The Ring

by Steel, Danielle

  But he had had another idea about Christmas, and when Christmas morning came, there were half a dozen boxes under the tree. One was a sweater Ariana had knit for Manfred, another was a series of poems she had written him and rolled up in a scroll. And third was a box of his favorite cookies, which she had struggled over for several mornings and finally got just the way he loved. Lebkuchen, for Christmas, in all the traditional shapes, some chocolate covered, some not, with little brightly colored sugar decorations sprinkled on them. He was touched to the core when he saw how hard she had worked.

  Manfred's gifts to Ariana were a little less homegrown, and she rattled all the boxes with anticipation and glee.

  What should I open first?

  The big one. In fact, he had two other big ones hidden in the closet down the hall, but he hadn't wanted to overwhelm her all at once. The first package she opened held a beautiful ice-colored blue dress, which hung from her shoulders and danced softly over her bare skin. It was a halter neck with a low V in the back, and after her winter of rugged skirts, sturdy shoes, and heavy sweaters, Ariana squealed with delight over the beautiful dress.

  Oh, Manfred, I'll wear it tonight to dinner! Little did she know that that was more or less what he had in mind. The second package yielded a pretty aquamarine necklace to go with it, and the third a pair of absolutely perfect silver evening shoes. Draped in all her finery, Ariana lay across their bed, swilling tea like champagne and singing in a throaty baritone. Manfred laughed happily at her as he went to collect the rest of the boxes, which yielded a white cashmere dress that was a far cry from what she had been wearing, and a simple black wool that was easily worthy of the wardrobe she had had before. He had bought her a pair of plain black pumps, a black alligator bag, and a perfectly simple black wool coat that she slid into with delight, trying on one outfit after the other. Oh, I'm going to be so elegant, Manfred!! She hugged him fervently and they both laughed again.

  You already are elegant! She was wearing the aquamarine necklace, the silver sandals, and the new black coat over white lace underwear. In fact, I'd say you look sensational! But there's one thing missing.' He began fishing in the pocket of his bathrobe for his last gift to her, this one hidden in a very small box. He tossed it into her open hands and sat back against the headboard with a grin.

  What is it?

  Open it and see.

  She opened it slowly and carefully, and when the box lay open in her hand, there was the joy of one who is loved in her eyes. It was a very handsome engagement ring from Louis Werner on the Kurf++rstendamm. Oh, Manfred, you're crazy!

  Am I? Somehow I thought that if eventually you wanted to have a baby, it might be a nice touch it, somewhere along the way we got engaged.

  Oh, Manfred, it's so lovely!

  And so are you. He slipped the round diamond onto her finger and she lay there grinning at it in the wild costume she had put together from the mountain of gifts he had just bestowed on her.

  She propped herself up on one elbow as they sat there. I wish we could go out so I could show off all my pretty things. But it was said pensively, without any great urgency. For the past three months they had been content just to go for walks or strolls around Wannsee or one of the other small lakes. They went to an occasional restaurant for lunch, but in effect they had lived like hermits, and they were both happier with each other at home. But he had bought her such pretty things to wear that all of a sudden she was tempted to step out into the world again.

  Would you really like that? He looked cautious.

  She nodded excitedly. I would.

  There's a ball tonight, you know, Ariana.

  Where? In fact, there were several. Dietrich von Rheinhardt was having a party, as was General Ritter in her father's old house; then there was one at headquarters, and there were two other big parties being given by the brass. They could have gone to any of the parties they wanted to. Only Ritter's was one Manfred was anxious to avoid. But other than that one, Manfred relayed the list to her and they chose three. I'll wear my new blue dress and my necklace ' and my engagement ring. She grinned at him ecstatically, and then suddenly she remembered something she had never showed him before.

  Manfred? She looked at him hesitantly.

  What, my love? Her face had grown serious so rapidly that he wasn't sure what to think. Is something wrong?

  Would you be angry if I showed you something? He grinned at the question.

  I won't know until you show me.

  But what if you're angry?

  I'll control myself. She went to the room that had been her old room and returned with her father's book. You're going to read me Shakespeare now? On Christmas morning? He sank back into their bed with a groan.

  No, be serious, Manfred. Listen to me ' I have something to show you. Remember the day you took me to Grunewald, and I got Papa's book. Well, the night my father left with Gerhard and ' For a moment her eyes were sad, her thoughts turned inward. She had long ago told him everything, and holding the book in her hand, she went on. My father left me these, in case I should ever need them, if something went wrong. They were my mother's. Without further ado, she flipped open the secret compartment and revealed the two rings, the diamond signet and the emerald. She hadn't dared to include the tiny gun her father had given her. When she had removed the book, she had quietly pushed the gun to the back of the shelf. To have been caught concealing a weapon would have meant instant death. But the rings were her treasures'all she had left. Not expecting what she was about to show him, Manfred gasped.

  My God, Ariana. And then, Does anyone know you have these? But of course no one did. She shook her head. They must be worth a fortune.

  I don't know. Papa said they might help if I had to sell them.

  Ariana, I want you to hide the book again. If something ever goes wrong, if the war ends and we do not win, those rings could buy your life someday, or get you somewhere where you could be free.

  You make it sound like you're going to desert me. Her eyes looked large and sad.

  Of course not, but anything could happen. We could get separated for a time. Or he could get killed, but he didn't want to remind her of that on Christmas morning. You just hold on to them. And as long as you're so good at keeping secrets, Fr+nulein von Gotthard 'he looked at her mock reproachfully' I think you should be aware of this. Without explaining further, he pulled out a drawer and behind it showed Ariana where he had concealed money and a small, efficient-looking gun. Should you ever need that, Ariana, you know it's there. Do you want to put the rings there with it? She nodded and they put her mother's rings away, and she sat gazing happily again at her own. As of Christmas morning, 1944, Ariana Alexandra von Gotthard had become engaged to Lieutenant Manfred Robert von Tripp.

  Chapter 21

  Their evening began at the Opera House on the broad boulevard Ariana loved so much, Unter den Linden, its graceful tree-lined expanse interrupted only by the Brandenburg Gate, which lay directly ahead.

  Manfred watched with pleasure as she alighted from the car, the pale blue dress hanging from her body like a single sheet of ice, the aquamarines dancing from her neck. It was the first time in months that Ariana had worn clothes that even faintly resembled her old ones, and for just one evening it was lovely to forget the tragedies of the past year.

  She clung to him tightly as they made their way through a sea of uniforms, to those of highest rank, to whom Manfred had to pay homage before they joined the others to enjoy the ball. Manfred introduced her somberly to two generals, several captains, and a handful of colonels whom he knew, each time making a formal introduction as Ariana stood very still, her head held high, her hand outstretched. She would have done any man honor, and Manfred's heart swelled with pride as he watched how poised she was. This was her first time under the scrutiny of half the senior officers of the Reich. Captive princess that she was, they were all a little bit intrigued, and she knew it. Only Manfred knew how frightened she was at the beginning of the evening, as he
felt her hand tremble in his, leading her out onto the dance floor to waltz.

  It's all right, darling, you're always safe with me. He smiled down at her gently and her chin went up just a little higher than before.

  I feel as though they're all staring at me.

  Only because you look so lovely, Ariana. But she knew even as she danced with him that she would never feel completely safe again. They could do anything, these people, take her home from her again, kill Manfred, lock her in a cell. But it was absurd to think that way it was Christmas, and she and Manfred were dancing and then suddenly, as they whirled around the floor, she remembered and her eyes laughed again as she looked into his.

  Do you know, I came to my first ball here! With my father. Her eyes glowed, remembering the evening that she had come here, so excited and so filled with awe.

  Aha, should I be jealous, fr+nulein?

  Hardly. I was only sixteen. She looked at him imperiously and he laughed.

  Of course, how foolish of me, Ariana. You've so much older now. But she was in many ways. She was a lifetime older than the girl who only three years before had danced in this same ballroom, in her layers of white organdy with flowers in her hair. It seemed a thousand years before. And as she thought of it dreamily, someone took their picture. She jumped in surprise and looked, blinking, into his eyes.

  What was that?

  They took our picture, Ariana. Is that all right? It was customary to collect dozens of photographs of the officers and their ladies, at each party, every ball. They ran them in the papers, put them up in the officers, clubs, had copies made for relatives. Do you mind, Ariana? For a moment disappointment filled his eyes. Six months before he would have been livid to have his photograph taken with any woman, but now he wanted a photograph of them, as though seeing their faces before him on paper would make it all seem more real. She understood the look in his eyes quickly and inclined her head with a small smile.

  Of course it's all right. I was just surprised. Will I be able to see the pictures? He nodded and she smiled.

  They stayed at the Opera House for over an hour, and then, looking at his watch, he whispered in her ear and went to fetch her wrap. This had been only the first stop of the evening, and the more important stop on their agenda was yet to come. He had wanted to get her accustomed to the sea of uniforms around her, the curious stares, the flashbulbs sending little black dots dancing before her eyes, because at the next stop she would be even more closely watched. As his fianc+!e she would pass under considerable scrutiny, and he suspected also that the F++hrer would be there.

  When they drove up to the Royal Palace, Manfred immediately spotted Hitler's black 500 K Mercedes. There were dozens of special guards surrounding the palace, and once inside in the splendorous, mirrored gilt and inlay of the old Throne Room, Manfred felt Ariana tighten her grip on his arm. He patted her small hand gently and looked down at her with a warm smile. One by one he made the necessary introductions, wandering slowly through the lines of uniforms, introducing her to the generals and their wives or their mistresses. Watching her incline her head very slightly and hold out the graceful little hand, he felt his heart swell. Until at last they reached a face that was familiar, and General Hitter clutched the delicate young hand.

  Ah, Fr+nulein von Gotthard ' what a pleasant surprise. He cast a look of jubilation at her, and then a glance of brief disapproval at Manfred at her side. Lieutenant. Manfred clicked his heels and bowed Would you care to join us later, fr+nulein? There will be a small supper at my house. His, house. Manfred saw her eyes begin to dance with anger, and he only tightened his pressure on her left hand and then smoothly tucked it into his arm so that the general could easily see the diamond ring.

  I regret, Generals Manfred's voice was all sugar and cream "my fianc+!e and I have an earlier commitment for this evening, but perhaps he spoke reverently with a hopeful smile "another time?

  Of course, Lieutenant. And ' your fianc+!e, did you say? He asked the question of Manfred, but his eyes never left Ariana's as he spoke. She could feel the man's eyes almost undressing her; it made her skin crawl as she pretended not to notice.

  But this time Ariana spoke before Manfred, her eyes cast deep into the genera?'s, her tone polite but cold. Yes, we are engaged now, General.

  How nice. His lip curled. Your father would be very pleased. Not nearly as pleased he would be to have you in his house, dear General ' filthy bastard. ' She wanted to hit him as she stood smiling into the repulsive face. May I offer my congratulations? Manfred bowed again, and Ariana nodded demurely before they wandered off.

  I thought we handled that rather nicely. Ariana looked up at Manfred with a small smile.

  We did, did we? He was amused and, at the same time, madly in love with her. It was lovely taking her out. Are you enjoying yourself at all, Ariana? He looked down at her with concern, his own pride at being with her showing in his eyes.

  She returned the look of pleasure and nodded. Yes, I am.

  Good. Then on Monday we're going shopping.

  Good God, for what? You gave me three dresses and a coat this morning ' and a necklace ' and shoes and an engagement ring. She ticked it all off on her fingers like a child.

  Never you mind, fr+nulein. I think it's time that you and I started getting out. But no sooner had he said it than an odd hush fell over the room, and in the distance they could hear the bombs. Even on Christmas night the war was with them, and he found himself wondering which lovely monument, which home, whose children, had just been destroyed. But they stopped quickly, and no one had to flee to the shelter beneath the building, and the music played on. And they all went on pretending that this was like any other Christmas night. But die Grosses Schauspielhaus had recently been destroyed, and there were other buildings and churches that disappeared now almost every day. For almost a year now many Berliners had gone to bed fully dressed, with suitcases standing next to their beds, ready for a quick trip to the shelters where many of them spent almost every night. The Allies weren't going to let up now, and it frightened Manfred terribly. What if Berlin were another Dresden? What if something should happen to Ariana, too, before the end of the war? But at his side she instantly sensed his feelings, and she reached quickly for his hand, holding it tightly in her own, her deep, lovely blue eyes reaching up toward his to reassure him, her mouth so sensual and gentle Looking down at her, he could only smile.

  Don't worry, Manfred. Everything will be all right.

  He smiled slowly, looking at her. On Monday we go shopping.

  All right, if that will make you feel better. And then she stood up on tiptoe and whispered in his ear. Now can we go home?

  Already? , At first he looked surprised and then he grinned, whispering back to his little princess. Have you no shame, fr+nulein?

  None at all. I'd much rather be home with you than waiting here to see the F++hrer. But he put a finger on his lips.

  As it turned out, they saw him anyway. He swept into the room surrounded by his henchmen just before they left, a small man with his dark hair and mustache and unprepossessing looks, yet a current of electricity shot through the entire room. Ariana could feel bodies tighten, voices rise, and suddenly there was a wild chanting of Hail to the F++hrer, and she watched in astonishment as the crowd of men in uniform and women in evening clothes went wild. She and Manfred stayed until the frenzy ended and the crowd had settled down to their entertainment once again, and then slowly they wended their way through the crowd. It was near the doorway that someone touched her, just a quick touch on her arm, and as she turned, she saw Manfred suddenly and ferociously at attention, his right arm held aloft. And she saw then it was Hitler who had touched her, and now he smiled benignly and moved on, as though he had bestowed a blessing. Then, quickly, she and Manfred left. For a long moment they said nothing, and then at last in his car again, she spoke. Manfred, they almost went crazy.

  He nodded quietly. I know. They always do. And then he turned to her. Have you neve
r seen him before in person?

  She shook her head. No, Papa didn't want me involved in all that. , And then she regretted saying it perhaps Manfred would take it as a reproach of him. But he nodded quickly. He understood.

  He was right And your brother?

  He kept him out of it as much as he could. But I think he was afraid in a different way for me.

  And very rightly. He drove on for a minute and then turned back to Ariana again. Do you know what they're doing at that party at General Ritter's tonight? They're having beauty dancers and transvestites to entertain the guests. Hildebrand tells me that's a regular feature with him. A look of disgust crossed his face.

  What are beauty dancers and transvestites? She sat back with the wide, curious eyes of a child and Manfred grinned.

  Oh, my darling innocent, I love you. At moments like that he remembered that she was only five years older than his oldest child would have been. A beauty dancer is a naked woman who dances in suggestive ways to entertain, and a transvestite is a man masquerading as a woman, usually in evening clothes. They dance and sing, and can also be quite suggestive.

  But Ariana was laughing as she watched his face., Aren't they terribly funny?

  He shrugged. Sometimes, but generally not. Ritter doesn't have the funny' ones, he has the good ones. And when they're all finished performing, everyone ' . Suddenly he remembered that it was she he was talking to. Never mind, Ariana. It's all rather disgusting entertainment I don't want you involved in that And there was more and more of it lately. Not just at Ritter's house in Grunewald; the others were all indulging the same whims. As though, with each day, with the war around them worsening, they had to indulge their most outrageous fantasies and go to more and more indecent lengths. This was not what he wanted to introduce her to now. But having taken her out that night, he had been reminded of die pleasure of going out into the world with a pretty woman on one's arm, strolling in the midst of admiring glances, seeing her shine in a special kind of way. It made their seclusion in the house in Wannsee still more precious, yet he suddenly liked the idea of going out with her as well.