An Unusual Request
With his father’s halfhearted blessing, Nasrosoltan was finally able to acquire the needed letter from Liakhov. The Russian even offered to personally deliver it to the conservatory director, Glazunov, since he was departing for St. Petersburg soon. With a sly smile, he told Nasrosoltan, “I will gladly do this as a special favor for your father!”
The Russian knew Salar Moazaz did not like him, and the feeling was mutual, so this was not a gesture of goodwill toward him. Liakhov even took it a step further by offering to deliver the letter himself to provoke Salar Moazaz even more. Even though Nasrosoltan understood Liakhov said it that way, intending to hurt his father, Nasrosoltan said nothing. He didn’t care if Liakhov felt his father was now indebted to him since the colonel was leaving for Russia and would not be returning to Persia. How ironic that the man who had held thousands in the capital city captive as military governor of Tehran was now instrumental in providing independence to one of its citizens.
Nasrosoltan telegraphed Rustam, asking him to inform Glazunov’s office that the letter would soon arrive by personal delivery. He also added the date when he would be in St. Petersburg and requested that, if possible, Rustam find him suitable accommodations.
The day before Nasrosoltan was to leave for Russia, he received a reply telegram from Rustam:
25 August 1912
Dear Friend,
Congratulations! The conservatory is informed of your imminent arrival. Accommodations located. Please bring pistachios. Looking forward to your return.
Respectfully, Rustam
Nasrosoltan found the request for pistachios peculiar, but did as his friend asked, knowing that Rustam had a soft spot for this Persian delicacy as a cocktail nibble.
The next day with bags packed and after the lengthy Persian goodbyes, Nasrosoltan finally departed for St. Petersburg, seven years after leaving for what he had thought would be a short visit home.
Nasrosoltan arrived in St. Petersburg in mid-September with a week to spare before conservatory classes resumed. It was the beginning of the short fall season that would see St. Petersburg getting back to work to prepare for the long winter ahead, after the summer's excesses. As he remembered, this month was the most enjoyable time in the city.
Nasrosoltan was fondly reminded of the glorious autumnal colors in the surrounding parks and gardens, highlighting the city’s unique beauty. He arrived in time for what was known to the locals as babe leto, or “grandmother’s summer,” those rare days that summer’s comforts extended well into the fall.
On the day of his return in the late afternoon, he was met at the train station by Rustam. His friend had hired a private carriage to take Nasrosoltan to his new place of residence.
On the way there, after catching up on the latest news, Nasrosoltan said with a laugh, “By the way, even though you probably wrote the request for pistachios in jest, I did bring some as you requested, so we can enjoy them tonight when we drink to new beginnings!”
Rustam chuckled and said, “I knew you must have thought what an unusual request, with all that was going on in your life. But you should know, I did not ask you to bring the pistachios for me, but for your new landlady.
“She is an elegant woman by the name of Madame Lazar. She is of Armenian descent and was eager to tell me her whole life story in just one short visit. I have a suspicion that she fancies me; it happens to me quite often with tenderhearted women. She owns a handsome building south of Nevsky, near the conservatory, with four apartments, where she lives in one and leases the rest. The price is reasonable for its location and amenities.
“Knowing you, I am sure you will like it. Madame Lazar had only one apartment left and was about to lease it until I met with her and mentioned that it was for my noble Persian friend, a graduate of the conservatory.”
Rustam continued as the carriage made its way through the city, “Talk of Persia led to remembrances of her early childhood, as her family emigrated from Persia many years ago when she was a young child. She mentioned her love of your country’s pistachio nuts as one of the snacks she really misses. Her father would bring her some each day when he would return home from work.
“When I heard this, I looked for an advantage, so I promised that you would bring her some pistachios if she decided to lease the apartment to you, to which she jokingly agreed. So you see, it was not such an unusual request after all!”
Nasrosoltan laughed heartily and felt grateful for his friendship with this capable and resourceful man. He was drawn into the life story of his prospective landlady, and he asked his friend, “Is this charming woman married?”
Rustam replied, “Madame Lazar is a widow now. Her husband was a lieutenant general in the Imperial Russian Army who died tragically, but as a hero, in the Russo-Japanese War a few years ago. Another aspect that you may find interesting is that she is a piano tutor to a couple of high-society families in St. Petersburg.
“I noticed that in a boastful manner, and for special emphasis, she left her most impressive pupil for last, informing me that it was the tsar’s niece. She made a point to mention it was not out of financial need, since with the rents she collects and her husband’s pension, she lives quite comfortably.
“Even though she told me she tutors for the love of music, I believe it is mostly to keep her connection with the royal family in this way. Once I mentioned to her that you are also well versed in the art of playing the piano and that you are a composer, her eyes lit up. So, expect an invite for tea from her occasionally, my friend.”
Nasrosoltan was surprised by this last comment from Rustam since he did not appreciate being obligated to have tea with someone with whom he would rather just have a professional relationship.
The next few months were busy times for Nasrosoltan as he settled in and began his curriculum at the conservatory, studying to the late hours of the evening. But whenever Rustam was not on travel for business, the two would go out on the town.
Despite his initial reluctance, Nasrosoltan had met Madame Lazar for tea at her apartment a few times during the past several months. The first time, to formally introduce himself and deliver the pistachios that were part of the terms of the lease, and the other times, just to pay his respects.
Madame Lazar always enjoyed speaking broken Persian with him, and he would flatteringly tell her she spoke the language beautifully. But she knew he was saying it out of kindness, and after a few sentences, they would continue to converse more comfortably in Russian.
On one visit for tea, she had asked Nasrosoltan to play something for her on the well-tuned piano she had in her apartment. He had agreed, and he was especially delighted when she praised his performance and told him he could use her piano whenever he needed to.
In late December, when Nasrosoltan visited with her again, he noticed that her right hand was bandaged, and she seemed to be in low spirits. He asked her, “Madame, what happened to your hand?”
Madame Lazar, who was visibly distressed, replied, “Monsieur, what can I say? I am so upset. Two days ago, I was tutoring the spoiled child of one of my clients, and he kept being silly and refused to pay attention to the right notes, so I slapped his hand lightly. He, in turn, bit my index finger with such ferocity that I now have a broken bone, and the wound needed several stitches!”
Madame Lazar continued with tears welling up in her eyes as she worked herself into a frenzy at recalling the event, “The doctor told me it might be six months before I can play the piano like before, and I am absolutely beside myself with despair. In anger, I told his parents I would not be returning to teach such an ill-mannered child!”
As Madame Lazar recalled how terrible she felt that day, she continued indignantly, “They seemed less shocked at what their child had done to me than at my natural reaction.”
Nasrosoltan, feeling her pain, said, “Madame, I am so sorry to hear of this; a lady of your stature and talent should never have been treated with such disrespect! However, it seems it is worth the loss of income to not be treated as such, and I pray that hopefully, all will be better soon.”
Madame Lazar appreciated his kind words of sympathy and replied, “But Monsieur Minbashian, my despair was never for the loss of income, for I am quite comfortable financially.” This, of course, he already knew since Rustam had earlier mentioned it.
She continued, “My worry is not for money but for the weekly piano lessons for Princess Irina. Now that my finger is damaged, I am afraid I will be of no use, and her mother, Grand Duchess Xenia, will be looking to replace me. Once someone replaces me, even when my condition improves to where I can play again, who is to say they would want me back? I have developed a special bond with this sweet girl, and she with me. It would be a pity for me to lose such an opportunity due to this unfortunate mishap!”
Nasrosoltan, attempting to console the distraught woman, said, “If you wish, I can ask at the conservatory if one of the students would like to sit in for you while you get better.”
Madame Lazar replied, “I thank you for your kindness, Monsieur Minbashian. The family is now on vacation at their Crimean estate for the new year. The next lesson we have scheduled is in a month, thanks be to God, or else I would not have time to find a suitable replacement. And I appreciate your offer of assistance in searching for another piano tutor; however, the grand duke and duchess are quite particular about whom they let meet their daughter. This is because, as you must understand, she is a shy and reserved girl, and I must add that she is also quite beautiful, so they want to keep her protected.”
Nasrosoltan responded, “I totally understand; perhaps then we can ask for a female student, so there will be no misgivings. If you agree, I shall begin inquiries on your behalf when I get back to the conservatory.”
Upon hearing this, an exasperated Madame Lazar replied, “My dear Monsieur Minbashian, I already know that altogether there are only a handful of female students at the conservatory, and only one studies the piano. But, in any case, the family would not want a young girl of the same age tutoring their daughter.”
Then suddenly, and without any warning, Madame Lazar stunned an unsuspecting Nasrosoltan. “Please forgive my forwardness, Monsieur Minbashian, but I have heard you perform the piano in this very apartment, and you have an exceptional gift. You are already a graduate of the conservatory and have studied under the most impressive musical minds of our country. Again, forgive me for being so bold in what I am about to ask, but I humbly request that if her family accepts, you agree to tutor the princess in my stead until I recover from my injury.” Madame Lazar rattled off the string of compliments about him so rapidly that it took Nasrosoltan a moment to register the implication of the request.
However, before he could say anything, she continued persuasively, “In this way, I will be able to retain the position, and you will be doing me a great service. I have known this family since this girl was ten years old, and they trust my judgment concerning her musical studies. The grand duchess will understand that a cultured gentleman such as yourself, with an impressive musical heritage, will be a great addition to the other talented tutors for her daughter.”
The last thing Nasrosoltan expected was such an unwelcome request, which took him completely by surprise. Even though he did not want to show it, especially to someone who was a tutor, he considered the task of individually tutoring this girl, who was probably not serious in her music study, quite beneath him.
He saw himself as an accomplished composer who had studied for years in the conservatory alongside the most successful composers of the day. He had taught music to military officers and had conducted military bands. Still, most importantly, the king of Persia had bestowed upon him the title of Nasrosoltan for his service to his homeland in music education. A favor that the Madame considered an honor, the tutoring of a grand duke’s daughter, Nasrosoltan saw merely as an inconvenience he wanted no part of.
A routine social visit to Madame Lazar for tea turned into an uncomfortable encounter. Nasrosoltan tried to diplomatically defuse a problematic situation in which this request was thrust upon him.
Trying to hide his palpable unease, he offered a brusque reply. “I am indeed flattered that you considered me; however, as you are aware, the conservatory demands all of my attention. Unfortunately, I do not have the time to tutor the princess.”
Madame Lazar sensed Nasrosoltan’s displeasure but also did not want to dampen their newly developed relationship. Even though she was visibly distressed at his refusal to even consider tutoring the princess, she said, “My dear Monsieur, I understand how demanding the conservatory coursework is. Thank you for listening to me ramble on; I appreciate your kindness. I am sure I will think of some other way in the next few weeks. Hopefully, God will answer my prayers.”
They both saved face and agreed to meet up again during the second week of January, after the Russian Orthodox Christmas.