Dr. Marek nodded in the affirmative, confirming, as a doctor, what he had said.
– And what? – asked out of a state of stupor Robert.
Kshesinskaya looked slyly at the emboldened American and said:
– Pour this American for the courage of my favorite cognac. Let's see what he can do.
– Maybe a glass of champagne? Josephine was concerned.
– Not! Today I will drink cognac with this young man, ”Kshesinskaya said in a tone that did not require objection, and signaled to the servants.
Everyone was poured a velvety drink with a golden-chocolate tint into wide glasses.
Matilda twisted the glass, sniffed its walls for a long time and drank in small sips, eating sweets and fruits, after which she ordered to repeat the procedure.
– Well, what killed the king? the reporter didn't hesitate.
Matilda glanced at the people present, then carefully looked at Robert and said meaningfully:
– Conscience!
So saying, she gestured for the servants to refill their glasses.
– Is that enough for today? Josephine hesitated.
– Yes, Madame Matilda, large doses of alcohol will only harm you. Do you want me to add work? Dr. Marek added demagogically.
Kshesinskaya looked at them ironically.
– Do you want to extend my longevity with your ostentatious care and other medical porn? I advise you not to disgrace yourself in front of our guest from America.
Kshesinskaya repeated the gesture, and the servants obediently obeyed her.
– On that day, your grandfather arrived in the Crimea early in the morning by train from St. Petersburg, – Matilda began to recall, – and already at noon they had the most intimate conversations with the king. So sincere that the tsar managed to tell about how he instructed me to seduce Tchaikovsky.
Hearing this, everyone raised their heads in surprise.
– Mala! – Josephine said, without having time to bite off a piece of Italian cake from amazement, – but you don’t compose by any chance?
– Jose! Would I start writing in anticipation of the second hundred of my life?
Everyone looked at each other.
– I see that you do not want to hear the details? Well, whatever you want. I won't tell you anything more.
Kshesinskaya got up from her chair, went to the piano and began to lightly play melodies from Chopin's nocturnes.
– We really want to, – Robert was alarmed, – please continue. We are listening to you carefully. So the tsar persuaded you to seduce the composer Tchaikovsky. How could he convince you and what reason did he have for this?