Yesterday Was Long Ago: Part Two Read online

  As Paul watched the momentous occasion unfold before him, his thoughts went back over the ensuing years since his return from Russia. His first priority had been his family. He had vowed to spend as much time of the remainder of his life enjoying the love and camaraderie of the people who meant the most to him – family and friends. His second priority had been to rebuild his factories as quickly as possible, as there had been many returning soldiers in dire need of work. By 1948, he was able to hire skilled craftsmen and many of the engineers who had been P.O.W.s with him in Russia.

  Paul remembered his and Gaby’s last visit with her widowed Aunt Ingrid in Switzerland. Lausanne had been so beautiful, virtually untouched by the ravages of war. For the two of them it was a wonderful reminder that life goes on no matter what evils men may do. The Baroness Astrid von Walden and the sisters of her convent had been kind, and they were a blessing to her as well. She had been strong-willed and died eight months later of ovarian cancer.

  He smiled as he thought about the first visit he and Gaby made to America in 1950. The elder McAllisters were able to secure a six weeks travel visa for them. Gaby had not seen Isabell since her departure to America and Paul had never met William, and of course, neither had seen the grandchildren other than in pictures. Scott was born in November, 1946, and Elizabeth in November, 1948. After a pleasant journey from LeHavre by way of a French ocean liner to New York City, they were embraced by William’s family and wined and dined for weeks on end. The hospitality of all the McAllisters and their friends was unsurpassed by anyone in Europe. For Gaby, spending time with her beloved Isabell was a dream, with the added treat of watching Paul and William get along so well. There was so much to see and do and they vowed that the next trip would include the boys, Robert and Karl. And then, three days before returning to Europe, Isabell gave a beautiful party and surprised all with a visit from General McCain and his “Honey”. The Reinhardts were estactic as they truly missed the McCains and their special friendship. It had truly been the trip of a lifetime.

  Fortunately, as the years passed, the world put WWII on the back burner. Air travel became the mode of transportation and afforded the Reinhardts the opportunity to see Isabell more often. Isabell had another son, John-Paul in October, 1952. And then, to the surprise of all, became a U.S. Citizen. Though she missed her parents and Switzerland, she had found a new home with “her William”, three children, the McAllisters, and their many friends.

  That night, Paul would give a surprise 5oth birthday party for Gaby in Lindenfels castle, inviting not only family and close friends, but everyone noteworthy to celebrate simultaneously Austria’s freedom. Paul was lately quite a reader of the Reinhardt’s secretly stored true diary, written by none other than the first real lady, Stephany Reinhardt. Her beloved husband Otto had given her a similar party; one that Vienna’s and Lindenfel’s society would talk about forever. The year was 1840 and more than one hundred years later, that time, so long ago, still seemed like yesterday.

  About the Author

  Hedy Thalberg James was born in Austria and educated in Switzerland to further her knowledge in languages. Her desire was to become a journalist. When Hitler invaded Austria, she returned home to resume her studies. After World War II broke out, she used her skills as a translator for the Red Cross, traveling extensively in war-torn Europe. In 1945 Austria was liberated and divided into four sections. The Russians occupied her town.

  She returned to Switzerland where she was introduced to writer and diplomat, Romain Gary, and his wife, Lesley, an editor at Vogue. Both were currently working on novels. As a result of their common interest, a friendship ensued, and she was employed to conduct research. Romain Gary was called to serve in the UN and obtained a visa for her to assist them in New York. Once there she met her late husband and raised three sons.

  Hedy Thalberg James currently resides in Metro Atlanta.