Little known only to foreigners. The British themselves have long and firmly settled here, appreciating the magnificent vacation spot. Back in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, languid ladies in crinolines, supported by gentlemen dressed in silk and velvet, bravely descended along narrow paths into gorges cut in the coastal rocks by rivers and the age-old movement of the surf.
These gorges, over time and the development of the tourism industry, have become one of the island's most profitable attractions. At one time they served as a refuge for pirates and smugglers, wandering shepherds and couples in love. During the Second World War, in one of the most famous gorges - Shanklin - a training base was set up for the training of elite paratrooper units of Her Majesty's Army. Shanklin, on the west coast of the island, was visited by Dickens and Turgenev, Longfellow and Tennyson (the poet liked the local places so much that he settled near Freshwater, and the local hills were named after him).
My sister and I made a special trip alone on a passenger ferry to Ryde, the largest city on the island, to see the fourth longest pier in England - 703 meters. Friends with a car on a passenger-and-freight ferry moored in the nearby village of Fishbourne. Of course, over the weekend we were not able to explore the island in detail. Arriving on Saturday afternoon, we immediately surrounded ourselves with maps and guidebooks to highlight the most interesting. The hotel was booked in White's central town, Newport. It became our first itinerary: Carisbrooke Castle, 19th century houses, old taverns and an artists' corner over the sleepy Medina River. Sunday was busy. In the morning we went to Arreton, a model village specially equipped for tourists. An old church with the grave of a knight who participated in one of the Crusades, a small quiet cemetery, a craft village with a brewery, a glass factory and a small candle factory, a house with an exemplary garden and a shop with plants and all sorts of household items. Further, our path lay through the lowlands of the center of White to the gorge of the Black Gang - Black gang Chine. A large children's amusement park was built there not so long ago, but we were interested in a wonderfully described path along the chalk cliffs to the lighthouse of St. Catherine - the southernmost cape of the island and, perhaps, the whole of England.
Absolutely fantastic places, although it is difficult to go down to the strait, along a staircase cut in the ground (in places reinforced with tree roots, in places with boards). Silence, diluted with the sound of the wind and the cries of seagulls. Thickets of the sweetest blackberries almost the size of a fist. Below, on white rocks, only grass and thorny bushes grow. You can’t go down to the water everywhere - small beaches with a couple, rarely - a dozen vacationers. Near the lighthouse there is an old farm, near which, over the strait, melancholic cows chew dry red grass and look longingly towards France, naively believing that cow life is better there. In the evening we left the car at the hotel in Newport and boarded a bus for a special round trip around the island. Narrow roads along the tops of the cliffs were very unnerving, but from the second floor it was possible to see far beyond the canal, from the northern shore - even the coast of England. On Monday, we loaded the car with things early in the morning and moved towards the city of Shanklin. The scenery along the way is varied - now lowlands, then hills, thatched houses in the village of Godshiel, famous for its park "The Isle of Wight in Miniature". And by evening we were already in Portsmouth. We spent the night there and in the morning we went back to London.
Helpful Hints:
In order not to drive yourself, it is worth planning to spend a week on the island. During this time, even without a car, you can really explore all the reserves, small old villages, gorges, rocks and beaches. Upon arrival, you need to get a detailed map of the island (in any tourist center). England is not a cheap country, so if you are going to stay in a hotel, count on about $70 a day, camping will cost less, but it is convenient if you have a car. Pubs are relatively cheap - you can eat for 10-15 dollars per person. In any supermarket or Boots store, you can find packages of sandwiches and salads - then lunch will cost even less. Interesting souvenirs will cost at least $ 5, and if you travel by bus, it is better to buy tickets for two or more days at once. A two-day pass costs approximately £12. It is best to make car trips in the UK in the company of friends who have lived here for a year or two: otherwise, left-hand traffic can play a bad joke on you. And then the rest will turn into a continuous hassle. If you are traveling with local friends from England, then it is better to entrust the booking of a hotel to them, because all the time there are discounts and tempting offers that a foreigner will not understand. The ferry fare is paid per car with passengers, on average about 50 pounds.
Travel budget:
Of course, such a trip is a very expensive pleasure: tickets to England, car rental (if there are no friends), a hotel can cost $ 1,000 per person, and at least $ 500 for unforeseen expenses, souvenirs, but you never know what. Also add 500, at least, for food. Then throw in 500 dollars just in case and fly. My sister and I spent just over $4,000 in a week and a half in England.
The largest and southernmost island in Great Britain is the Isle of Wight. This island has been popular since Victorian times and is world famous not only for its natural beauty, but also for its outstanding yacht club and annual regatta. The Isle of Wight is considered a respectable holiday destination for wealthy Englishmen, it is often called "Little England". 
The Isle of Wight is an island in the south of Great Britain, is a unitary county of England and is part of the South East England region. It is located 3.5 kilometers from the coast of England and is separated from Europe by the English Channel. Unfortunately, the island does not have its own airport, so you can only get to it by sea. For example, a ferry from London to the island gets in just a couple of hours.
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- Area: 380 km²;
- Largest city: Ryde, Newport;
- Time zone: UTC0;
- Population: 138,300.
A bit of history
Presumably, the Isle of Wight was formed during the last ice age due to a rise in the level of the world's oceans. It was captured by the Romans in the 1st century AD, who dominated here until the beginning of the 5th century. After the departure of the Romans, the island was settled by the Juttes. At the end of the 7th century, the island became part of the Saxon kingdom of Wessex. During the Anglo-Saxon conquest, the island becomes part of England and Hampshire. In 1851, a yacht regatta was held among the royal yachts and guests from other countries. Subsequently, it was named the America's Cup, in honor of the winner. This yacht regatta has become the most prestigious and one of the most famous regattas in the world. 
City of Newport
The capital and largest city of the island is Newport. Located in the north of the central part of the island, on the banks of the Medina River. In the southwestern part of the city is the medieval castle of Carisbrook, famous as the place of imprisonment of the English king Charles I. The castle was surrounded by a small village called Carisbrook. This settlement has been known since the time of the Anglo-Saxons. Today the castle houses a museum open to the public. 
Osborne House
Another attraction of the island is Osborne House Castle, located on the northern coast of the island, in the town of East Cowes or East Cowes, on the right bank of the Medina River. Osborne House is an Italian style palace. The construction of the castle began in 1798, by order of Queen Victoria and her husband Albert, as a summer residence in the south of England. Since 1921, a museum has been opened in the palace for everyone. 
steam railway
The Isle of Wight has a working steam railway, which opened in 1875. Today this road links four stations: Smallbrook Junction, Ashey, Haven Street and Wotton. Fifteen locomotives on steam and diesel traction serve the road. The oldest locomotive was built in 1876. Anyone can travel back in time and take a ride on the steam railway. 
Chalk rocks
On the island there is also a natural attraction of the island - the chalk cliffs "Needles", that is, "Needles". The rocks are located in the western part of Alum Bay, near the westernmost point of the Isle of Wight. The cliffs can be reached by regular buses or sightseeing minibuses from Newport, Yarmouth and Ryde.
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The Isle of Wight is located just a few kilometers from the south coast of England and is considered a fashionable resort. Having been there, it immediately becomes clear why there is so much talk about this island: there are beautiful white-sand beaches, mysterious caves, and bizarre rocks. Yachting and many types of water sports are widely developed on the island. The wild nature of the island is in perfect harmony with the medieval castles and churches.
By the way. On the Isle of Wight is the summer residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert - Osborne House, which provides the island with an additional influx of tourists.
The only way to get to the island is by sea. Benefit from regular flights from (it takes about two hours) or from the nearest city of Portsmouth.
Attractions Isle of Wight
Osborne House
Address: York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight - PO32 6JX, United Kingdom
Phone: +(44 198) 320 00 22
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Prices: Adults £13.4; children (5-15 years old) - £8; pensioners (from 60 years old) - 12.1 £
The former summer residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Osbourne House has long been a public place. At the Osborne House Museum, you can plunge into the life of the royal couple and their nine children. Admire the Queen's private quarters, children's rooms, and after the museum, you can walk to the royal family's private beach. The walk will take you about 20 minutes, but the views from the path will make you forget about time, the beauty of the Isle of Wight is so amazing.
Ventnor Botanical Garden
Address: Undercliff Dr, Ventnor PO38 1UL, United Kingdom
Phone: +(44 198) 385 53 97
www.botanic.co.uk
Ventnor is a town on the southeast coast of the Isle of Wight. In 1970, on the site of a closed hospital, the Botanical Garden was laid out, which has no equal in all of England in terms of the number of subtropical plants growing there. The reason for this was that the climate of the Isle of Wight is more akin to the Mediterranean than to the typical British. So in the Ventnor Botanical Garden you can see, for example, palm trees so uncharacteristic for England.
Chalk cliffs Needles
Address: The Needles Park, Alum Bay, Isle of Wight PO39 0JD, United Kingdom
Phone: +(44 871) 720 00 22
www.theneedles.co.uk
Near the westernmost point of the Isle of Wight in the western part of Alum Bay are chalk, which translates as "Needles". The rocks form a spit that goes further and further into the sea, and on the last of them they even managed to build a lighthouse.
They can be reached by the N7 Southern Vectis bus from Newport or regular sightseeing routes from Yarmouth or Ryde.
carisbrook castle
Address: Castle Hill, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1XY, United Kingdom
Phone: +(44 870) 333 11 81
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Prices: Adults £7.7; children (5-15 years old) - £4.6; pensioners (from 60 years old) - 6.9 £
Hours of operation: depending on the month, different modes of operation, it is better to check on the website in advance.
Carisbrooke is one of the main attractions of the Isle of Wight, famous as the place where King Charles I was imprisoned after his defeat in the civil war. The castle is perfectly preserved, and the fortress around is one of the most worthy examples of fortification in medieval England.
A museum is open in the castle, and children can have fun dressing up in knightly armor and recreating historical battles “fake it”.
If you need to get from one city on the Isle of Wight to another, we recommend
take advantage of the steam railway opened in the 19th century. In length
it is only 14 km, and the trains themselves look like they came out of retro postcards.
Images are not available in older content. We apologize for the inconvenience__
"Isle of Wight (Wight) - England in miniature", "diamond in the crown of the English Empire" we read a few reviews and articles on the Internet, getting ready to go.
Probably, one of the first questions will be - where is it and why is it there at all? The fact is that having returned from our New Year's English trip (Manchester-Edinburgh-Liverpool-London), we clearly understood that we dreamed of visiting England in the summer and comparing the sensations. The only thing left was to come up with a route and organize a trip, we have a tourism education and a related field of activity, so there were no special organizational difficulties. The main trick was to take into account the wishes of all 4-hour participants and display them in the route. I wanted London (one of us went for the first time, and no one canceled London shopping), I wanted history (our inner humanitarian made itself felt), I wanted the sea and a “vegetable” holiday. (here half a year of hard work made itself felt) During the month of debate, the route was partially formed London - Brighton - Bath - Stonehenge ... and then somehow it didn’t work out.
And then, quite by accident, we stumbled upon photographs of the Isle of Wight, which surprised us so much that we realized that we must definitely go there. Especially after they learned that Her Majesty Queen Victoria chose this place for her home residence, and it’s hard not to trust such an exquisite taste. Studying Runet, we collected useful information literally bit by bit. Here's what Wikipedia says:
The Isle of Wight (eng. Isle of Wight, lat. Vecta, Vectis insula) is an island territory in the south of Great Britain, which is a ceremonial non-metropolitan and unitary county of England. It is part of the South East England region. The capital and largest city is Newport. The population is 139.5 thousand people (46th place among the counties; 2007 data). The island was part of the Celtic British Isles and, known to the Romans as Vectis, was captured by Vespasian. The island is the smallest county and at the same time the largest constituency in the country. There is a movement to give the island a status similar to the Isle of Man. The island is an important tourist site (most visitors are British residents), connected to the mainland by several ferry crossings. Like many places in the UK, the island has its own dialect of English. Since 2002, the island has been hosting a music festival of the same name, and since 2004, the Bestival music festival. In the west of the island there are the Needles rocks (the Needles, in the photo), in the east there are several resorts, a steam railway, in the north - Osborne House, the palace and place of death of Queen Victoria, who instilled in the aristocracy the fashion for holidays on the White. In the city of Cowes there is a military museum.
Agree, not much ....
The lack of information only angered me. The official website of the city was very useful. There we found apartments for housing (looking ahead, I’ll say that when choosing we didn’t expect much, the main thing was a roof over our heads, but our apartments and the owners were so pleasantly surprised that I can recommend them with a clear conscience.) So, the purpose of the trip is the city of Ventnor , which is in the southeast of the island, and a week of time. The soul longed for the green fields and rocky cliffs seen in a random photograph, idyllic leisure and bike rides, sails of yachts on the horizon, old English buildings entwined with spitting and it’s a sin to conceal the rivers of English beer.
Leaving behind three days spent in the English capital, the same amount on the English Riviera of Brighton and a swift foray into the city of Spa Bath (The planned visit to Stonehenge was canceled due to the fullness of groups that can admire the stones directly, and not from a 10-meter distance) we made our way to our island.
From Brighton by train we got to Porsmouth, from where in 10 minutes the ferry took us to the town of Ryde, in the northern part of the island. 15 minutes on the weird steam tram to the town of Shanklin and another 15 minutes on the bus to Ventnor and a bit of wandering around the streets, and here we are. YES! this is our address and this handsome house is really ours, YES! and we can also use the garden, here in the closet are pillows for chairs and a blanket for the beach, YES! this is a barbecue for you and a trampoline too))) and here are the eggs that our chickens laid for you ... Having handed us the keys, the hostess left, and for a long time we could not believe in our happiness and were surprised at new discoveries in the form of a dishwasher, bath towels and even coasters for toast.
Having finished with the house, and having sorted out the numerous bags after London shopping, we decided to explore the surroundings.
I will say right away that we did not plan a thorough and detailed study, after all, it was a “resting” part of the vacation, but the weather was gloomy and we didn’t feel like lying on the beach, which, by the way, was awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness. The first couple of days were spent exploring the Ventnor area - the Botanical Gardens, the nicest cottages, the neighborhood of St. Catherine's lighthouse and the 12th century pilgrim trail at St. Lawrence Church and the adjacent cemetery (in this place I remembered Jerome K. Jerome and his "Three Men in a Boat"), By the way, you can go to the church for tea and cookies. It is impossible to get lost on the island - any smallest path is numbered and equipped with signs. I advise you to walk around the island in comfortable shoes, as our hostess said: "Hills, hills, hills everywhere."
After a couple of days, or rather evenings, spent in a tiny local pub, many residents of the town already greeted us. The locals are discouragingly good-natured and hospitable. One of them even invited us to celebrate his anniversary, unfortunately we didn't get to visit it - we went to the west of the island to those indicated in all THE NEEDLES guidebooks. My friends decided to accomplish a feat and go there on bicycles, I sat on it a couple of times in my life, therefore, in order not to spoil all the delights of travel with my whining, I refused the bicycle and their company. We took the bus to THE NEEDLES PARK, where I was left to fend for myself and assured that we would definitely meet. I will tell my part later, now retelling their story: On the same bus (as I understand it is circular around the island) they got to the town of Yarsmus and signed an incomprehensible piece of paper and received 3 bicycles, helmets and locks for “horses” for 8 pounds a set for 4 hours each. The guys were not sure that they would master this path in 4 hours, so they were allowed to take the bikes and return them at any time, fastening them not far from the rental place for the same money. Probably, their faces are reliable))) in the same place they were given a map with bike routes around the island (very detailed with indications of the complexity of the route, its duration and elevation changes and nearby attractions). Along the way, they met only idyllic meadows and cows and, of course, cliffs of unprecedented beauty.
They made it to THE NEEDLES by the time I was walking through the entire park, nearby military museum, and even paddling to the rocks on a Jet boat.
In general, THE NEEDLES and the nearby ALUM BAY deserve a separate story. Imagine a spit going out to sea and ending in huge broken off pieces of white sandstone, on which a lighthouse has been erected by someone's skillful hands. Feelings of vast space, sea wind add sharpness to feelings. This place is not only amazing, but also has a military-historical significance, as evidenced by the nearby artillery museum and the remains of some fortifications.
ALUM BAY is known for its colorful sands and glassblowing workshops.
It is not allowed to collect sand from the rock, but in nearby shops you can fill any souvenir with layers of multi-colored sand, this interesting tradition dates back to the time of Queen Victoria.
Speaking of Queen Victoria, her Italian-style palace (Osbourne House), built by Queen Victoria and her husband Albert as a summer, seaside residence on the Isle of Wight in 1845-51. Since 1921 it has been a public museum. The construction contract was won by Thomas Cubitt, who was also involved in the reconstruction of Buckingham Palace. The Queen's grandchildren, including the last Russian Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, were brought up at Osborne House. Near the palace, a chalet was preserved, transported at the request of the queen to the Solent coast from Switzerland. In 1901, Queen Victoria died at Osborne House, and her personal apartments were turned into a family museum. Victoria's heir, Edward VII, opened a naval school on the estate, where he sent his sons to study. Carisbrook Castle also reminds of the Royal presence on the island. One of the most remarkable examples of fortification in the British Isles. In the center is a very well-preserved medieval fortress of the 11th-13th centuries. It is surrounded by artillery bastions built at the end of the 16th century. one of Elizabeth's close associates, Sir George Carey. However, the castle gained its main fame again during the Civil War, or rather immediately after it. It was here that Charles I fled in the hope of negotiating with Parliament. However, the castle became his prison instead. Here Charles spent the fourteen months preceding his trial. He tried to escape from here too, but got stuck in the window :(
I had to quote the description of these two places. we didn't get to them. Instead, we taught our new acquaintances the Russian language, sitting on the beach at night, rooting for Spain in the World Cup, swimming on a cool night in a storm to celebrate the "Summer Equator", having previously poured in quite a few gifts from neighboring Scotland, studied the assortment of junk shops, watched cinema in Newport, the island's capital, and collected a collection of photographs and gastronomic discoveries from the island's pubs.
Story
Presumably, the Isle of Wight was cut off from mainland Europe and Great Britain by the English Channel and the Solent at the end of the last ice age due to rising sea levels. It was part of the Celtic British Isles, and known to the Romans as Vectis, was captured in the 1st century AD by the future emperor Vespasian. The remains of the Roman era are the Roman manors at Newport and Brading, open to the public as museums. 
At the end of the 4th - beginning of the 5th century, the Romans left the island, which was soon settled by the Jutes. According to the Anglo-Saxon chronicles, in 530 the island was captured by King Cerdic of Wessex and his son Cynric. After the death of King Cerdic (), the island passed to his nephews, who became the first Kings of the Isle of Wight. The island and the adjacent territories of southern Hampshire belonged to the Kings of the White until Wulfhere, King of Mercia, captured the White, made an attempt to convert the population to Christianity and handed it over to his godson Æthelwalch, King of Sussex.
During the English Civil War in November, Charles I escaped from captivity to the Isle of Wight, but was imprisoned at Carisbrook Castle by the island's governor. The king stayed at the castle for fourteen months until his transfer to Hearst Castle, subsequent trial and execution.
In 1851, a regatta of the Royal Yacht Squadron and invited yachts was held around the Isle of Wight. The America's Cup, as the race was later named after the winning yacht, has become one of the most famous and most prestigious regattas in the world.
The Britten-Norman company at its Bembridge factory in the late 1960s produced a light aircraft of the Britten-Norman Islander model. The aircraft is widely used in many countries on local airlines of short duration.
Population
The Isle of Wight has a population of 138,265 (2011), with an average population density of 364/km².
The largest settlements:
| Locality | Population, people (2001) |
|---|---|
| Ride | 26 152 |
| newport | 23 957 |
| Kaus | 9663 |
| Shanklin | 8055 |
| Ventnor | 6257 |
| East Cowes | 6166 |
| Freshwater | 5360 |
| sundown | 5299 |
Administrative division
Prior to 1995, Isle of Wight County was divided into two districts. However, during the administrative reform, the functions and powers of the district councils were transferred to the Isle of Wight County Council, the district councils were abolished and the Isle of Wight became the first unitary unit in England.
Politics and power
Politics
The island is the smallest county and at the same time the largest constituency in terms of the number of inhabitants in the country. There is a movement to give the island a status similar to the Isle of Man.
The Isle of Wight is governed by a unitary county council of 40 deputies elected in 40 districts. As a result of the last elections, 25 seats on the council are held by the Conservatives.
In the past, the island was part of the county of Hampshire, but in 1890 it was granted the status of an administrative county. Ceremonial functions continued to be held by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire until the 1974 reform when the office of Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight was introduced. In 1965, the naval and statesman, Admiral of the Fleet Louis Mountbatten became governor of the island, and in 1974 - Lord Lieutenant.
Prisons
Albany, Camp Hill and Parkhurst prisons in the northwest part of Newport make up the HMP The Isle of Wight complex, with a total of approximately 1,700 inmates.
Economy
The island is an important tourist site (most visitors are residents of the UK), connected to the mainland by several ferry crossings:
The Isle of Wight's largest bus operator is Southern Vectis, with thirteen regular routes, tourist routes, transportation for schoolchildren and visitors to major public events. Amusement parks "Blackgang China" and "Robin Hill".
culture
Like many places in the UK, the island has its own dialect of English.
On the island from 1968 to 1970 and since 2002, the annual music festival of the same name has been held to this day. In August 1970, the festival attracted about 600,000 spectators. Since 2004, the annual musical "Bestival" has been held.
Notable residents
- Ivan Turgenev - Russian writer; lived on the Isle of Wight in August 1860.
- David Icke is a writer and public speaker.
- Bear Grylls is a traveler and writer who hosts the television program Survive at Any Cost.
- Laura Michelle Kelly - theater and film actress, singer.
- Mark King - musician, member of the Level 42 band.
- Ray Cox is a TV presenter.
- Helen MacArthur - navigator, set a world record in a solo circumnavigation of the world on a trimaran.
- Anthony Minghella is a film director, screenwriter and playwright. Winner of the Oscar for Best Director for The English Patient.
- Sotherton, Kelly - athlete, gold medal winner at the Commonwealth Games and the Island Games.
- Alfred Tennyson is a poet.
- Sheila Hancock is an actress and writer.
- Jeffrey Euges is an actor.
- Phil Jupiter - comedian.
- Julia Clements - writer, author of over 25 books on home economics and floristry
Attractions
In the west of the island - the chalk cliffs " The Needles» (the Needles, in the photo), in the east - several resorts, steam railway, in the north - Osborne House, the palace and place of death of Queen Victoria, who instilled in the aristocracy the fashion to rest on White. There is a military museum in the town of Cowes.
Isle of Wight.jpg
On the coast of the island
Isle of Wight coastline.jpg
View from Headon Warren
see also
- List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest of the Isle of Wight
- List of Isle of Wight locations (English)Russian
- List of Isle of Wight communities (English)Russian
Write a review on the article "Isle of Wight"
Notes
Literature
- // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg. , 1890-1907.
- White (island)- article from the Great Soviet Encyclopedia ..
- White // Geographical Encyclopedic Dictionary: Geographical Names / Ed. A. F. Treshnikova. - 2. - M .: Soviet Encyclopedia, 1989. - S. 496. - 592 p. - 210,000 copies. - ISBN 5-85270-057-6.
- Pospelov E. M. White // Geographical names of the world: Toponymic Dictionary. / Rev. ed. Ageeva R. A .. - M .: Russian dictionaries, 1998. - S. 428. - 372 p. - 3000 copies. - ISBN 5-89216-029-7.
Links
- Isle of Wight in the Open Directory Project (dmoz) links directory.
- (English)
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An excerpt characterizing the Isle of Wight
“The first person he met appeared - and the father and everything is forgotten, and runs upstairs, combs her hair and wags her tail, and she doesn’t look like herself! Glad to leave my father! And she knew that I would notice. Fr... fr... fr... And don't I see that this fool is only looking at Buryenka (I must drive her away)! And how pride is not enough to understand this! Though not for myself, if there is no pride, so for me, at least. We need to show her that this blockhead does not think about her, but only looks at Bourienne. She has no pride, but I will show it to her "...Having told his daughter that she was mistaken, that Anatole intended to look after Bourienne, the old prince knew that he would irritate Princess Mary's pride, and his case (desire not to be separated from his daughter) would be won, and therefore calmed down on this. He called Tikhon and began to undress.
“And the devil brought them! he thought while Tikhon covered his dry, senile body, overgrown with gray hair on his chest, with a nightgown. - I didn't call them. They came to ruin my life. And there's a little left."
- To hell! he said while his head was still covered with a shirt.
Tikhon knew the prince's habit of sometimes expressing his thoughts aloud, and therefore, with an unchanged face, he met the inquiringly angry look of the face that appeared from under his shirt.
- Lie down? the prince asked.
Tikhon, like all good lackeys, instinctively knew the direction of the master's thoughts. He guessed that they were asking about Prince Vasily and his son.
- We deigned to lie down and put out the fire, Your Excellency.
“There’s nothing, there’s nothing ...” the prince said quickly and, putting his feet into his shoes and hands into his dressing gown, went to the sofa on which he slept.
Despite the fact that nothing was said between Anatole and m lle Bourienne, they completely understood each other in relation to the first part of the novel, before the pauvre mere appeared, they realized that they had a lot to say to each other secretly, and therefore in the morning they were looking for an opportunity see you alone. While the princess went to her father at the usual hour, m lle Bourienne met with Anatole in the winter garden.
Princess Mary approached that day with special trepidation to the door of the office. It seemed to her that not only did everyone know that today the decision of her fate would be made, but that they knew what she thought about it. She read this expression in the face of Tikhon and in the face of the valet Prince Vasily, who met with hot water in the corridor and bowed low to her.
The old prince this morning was extremely affectionate and diligent in his treatment of his daughter. This expression of diligence was well known to Princess Mary. This was the expression that used to appear on his face at those moments when his dry hands clenched into a fist from vexation because Princess Mary did not understand an arithmetical problem, and he, getting up, moved away from her and in a low voice repeated several times the same and the same words.
He immediately got down to business and began the conversation by saying "you."
“They made me a proposition about you,” he said, smiling unnaturally. “I think you guessed,” he continued, “that Prince Vasily came here and brought his pupil with him (for some reason, Prince Nikolai Andreevich called Anatole a pupil) not for my beautiful eyes. I made a proposition about you yesterday. And since you know my rules, I treated you.
“How can I understand you, mon pere?” said the princess, turning pale and blushing.
- How to understand! the father shouted angrily. - Prince Vasily finds you to his liking for his daughter-in-law and makes you a proposition for his pupil. Here's how to understand. How to understand?! ... And I ask you.
“I don’t know about you, mon pere,” the princess said in a whisper.
- I? I? what am I? then leave me aside. I won't get married. What do you? Here is what you want to know.
The princess saw that her father looked at this matter unkindly, but at that very moment the thought came to her that now or never the fate of her life would be decided. She lowered her eyes so as not to see the look, under the influence of which she felt that she could not think, but could only obey out of habit, and said:
“I desire only one thing - to fulfill your will,” she said, “but if my desire had to be expressed ...
She didn't have time to finish. The prince interrupted her.
“And wonderful,” he shouted. - He will take you with a dowry, and by the way, he will capture m lle Bourienne. She will be a wife, and you ...
The prince stopped. He noticed the effect these words had on his daughter. She lowered her head and was about to cry.
“Well, well, I’m kidding, I’m kidding,” he said. - Remember one thing, princess: I adhere to those rules that the girl has every right to choose. And I give you freedom. Remember one thing: the happiness of your life depends on your decision. There is nothing to say about me.
- Yes, I don't know ... mon pere.
- Nothing to say! They tell him, he will marry not only you, whom you want to marry; and you are free to choose ... Come to yourself, think it over and in an hour come to me and say in front of him: yes or no. I know you will pray. Well, please pray. Just think better. Go. Yes or no, yes or no, yes or no! - he shouted even at that time, as the princess, as if in a fog, staggering, had already left the office.
Her fate was decided and decided happily. But what the father said about m lle Bourienne - this hint was terrible. Not true, let's say, but all the same it was terrible, she could not help but think about it. She was walking straight ahead through the conservatory, seeing and hearing nothing, when suddenly the familiar whisper of m lle Bourienne woke her up. She raised her eyes and saw Anatole two paces away, embracing the Frenchwoman and whispering something to her. Anatole, with a terrible expression on his beautiful face, looked back at Princess Mary and in the first second did not let go of the waist of m lle Bourienne, who did not see her.
"Who is here? What for? Wait!" as if Anatole's face was speaking. Princess Mary looked at them silently. She couldn't understand it. Finally, m lle Bourienne screamed and ran away, and Anatole bowed to Princess Mary with a cheerful smile, as if inviting her to laugh at this strange incident, and, shrugging his shoulders, went through the door leading to his quarters.
An hour later Tikhon came to call Princess Mary. He called her to the prince and added that Prince Vasily Sergeyevich was there too. The princess, while Tikhon came, was sitting on the sofa in her room and holding the weeping m lla Bourienne in her arms. Princess Mary gently stroked her head. The beautiful eyes of the princess, with all their former calmness and radiance, looked with tender love and pity at the pretty face of m lle Bourienne.
- Non, princesse, je suis perdue pour toujours dans votre coeur, [No, princess, I have lost your favor forever,] - said m lle Bourienne.
– Pourquoi? Je vous aime plus, que jamais, said Princess Mary, et je tacherai de faire tout ce qui est en mon pouvoir pour votre bonheur. [Why? I love you more than ever, and I will try to do everything in my power for your happiness.]
- Mais vous me meprisez, vous si pure, vous ne comprendrez jamais cet egarement de la passion. Ah, ce n "est que ma pauvre mere ... [But you are so pure, you despise me; you will never understand this infatuation of passion. Ah, my poor mother ...]
- Je comprends tout, [I understand everything,] - answered Princess Mary, smiling sadly. - Calm down, my friend. I'll go to my father, - she said and went out.
Prince Vasily, with his leg bent high, with a snuffbox in his hands, as if utterly moved, as if he himself regretted and laughed at his sensitivity, sat with a smile of tenderness on his face when Princess Marya entered. He hurriedly raised a pinch of tobacco to his nose.
“Ah, ma bonne, ma bonne, [Ah, dear, dear.],” he said, standing up and taking both of her hands. He sighed and added, “Le sort de mon fils est en vos mains.” Decidez, ma bonne, ma chere, ma douee Marieie qui j "ai toujours aimee, comme ma fille. [The fate of my son is in your hands. Decide, my dear, my dear, my meek Marie, whom I have always loved like a daughter. ]
He went out. A real tear appeared in his eyes.
“Fr… fr…” snorted Prince Nikolai Andreevich.
- The prince, on behalf of his pupil ... son, makes a proposition for you. Do you want or not to be the wife of Prince Anatole Kuragin? You say yes or no! he shouted, “and then I reserve the right to say my opinion. Yes, my opinion and only my own opinion, ”added Prince Nikolai Andreevich, turning to Prince Vasily and answering his imploring expression. - Yes or no?
“My desire, mon pere, is never to leave you, never to share my life with yours. I don’t want to get married,” she said resolutely, looking with her beautiful eyes at Prince Vasily and at her father.
- Nonsense, nonsense! Nonsense, nonsense, nonsense! - Prince Nikolai Andreevich shouted, frowning, took his daughter by the hand, bent her to him and did not kiss, but only bending his forehead to her forehead, touched her and squeezed the hand he was holding so that she frowned and screamed.
Prince Vasily got up.
- Ma chere, je vous dirai, que c "est un moment que je n" oublrai jamais, jamais; mais, ma bonne, est ce que vous ne nous donnerez pas un peu d "esperance de toucher ce coeur si bon, si genereux. Dites, que peut etre ... L" avenir est si grand. Dites: peut etre. [My dear, I will tell you that I will never forget this moment, but, my kindest, give us at least a small hope of being able to touch this heart, so kind and generous. Say: maybe... The future is so great. Say maybe.]
- Prince, what I said is everything that is in my heart. I thank you for the honor, but I will never be your son's wife.
“Well, it’s over, my dear. Very glad to see you, very glad to see you. Come to yourself, princess, come, - said the old prince. “Very, very glad to see you,” he repeated, embracing Prince Vasily.
“My vocation is different,” Princess Marya thought to herself, my vocation is to be happy with another happiness, the happiness of love and self-sacrifice. And whatever it costs me, I will make poor Ame happy. She loves him so passionately. She repents so passionately. I will do everything to arrange her marriage to him. If he is not rich, I will give her money, I will ask my father, I will ask Andrey. I will be so happy when she is his wife. She is so unhappy, a stranger, lonely, without help! And my God, how passionately she loves, if she could so forget herself. Perhaps I would have done the same!…” thought Princess Mary.
For a long time the Rostovs had no news of Nikolushka; only in the middle of winter was a letter handed over to the count, at the address of which he recognized the hand of his son. Having received the letter, the count, frightened and hastily, trying not to be noticed, ran on tiptoe to his office, locked himself and began to read. Anna Mikhailovna, learning (as she knew everything about what was going on in the house) about the receipt of the letter, with a quiet step went to the count and found him sobbing and laughing together with the letter in his hands. Anna Mikhailovna, despite her improved affairs, continued to live with the Rostovs.
Mon bon ami? - Anna Mikhailovna said inquiringly sadly and with a readiness of any participation.
The Count sobbed even more. "Nikolushka... letter... wounded... would... be... ma shere... wounded... my darling... countess... promoted to officer... thank God... Countess how to say?..."
Anna Mikhailovna sat down beside him, wiped away the tears from his eyes, from the letter dripped by them, and her own tears with her handkerchief, read the letter, reassured the count, and decided that before dinner and before tea she would prepare the countess, and after tea she would announce everything, if God will help her.
All the time of dinner, Anna Mikhailovna talked about rumors of war, about Nikolushka; she asked twice when the last letter from him had been received, although she had known this before, and remarked that it was very easy, perhaps even now, to receive a letter. Every time, at these hints, the countess began to worry and glance anxiously first at the count, then at Anna Mikhailovna, Anna Mikhailovna in the most imperceptible way reduced the conversation to insignificant subjects. Natasha, of the entire family, most gifted of all with the ability to feel the shades of intonations, looks and facial expressions, from the beginning of dinner pricked up her ears and knew that there was something between her father and Anna Mikhailovna and something concerning her brother, and that Anna Mikhailovna was preparing. Despite all her courage (Natasha knew how sensitive her mother was to everything related to the news about Nikolushka), she did not dare to ask a question at dinner and, from anxiety at dinner, did not eat anything and fidgeted in her chair, not listening to the remarks of her governess. After dinner she rushed headlong to overtake Anna Mikhaylovna and, in the sofa room, threw herself on her neck from a running start.
- Aunty, my dear, tell me what is it?
“Nothing, my friend.
- No, darling, my dear, dear, peach, I will not leave you, I know that you know.
Anna Mikhailovna shook her head.
“Voua etes une fine mouche, mon enfant, [You are an agitator, my child.],” she said.
- Is there a letter from Nikolenka? Maybe! cried Natasha, reading the affirmative answer in the face of Anna Mikhailovna.
- But for God's sake, be careful: you know how it can hit your maman.
- I will, I will, but tell me. Won't you tell? Well, I'll go tell you now.
Anna Mikhailovna briefly told Natasha the contents of the letter on the condition that she not tell anyone.
“Honest, noble word,” Natasha said, crossing herself, “I won’t tell anyone,” and immediately ran to Sonya.
“Nikolenka…wounded…a letter…” she said solemnly and joyfully.
– Nicholas! - only Sonya uttered, instantly turning pale.
Natasha, seeing the impression made on Sonya by the news of her brother's wound, for the first time felt the whole sad side of this news.
She rushed to Sonya, hugged her and cried. - Slightly wounded, but promoted to officer; he is healthy now, he writes himself, she said through tears.
“It’s clear that all you women are crybabies,” said Petya, pacing the room with resolute long steps. - I am so very glad and, really, very glad that my brother has distinguished himself so much. You are all nurses! you don't understand anything. Natasha smiled through her tears.