Yesterday Was Long Ago: Part Two Read online

  “As a matter of fact, we see them tomorrow for lunch and I will be glad to discuss the matter,” Andreas replied, promising to return as soon as possible.

  “I have only a very limited time to settle my personal affairs. And it is my fervent desire to do so now.”

  Isaak Wertheim agreed and added in parting that Lindenfels is a most desired location and no one ever sold anything as far as he could remember. Shaking his finger like a school teacher reprimanding his pupil, he advised not to settle for a crown below 5,000.00 per acre.

  Aside from Isaak’s concern about not getting cheated, Andreas was very surprised at the high value of his place, as he knew there were about six acres left many years ago when his father took care of his departing sisters.

  Victoria related to Philip this unexpected offer. He arrived somewhat earlier than usual, looking very exhausted after being at work since four a.m. As always, they had their customary glass of wine with Anette, who ordered Philip to have a day of rest after taking a look at him.

  He only laughed. “In my place no one looks any better.”

  However, he perked up considerably and was extremely astonished when Victoria repeated that the von Walden’s place was for sale. “I am buying it at the first given chance. Even my late father wanted to enlarge our hospital. And now with the war on, Vienna will need more infirmaries and since von Walden’s and our properties join, it is the perfect solution. I will use the extra space for a rehab center. Many wounded soldiers will have to learn to walk again. And some with wooden legs! I saw it first-hand when visiting some of my former employees,” he sighed, shaking his head sadly.

  “I see them every day, Philip, and I am more than happy about your noble idea.”

  He smiled, taking her hand in his. Just as Victoria was about to continue, Anette jumped up like she had been stung by a hornet.

  “I am buying the von Walden’s place,” she choked with emotion. “for the very same reason you just suggested. By God, you Reinhardts own 40 acres in Lindenfels alone, and I don’t even own a half. My father gave everything to Kurt!”

  “And he in turn left everything to those poor, worn-out priests. Just think about it Anette,” Philip interrupted. “with your fortune you could have bought much acreage a long time ago.”

  “Ha! Not in Lindenfels; don’t think I was not at the lookout.”

  “Well, that’s true, but you can buy von Walden’s property tomorrow if it benefits the hospital. That was the only reason I would have bought it. Not because we need more land.”

  With Anette visibly calming down, she began to apologize, claiming her late fiancé, Alex, never got any recognition and that everything would be done not only for his sake but for all soldiers.

  “Well, the von Waldens come tomorrow for lunch. It’s between you and them,” Victoria concluded.

  “If you give me permission, Anette, I’d like to shake hands with Major von Walden again.” Philip smiled with a wink.

  “He is a Lieutenant Colonel now,” Victoria replied.

  “That’s even better,” he joked, still watching Anette’s embarrassment.

  “It’s such a grand idea, Philip, and it will still be in the Reinhardt name. After all, Alex was your uncle.”

  “I don’t care for whom you name it, Anette. I hope you believe me.” She gave an assuring nod.

  “But speaking of ideas? Name it ‘Philip’! With all the old stones from von Walden’s place, we can build a monument right in the middle of the town’s square, surrounded by a well-kept circle of flowers, and beautiful iron work. How about that girls?” he smiled, very pleased with himself about the momentary idea. “It will be for all of our fallen heroes since the existence of Lindenfels.” Now Victoria started to weep. “Our registrar office will be only too glad and proud to supply all the names of every soldier who fought and died for Austria,” Philip concluded, suddenly ceasing to be tired.

  ∼

  The following day, the Reinhardts and von Waldens welcomed each other. Though they were aware it was for business reasons, the main topic was the ongoing war, especially Verdun. Over refreshments and hors d’oeuvres, the von Waldens were told that both Wilands were expected, too.

  “Strictly at my request,” said Anette curtly. Andreas also hinted politely about Verena’s reaction in case of a recovery, while Anette pursed her lips, showing a most satisfying grin like someone who had beat a Reinhardt at their own game.

  Victoria answered sincerely that her mother-in-law would be delighted and happy. Philip retold his short encounter with Isaak Wertheim, including his honest advice, and added with a smirk, “I imagine he knows my mother’s reputation quite well,”

  But Astrid stated matter-of-factly that Isaak’s brother Martin and his wife Ida were not only the most kind family in Lindenfels, but the only ones extending social invitations to the von Waldens.

  “That is before you met us,” Victoria said sincerely, with Philip adding quickly, “Amen to that!”

  “Of course, I have to find a suitable place for my family first.”

  “Indeed, you do. On my part there is no time limit,” Anette replied.

  “Unfortunately for me there is. I have about three weeks left,” he said when Arthur Wiland arrived, not only a bit late but without his brother, who had a severe migraine.

  “Poor fellow; seems to have them quite frequently. However, never underestimate the brain of a single Wiland!” Philip jested, asking everyone to enter the dining room.

  After Andreas’ short explanation of the reason for selling and Anette’s desire to buy it, Arthur, too, was stunned and very pleased. He agreed also on Isaak Wertheim’s choice for a good deal as he knows every available house.

  “Any idea how much the Baron can get for his place?” asked Philip.

  “It depends on the acreage. I suggest a surveyor through Wertheim’s connection. He will make sure there is no mistake. One acre should sell easily for 5,000.00 crowns, though no one is selling.”

  It was Anette’s turn again. “Well, according to Verena’s estimate, we’re talking about six-and-a-half acres.”

  “Forget the surveyor,” Arthur laughed aloud, joining in with the rest.

  “I will pay with gold coins,” she said self-assuredly. “Isaak will get a much better bargain in a good district. If anyone deserves a break in life, the von Waldens do,” she smiled sincerely.

  “Thank you ever so much,” both said in unison, too startled to say anything else. Their hearts were racing as it seemed to be a done deal, with gold coins on top of it.

  “You can, of course, pay the seller in Austrian crowns,” Arthur said in departing, forgetting that the von Waldens were in possession of very little money no matter what the currency. “People are nowadays hoarding gold coins, as they are harder to come by.”

  “There is plenty to go around. You ought to know that,” Anette replied with a wink, reminding him he was her lawyer, too.

  The von Waldens departed just as they had arrived—elated and relieved about the swift business deal. Anette lost no time and went in rapid strides to the phone, hoping to find Isaak still at his office.

  “Mr. Isaak Wertheim?”

  “That’s me, alright,” he laughed.

  “This is Anette von Essler,” Victoria heard her say in a very dignified manner. “The Baron and Baroness von Walden just left the Reinhardts’ place, with Lawyer Wiland present, of course, who suggested that you may be the only one familiar with all of Vienna’s available houses to buy.”

  “Glad to hear that. Let’s say I try to stay current. By the way, we do know each other from my brother’s house. Am I correct?”

  “Of course, you are. Your family was the only one who also showed kindness toward the von Waldens. Now that we have established that much, I am asking you to find them a nice place to live in Vienna. They may come to see you later today or tomorrow. The Baron has only three weeks to settle his affairs. And just in case you are wondering why I am calling you on this, I am buying
von Walden’s property as is.” Isaak was stunned to say the least. “At Philip Reinhardt’s suggestion, it will be used as a rehab center for our soldiers. It’s the ideal setting with their path joining the hospital.”

  “Speaking of good luck and a noble thought!” he replied, still in awe.

  “Philip, of course, would have bought it also, but I want the place in memory of my late fiancé, Alex, who was a Reinhardt as you know. Von Walden’s structure will be torn down and the stones saved for a monument in the middle of Lindenfels for all our war heroes, dating back to God knows when.

  “I am deeply moved,” he sighed.

  “But there is another reason I am calling on you. Not only do I expect you to find the von Waldens a very nice place but also to get them a good bargain, as they may pay the seller with good monetary currency… at least a great part of it.”

  “Like what?” he replied quickly and with great interest.

  “Gold coins. I thought you might like to think about it.”

  “Indeed, I would!” he said excitedly. “I shall do my very best.”

  “I thought so, Mr. Wertheim, as such an opportunity doesn’t come often.”

  Victoria, who couldn’t help but overhear the conversation, walked towards her in shock. “I didn’t know this business side of you!”

  “My late mother and Robert Eckhardt taught me a lot, knowing I would end up with only what she would give me. As for Robert, he and I developed a very close friendship. He admired my devotion to Alex. He left me all his American coins and plenty of it. So, you see, now I am able to put all of it to good use,” she concluded, very content and proud.

  ∼

  By now, the Wilands were in touch with Isaak Wertheim and he knew exactly how much the von Waldens were willing to spend, as Anette had offered the price of 35,000 crowns but paid all of it in American gold coins. Though he had his distant relatives on his seller’s list, he would show their place as a last resort for fear the von Waldens might think it was prearranged between Jews. So far, he showed them every available villa, but the von Waldens looked at the place from outside and never bothered even to go in. It was either the location, size, or condition from outside, never mind all the small gardens. They claimed repeatedly to have only the welfare of their two children in mind, which meant good schools and parks nearby.

  Isaak still had the luxury to drive a car, though his business was at a very low point. Now he had little choice but to take a chance with his relatives he barely associated with and drove to the fifth district called Margareten, where he parked on an elegant side street. “Please get out, as I have to give you some background on this oversized villa.” It was a huge villa built in perfect baroque style and von Walden thought him crazy but was willing to listen. “This place was completely redone and made into two large apartments. It has more space and larger rooms than most villas, if I say so myself. The previous owner was a banker who died about three years ago, leaving his estate to his only daughter and her husband. There is a very large garden, which used to be a small manicured park, but they had to use some of the flower beds for vegetables. I am telling you this just in case you worry about getting hungry. Half of the garden is yours of course.” The von Waldens were immensely relieved. “Now to the main point: only the first floor is for sale as the owner won’t be bothered with renting. He is a professor at the nearby academy and his wife had a little girl just a few months ago. So far, they have turned quite a few families away… but also the opposite is true when they hear the name of the late Aaron Bernstein. It is the only Jewish villa on Mayerhofstraβe.” The von Waldens looked at each other, perplexed, as Vienna was known for its tolerance of Jews.

  “That is the last thing on our mind as we are good friends with your brother and his family,” Astrid replied, with Andreas in agreement.

  “But aside from the Reinhardts, you are the only ones in Lindenfels,” Isaak replied truthfully.

  “We are so-called nobility and are shunned too,” came from Andreas. “I say let’s take a look.”

  “I am quite anxious to see inside,” Astrid ventured, as she loved everything else she had seen so far.

  All loved the place at first glance. They admired the large, multi-colored glass door with intricate ironwork up front to prevent breakage. Once entering the oversized oak paneled hall, they observed built-in closets, a library, small and large dining rooms, and a silk-covered main parlor leading to the outdoors. Isaak pointed to the large kitchen with pantry and mentioned the toilet and a bathroom with tub. On the large patio were weather-beaten cast iron furniture and quite a few stone sculptures to enhance the well-kept garden. The von Waldens were overcome, not knowing where to look first.

  “It’s made for us,” Astrid whispered happily.

  “We’ll take it… providing the price is right.”

  Isaak watched while Andreas, Jr. put his arm around his mother and Gaby jumped for joy. “I’ll make it right, Baron von Walden. That is, after all, my job,” he replied, adding that the owner will be just as pleased to get a fine family.

  The von Waldens heard a few steps when a young, sophisticated lady descended the stairs from her apartment above. “I am Gertrude Silverman,” she said with a friendly kind of arrogance. “I couldn’t help but overhear your complimentary reaction and just had to meet you.” The von Waldens introduced themselves while both children bowed slightly but without a word. “I myself had that monster of a house completely redone. My late Papa left everything as it was for over twenty years after Mama died. Memories, I suppose.” Gertrude Silverman walked with them again through the apartment, outlining a few more details, pointing to a smaller side door next to the main entrance. “It could be used as a guest room. The servant rooms are on the third floor. There is only one married couple from Croatia living upstairs, our two male servants are also in the military and as for a nanny, I plan to raise my little daughter myself.”

  “So did my wife,” Andreas said, and Astrid couldn’t possibly tell her there were, for a time, three children, including his son ‘Bertram the terrible,’ but instead answered to Mrs. Silverman that at present, she had only one woman with four of her other servants on the western front. Her stepson was never mentioned; that story could wait until the proper time.

  The price of 15,000.00 crowns was astonishingly low as it included all maintenance and heating. “We are more than happy to take this apartment. Mr. Wertheim will take care of the rest,” said the Baron.

  Gertrude observed Astrid and her children embracing each other with the happiest expression they were able to give.

  ∼

  “The apartment is finally sold!” Gertrude told her husband, Martin, the moment he entered the nursery to take a gleeful look at his daughter, Anna. She erased all his stress from his long hours at the Academy, where a shortage of teachers was taking its toll.

  “Glad to hear it. One less thing on your mind. I know you chose the right people,” he replied, showing only interest in his sleeping child. Anna was now five months old and all his attention was directed at her, a very disappointing fact to his wife.

  “Jews?” he asked, leaving the nursery with her on tiptoe.

  “Believe it or not, impoverished former nobility from Lindenfels who sold their land and run-down estate to Anette von Essler, who has lived for several decades with the Reinhardts.”

  The Reinhardt name, of course, rang a bell. “What’s their name?” he inquired, his interest changing.

  “Baron von Walden. At present, he is a Lt. Colonel in the Cavalry and on leave. He has a very beautiful and cultured wife from Germany and two well-behaved children attending private schools in Vienna; one of the main reasons for their move. At least that’s what I was told.

  “Age of the children?”

  “Oh, about ten and twelve. The boy is named Andreas and the girl, Gaby, even curtsied slightly while the boy bowed gallantly, never uttering a word.”

  “Well, I never heard of a von Walden, though I am forced t
o teach quite a few of those spoiled brats from Lindenfels. I am also aware by meeting with their parents that they are quite anti-Semitic.”

  “The von Waldens are not! Rest assured,” Gertrude emphasized strongly. “They have been close friends with the Wertheims, according to Isaak, who showed them the apartment. He and the Wilands will handle everything else.”

  “Then I have to apologize.” For Martin Silverman the matter was closed, as the money, like everything else, was his wife’s to begin with. She, in turn, would never discuss anything of monetary value, considering it a very private matter, never to be shared.

  While for the Silvermans the subject was closed, it was wide open in Lindenfels, making its usual rounds, and the inhabitants considered it the best news in years. Anette supplied just enough information to keep those curious bunch of social climbers guessing. She simply wallowed in her achievement. She was, for the first time in her life, to be in a position to throw all the incoming invitations away.

  “I had to be seventy-six to do what I always wished I could do someday. Thank God I lived long enough!” was her frequent reply to both of the Reinhardts, who shared her well-deserved joy.

  The von Waldens planned to move the first week in July, with the children safely in Switzerland. Astrid’s sister was so happy with Andreas’ decision to sell, she planned to bring Andreas, Jr., and Gaby back herself in September, as she couldn’t wait until Christmas to see their new place.

  “Ingrid writes that before we do anything, we should have these uncomfortable chairs re-done,” Astrid read to Andreas with a smile.

  “Throw away whatever you like, Astrid. There are only a few vases and photos worth keeping. The rest of the valuables were taken from me a long time ago. I have no sentimental feeling for anything else in this place. We buy antiques to our own taste so our children can be proud to have their friends over. I can imagine how they sometimes felt,” he uttered in dismay.