Yesterday Was Long Ago: Part One

by Hedy Thalberg James

  Both shook their heads in doubt.

  “It's the good things that disappear fast. Bad things usually linger on and then suddenly change for the worse,” Jacques said finally, ready to leave.

  Karl asked them to share his leftovers, adding humorously, “The housekeeper is still in the habit of cooking for a whole family. She seems so cheerful and undisturbed by all that is happening around here. I believe she missed the whole uprising!”

  “That's what servants usually are, unconcerned and living from day to day, depending on their master's good fortune,” Jacques shrugged in reply, accepting gladly the invitation, but once more turning gloomy and pensive, staring at nothing in particular.

  “Many young men will die again, and for what?” Elaine complained, frightened, wiping her nose and trying to forget.

  Both men looked at her in agreement. Any answer would have only more “whys” and “what for”, solving nothing at all. That is what revolutions brought about. For a new one to come, it is, was always, and ever shall be only a question of time.

  1848

  9

  Vienna heard its first shots on March 13, 1848, as a large group of students, along with many other intellectuals, assembled in the coffee houses, demonstrating against Chancellor Metternich's policy of oppression. So far, the fate of the feeble-minded Emperor, courtly and politely called Ferdinand the Good-Natured, was not in danger, but his future had become quite uncertain. Austria, like France and certain parts of Germany was ripe for a big change. Vienna's new middle class, which included many disgruntled workers, joined forces in the upheaval against their monarchist absolutism, turning anti-Habsburg and pro freedom for the serfdom in general, especially in Hungary.

  By now, the revolution had spread throughout most of Europe, with the exception of Switzerland, whose neutrality granted in 1815 was respected. It nevertheless got its share of refugees, which was no easy task to deal with, considering the enormity of the revolution and the small size of the country.

  The posters in Paris were still informing citizens of the latest news in France including important changes taking place in foreign countries. Austria's greatest and most despised diplomat and chancellor, now an old man and of little or no help to the deteriorating situation, fled the country. The mob, as usual, was gaining the upper hand.

  For the present, Karl had no choice but to conform to the circumstances, still hoping for a swift turnaround or any other way of resolving his planned return.

  “Here are a few letters for you, Monsieur Reinhardt!” his housekeeper greeted him in her usual warmhearted tone of voice, knowing how anxiously he had been awaiting news from home for the past few weeks.

  “Thank you, Pauline! I am amazed the mail is still arriving, if one considers all the dangers involved.”

  “It is only by having my husband and people like him doing their utmost as coachmen and carriers!” she replied with a certain pride.

  “Why didn't I think of that?” He smiled, opening all five letters simultaneously.

  ∼

  Vienna's uprising was nothing in comparison to the revolution brewing in the Reinhardt household, Karl soon noticed. As he read on, he became more and more devastated by his parents’ plight in regards to Christina's hopeless involvement with an Austrian officer. As it turned out, the man in question was Major Thomas von Walden, who was known to be a fortune hunter, having already ruined a few gullible women. Now he was working very hard on Christina's naiveté to accomplish exactly the same.

  “There are even uglier rumors about the Major, dear son! But this I could only discuss privately and in person with you,” his father stated, completely distraught.

  His mother's letter wasn't any less disturbing, emphasizing that he was needed urgently. George Auersbach's letter revealed more agitating details about the Major. It said, “While being well-built, extremely handsome, and with a gift of charm and flirtation, he is, as you know from previous talks we have had, also bisexual and the long-time lover of Rudolf Altmann, who just recently has broken his engagement again to a lovely baroness, sending her to the hospital with a nervous breakdown!” He continued, “There is no possible avenue any of us is able to take with your sister. She is totally smitten by this scoundrel!”

  Christina's letter was rather short, referring only to her well-deserved happiness, which to her chagrin, no one was willing to accept or share. “Mama and Papa are behaving despicably. I have no choice but to reside at Lindenfels castle, since it is secure, sure not to be shelled or looted thanks to the protection of Major von Walden, who is willing to risk his life in order to save the Reinhardts. What do you say to this offer of sacrifice, Karl?”

  He had very little to say and started to pack immediately. “A revolution in a country is one thing,” he thought. “but in my family, that's quite another matter!” This, at least, gave him a chance, no matter how insignificant, to be at their side when needed, and every letter lately had indicated just that. He had hoped to go home a few months earlier, but due to illness he had been delayed. Now his going home was a matter of urgency.

  “Pauline! Do you know what the possibilities are to get a ride through France, let's say to the border of Switzerland? Money is no object,” he added.

  How well she knew that money was never an object with him. She would miss getting double pay for half the work, and that was just one of the advantages she had enjoyed since she had been in his employ. She answered nevertheless. “In two days, Monsieur! My husband will be on his way to Switzerland for his regular mail pick up. There shouldn't be too many passengers since Switzerland permits only transients in and makes sure no one lingers on. Austria is a different story, however. I wouldn't be gambling on that!”

  “I'm sure to be safe in my own country and certainly not afraid there.”

  “But there are many Austrians that are, very much so, Monsieur!” she cautioned, convinced that his sudden departure must be in connection with Austria’s deteriorating situation and the worry about the safety of his family. “My husband knows the best and shortest routes, and above all, the safest inns,” she continued. “You needn't worry about being robbed with my husband as the coachman.”

  Karl was less optimistic. He knew, however, that he couldn't lose any time. Now he had the hard task of facing his landlords and telling them of his imminent departure. He offered them an extra month's rent, which they refused to take, giving the reason that they only would rent to people that suited them and not for the money.

  “You've given us so much pleasure just living here, Monsieur. Not to mention how much you have spoiled us these four years!”

  “I was equally happy to be here!”

  “We'll pray for your safety and even more for a happy return with your sister,” they assured him, understanding his reasons for departing, but still weeping bitterly.

  Karl, too, left with a heavy heart, thinking of what he was leaving behind and also of the trouble laying ahead of him. Between lay only the journey from Paris to Vienna with plenty of time to reflect on his long absence from home, and he hoped that his lengthy stay in Paris would have some impact on his having become a better man.

  ∼

  A passenger, who had boarded the coach to share the last few kilometers to the inner city spoke grimly, bringing more fear, frenzy and anxiety with him than Karl had experienced in all of his travel days. “Barbarous fighting has broken out all around the Stephan's cathedral! The man added worriedly, “I must get my family to a less violent place! Most of the people left months ago. I don't know why I didn't do the same. I've just always thought it would all calm down and get better,” he sighed.

  Karl could only nod in agreement, thinking of the welfare of his own family until they arrived at his mansion. He thanked the coachman profusely for taking the risky detour to bring him right to his doorsteps as the streets were now overcrowded with soldiers.

  “We are once again living in very unsafe times, sir. Ferdinand will have to abdicate. He has to go!�
�� the coachman commented, as though he were talking about a neighbor.

  Karl handed him a very generous tip, which he gratefully pressed to his chest, smiling sincerely. “I'm at your service to help with your trunk and luggage, sir.”

  “Thank you, my luggage is light. I had to leave most of my things in Paris,” he stated truthfully, causing the talkative passenger to jump up from his seat, exclaiming, “Paris, France! And you are still alive, unharmed and have all your baggage?”

  “As you can see for yourself, here I am. Even enjoyed traveling through their countryside!” he replied, leaving the awed passenger in bewilderment, talking to himself and scratching his head.

  Nothing had changed at the Reinhardt entrance, even the “R's” and doorknobs were still carefully polished. He wondered whom he would encounter first and also what their reaction would be at his early arrival. As it happened, there were five of the servants armed with sticks and rifles to defend their master’s domain, who upon seeing him shrieked and slowly stepped backwards. Karl motioned them to keep quiet and whispered his plan to surprise his family.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt and your children have been in Lindenfels for weeks!” one of them told him, continuing. “They didn't want to take a chance staying in Vienna. They are all fine sir, considering.”

  “Considering what?” He couldn't keep the sharpness out of his voice, thinking of his parents’ plight with Christina.

  “The revolution, sir! There were hordes of riffraff who tore up all the eastbound railroad tracks. Now the military is mobilizing anti-Hungarian Croats to fight them!”

  “Oh my God! What next?”

  “You’d better leave too, sir! The road to Lindenfels may not be safe much longer.”

  “Thank you, I'll do that. But first, I have to have a bath, some good Viennese cooking and a good night's rest,” he said with a forced cheerfulness, not deceiving his old faithful servants, who only knew too well the reason for his return and the ordeal before him.

  On the way to his castle, he found out, among other little bits of news, that his sister had purchased a rather large old place and was having it fixed up. Also, she was planning to get married as soon as the revolution was over.

  “When did all this happen?”

  “A few months ago, sir.”

  “Ah, well,” he answered, trying to conceal his astonishment. “Some letters have taken several months to reach me. Some may even have gotten lost with Europe being in turmoil again. The people just want more freedom. I hope something good comes out of all the effort, but I rather doubt it!”

  “We are so happy you made it back safely. Our priest read quite a few masses for you,” Egon replied somberly.”

  “And made us pray rosaries also!” Egon’s young son joined in, who had come along for the ride to secure a safe journey, since there was usually no shooting as long as there were children involved.

  ∼

  Tears of joy and excited squeals welcomed Karl, as he embraced his utterly surprised father and mother. They had both aged considerably, he noticed. Otto, now slightly bent and shaky, and Stephany, still serene and beautiful with streaks of white in her hair, carried expressions of grief and worry on their faces. Karl himself, though still handsome, was looking older than his thirty-three years of age. A hardness could be detected in his face.

  “May I see my children now?” he interrupted the silence. Looking around the room he observed a governess with a blond boy walking towards him rather hesitantly.

  “How do you do, sir?” Alex said politely, inclining his head slightly, with a look that seemed to ask, “Where on earth have you been, when I needed you the most?” With a plea in his eyes not to be left with this stranger, he held on tightly to the governess.

  Verena's greeting was of an entirely different nature. She had been well prepared by her frustrated French teacher, who had for months rehearsed with her a proper comportment when meeting her father. However, Verena instead threw herself at Karl's neck, shouting in ecstasy, “Papa! Papa! I am so happy to meet you, finally!” forcing his mind to ricochet back to when Louise had introduced herself with the very same words.

  He was genuinely moved, appraising both of his children instantly with the conclusion that his son was a very handsome young man with impeccable manners, and although his daughter's looks were not exactly beautiful, she was so graceful and highly spirited that he felt she would never have any trouble charming the wrinkles off an elephant.

  “Papa, you and I can converse in French or German!” Verena elaborated, still tightly holding on to him while looking for an approving nod from her teacher.

  “We will child, each and every day!” he promised, overjoyed.

  Alex was still quietly assessing him, not uttering even one word. Karl had expected that reaction from his older child and was now trying to give him all the time he needed to get reacquainted, taking full blame for his son's distant behavior.

  “Alex, I would certainly love to see your collection of soldiers. That is, of course, when you feel like showing them to me.”

  “They are always on display and you may see them anytime you wish to do so, sir,” Alex answered quickly, hoping to engage his father in a battle, in which he proposed to outwit him, as he did everyone else with great ease and pleasure.

  “Well, well, well. I cannot ask for anything better, can I?” Karl winked at his equally pleased parents, who had been so overjoyed to see him return and had looked forward to the reaction of both Alex and Verena.

  “It must have seemed like an eternity to my poor children!” he thought to himself, but he had no choice but to devote a major part of his time to his parents, at least for the next few days, since, after all, it was the main reason for his leaving Paris in such a hurry.

  “I imagine you've forsaken your diploma for us,” his father said, interrupting his thoughts. Otto's hands were nervously gesturing, while Stephany stroked them comfortingly, trying to hold them still.

  “No, Papa. I didn't have to, even though I would have gladly done so! I already had my twelve semesters finished when I received your letter,” he assured him, not without a measure of pride. “and they will mail my diploma to me as soon as things become more stable. Many students have returned home and are in the same situation.

  “How are your landlords taking all the turmoil?”

  “Very badly. I'll tell you more about them later, but first let's start with Christina. Have things calmed down?”

  “No, dearest son! As I wrote you, we are beside ourselves and are still having our own revolution.”

  “We've made no progress with this whole impossible situation and it is slowly killing both of us!” Stephany added in distress.

  “You may not know it, but when I was a boy, I made a promise to grandfather. I repeated it as a young man to you, Mama, to help in any way possible. So here I am.”

  “Words cannot express our relief and gratitude just to have you home, son. Just to think what could have happened on your journey home—” his father reflected somberly.

  “I should never have left to begin with, but that is another story. Now, back to our prodigal Christina.”

  “We fear her situation has gone far beyond anyone being able to change it or to help with it!”

  “Don't ever give up, Mother! This is not like you at all.”

  “Yes, but we really don't have any choice in the matter any longer. She told us at our last visit that at her age she is entitled to her own chosen lifestyle and happiness. I'm afraid that if we do not agree to it, she'll elope as soon as she has a chance. I mean, as soon as the uprising is over.”

  “Elope? Why elope?”

  “Because, as I said, she knows we would never consent to a wedding with that man nor attend it. It's as simple as that!” Stephany said scornfully.

  “You must understand, Karl, this man is a monster! He doesn't look it, of course, but despite his perfect manners, he has ruined the life and reputation of quite a few ladies as well as
the financial affairs of their families through clever blackmail techniques of which he has become an expert! You too must consult with our lawyers about everything and anything. So far, Christina has only taken a small part of her inheritance with which she has bought the late Breyers’ rundown estate. She is having it refurbished to his specifications!”

  “Oh no!” Karl said, completely aghast, remembering the spooky old place which in his youth had been ideal for a hide and seek game. Of course, that was when grandfather was still alive. “Poor Christina, she couldn't have possibly been in her right mind. It's dreadful just to think of it!”

  “We fear this is just the beginning and that there will be a lot more awful things to follow. She is so in love and smitten by him which has caused her to become a completely different person! There is no more the Christina we knew and loved so much, not any longer the Christina you left a few years ago. You'll see for yourself!”

  “Wherever did she meet him?”

  “At last New Year's party at Baron Altmann’s,” his father intervened.

  “His mother had died just two months before. Imagine the impropriety! Not even observing the time of mourning!” added mother.

  “I have a feeling that there is more to it than meets the eye. Some foul play perhaps.” Karl was concerned, thinking immediately of George’s disclosure in regard to von Walden.

  “We are of the same belief, son,” his father agreed.

  “Well, we cannot put this on hold. I shall see Christina at once!”

  “Good luck! She never accepts any visitors unless her Major von Walden is present.”

  “Let her try to stop me. Aside from all concerns, I have reason to thank her for her efforts and devotion towards my children. Like both of you, she was here for me in my most difficult time of life. Now I must repay her by being here for her. As you have always taught us, in life, one repays a good turn by a good turn!” He embraced both of them.

  “Thank God for Karl!” both murmured almost at the same time.