"To be or not to be" Thursday (Countess Tolstoievski)

Gabriella Ivanova Tolstoievski the daughter of the renowned Ruskian Count Ivan Georgevich Tolstoievski was born on Christmas day 1979. To her devout Christian parents this was seen as a symbolic portent of their daughters future. Count Ivan, a Ruskian monarchist sensing the the increasingly ominous political atmosphere in Europa, convinced his wife to raise their daughter abroad on their cattle farm in South Americania. This led to the young Gabriella only seeing her father on short periodic visits. She adored him and his absence only heightened the almost magical image she carried of him in her heart. Unfortunately her father’s fears were justified as the Count was killed protecting the Ruskian Emperor in exile, Nicholas II and his family during the Bloody Revolution of 1996.

The Ruskian Imperial Court were living in exile in Scot-Britania at the time of the Revolution. They were seen as freeloaders riding a gravy train on the taxpayers of Scot-Britania’s back and as such were especially hard-hit by the murderous rebels. Many lost their lives yet the entire Imperial family was not murdered as was the mob’s plan. Count Tolstoievski managed to have two of the Emperor’s daughters smuggled out of the country to his farm in South Americania, weeks before the main wave of the military’s assault on the Palace. The bravery of the Count deeply impressed Gabriella and though devastated by his death found herself immensely proud to be called the daughter of such a selfless man. Now bearing the courtesy title of Countess Gabriella Tolstoievski she began her contradicting life as a South Americanian farm-girl along with her Imperial friends, the two Grand Duchesses.

The Tolstoievski family lost the bulk of their wealth after the Great War but at least had a financially prosperous farm. Due to their help in harbouring the Grand Duchesses during the first years after their escape they also received financial support from the Hanoverian Royal family who were the cousins of the Ruskian Royals. The Countess grew up a tom-boy with dirty fingernails and knowing how to operate a tractor. She loves nature and strives to make her father proud by working hard and living to serve others rather than herself. She and her mother have grown the family farm to be one of the largest peanut producers in their region while at the same time fostering a symbiotic relationship with the surrounding rain forest. Their farming systems have been copied by many who wish to do their bit for protecting the environment. A staunch environmental activist Gabriella has even spent time in jail for resisting arrest during a demonstration against deforestation.

Gabriella’s latest venture is a farming school for international orphans who lost their parents in war. She hopes to give a future to those who have lost their family foundation. The Count Ivan Farming Academy opens its doors for the year 2012.

Countess Gabriella dressed by designer Madame Frumsetta, as a 1920's flapper for a costume ball in 2011. She wears the family tiara, of authentic 1920's design, that was originally made for her great grandmother.