Letters in the Grove

by Felicia Rogers

  Nelson was quick to jump in. “My dear, you are beautiful. It is just that the lady Ann has an ethereal quality that is hard for a man to ignore. Perhaps it is her dark honey blond hair or her blue eyes that are as deep as the ocean. Or maybe it is nothing but her physical form.”

  Shocked that their four companions spoke of them as if they weren’t present, Gustav couldn’t move. A crazed smile flitted across Teresa’s features and Gustav withheld his budding laughter.

  “I believe you are right, dear brother. Not only is it her coloring, but her form as well. Proportionate, I would say,” inserted Anthony.

  “Perfect childbearing hips,” added Albert.

  Gustav cleared his throat, keeping his focus on the scarlet color rushing across his wife’s cheeks.

  “Young man, how many children do you have?” asked Nelson.

  Teresa blinked. Gustav turned to face the coach’s occupants. “We have no children.”

  “No children?” repeated Albert. “I don’t believe you.”

  Teresa rapped her knuckles on the roof of the coach. “Please stop,” she pleaded.

  The driver yelled above the rain, as the coach lurched to a halt. Teresa thrust the door open, jumped from the coach, and stalked away.

  “See there what I mean. Her br—“

  Gustav’s fist fit perfectly into Nelson’s face. Alberta shrieked and shied away as blood poured from the man’s nose.

  “Excuse me,” Gustav said as he climbed out and ran after Teresa. He caught her and held her upper arms. “Engel, you must return to the coach.”

  “You heard those people in there. I should have children. Why don’t I have them?”

  Tears mingled with the rain and cascaded down her face. Her shoulders shook with sobs and Gustav wrapped her in a tight embrace.

  The three years of their marriage that they were together, Teresa had remained barren. For what purpose only God knew. The pain of not having children squeezed his heart. He forced words past his constricting throat. “I don’t know why we haven’t had them in the past, but I assure you I want to give them to you.”

  She pulled back. “And when you do, will you then leave me again? Will I be at home raising the children while you gallivant around the countryside charming young women with your comeliness and helping the cause?”

  His heart squeezed in his chest as rain drops pelted his shoulders and water rain into his eyes. “Nay, Teresa, do not say such things.”

  “Why not? You left me for two years! Two years without a husband. Without your love and protection, with nothing more than letters to warm my heart. Maybe I should be over it by now.” She slipped from his embrace. Mud squished beneath her slippers and her clothing became saturated. “But I’m not. Do you hear me?” She thrust a finger in his face. ”I’m not over it. How dare you leave me alone to fend for myself?”

  She beat her closed fists against his chest. Gustav absorbed the blows until she was spent and lying against him. He moved wet strands of hair behind her ear and bent low.

  “I love you, Teresa, and I was wrong.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  The interminable trip lasted for days. Stops at wayside inns were a blessing, offering fresh food, a warm bed, and a break from their companions’ constant chatter.

  The rains stopped and the sun shone. Mud-encrusted roads made travel difficult. Several times the four men had to push the coach out of a furrow. During such times, Teresa was left alone with Alberta. The experience had not been a cordial one.

  Each day had brought another new yet beautiful landscape. Often Teresa had lifted the linen covering the window hole and gazed at the beauty of God’s creation. Awed by the scenery, Teresa had given thanks.

  After changing coaches multiple times, they finally rolled into Paris. Their companions disembarked and Teresa and Gustav were left to their own devices.

  It was a struggle to decide what to do first. On the one hand they needed to rest. The brief stops in towns along the road from Germany to France had not been enough to satisfy her need. Her muscles ached and burned from being cramped inside the rickety coaches for such a long stint and her head pained from Alberta’s shrill voice. Begging to find other modes of travel had led to naught. Gustav had been determined the coach was the best and safest way to cover the countryside.

  Paris was like nothing she had ever seen. They passed the Sainte-Chappelle; its stained glass windows stirred her admiration. They gazed upon the cathedral of Notre Dame. The Bastille, with its eight towers looming above, caused her heart to race. Just the sight of the structure reminded her of the danger they were in. Henry II reigned in France and he was not a friend of Protestants. He was the reason that Gustav had been gone for two years. Protestants in the area needed protection until a new colony could be created, and her husband had been an integral part of that process.

  Perhaps Gustav was correct and staying overly long in Paris wasn’t such a good idea. He had assured her he had friends in Caen. Taking a last look around, she sucked in a breath and stepped back into a coach.

  When they reached Caen, they passed the Church of Saint-Pierre. Gustav pointed out the eastern apse and explained the construction was just completed in 1545. Teresa nodded and smiled, but worry gnawed at her gut. This was Gustav’s world. A place he was comfortable. A place where his friends, and perhaps even women, had sought his company. A place she had yet to belong.

  “Ah, here we are. Hotel d’Escoville. I hope you don’t mind. I didn’t have time to contact Jean Broussard about our visit.”

  “Nay, I don’t mind.” She was thrilled she wouldn’t be expected to meet with the man who had kept her husband away from her for so long.

  “As soon as we find our room, then I’ll go to Max’s home.”

  “Can I come with you?” Teresa wrung her hands together, fearing Gustav would deny her.

  “Of course.” He enacted a lopsided grin.

  Happy with the answer, Teresa sat straighter. When the coach shuddered to a halt before the hotel she felt unkempt and dreaded entering. Clearing her throat, she said, “Gustav, what will I do about my clothes?”

  Gustav eyed her as if seeing her for the first time. He pursed his lips and tapped his chin. A pose she remembered well from his days as a tailor. “I don’t know.”

  His answer came as a surprise. She barely contained her disappointment as they climbed from the vehicle and into the afternoon sunshine. Teresa stared in awe at the impressive building, which contained an open courtyard on the side and balconies on every floor.

  Ushered from behind, she moved forward and they entered the lobby. Raised eyebrows emphasizing curious looks were sent their way. Gustav hurriedly checked them in and they were taken to a room.

  How could they afford such a grand hotel? In the past they had been a couple of modest means only and now they were without funds altogether. Perhaps Berend had given Gustav funds for the coach and a place to stay.

  The room door opened and Teresa covered a gasp. A massive four-poster bed dwarfed the area. Thick, rich fabrics hung from the posts and swished against the gleaming floor. Intricate tapestries covered the walls. Glass-paned windows allowed a generous amount of light to filter in.

  Across a high-backed plush chair was a gown in rich silk that shimmered. Teresa reached out her hand to touch it but pulled back as she noticed the dirt coating every inch of her person.

  She clasped her hands before her. “Gustav, I don’t understand.”

  “What’s there to understand?” He flopped onto a velvet settee.

  “I don’t understand how we can afford such a place. And where did this dress come from?” The lack of funds over the last two years nudged at her mind, resentment squeezing her chest.

  “The hotel room is a gift from Jean. I use it when I’m in town. The dress I asked for when I checked us in.”

  “Oh.” She swallowed. So this was how he’d lived when he was away from her. Fear entered her heart. Why would he ever want to be with her in a hov
el when he could live like this?

  Behind her the door opened. Two servants dressed in full livery carted in a metal container. Next, three women appeared carrying buckets of water and poured them into the tub. Wisps of steam floated across the surface.

  “Madam, we will add cold water, but you must allow it to cool well. We do not wish for you to be burned.”

  Teresa nodded and the women left. Gustav had risen from the settee and now leaned casually against the fireplace mantle and stared at her. His lips lifted at the corners.

  “What are you thinking?” she asked. Her heart beat a steady rhythm in her chest. He smiled like he was happy, but what was he really thinking.

  “I’m thinking that in order for us both to get clean we may have to share the tub.”

  Warmth ran from her toes to her center. Heat infused her face and she turned away.

  “Don’t do that.” Gustav approached, turned her around, and placed his hands on either side of her face. “I want to see every bit of you. The time for running and being apart is over. I will never let you go again.”

  It was a promise he couldn’t really make and one she expected to be broken as soon as they found Max and his sister, but for now it meant everything.

  Without knowing what was happening, her clothing dropped to the floor. The chemise was peeled from her skin. Gustav ran his hands along her arms, causing chill bumps to rise to the surface.

  “You’re cold. Go ahead and get in the water. I’ll find the soap.”

  Teresa climbed in. The hot water relaxed her tired muscles. Closing her eyes, she gasped in surprise when Gustav’s hands made slow circles on her shoulders.

  He leaned above her and brushed his lips across hers in a feathery kiss. He deepened the kiss, his hand running into the water and pulling her closer. Absorbed in his touch, she didn’t hear the knock until Gustav drew back with a sigh.

  He ran a wet hand through his hair. “I sent a messenger to Max’s home.” He stood, toweled his hands dry. Looking from her to the door, he said, “Why don’t you go ahead and clean up and I’ll be right back.”

  Gustav exited into the hallway. The door clicked quietly closed behind him. Teresa took the rag and soap and washed quickly, even sinking into the murky depths and washing her hair. Finished, she jumped from the tub, dried, and threw on the clean chemise that lay over the back of the chair. She stood in the middle of the room and yawned. She sat on the edge of the settee and stared longingly at the bed. The door remained closed. She slumped and her eyelids drooped. She tilted to the side and jerked herself upright. Giving up, she sauntered to the bed and climbed beneath the cool sheets and drew them to her neck. The days of travel caught up with her and she drifted into a dreamless sleep.

  ****

  “What did you find out?” asked Gustav of the messenger he knew from his previous days in France.

  “Max arrived at the house in Caen a few days ago.”

  “And?”

  “And I told him you would be visiting him soon.”

  “Where are Olga and the children?” Gustav forced himself not to worry.

  “They stayed behind. Without word from you, Max was afraid to bring them along.”

  Gustav nodded and paid the messenger. Inside the room he wasn’t surprised to see Teresa curled beneath the sheets and fast asleep. Filth swirled to the top of the now tepid water. Gustav rang for the hotel staff. With efficiency and silence the water was drained and replaced.

  With Teresa’s even breathing in the background, Gustav eased into the metal encasement. The warm water instantly relaxed his sore muscles. He lingered past a prudent time, staring at the dying flames in the fireplace and letting his mind wander.

  He sighed and ran the rag over his body in sure strokes. He would have to see Max soon. Perhaps he could leave a note for Teresa and visit his brother-in-law while she slept. Teresa wouldn’t like him leaving after he’d said she could tag along, but his sister wasn’t available for a lengthy visit and Teresa needed her rest. He could explain his decision to her upon his return. That was if she didn’t tie him to a chair again before he had the opportunity.

  Sinking farther into the water, he wet his hair and washed it. Once finished he climbed from the tub, dressed quickly, and penned a missive.

  He glanced at Teresa’s sleeping form. A smile tugged at her rosy lips. He leaned onto the bed and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. She stirred, but her eyes remained closed.

  Settled on the edge of the plush mattress, he watched her. She was all he’d ever wanted in a wife. Strong, sure, loving, beautiful, easy to talk to—there was nothing about her he didn’t love. For the rest of their lives he planned on proving that to her.

  But now he had to visit Max. He prayed for understanding as he slipped from the room. He made the trip to Max’s home on foot. The city was much the same as it had been when he had left. Beauty was only on the surface. The seedy underbelly of society still ran rampant.

  Perhaps not visiting Jean had been for the best. If his past employer learned of his return he might offer him another position. Part of him thrilled at the prospect. It would be a way to redeem his name, to get rid of the taste of his recent failure. But another part of him, the one who had left his heart with Teresa, knew it was wrong. No matter what Jean’s reasoning, or his own personal desires to be the savior, he wouldn’t, couldn’t leave Teresa again.

  The Schmidt home appeared empty upon approach. Gustav neglected to knock and entered through the back door. Creeping along the walls of the hallway, he headed to Max’s private chamber. He found his brother-in-law sitting in a chair in the dark staring at an empty fireplace.

  “Come in, Gustav.”

  “How did you know it was me?” Gustav made a cursory check for a looking glass, but saw nothing that would have revealed his identity.

  “You are the only one who would use the back door. Where have you been? And what are you doing here now?”

  “It’s a long story.”

  “I believe I have time.”

  Gustav explained their trek through the woods and their capture at the secluded pond. He told of Berend helping them escape from Herr Raeder and how Teresa had been involved in the delivery of secret fake messages.

  Max listened. When Gustav finished he said, “The messenger informed you that your sister still waits along the German coastline?”

  “Aye, he did.”

  “What is your plan?” Max steepled his fingers, the moonlight striking his stiff form.

  “I will take Teresa to Scotland.”

  “But if she doesn’t know anything about—”

  Gustav opted for honesty. “Teresa knows plenty, or at least she believes she does. Besides, we both know that perception in this case will be the law. If they believe she is responsible for their downfall, then she is.” Gustav ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “Besides, if I can keep Teresa out of their clutches then Helga can continue to pass messages and perhaps they will assume they have the wrong woman.”

  “So you believe that taking Teresa out of the situation will implicate Helga and then Teresa will be cleared and no longer pursued?”

  “Perhaps,” he said with a shrug. “However, Teresa did have knowledge of the code and she has read past messages. But Berend seems to think this is of little import. Now that the code is lost they will have to devise a new one. And since the group has been discovered they will have new plans, of which Berend didn’t tell us and I didn’t ask. All I know is I must get Teresa to safety.” Gustav rubbed a spot between his brows and paced the small room. “Will you bring your family back here? They are in just as much danger as we are.”

  “Nay, we will not come here. Someone has already bought the house. No, I will return to my family and we will find a home elsewhere.”

  “But—“

  Max jumped from his chair. His eyes were swollen and he trembled. He placed his hands on Gustav’s shoulders and implored him with his gaze.

  “You need to leave now
. Word has already arrived that Herr Wulf is in France. He will know exactly where to come. First, he will come here. Then he will search out Jean Broussard, and next he will find the hotel. You must leave.” Max pulled away and punched his opposite hand. When he calmed, he picked up a rolled parchment. “I had already considered Scotland as an escape. This will tell you where you need to go. But go quickly. The people there will protect you.” Gustav took the parchment. Questions concerning Max’s plans rested on the tip of his tongue, but Max continued, “Promise me you won’t read this until you have crossed the channel.”

  Gustav nodded.

  “Then may God go with you.”

  Max turned and stared out the window. Gustav flashed a glance at his brother-in-law one last time. “Tell my sister I love her.”

  Max didn’t move as Gustav clutched the rolled instructions in his hand and left the room.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  When he arrived at the hotel, Teresa was up and wearing the gown that had been laid out for her. Her hair had been pulled into a severe bun and she stood with her hands clasped before her body. A small bag sat behind her on the floor.

  “I’m ready.” She swallowed and rocked on the balls of her feet.

  Gustav couldn’t speak. Leaving her so he could make a hurried trip to see Max had been selfish. The uncertain posture reflected on her person caused his stomach to ache. In the future he must be more diligent about her feelings.

  He moved a wall hanging and grabbed a sack filled with coin, then he stepped around her and grabbed the bag. She narrowed her eyes, but didn’t move and he clasped her hand and squeezed. With a little coaxing, she followed his lead out of the hotel and into the street. How had she known it was time to leave? His heart pounded against his chest. Had she assumed he’d left her? How could he have been so stupid?