The Mission of Poubalov

"The Mission of Poubalov" by Frederick R. Burton, is a gripping story set in the late 1800s where a groom, Ivan Strobel, vanishes on his wedding day after a disturbing visit from Alexander Poubalov, a figure tied to his hidden past. Ivan's bride-to-be, Clara Hilman, and his companions navigate a maze of anxiety and dread, suspecting that Ivan's disappearance is linked to political adversaries from his time as a Russian exile. The story starts with the anticipation on Ivan's wedding morning, which quickly turns dark as Poubalov's arrival forces Ivan to face his past. Following a tense breakfast, Ivan’s cold demeanor reveals the danger Poubalov represents. As Ivan's carriage breaks down on the way to the wedding, the narrative hints at foul play, leaving Clara and her friends to confront the unsettling truth of Ivan's absence and the menacing shadow of Poubalov.