Wed, Read & Dead

by V. M. Burns

  “Mrs. Baker, what an unexpected pleasure.” Lady Elizabeth leaned forward so she could yell. The vicar’s wife was a lovely woman, but was also slightly deaf in her right ear. “And who do we have here?”

  Mrs. Baker turned to the three frightened children she brought with her. “The boys are Johan and Josiah. They’re twins, so I don’t know which is which. They’re twelve.” She turned to a small girl one of the brothers was struggling to carry. “This is their sister.” She pulled out a piece of paper. “Rivka. She’s two.”

  Lady Elizabeth extended her hand to the boys, who merely stood mute and stared. They were tall for their age but extremely thin. Their clothes were ragged. Pants too short, which exposed their ankles, and jackets that were too tight but bore a distinctive yellow Star of David. The boys had dark hair. Their eyes were dark and sunken in, making the twins look older than their years. The girl was small, too small for her age. She had dark, curly ringlets that framed her face and a pale complexion. She placed her head on her brother’s shoulder. However, when Lady Elizabeth smiled at her, she returned the smile.

  The ladies sat and Lady Elizabeth rang the buzzer for tea. The children stood awkwardly.

  “Would you like to sit?” Lady Elizabeth extended a hand toward the sofa.

  The boys looked at each other and then stared at Lady Elizabeth, who nodded. The boys moved in front of the sofa and hesitated.

  Lady Elizabeth smiled and nodded again and they sat.

  “Your ladyship, I’m at my wits end.” Mrs. Baker perched on the edge of her chair.

  “Oh dear, please tell me what’s happened.”

  Mrs. Baker clutched her purse in her lap. “As you know, last Friday, the first Kindertransport arrived in England with over two hundred Jewish children from Germany and Austria.”

  “Yes. I signed up as a foster home, but I was told all of the children had been placed.”

  “Well, that was true. Unfortunately, Lady Amelia Dallyripple has just informed me she has to make a trip to the Riviera and can no longer keep the children.”

  Thompkins arrived with a tea cart. He rolled the cart into the room and placed it in front of Lady Elizabeth.

  Lady Elizabeth noticed only two cups and a small number of scones. She stared up at the butler.

  Thompkins coughed. “If your ladyship doesn’t mind, I thought the children might prefer something more substantial. Mrs. Anderson has soup, sandwiches, and, of course, cake for your young guests.”

  Lady Elizabeth smiled. “Excellent. Children, would you please follow Thompkins?” She motioned for them to follow the butler, who relaxed his normally stiff posture and extended an arm to direct the children.

  Tentatively, the children rose and followed the butler.

  Lady Elizabeth noticed they stared hungrily back at the tea cart as they left. After they left, she sighed, turned to her guest, and smiled. “Thompkins and Mrs. McDuffy will see they are well fed.” She poured tea and handed the cup to Mrs. Baker. “Now, what’s happened?”

  Mrs. Baker took a sip of tea. “Lady Dallyripple has backed out and says she can no longer take the children.” The woman spoke quickly. “It’s just a few weeks until Christmas and several of the other families who’d originally signed up as foster homes are out of town for the holidays and can’t be reached. The vicar and I have taken two, which will be challenging enough, but if we can’t find another foster home, then we’ll have five children, and I just don’t know that I can handle five children at once. With the language barrier and all, it’s got me beside myself.” She looked around like a frightened bird.

  Lady Elizabeth hesitated a half moment but smiled broadly. “We’ll be glad to take the children.”

  Mrs. Baker sighed. “Oh, thank you. Your ladyship has no idea what a relief it is.”

  Lady Elizabeth waved her hand in a gesture indicating no thanks were needed. “Glad to help. From what I’ve read in the newspapers and what those missionaries who spoke at the Lady’s Aid Society last month said, the situation in Germany is truly horrendous. It’s certainly no place for children.”

  Mrs. Baker shook her head. “I’m afraid things may be worse than what we’ve heard.”

  “What do you mean?”

  She leaned forward and whispered, “Most of the children don’t speak much English, but several of the older ones have made comments about bombing and family members taken out of their homes in the middle of the night. Stories are coming out about beatings and brutal attacks.”

  Lady Elizabeth took several breaths to calm her anger. “That’s horrible. Something must be done.”

  Mrs. Baker nodded. “Indeed, now that England has started the national registry, I suspect it’s just a matter of time.”

  Lady Elizabeth stared at the vicar’s wife. “I suspect you’re right.”

  Downstairs in the servants’ hall, Mrs. McDuffy stood with her hands on her hips and an angry look in her eyes that would not bode well if she ever got her hands on Mr. Hitler. “ ’Ow any ’uman bein’ what calls ’imself a ’uman bein’ can mistreat children . . . well, ’angin’ ain’t good enough.”

  Thompkins stood near enough to the housekeeper to hear her rant.

  The two servants watched the three children. Confused that so much food was just for them, they were reluctant at first, but after gestures to demonstrate they were to eat as much as they wanted, the children set upon the food like ravenous wolves. Table manners, if they had any, were discarded and the children used their hands to shove as much food into their mouths as quickly as they could. They discarded spoons and drank their soup directly from the bowl and used their sleeves to wipe their mouths.

  The other servants stood by. Gladys and Flossie wiped tears away. Gruff, Mrs. Anderson brought out as many enticing items as she could find. So, the table was laden with everything from soup and sandwiches to scones, fruit, milk, eggs, cookies, and cake. It wasn’t until she took a ham and placed it on the table did she see the youngsters stop. The boys’ eyes got large and they immediately dropped the food they held in their hands.

  Mrs. Anderson stared. “It’s just good old-fashioned ham.”

  Thompkins stepped forward. “I believe pork is not allowed in the Jewish religion.”

  Mrs. Anderson looked stricken and quickly removed the ham. “I’m sorry. I had no idea.”

  The children watched the cook remove the ham and then resumed eating.

  Mrs. McDuffy consoled the cook. “It’s okay, dear. You wasn’t to know.” She looked around. “And the rest of you can stop gawking and get back to work. We’ve got plenty of work to do getting ready for the wedding and no time to stand around watching children eat.”

  Lady Elizabeth entered the servants’ hall and everyone stood at attention. She took a minute and looked at the children and then turned to Thompkins. “Can I speak to you and Mrs. McDuffy, please?”

  The two servants followed Lady Elizabeth into the small office the butler used for private conversations. Once inside, the servants waited until her ladyship sat.

  “Please, sit.” She indicated the two chairs, even though the butler would decline; she waited for Mrs. McDuffy to sit before she started. “I think you both know the conditions in Europe aren’t very good at the moment.”

  Mrs. McDuffy sniffed. “ ’Umph. If the condition of those young children is any indication, I’d say things are gawd awful. Those poor children aren’t much more than skin and bones.”

  Lady Elizabeth patted the housekeeper’s hand. “I agree. Well, we may not be able to fix all of the problems in Europe, but we can at least make life easier for those three little ones.”

  “So, they’ll be staying?” Mrs. McDuffy asked.

  Lady Elizabeth nodded. “Yes. They were supposed to go to Lady Dallyripple, but she has to leave the country suddenly and can’t keep them.”

  Mrs. McDuffy sniffed again. “The old cow didn’t want’em.”

  Thompkins bristled. “Whatever her reasons for not taking them, your ladyship can res
t assured we will do our best to make sure they are well taken care of.”

  “I know, but I’m concerned with the plans for the wedding that it might be too much.” Lady Elizabeth looked at her trusted servants.

  “Fiddle sticks! Three small children won’t be much more work,” Mrs. McDuffy said.

  Lady Elizabeth smiled. “Well, I appreciate your willingness; however, I think it would be best if we hired someone to help out. Mrs. Baker tells me the children don’t speak English, so I think a governess, someone who spoke German, might be best.”

  Thompkins coughed. “Of course, your ladyship. I’ll call the agency first thing.”

  “Thank you, Thompkins.” She paused. “Perhaps, if they have someone who is either Jewish or at least somewhat familiar with Jewish culture, it might be helpful. However, I suppose that might be too much to hope for.” She sighed.

  “Good ’elp is ’ard to find these days. Not like in the old days when people lined up for jobs in service to a good family like this one.” Mrs. McDuffy sniffed.

  Lady Elizabeth smiled. “We have been fortunate to find good, honest, hardworking people, and I feel confident we’ll find the perfect person to help in this situation too.”

  Thompkins coughed.

  “Yes.”

  “I was just wondering what was known about the youngsters.”

  Lady Elizabeth sighed. “Unfortunately, not much. Mrs. Baker knows they’re siblings. Johan and Josiah are twins and they’re twelve. The little girl is named Rivka and she’s two. She doesn’t know their last names. She believes their parents were killed in Poland and they were staying with their grandparents in Berlin.”

  “The poor things.” Mrs. McDuffy sniffed and dabbed at her eyes. “It’s got to be very frightening for them, moving from Poland to Berlin and now to England.”

  “Exactly. That’s why we’ve got to do everything we can to help them feel welcome and loved,” Lady Elizabeth said.

  Mrs. McDuffy hoisted herself up. “Well, your ladyship can count on me and my girls to do our duty. Jews or Christian, it makes no difference. Children is children.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. McDuffy. I knew I could rely on you. Perhaps, you could have Lady Daphne’s and Penelope’s rooms upstairs in the nursery cleaned out and made ready. There should be room enough for the three of them and a governess.”

  “I’ll see to it at once.” Mrs. McDuffy turned to leave but stopped and turned back. “I’m sorry, is there anything else?”

  “Oh, no. I just need to have a quick word with Thompkins.”

  “Right.” Mrs. McDuffy nodded and then slipped out.

  Thompkins stood at attention.

  “Thompkins, would you please see the children all receive new clothes at once. Perhaps Frank or Jim could help with the boys. Normally, Daphne would be my choice for the little girl, but with the wedding . . . I hate to ask her.”

  “I understand completely. I think Gladys might be prevailed upon to help dress the little girl. She’s a local girl, and isn’t quite as flighty as other girls her age.”

  Lady Elizabeth nodded. “Perfect, but please check with Mrs. McDuffy first to make sure she can spare Gladys. I wouldn’t want to offend her.”

  Thompkins nodded. “Of course.” He paused. “Is there anything else?”

  Lady Elizabeth took a deep breath. “I don’t know how to say . . . I don’t want to offend you in any way, but . . . I had heard that one of your daughters, Mary, I believe, married someone who is Jewish.”

  Thompkins nodded. “Yes, milady.”

  “I was just wondering if . . .”

  “Darn it!” My cell phone vibrated. I looked at the time. It was almost two in the morning. I noticed Frank’s picture before I swiped my phone. “Phone calls at two in the morning are never good. What’s up?”

  Frank sighed. “I’m glad you’re up. Any chance you could come by the restaurant? I’ve got a problem.”

  “What kind of problem?”

  “You’ll see when you get here.”

  “I’ll be right there.”

  Snickers and Oreo were asleep and didn’t budge when I got up. So, I left them and put on my winter gear and hurried the few doors down to Frank’s restaurant. All of the lights were on and he was waiting for me at the door.

  He opened the door and I hurried inside. He locked the door behind me and shook off the snow that accumulated during my short trek.

  “What’s up?”

  He put a finger over his lips and indicated I should follow him.

  I followed quietly behind as he walked to the back of the restaurant. He motioned for me to follow and he led me through a door that opened into a narrow passage near the restrooms. There was a door that led to a back storage area, where food and boxes were stored. Curled up in the back corner was what I initially took for a bundle of clothes. Upon closer inspection, that was when I saw one of the bundles move. I jumped and would have turned and run if Frank hadn’t reached out and grabbed my arm. I wasn’t fond of dark cellars or basements; surely Frank wouldn’t deliberately lead me here unless it was important. I took a deep breath and crept closer.

  Frank pointed. I looked around him and noticed two sleeping figures stretched behind some large cartons of paper towels and toilet paper. On the floor was a blond-haired, chubby little boy, who looked to be three or four. The other was a girl with stringy, dark hair. She looked about twelve. The children’s clothes were old-fashioned and, somehow, looked foreign.

  I stared at Frank and mouthed, Who? What?

  He shrugged. We tiptoed toward the door and farther away from the sleeping children.

  Frank looked haggard. “I have no idea who they are or how they got here. Between taking care of the restaurant and talking to your mother and Harold about the menu for the wedding, I barely had a chance to breathe.”

  “But how?”

  “No idea.”

  “Didn’t anyone see two children come in? Surely, they wouldn’t have just walked in without an adult. Someone had to have seen something.”

  “If they did, they never said anything to me. By the time I found them, all of the staff was gone.”

  “You don’t suppose someone just abandoned them here, do you?”

  He shook his head. “No idea.”

  We stared at each other.

  “What do you think I should do?”

  “You can’t leave them there. You’ll have to call the police.”

  At that moment, one of the bundles moved. The girl woke up. She opened her eyes and saw Frank and me watching her. She jumped to her feet. “Destarsi.” She reached down and shook the boy. “Andiamo.”

  The little boy sat up and wiped his eyes.

  “FERMASI,” Frank yelled.

  The girl stopped and stared at Frank.

  “What did you just say?” I whispered.

  “I told her to stop.”

  I nodded. “What language was that?”

  “Italian.”

  I was only slightly surprised Frank knew Italian. He knew several languages. In his past life, he’d been involved in secret government work, which he still didn’t talk about. “Now what?”

  Frank said several more things in Italian. I could tell from her eyes the young girl understood, but she merely stared.

  “Do you think she understands?”

  Frank nodded. “She does.”

  “What did you say?”

  “I told her we weren’t going to hurt her. I asked how she got here and where her parents were.”

  The two children stared at us, like frightened rabbits ready to bolt at the first opportunity.

  “What do you think we should do?” I asked.

  “I have no idea.”

  “Do they speak English?”

  “Maybe we should call the police?”

  The girl reached over and grabbed her brother by the coat and pulled him to his feet. She looked around until her gaze landed on a push mop in the corner. She ran to the mop and grabbed it like a sword. Sh
e slashed the air with the mop and walked forward.

  I took a few steps backward as she advanced, to avoid getting hit by the mop. Frank didn’t. Instead, he planted his feet and when she was about to bring the mop down on his head, he reached out and grabbed the mop with one hand and disarmed her. With the other hand, he grabbed her. He spun her around so she faced away from him.

  The girl kicked and screamed, but Frank held on. He dropped the mop so he could use both arms and enveloped the girl in a bear hug. “Grab him.”

  I reached out to the young boy, who tried to sprint past me. I wasn’t as smooth as Frank, but I managed to grab and hold my small charge.

  “Let me go!” She struggled and kicked.

  “I guess that answers the question if they speak English or not.” I glanced back at Frank.

  He was bigger, stronger, and a lot more experienced, so holding onto his captive appeared pretty easy. He merely wrapped his arms around her and held on.

  Eventually, she stopped struggling, probably a tactic to get him to relax his hold, but he was too smart to fall for that. When he didn’t loosen his grip, she started flailing and kicking, but to no avail.

  “Are you done?” Frank asked.

  “I’ll scream,” she said.

  “Go ahead. Maybe one of the neighbors will call the cops.” Frank waited, but no screams came.

  “You’re hurting me.”

  “Actually, this technique restricts without causing pain, but I know other techniques that aren’t as gentle.” He looked over at me and winked.

  “All right, all right. What do you want?”

  “I want to talk to you,” he said.

  “That’s it?” she asked.

  “That’s it.”

  “Okay.”

  Frank nodded to me. “Close the door and then let him go.”

  There was only one door into the room. I kicked it closed with my foot and then released the boy.

  The boy promptly ran to Frank and started to kick and pommel him with his fists. Frank ignored him, and, once he saw the only escape route was blocked, he released the girl.