As expected, Mother and Father were awaiting us. Again, we greeted each other and sat together on the Chesterfield. Trays arrived a few minutes later with canapés, spreads, fruits, and other items. Frieda appeared personally with the coffee. Sara brought wrapped boxes she deposited next to Evangeline. Eva inquired after Franz’s parents, who were on a warm-up trip to the Italian Riviera.
“We would have joined them but wanted to be here when you arrived home. Perhaps, if you are still determined to return to Austria, we will take Eva and make the trip when you leave. Unless, of course, you would prefer to join us.” Father did not attempt to be subtle at all.
Thinking a trip to Italy might be a necessary journey anyway, I indulged them both. “Indeed, the Riviera might be just the thing for us both. Remember, my dear, it is not summer, but it would be rain, no snow, and milder temperatures than here. What do you think?”
Eva seemed at a loss for words, which did not go unnoticed. She rarely allowed herself to be caught off guard. Recovering quickly, she feigned interest, stating that we had just arrived home. Yet, she had always wanted to see Italy.
I took her hand, “Not to worry, darling, you settle in for a few days and we’ll discuss it again after our appointment with Priest Henny.”
“That reminds me, Evangeline. He sent you his best and asked me to add how much he has missed your presence at mass. He adores you. He views you somewhat as a daughter, my dear. Now, do tell us about your trip,” Mother said, smiling warmly at Eva.
From there, Eva launched into a play-by-play of all the best things that happened to her in Paris. She handed out gifts to Mother and Father. She told them about the items she had chosen for our aunt and uncle. Then, surprising us all, she gave a brief version of the information about her lineage, prompted by an inquiry she had made several years ago. Mother showed no surprise at all, none. For the first time, I wondered if Father had disclosed everything to her. The more I thought about it, the more I believed it to be true.
Father gave me a look, and I shook my head slightly. He squared his shoulders and began speaking before I could stop him.
“My dear, if I may, I would like to speak to you about this subject. You see, Alexsander notified me of events. To corroborate your friend's findings and possibly elaborate on anything we might know of events. After all, we traveled in the same circles, relations, and such like.” He poured a coffee and sat back like he was about to report on something dry and dull. “The truth is, Eva, the Archduchess’s heart was stolen by a young Italian count when she too was just a young girl of sixteen or seventeen. The Archduke, her father, forbade the match for reasons we are not privy to. Although she went on to marry his Highness Duke Philippe, the true prince of France, there was no love there. Her heart always belonged to Count Victor. Everyone knew it. I have no proof, Evangeline, but I put forth Victor is your true father. I need only look at you to see it. Count Victor and I developed a friendship through business when I was younger. I would like to pursue this with your permission, my dear?”
Eva, speechless, just sat there. I thought she might faint for a moment and placed my arm around her. Then, the color returned to her face. She looked at me, looked at Father, and then sat back, leaning on the couch. Father jumped up and went to pour her a glass of water from a pitcher on the sideboard. Mother came to sit on her other side, taking a hand and patting it reassuringly. After a few sips of water, she begged everyone to give her air. We all moved away, mother and father returned to their seats, and I resumed my previous position. She held the glass, taking swallows occasionally until it was empty. Then she handed it to me, sitting up straight.
Looking at father, she asked, “Then this count, he is still alive?”
“Indeed, he is in excellent health, Eva,” he replied.
“We know each other well enough, Otto,” Eva began, “I trust you implicitly. You are indeed the father I never had. Both of you are so kind and loving to me. What are you asking of me?” She got right to it. In a way, she and my father were cut from the same cloth.
“Allow me to bring him here, Eva. Let us get right to the truth of it. Or if it makes you more comfortable, we will meet him in the Riviera, neutral ground, you might say.” Father’s proposal stated, he sat back while she mulled it over. Again, Mother showed no surprise at anything. My father was a true rascal. He loved little games of intrigue if they hurt no one.
“If I may take a day or two to consider your proposal?” she asked.
“Of course, my dear, take as long as you like.” The old stinker knew she would do it.
Eva retired to her room for the afternoon. I took the liberty of arranging dinner for her that night. With the added stress of Father’s untimely revelation, I anticipated the existential crisis before morning, we would see. Either way, things were prepared. I called Frieda in, and without sharing details, I asked her to have Sara let me know quietly if Eva was struggling. Also, I had her make arrangements with Sara to offer Eva supper in her room if it seemed prudent.
I found a book on my desk, To Have & Have Not by Hemingway. There was a note from Father inside the cover with one word: Patience. Indeed, a book would help. I removed my tie, jacket and dress shirt. It was unlikely I would be needed before supper so I thought I might as well get comfortable. No! I needed activity, to move, to sweat. I went to the wardrobe, grabbed my shirt, and headed to the hall to fence. Changing into my gear, I began with my usual stretching and warm-up. Then, I moved on to footwork. By this time, I was feeling good, blood pumping. I started my blade work. My new canne épée became my first weapon of choice and I practiced until drawing the saber from the body became smooth and fluid. Then I began drills, eventually moving back to my sparring saber. After a light cool down, I began to take care of the equipment, only to have one of the footmen appear and take away the job. I showered, changed into my regular clothes, and headed to my room, feeling myself again. Turning into the hallway, I saw Frieda rushing toward me. I knew immediately what was happening and ran, passing her like she wasn’t there, into Eva’s rooms.
I found Eva in her bedroom smashing something. You could not make out what it was anymore. She had a small metal statue in her hand, screaming at it. All the while crying uncontrollably and using it to hit something over and over. She had blood coming from somewhere. Freida was behind me. I turned quickly. “Go to the fencing hall, get the replacement dummy in the cabinet, and bring it to me with a blunt practice saber. Quickly!” She was gone in an instant. I stood back, allowing her to repeat her process of screaming and crying and then pounding whatever it had been with the statue. The blood seemed to be coming from her hand. It did not seem to be a significant amount. Sara came in behind me and cried out, rushing toward her. I grabbed her and pulled her back into the sitting room. “Sara, pull yourself together. Leave her be. Listen to me, have the kitchen prepare some tea, and then draw a hot bath for her. And not a word to anyone, not even Ida.” I had my hands on her shoulders.
Tears ran down her face, but she nodded and left to order the tea. A few moments later, Freida appeared carrying the rag dummy and the blunted saber. I took them from her, swore her to secrecy, and asked her to retrieve my swimming shorts from my room. She looked at me oddly but left immediately to do what I had asked. Eva had just entered into a spell where she stopped crying hysterically. I removed what turned out to be an old photograph from her hand, nothing left of it now, and replaced it with the dummy. Then I gently pulled the statue away, putting the saber in her hand. When the next wave of hysteria hit, her demeanor changed. She somehow realized a body and the means to kill it were before her. With a strength I would not have thought she had left, she rose to her knees and stabbed it repeatedly, screaming things in French that I could barely make out between the sobs. I stepped out of the room, handing the things to Frieda in exchange for my swimming trunks.
“Prepare her loungewear, Frieda, and I’ll need Mercurochrome and a few bandages, please.” Sara appeared and began the bath. I went back into the bedroom. The dummy seemed to have triggered the finality she needed. As I hoped, having the “person” in front of her triggered her in a way that allowed her to release all her rage. She sat on her feet sobbing; the sword discarded. I moved the dummy out of the way. Frieda appeared with the supplies. Eva was on her side, limp, whimpering, and crying. I took her hands, looking at each hand and arm until I found the laceration. Minor, I wiped the blood away, applied the Mercurochrome, and placed a bandage over it. I rose, stripped all my clothes off on the bed, and put my swim trunks on. Frieda had looked away but still blushed. At that moment, I did not give a damn. I undressed Eva with Frieda’s help and grabbed something to wrap loosely around her. Gathering her in my arms, I carried her to the tub. Sara turned, shocked. I asked her to retrieve what she needed to clean Eva’s face. I had Frieda help me balance her while I climbed into the tub, pulling her in with me.
Frieda rushed to shut off the water. Her tub was more than large enough for four people. I heard a little sigh escape her as I lowered her body under the water, laying her head on my chest. I wrapped my arms around her. She sniffled occasionally, but she was exhausted. Sara came and sat on the floor by the tub. Gently, she pushed her Madame’s hair back and with a care you would show a baby, gently washed away all the makeup and fluids smeared across her face. She brushed her hair back gently into a type of bun and pinned it out of her way.
“Bring the tea into the bedroom when ready, Sara, please.” She nodded at my instructions and excused herself.
Frieda peeked in, “Mein Herr, your father is inquiring about your presence for supper.”
“Simply explain we are indisposed. He will understand.” Frieda nodded and disappeared.
Frieda told me later we had been in the tub for almost an hour. She had come in every twenty minutes, run more hot water, and check on us. Finally, Eva fell asleep, so I had her drain the tub, and we managed to get her to the bedroom. She awoke as we dried her off, put her in her loungewear, and carried her to bed. Frieda had the foresight to bring my clothes over also. I dried quickly while she held Eva’s hands in bed. Then I slid in next to her. She lay quiet, eyes open beside me. She was propped up in a sea of pillows. I poured her a cup of tea and gave her a few sips.
“Why didn’t they want me?” she said in a small, quiet voice.
“People are complicated, and the situation is complicated if what we know is true. The decision must not have come lightly.” God, I wish I had a better answer for her than that. The truth quite likely came down to pure selfishness. They didn’t want the ridicule or to face the shame of their indiscretion. More importantly, I thought about the heir aspect. If she truly is the daughter of this count, they would have to keep her secret. Her very existence allowed Philippe to brand the Archduchess an adulterer. Or claim her as heir. Either prospect is a bad one for everyone involved. That is not to say being manipulated and used as a pawn was not better than the life she had, but she would still be up for sale to the highest bidder. Her marriage would have come down to titles, positions, and property. Likely, she would have been married far too young to a much older man. Conjecture only. I pulled her into me. She buried her face in my chest and was asleep almost immediately. Frieda checked on us regularly, just peeking in. I had nodded off once but awoke for no reason I could find. Eventually, I quietly left the bed, surrounding her with pillows.
I thought there was little chance she would wake up during the night. I went to my room. The clock showed 9:00. I laughed, no wonder I had woken up wide awake. It is much too early to be asleep. Frieda showed up with a light supper at 9:10. How did she know? I was famished, even wiping the plate clean with a roll. Frieda reappeared to turn down the bed. “Mein Herr, I did not want to disturb you under the circumstances. Herr Franz called this evening. He will arrive home tomorrow,” she said. I breathed a sigh of relief. Fritzy was coming home.
A moment later, a knock came. Father entered, coming around to take a seat. It had been a long time since I had seen him in bedclothes and a robe. “How is she, Alexsander?”
“She had a rough go of it, but the worst is behind her. It is hard to say, though. Eva suffered so much as a child. I know almost none of it, yet we know what happens in those establishments, so we truly have no concept of the abuse she must have endured. To feel not only discarded but discarded for selfish reasons. They could afford her. They could feed her, clothe her, and shelter her. I find myself angry for her to be honest, Father.”
“As do I, Alexsander. I will be honest with you. Part of the reason I have invited the count here is to know how he could justify abandoning her. I do not intend to challenge him, but I know the man. He is a monarchist, an aristocrat through and through, but he is hardly a cruel man. I want to know why, just as much as she does, as you do.” I stared at him as he spoke. I knew that the old fox had already put the wheels in motion.
“So, you have invited him without waiting for Evangeline’s consent? After springing the news on her as soon as she arrived home? If I did not know you had her best interest at heart…” I gave him my best glare.
He chuckled, “You know I do, and you and I both know that she will want to face him eventually. Her breakdown coming so quickly means she will likely be ready right away. Which is good, as he has accepted my invitation. We expect him to arrive within the next few days.”
“I hope you know what you are doing, Father, but you always do.” I rose with him and gave him a handshake and a hug. We bid each other goodnight, and I lay in bed for the next two hours, wondering how to tell Eva.
No light filtered through the draperies around the bed. I had pulled them closed early that morning. Sleep came off and on throughout the night. Several times, I crept into Eva’s room to check on her. She did not stir, lost to the sleep of exhaustion. Heavy snow fell throughout the night with no sign of letting up. I hoped it would not delay the train.
A half-hour later, Frieda arrived with coffee. Washed and dressed, I sat at the writing desk dealing with correspondence, bills, and receipts. My cousin Leopold had written expressing his desire to further assist in any way he could. He offered full use of his person and property should the need arise. Wilhelm had left an impression. He ensured the trucks were returned to the meadows in Mayrhofen. Nothing from Henry, but of course, he and Fritzy were together. I wondered if he planned to accompany Fritzy to the house. Likely not, but we wouldn’t know until we knew.
“Mein Herr, shall I see to mademoiselle this morning?” Frieda asked, pouring coffee for me.
“As you deem appropriate, Frieda, confer with Sara.” Leaving the decision to her, I returned to the task at hand.
A brief time later, tasks complete, I rose to recheck the weather. It was still snowing, but much lighter at least. Checking the clock, I thought the time was late enough to check on Eva myself. Approaching the door of her sitting room, I distinctly heard laughter. It was Father, of course, charming her before dropping the bomb. You are on your own, Father. I would leave him to his machinations. Heading downstairs, I found Mr. Liberman on his way to the kitchen. He informed me Mother was taking coffee and breakfast in the solarium, and he would be out with coffee for me in a few minutes.
The solarium seemed unusually warm this morning.
“Good morning, Mother,” I said, kissing her lightly on the forehead. I came around the little conservatory and sat in one of the ornate maple chairs.
“Alexsander, I am so happy to see you this morning. How is our beloved Evangeline feeling?” she inquired, pouring me a small cup of coffee.
“Father is with her, as I am certain you are aware. I chose not to disturb them and decided to join you. Is it hot in here, or is it just me?” I inquired as I unbuttoned my shirt sleeves and rolled them up.
“The staff opened all the valves for the vegetables and flowers this morning. I wish they had waited until later in the day, but in their defense, I do not typically come out until the afternoon. The sky seemed so dark this morning, all the snow. I just wanted a little extra light.” She fanned herself with one of her small ornate fans and sipped her coffee. “Now, what I want to know is, how are you?”
I unbuttoned my vest and hung it on the back of the chair. “I am well, Mother. Although Paris remained a business trip, it also acted as a welcome vacation. I believe Evangeline enjoyed herself. I made a point of spoiling her. As our relationship progresses, I understand you and Father more and more.”
Mother laughed, “Yes, getting to know each other is a blessing and a curse. It could not have been easy for her to be in Paris. I am certain you did everything possible to salve old wounds.”
As always, my mother took me unawares. “Dare I ask how you know?”
“Oh, Alexsander, surely you realize your father only keeps things from me if it betrays a confidence. After you left for Austria, he explained the whole thing. The poor child, I cannot imagine how any young girl could survive such a trial. Let alone become the strong-minded businesswoman she is. The real miracle is she still carries a kind heart.” I reached out and squeezed her hand. Her face was filled with compassion.
“I am blessed to have you as my mother.” I gave her hand another little squeeze. Breakfast arrived, and I set about the task. After a few bites, I asked, “Mother, may I ask about Otto?” She stiffened a little, but her eyes were soft as she nodded yes.
"What was he like? I do not remember him, to be honest.” I set my fork down, giving her my full attention.
She sighed a long, heavy sigh. “So many years, yet I remember him like it was yesterday. You were so young. I would be surprised if you had any memories at all. He was a Hapsburg through and through. You would have thought he was born king of his kingdom the way he acted, even as a baby. Strong, strong-willed, strong-limbed, a force to be reckoned with. He would defy your father on everything, my God in heaven, what a fierceness he had. I want to tell you he loved you and took you around like a little brother should be taken around. I would have to lie, though. He saw you as an obstacle, a challenge, and we began to keep you away from him. We feared he would hurt you if left alone with him. Franz, though, the two of you were like twins. You were the brothers. Otto would not bother either of you when the two of you were together, and so my sister and I would take turns keeping both of you. There is not a day that goes by that I do not miss him. Do not think harshly of me when I tell you I believe in my heart that God took him for a reason. You always strive to do good things in the world, Alexsander. I do not believe, if Otto had lived, you would be who you are today.” There were tears in her eyes as she spoke. I felt terrible for asking, yet the image she painted matched the dream.
“I am so sorry to upset you.” I took both of her hands in mine, holding them gently.
“No, Alexsander, you are not upsetting me. My heart could find no love for Otto in the way it does for you. My guilt upsets me, not you, my darling.” She leaned over, kissed my cheek, patted my hands, and poured more coffee.
“At the risk of bringing up another tender subject, may I ask about a chauffeur named Joseph? Mother almost dropped the carafe of coffee. Her hands visibly shook. I took it from her and set it down.
“Oh, Alexsander, why would you ask about Joseph?” She looked at me, almost dazed.
“Would you be able to tell me about him?” I asked gently.
She placed a hand on her décolletage, taking a deep breath. “Yes, you may ask about Joseph. Joseph came with me when I married your father. His family had been in service with my family for as long as I knew. Joseph and I grew up together, much like you and Frieda, but we were closer. The boundaries of our roles blurred somewhat, as children do. Our fathers did not care for our friendship. They deemed it inappropriate, even though we were truly only friends. As we grew older, problems arose, and we went to great lengths to hide our friendship. Joseph and I were caught one night in my bedroom. He was upset, you see, he liked another boy. I am sure you understand these things at your age. He had mistakenly thought the boy liked him, but that was not true. Heartbroken and in tears, Joseph clung to me crying, and I wrapped him in my arms to comfort him. My father entered, and I need not explain what he thought.” She stopped, dabbing at her eyes, and looked away momentarily. She waved at me to give her a moment.
“Mother,” I tried to say, but she gathered herself immediately.
“No, I will continue. I am grateful to tell his story.” With that, she dried her eyes, took a sip of water, and went on. “My father whipped him. I had never known my father to be cruel until that moment. Joseph’s father tied him to the post and admonished him when he tried to protest or beg for mercy. I was forced to watch. I hated my father from that moment. Only through Mother Mary's mercy and God's mercy have I found forgiveness for him. Joseph and I stayed as far away from each other as we could, meeting secretly in a spot in the woods. When your father and I married, I explained the situation with Joseph to him and he immediately arranged to have him come into his service. Joseph and I were both so grateful to your father. He was kind, loyal, and exceptionally hardworking. The week your brother became ill, Joseph took turns with your father and me caring for him. A few days later, Joseph became ill. The night of your brother's funeral, Joseph slipped into God’s arms with him. He was my dearest friend.” She dabbed tears away and turned her head again. I put a hand on her shoulder gently.
Then she turned back to me with the persona of the lady of the house and said, “Now, Fritzy will be home today, from what I understand. How about a lovely supper for all of us? I am certain you are happy to have him coming home. We will celebrate.”
With that, her mood became light again. The shadow of Otto and Joseph gone away. We spent the morning together, leaving the solarium after breakfast due to the heat. Walking most of the house, she discussed changes she and Eva had agreed on in decor and style. We were passing the library an hour later when we heard Father and Eva. They were engaged in a cribbage match. It was an intense cribbage match from the look of it. Mother leaned over and whispered to me. “She is quite good. He loves having a tough opponent.” With that, she laughed lightly, and we proceeded to the sitting room. Mother asked if we might play together. It warmed my heart as it always did; she took up her seat at the piano, and I took my place on the harp. In the middle of “Concerto for Harp and Piano” by Germaine Tailleferre, I caught sight of Eva, entranced. She stood with Father just inside the entryway. Father beamed as he watched; Eva seemed fascinated watching us both. As we finished the piece, they both applauded with gusto.
Eva said, “Alexsander, I had no idea you play so well. You are a magnificent harpist. I thought it was just a hobby of yours.”
“Truly, he has a rare gift. He hears something and plays it. However, he can read music, of course. He plays piano, cello, the nyckelhara also,” Mother bragged.
I laughed, “Saying I play them does not mean I play them well.”
Father patted me on the back. “Nonsense, any orchestra would be happy to have you on any instrument. Do not let him fool you, my dear. The harp brings out his passion, but his talent abounds with any string instrument.”
Eva had all of her charm, happiness, and confidence back. Father had done her a world of good. Her hand showed the small cut and a bruise, but otherwise, she looked for the entire world as if nothing had happened.