Was it to be a lifetime in the Caucasus with one of the semi-barbarous, handsome but uncivilised Naibs or to be incarcerated in the over-scented luxury of the Sultan’s harem, never again to speak with anyone of intelligence and to live a life of utter stagnation?
It was not the physical terror of what awaited her that would be so hard to endure, but the fact that not only would her body become fat and soft without exercise but her mind also would deteriorate.
All aristocratic Russians were highly educated. It was fashionable to have English Nannies and French Tutors. And being used to their own complicated language, the Russian children found everyone else’s easy to learn.
What was more, all the arts were encouraged and fostered in St. Petersburg.
It was almost impossible for a Russian
