Visits to the Imperial Court

The narrative follows Olga Ilyin, known as Lita, as she reflects on her upbringing in a frugal environment contrasted with her family's wealth. After her mother's passing, she is raised by her idealistic Aunt Katya and enjoys summer visits with Aunt Anna, a lady-in-waiting at the Russian Imperial Court. Lita is captivated by the court's elegance and charm, yet she senses an underlying flaw in this seemingly perfect world, revealing her complex feelings about privilege and reality.