Yesterday Was Long Ago: Part Two Read online

  As for Astrid’s wealthy and noble parents, Kurt and Ilse von Donat, who still resided on a sumptuous estate near the spa of Baden-Baden, there had come only a stern warning that an impoverished Austrian officer just would not do. That was their only contribution to her marriage, as the widowed Andreas von Walden and Astrid von Donat eloped. His son Bertram was in care of a distant relative who was only too glad to return him to his father and his eighteen-year-old wife. Her sister Ingrid, who married a well-to-do dentist from Lausanne, got a very generous dowry. Dr. Henry Lebrun suited the Donats just fine, though he was twenty years older.

  Both sisters’ marriages were very happy. Ingrid shared, without her family’s knowledge but with her husband’s full approval, some of her inheritance to pay for the von Walden children’s best private schools and any other lessons Andreas and Gaby showed interest in, which were many. Before his departure, he asked Astrid to return every crown, as he considered all the money only a loan to be repaid at the first opportunity. Ingrid and Henry refused, but suggested putting the money in the Bank of Lausanne to further Andreas’ education in becoming a surgeon, and Gaby… well, at least she had a well-deserved dowry should the occasion arise.

  To Astrid’s amazement, Anette proved herself immensely helpful. Not only with her many suggestions for the apartment alone, but she gave many of her own belongings to fill the von Waldens’ new apartment, as they were stored in the Reinhardts’ attic after her mother’s death in case she would ever marry. She was neither too proud nor too embarrassed to take them, with Anette assuring her they collected only dust.

  It was two days before Andreas’ departure when the von Waldens finally had a chance to reciprocate with one of their own dinners at their place. The end of April was still very cold and windy, but Philip Reinhardt didn’t mind, as he was anxious to see the inside of the place for the first time. Anette, of course, was included as always, knowing the place as well as Victoria.

  After an exceptionally well-prepared dinner and equally good desert, both men decided to go to their smoking parlor with Andreas stating that absolutely nothing pertaining to their furniture would go in the new apartment, except a few of their paintings and a bit of silverware which none of his sisters wanted. With that assurance, he opened the door and a painting of Bertram von Walden, Philip’s former pimp, stared in his face! It took a man of strong fortitude not to show any reaction, but to take, in all calmness, the offered seat.

  “Those are my children whom you hear playing the piano upstairs!”

  “I was wondering if you hired some musician!” Philip joked, surprised at his calmness.

  “This one is my son from my first arranged marriage, for which I never forgave my parents. This boy gave us nothing but troubles; I would say from the moment he could walk. Bad seeds from both sides of our family is the only explanation I can come up with.”

  “Where is he now?” asked Philip very calmly.

  “Somewhere in the west… or wherever. He only writes to my present wife, who still believes she can change this black sheep. Thank God he never comes around since he left two years ago, though I know he must have had two short leaves. But as a perpetual liar, among other things, I don’t care where he is. Believe it or not, I have not the faintest idea how he made a living before the war. The only schools he knew were reform schools, as no one else would take him. Only God knows how hard we tried,” he said in final tone, going upstairs and introducing Philip to his still playing Andreas, Jr., and Gaby, the tomboy.

  “Remember me?” were Philip’s first words to her.

  “Yes, sir, from the skating rink. And you know what? Even your mother believed that your son was one of the instigators pushing us girls in a small corner!”

  “You know, Gaby, that boys will be boys… if we like it or not.” Andreas and she only smiled as their father, after a short introduction was ready to go downstairs.

  “No telling what Gaby would come up with,” he thought, having no idea what his son Bertram’s painting did to Philip.

  After all three left von Walden’s place, Philip was the first to speak. “And just think how mother poisoned everyone’s mind about the von Waldens! I don’t know of anyone who is nicer or has suffered more.” Both women agreed.

  ∼

  The same night became sheer torture to Philip, as he could not possibly confess to Victoria. This time he knew she would not forgive him, for more than one reason. Not only was Astrid a friend since their first encounter at the hospital, but how does a husband explain that he had his own pimp who supplied him with virgins! She would possibly accuse him of being after his daughter, Gisela, whom he favored because she was ‘his sunny child’, making everyone around her happy. But in the process to find a way out, he found the way to his ever-present puzzle about Verena’s sudden condition. Doubtless, Bertram heard the conversation from a nearby room and saw a chance for revenge. A man like him never has anything to lose, regardless of the outcome.

  The last look on his mother’s face would always haunt him… regardless of how he felt about her at many times in his life. And then the sudden departure of Marlene, who left in such an unbelievable hurry, possibly afraid that Verena would wake up and confront her son after all. She was not one to lie or be dragged in the middle; nevermind her surprise to hear about her master’s well-kept secret. No matter how much and how hard he thought about a solution, this time he had no choice but to sit it out and wait for a miracle, providing such a thing existed. The only consolation was that his own father called him a perpetual liar, and no one would believe him should the opportunity ever present itself. Thank God they were moving far enough away; but on the other hand, a sort of friendship had developed between the two families.

  Exactly as planned, Astrid Walden and both of her children left for Lausanne, Switzerland. The only difference was their mother would only stay three days, catch up on the latest, and deposit a large amount of money in the Swiss bank. Then she was ready to decorate her new place with Anette’s suggestions and Hermine’s strong arms. The apartment was handed over in mint condition and any desired changes, including wallpaper, would still be paid by the Silvermans, with Gertrude extremely grateful to be paid with gold coins from America.

  Von Walden’s children were in the best of care, as their neighbors had a nineteen-year-old son, who was discussing medicine with the thirteen-year-old Andreas. He considered Lucas Rossatti his idol, knowing him all his life. ‘Tomboy Gaby’ used to ride on his broad shoulders until she was five and he watched her swing on the trees, calling her ‘a little ape.’ The Rossattis also had a small, mongoloid boy, Eugen, who had just turned five. He was Gaby’s favorite to play with, as he had the biggest smile whenever she entered his playroom, even applauding with his little hands. Though he was barely able to walk or talk, she felt a sort of pride that he had chosen her as playmate over his nannies or his parents, who inwardly wished that he was never born.

  While Lucas was above average at any subject of interest to him, poor Eugen only smiled whenever his brother took him on his shoulders. Aunt Ingrid played the piano with Gaby and gave her extra lessons in horseback riding, French, and Italian. Rossatti came from the Italian part of Switzerland and conversed with her only in their language in order to perfect hers.

  The summer passed too quickly, and this time it was Aunt Ingrid who brought the children back, being extremely curious about their new apartment. She, along with the children, were in great awe upon entering the luxuriously decorated place. “It must have cost you a fortune!” were her first words after embracing her sister, Astrid.

  “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” she replied, telling her of how much came from Anette and the generous Reinhardts. The children, already in the garden on a newly erected swing, screamed, “Mama! We now live in paradise!”

  Gertrude Silverman, who was never told where all the furniture, curtains, or rugs came from, was extremely pleased to hear it. That evening, she told her husband about meeting Astrid�
��s sister, the enthusiastic outburst of the children, and the kindness of being given some chocolate. Martin only answered in delight, “and there are still some stupid inhabitants in Lindenfels calling them paupers and were glad to get rid of them! It shows again, one should never believe what one hears,” he said, very pleased.

  5

  It was one of those typical gloomy, dreary days in November when the eighty-six-year-old Emperor Franz-Josef was laid to rest. He had died in his sleep nine days previously but was laid in state for his subjects to pass and pay their last respects. After all, the dutiful monarch reigned for sixty-eight years like a brave soldier, and the time was considered by many to be too long. Now he was finally among his equals and peers, as the family tomb at the Capuchin Habsburg burial ground was carefully prepared.

  The Viennese lined up early at their own beloved Ringstraβe, which was only two generations ago viewed with the greatest skepticism. What was to be the greatest funeral of the century was, if anything, a rather eerie event. Aside from a few black flags, dark draped fashion stores, only the permanent sunken lamp posts, which were brightly lit, had some black crepe paper hanging down, possibly to give the long, grieving procession a more caring look. Only the black, highly decorated horses who pulled the catafalque, followed closely by his grandnephew, his wife Zita, and their large brood of children was worthy of watching. The new, twenty-nine-year-old Emperor, with barely any training, called himself ‘Karl the First’, but the satirical Viennese christened him instantly ‘Karl the Last’ of a country which was in the process of collapsing.

  The Reinhardt family stayed at home, knowing that in the following days, if not weeks, they would hear everything in detail. One would only hear of the Emperor’s many sorrows and brave posture while losing a brother in Mexico, a son through suicide, and his wife to an assassin; nevermind his mistress of long standing. Somehow the former stage actress was, for the poor, lonely ruler, always accepted.

  ∼

  Victoria and Gisela were packing their suitcases to make a short trip to Berlin, for more than one reason. Victoria’s mother and daughter refused to travel while the war is still going on, feeling very strongly about taking a seat from a soldier who was lucky enough to get a furlough. Though Victoria felt the same, and had not seen her mother or daughter in two years, there was also another reason for this trip. Gisela’s fiancé of two years had just broken their engagement a few days ago, claiming that he was not ready to make a commitment. But her father told her the truth a few days ago, that he had asked Philip if the marriage would make him a partner. After all, he was one of the main engineers, with Philip relying heavily on him to run the firm during his absence. Philip’s answer was a straight no, expecting his daughter to be married for love only, though she would get a substantial dowry which included a spacious apartment in one of the Reinhardts’ houses. Two days later, all pre-arranged marriage plans for the following spring were canceled. Gisela was heartbroken, and her parents somewhat embarrassed, both feeling pain for their daughter. A trip to Berlin might be a temporary solution for a needed change of scenery. With Victoria planning to stay only one week, but with the option of a longer stay during the Christmas vacation, all agreed heartily to the plan.

  While packing to catch the night train, one of Verena’s nurses rushed excitedly through the house looking for Victoria. “Madame, please come with me. I think Mrs. Reinhardt just drew her last breath! With a loud moan, she turned her head and there is neither pulse nor heartbeat to be felt.”

  The doctor was called instantly, and he confirmed her death. “She was in a coma for almost two years. This will be a relief to all of you,” he uttered matter-of-factly, having just dealt with the passing of two severely wounded soldiers who were not even twenty years old.

  Once more, Philip came within the hour, with the undertaker just leaving the mansion. Without saying a word, but looking at his wife and daughter, both knew their trip had to be postponed. Philip wished he felt more grief or remorse of any kind, but thought for a split second that she never lived to tell him what had happened that ominous night. Again, it was to be a family funeral only, including the trusted servants of long standing. But the Reinhardts and Anette felt that Astrid von Walden and her two children should be invited as they were the last ones Verena had spoken to. No one took much notice, but since that fateful day, the von Waldens and Reinhardts had visited each other on a regular basis. But Paul was furious watching ‘that ugly brat’ put a white rose on the closed casket. The rose stood out because the other flowers were chrysanthemums in various colors.

  Due to the extremely cold weather, Gaby wore a black stocking cap with her navy blue school coat, and borrowed her mother’s gray, woolen shawl which covered almost all of her face. The Reinhardts stood in line to receive condolences from their employees, with the von Waldens being at the end. But Gaby still was angry at Paul. She shook everyone’s hand, expressing, slightly in tears, her sorrow, still remembering Verena’s last words, “I believe you, Gaby,” which made her feel better. However, when she recognized Paul, who had grown considerably taller over the last two years, she put her shawl back up covering her mouth, giving him a venomous look which no one else noticed as she was the last in line. Paul was now even more bitter towards her inexcusable behavior. His only thoughts were, “One of these days, I’ll get even!”

  ∼

  The following day, Arthur and Victor Wiland came, this time rather curious to see Philip’s reaction to not being mentioned in Verena’s will, considering the Reinhardts’ enormous wealth. Instead, they got a surprise by his indifference towards the whole matter. “I am so glad she made up finally with my wife. I never thought she felt that guilty. As a businesswoman, she doubtlessly felt that I have more than enough.”

  “She did, Philip,” Arthur Wiland replied curtly. Victoria turned red and had to sit down, completely overcome by Verena’s unexpectedly generous gesture.

  Philip only smiled, but asked nevertheless, “When was the will written?”

  “Two weeks after your father’s death,” Arthur replied, putting the paper in front of him.

  “I will make a will right now giving all of my inheritance equally to my husband and children,” Victoria stammered.

  “As you wish, Madame,” Victor said, with Philip’s indifference. In 1916, life for the new Mrs. Reinhardt had just begun.

  1918

  6

  An exhausted Philip entered his home and told his family to stay inside for the next few days, as the spreading unrest was coming closer to the inner city. “There are strikers carrying red flags all over the place. I have sent all my workers home as none had planned to participate.”

  “My goodness, today is only January 14 and the New Year has had already more uprisings than I can remember,” Victoria replied, concerned.

  “Well, as for myself, I don’t blame anyone. If one thinks of the present situation with the ongoing war—death in the millions, let alone the wounded and missing, and still no end in sight, except the rumors about the peace treaties that end up being just that, rumors!” Philip finalized angrily while putting his arm around his wife and the ever-present Anette, who added, “Until the Kaiser in Berlin says otherwise, the war won’t end!”

  Though it was now an open secret that Austria’s new Emperor had tried to make peace several times with one or the other country, Germany’s headquarters let him know in a hurry who would have the last word.

  Philip asked about his sons’ whereabouts, only to be told that all schools were closed, and he would find the boys in the library. “Well, coal has become almost like gold,” he answered, planning a card game with Peter and Paul, who he had not seen as often as he wished. Gisela was in her room either doing some needlepoint or reading a love story.

  Until now, the war was only discussed as it pertained to some friends or acquaintances who lost a loved one, or that someone was missing only to be told later that he had died. The many wounded were a great concern to Philip, as t
he list was endless! So far, only the black markets were thriving, as almost all stores were now closed for lack of items to sell. The average Viennese was forced to exchange many of his valuables for food or coal just to stay alive. The Reinhardts, however, still belonged to the group of lucky ones. They turned all their landscaped flower gardens into a field and planted anything that could be used for food. They not only supplied their large household staff and children, but most of their friends in the city too, as Lindenfels had been only castles, manor houses, and plowed fields for the last several years. Many inhabitants also cut their trees down to keep warm, but the Reinhardts had coal from their factories. Anette brought food to the von Waldens and the Silvermans, as their converted garden was just not sufficient. In addition, Astrid’s sister still made her trips from Switzerland and brought quite a lot of food and spices, which had become unobtainable. There was always some chocolate included so the family would have some sweets from time to time.

  By now little Anna Silverman was almost two years old and the von Waldens spoiled her with cookies, while Gaby was always overjoyed whenever asked to babysit. The von Waldens and Silvermans had become quite friendly, though Martin still suspected every member of nobility to be ‘anti-Semitic’.

  Astrid and Victoria helped at the military hospital on a daily basis, always returning home and saying, “Let’s hope the war will end soon.” Victoria was amazed that Philip never mentioned his mother since the will had been read. She suspected that his mother knew about his infidelities all along, with the strong possibility of having had him watched by a private eye. There could be no other explanation, as all of the Reinhardt fortune was hers alone.

  Most of the servants never uttered a word about Verena’s death either. After all, she led a life of extreme luxury for seventy-two years and was pampered by her late Papa and Hannes beyond anyone’s imagination. It was well understood that Victoria was in every way a better replacement, though Anette had the vigor of a woman half her age and ran the place as if it were her own.