Yesterday Was Long Ago: Part Two Page 3

  Though she had heard those remarks from different friends before, coming from Victoria it felt like an ointment on a forever open wound. “You are such a precious thing. I know Papa would have loved you as much as I… we all do!” For a woman like Verena Reinhardt, there was no higher compliment to give away. It even surpassed Maria-Theresia’s special medal . . . the only Habsburger she had ever admired.

  ∼

  Philip had, for almost two years, endured and mentally suffered with Victoria’s many operations, hospital stays, and recuperations at home, that along with his self-imposed abstinence, he prided himself in being a good and faithful husband and father, who had a lot of making up to do. He also went through a stage of enjoying family life only. The growing up of his twins to normalcy may have been another reason, as they were constantly on his mind. The first three months, they looked nothing like Elisabeth or Gisela and, being aware that his mother and brother were crippled at birth, he begged his father to look his sons over on a daily basis, a task Hannes enjoyed enormously, as his grandsons started to giggle and were well on the way to catching up to normal size and weight.

  At two years of age, they were happy, healthy and spoiled. Hannes called their two wet nurses ‘saviors’, and they were paid handsomely by each Reinhardt personally. They came running towards anyone they recognized with the same speed both girls did, though Elisabeth and Gisela confided they let them win, as they were, after all, the ‘grown ups’ in the family.

  In the meantime, Victoria and Philip became the closest friends and confidantes, embracing and caressing each other more than many other couples possibly did who had very little in common aside from their sexual routines imposed by the Catholic Church to enlarge their family.

  The young Reinhardts, consisting of Victoria and Philip as well as the older like Verena, Hannes, Lillian, and Kurt, were always seen arm in arm, be it at the opera, theater, or any other social gathering. After each of those occasions, providing Victoria felt well enough, Cafe Pracher became a tradition, and all were happy to hear that the following spring, a new Pracher would open at the Ringstraβe, serving outdoors as well.

  They encountered so many friends who assured Victoria how hard they prayed for her recovery, and a speedy one at that, but were thinking in all likelihood about their many parties and gala evenings including their famous New Year’s ball. After all, the year was 1902!

  Victoria looked beautiful and Philip gave every indication of being still as much in love with her as when they first met. Family life seemed best, regardless of Victoria’s slow recovery. But by year’s end, her bleeding resumed, stronger than previously, and Doctor Reinhardt had another specialist examine her thoroughly. A new date for an operation was set, and this time she was forced to spend Christmas at the Reinhardts’ hospital, where she came to a conclusion that the way life presented itself couldn’t go on forever.

  “Philip,” she uttered at the first given opportunity, having spent a sleepless night praying for courage. “Your father just told me that this operation may not be the solution either. I see no reason to go into more details than we have already, but I cannot expect a man like you to wait forever.” She sighed, reaching for his hands. He understood her meaning at once and how much it must have hurt her to release him. “I only beg of you not to have any affairs with any of our or your parents’ servants, as it would be a humiliation I would never be able to take.”

  “I don’t believe what you are saying, Victoria! How can you?”

  “Let it be our secret, Philip,” she interrupted. “and you continue to be a good father. Also, no half-brothers or half-sisters will be tolerated; that much you owe me for giving you your total freedom,” she finalized with the same determination she did on that fateful New Years’ eve when she locked her bedroom door for good.

  He still didn’t know why he had never answered her. He only kissed both hands and she knew it was a promise he would keep. Twelve years later, their marriage was still strong, if not better, as no questions were ever asked and no lies had to be given.

  Now Philip was forty-eight and a very dashing man, whose hair started to turn gray at his sideburns, adding even more to his good looks. He smiled at his wife who, despite only four years of age difference, could almost pass as his daughter. She was still exceptionally beautiful, with barely a few tiny wrinkles around her eyes. Next to her stood a strait-laced Elisabeth who, unlike her mother and sister, had no interest in fashion and rarely smiled. By now, the family called her “Madame Curie”, and she never objected. Her future plans were only known to Grandmother Lotte, who like the rest of the family, stood at the train station, waiting to start their vacation in Salzburg.

  Gisela, who was everybody’s favorite because of her ever-present high spirits and good-hearted behavior, had only the dark curly hair and green eyes in common with her sister. Otherwise, she was in every way the opposite. At seventeen she became also quite flirtatious whenever a splendid looking officer in a light blue uniform smiled in her direction. “Austria made in 1900 the first prize for the most stunning uniforms,” she told them as the train arrived, causing even Elisabeth to smile in reply. “Don’t tell me you read it in a book.”

  Peter and Paul, at fourteen, were just as different from each other as their sisters. However, in looks they both got their father’s deep, brown eyes, which Verena claimed came from her side of the family, the Rombergs, with her mother Louise being the most beautiful one, of course. The boys were tall for their age and gave the appearance of great strength. If they had little else in common, every type of sport appealed to them, as presently the trip to Salzburg meant mountain climbing. Philip was elated that Paul showed a great interest in mechanics; how things work and could be improved. Once finished with his schooling in Vienna, he would be sent to Germany to one of the more advanced universities than Vienna had to offer. Peter, though highly intelligent, remained still undecided. Since his school grades were excellent, no one was ever concerned or worried about his future.

  Since the express came directly from Budapest and all first-class seats were reserved, the Reinhardts heard only Hungarian spoken, never understanding one word. They were glad not to be forced to give their opinion of an impending war. After all, their vacation had just begun. The next stop in Liuz proved to be perfect as the chatty Hungarians left and two Bishops took their seats without uttering a word. One had to assume they prayed for peace. But the following stop in a town called Wels made up for it. The remaining two hours promised not only to be lively, but a full account of the present situation down to the last detail as to why there had to be a war, which the Emperor’s son had long ago foreseen, but no one had believed him.

  “I cannot wait to be in Ischl and watch the faces of the few privileged aristocrats surrounding Franz-Josef,” one said, and the Reinhardts were glad to arrive in Salzburg with Verena and two carriages waiting anxiously. The new taxis were not to her liking, calling them a piece of metal with an engine. Horses were alive and breathing; motors were puffing. Therein lies the difference.

  After a sumptuous dinner and a pleasant chat, avoiding any hint of the present situation, let alone rumors of war, they retired early, deciding on Ischl for the following day. Philip and his sons had to prepare at least two days for mountain climbing, and this time they would pitch a tent at the ‘Loser Mountain’ feeling they were ready, though under the strictest guidance of their father, to learn about ropes and spikes the safest way. Also, two weeks away from women’s chatter along with their regular boring visits was considered a nice vacation. The women were in total agreement with the early departure of their men. In fact, they welcomed it.

  The week of Franz Lehar’s operettas started; a wonderful treat in the beautiful theater that no one was about to miss. Europe’s colorful and extravagant elite was, at such events, greatly represented. The Reinhardts were used to it and recognized the same faces with their same monologues year after year. It was always where they have been, where they are going, and with
whom they have dined or spent a lovely time, be it at the fountain while sipping warm healing water, attending outdoor concerts, or walking the beautiful esplanade where Franz Lehar had a small but gorgeous villa.

  The town’s inhabitants were a world apart from Austria’s high society. They wore during daytime the traditional “Dirndls” and were at most gala evenings simultaneously underdressed. However, many owned little mountain chalets, taking great pride that their country was considered so very beautiful.

  After Philip and his sons returned from their mountain, a stack of letters and telegrams were awaiting him, stating his immediate return to Vienna was urgently necessary. The first thing he was told was that the Emperor was leaving Ischl the following day, causing Philip to remark, smiling, “Well, at last we have something in common, as I plan to leave at about the same time.”

  The newspapers claimed that Austria’s court gave the Serbs an ultimatum, overlooking Franz-Josef’s opinion. His present ally, Kaiser Wilhelm, saw an opportunity to add to his country’s greatness and prestige by declaring, “It’s now or never,” affirming a war on Serbia on the first of August, 1914. Austria and the British had done the same already by the end of July, with Russia also mobilizing with borrowed money from France. Many young men started to march with great ‘hurrahs’, let alone their enthusiasm at the promise to be home again by Christmas, after having beaten the Balkans once and for all. It was, supposedly, the beginning of a war to end all wars!

  The Reinhardts stayed in Salzburg without Philip, considering themselves very safe, as the last fifty years had instilled a lot of confidence. Then the time came for them to depart for Berlin, never changing their well-planned schedule, while staying at Lotte’s villa or with the Kronthalers, who presently said that their two sons would consider it a great honor to serve their Kaiser. After all, it was their profession and they trained long enough for it.

  “So did Alex,” Verena thought, who reluctantly went with her family to Berlin.

  2

  While three of the Reinhardt children played cards after a long, vigorous day of playing tennis, with the older group of ladies crocheting, the door flew open with Elisabeth shouting, “I did it! I did it!” Then adding to a visibly astonished family, “I am accepted at the Robert Koch University, entering this September; actually in a few weeks!” she said, throwing her book satchel to the nearest chair. The looks went from shock to bewilderment, with Verena’s face turning colorless, while Victoria’s crocheting needles dropped and Gisela stopped her card game, annoying both brothers.

  “Can you explain yourself better?” asked her mother.

  “Yes, Mother, after I catch my breath! I am entering in the Robert Koch University for a three-year course of study in pre-med. How about that!”

  “We have the best medical schools in Vienna! What in the world made you think of Robert Koch in Berlin?” came from Verena, showing her strong disapproval.

  “Grandma is right,” Victoria replied, though she was less astonished.

  Elisabeth turned red and put herself in a kneeling position. She had expected to hear high praise and great pride, not frustration and disillusionment. “Don’t you understand my position, for God’s sake?” she said, growing irritated. “If I had passed my test easily in Vienna, everyone would assume it was our name and connections, including Reinhardt Hospital! I doubted, also, impartiality on all my tests. Let’s assume, on the other hand, that I failed. I would have been too ashamed to face any one of you or walk the streets of Vienna. Aside from the fact that our city always recognizes good experiences in a foreign country and Robert Koch is the best.”

  “True,” replied Paul to everyone’s amazement. “Papa will send me either to Zurich or to Germany.”

  Verena, after slowly regaining her color and composure, looked toward Elisabeth with a certain pride. “Well… if you see it that way dear child, I have to agree. My Papa’s four-year stay and study at the best university in Paris came in very handy on many occasions.”

  Victoria and Lotte exchanged glances with a small wink only understood by the two of them. Lotte had at least one grandchild with her, while Verena was always surrounded by four, wasting very little time about the other grandmother’s desire to share at least one or two children, as Berlin, too, had a lot to offer as far as elite schools were concerned.

  “I hope you will stay with my mother,” Victoria replied, being certain both had planned this all along. Also, the Kronthalers may have had an influence, as Ernst’s nephew is a well-known doctor at the hospital.

  “Of course, Mother,” was her short reply. “I only return to Vienna to pick up a few of my personal belongings. I plan to buy new clothes right here in Berlin, with Irma Kronthaler as my guide. I truly admire her taste.”

  Now it was Gisela’s turn to speak. “I don’t believe what I am hearing!” But she got only a smile in return.

  “I hope you and Countess Lotte will spend the usual holidays with us,” Verena almost pleaded.

  “Nothing will change, Grandmother. Where else would we be? And three years will just fly.”

  “How well I know!” she quipped. “You are talking to a seventy-year old expert.”

  Lotte, too, smiled. “I agree. So, let’s open a bottle of fine wine and have a toast to our future doctor!”

  “Let’s not forget a toast for peace,” Paul interjected, with the full agreement of everyone present.

  ∼

  Upon their return from Berlin, Vienna appeared no different from the city they had left. The Reinhardts stood at their balcony, waving and throwing fresh-picked flowers at the long line of soldiers, with some young wives or sweethearts running at their side until they reached the train station, followed by a tearful farewell. “Until Christmas.” Philip had invited a few of his top engineers for a small dinner and a long discussion.

  “Some Germans are dismissed already. The French seem to be in retreat. The war is almost over!” Gregory Newmann confirmed in confidence during their meeting in great secrecy, being very pleased about it.

  “Almost,” Philip answered, still concerned. “What worries me is that we have huge orders, ball bearings being only one example, aside from a request to transform our peace-time production to war. So far, my young workers are still getting drafted, leaving the place day by day. We are quite in a bind. I am open for all kinds of suggestions, including calling my former retirees back.”

  “Men who plow the fields are out of the question, not only for their lack of training, but food production is equally important for our troops,” stated one engineer, whose son had left a week earlier.

  “France’s retreat may be exaggerated. There are also other countries who have decided to join the war. However, it’s against Germany and us,” another commented.

  “I agree with Mr. Reinhardt’s statement that almost will never do it for the Kaiser in Berlin.”

  “Right,” Gregory Newmann added. “Kaiser Wilhelm is ready for a big showdown. All those Prussian Hohenzollerns suffering from megalomania! Their greatly admired Krupp factory has, for a long time, worked feverishly on all sorts of new weapons. Their intent is not to store them and collect dust.”

  “I agree, Gregory,” Philip concurred. “Just watch our eighty-four-year old Emperor follow the orders from Berlin. So far, no one else is on our side. What else can he do? And just to think that some families expect their loved ones back by Christmas is downright heart-breaking. And my two sons are only fourteen. God, oh God… if one of them would have to go, I wouldn’t know how to handle it,” he said finally, before he arose and told them to get a good night’s rest.

  The Reinhardt household was again in an uproar. Once more, it involved one of the despised von Waldens. This time it began with a small accident at Vienna’s newest skating rink, involving Gaby von Walden, a child of ten years. But as far as Verena was concerned, it was a continuation of their ongoing feud. Her grandson, Paul, was a casualty, with a sprained ankle. Since her son, Philip, couldn’t be bothered
with trifling matters, and considered the unfortunate incident settled, Verena took it on herself to get to the bottom of it and pay a visit to the von Waldens; a first in many generations, but to her, well worth it. “That ugly von Walden brat has to apologize and the sooner the better!”

  The troubles began a week before Christmas when Philip brought Paul home on crutches, saying, “I am sure the boy will tell you all about it,” and left in a hurry to go back to his factory. Verena listened attentively and had Paul repeat the story over and over again. Though he told the truth the way he saw it, that ‘von Walden brat’ should have refrained from calling him a name. But the friendly handshake and conversation between Philip and a von Walden officer got really the best of her! She was resentful and livid to say the least. How could her own son do that to Paul, even after the little girl of no more than ten years of age gave a very sassy answer. An apology, she felt fully convinced, was owed to Paul. Not only would he miss his very first hockey tournament, but he was fearful his school would lose the game without him. This accident was, in her opinion, inflicted on purpose by a von Walden, who didn’t belong on this newly erected ice rink to begin with. They still were, as they always had been, the only impoverished family in Lindenfels, with their rundown estate caving in, though still considered a castle, and acting like high nobility.

  The disrespectful answer according to Paul was a most serious matter. That girl blamed the accident on the ‘wild boys’ and spoke up for all the others, with a lot of nearby guests hearing it.

  “Did you, yourself, push any of the roped poles?”

  “Yes, Grandmother, we all did. There were eight little show-offs trying to impress us boys with their boring figures and little jumps until their two coaches arrived. We, on the other hand, had needed more space. You know… for hockey.”

  Paul slept lightly on a chair, his leg propped up, while Verena waited, angrily, until Philip returned a few hours later.