be more than happy to take her place at Tsarskoe Selo. The problem is, Danina is different. She never wants to leave here, she's afraid she might miss something. She never goes to shops, or out for walks, or to the theater. She dances, and she dances … and she dances, and then she watches the others dance, and dances some more. Besides, she is very attached to me. Probably because she has no mother.” And it was obvious that Madame Markova genuinely loved her.
    “How long has she been here?” he asked with interest. He was fascinated by her, she was like a rare, delicate bird who had landed at his feet with a broken wing, and now he wanted to do everything he could to help her. Even intercede on her behalf with the Czar and Czarina. But it was not a difficult task, they also admired and liked her. It was impossible not to admire someone with so vast a talent.
    “She has been here for twelve years,” Madame Markova answered his question. “Since she was seven. She is nineteen now, nearly twenty.”
    “Perhaps a little holiday will do her good.” He was being very firm about it. He thought it was important for her.
    “I agree. The problem is convincing her. I'll talk to her about it when she's a little stronger.”
    He came every day after that, and a few days later, Madame Markova broached the subject with her. Danina was startled at first at the invitation from the Imperial family, and pleased, but she had no intention of accepting. “I can't leave you,” she said simply to Madame Markova. She herself was unnerved by her brush with death, and the ballet was home to her. She didn't want to recuperate among strangers, even royal ones. “You won't make me go, will you?” she asked, looking worried.
    But as soon as they tried to get her up, she realized the full impact of her illness, as did Madame Markova. She couldn't even sit in a chair