The Cursed Bride

by Camille Oster

  Chapter 5

  STANDING IN THE GRAND hallway, Aldine waited for Elke to come down ahead of their walk. Punctuality did not seem her greatest trait. As far as Aldine could see, Elke did nothing in a hurry. Perhaps there was no need to hurry here. The days were long and there wasn't much to keep time to, other than luncheon and then supper.

  Shifting her foot slightly, Aldine noticed the red carpet she stood on. It was old, but of good quality. Quality always lasted. The dark red gave a dark quality to the room, which was already somber from the wooden paneling on the walls. The window did what it could to brighten the place.

  Portraits were staring down at her and she studied them. Handsome, strong faces, with the serious expressions that were the fashion of previous eras. Men in black clothes with white lace collars. Who wasn't pleased fashions had changed? It was only the clergy that kept such morose and somber clothes now.

  One man had long hair and a sharp, piercing gaze that seemed to look straight at her no matter where she stood. Still handsome, but there was a harshness about him that the artist had captured.

  Looking closer at some of the other paintings, they were village scenes, again with the somber clothing. People gathered in a town hall, or something similar. A pastor at the pulpit, leading the congregation. There were definitely religious overtones to many of the pictures. It suggested it formed a great part of the family history.

  "The Graven family is very old," Elke said, drawing Aldine out of her study. "Extensively tied to the Lutheran church. Even faithful supporters of Martin Luther himself, I believe. Apparently not enough to give up the family title completely."

  That she was Lutheran had been imperative in the marriage contract, so it was still important to the family, even if Heinrich didn't act like an overly devout man, other than a quick prayer before supper.

  The sun was warm as they walked outside, and the sky blue. It was warm enough to walk with little more than a shawl.

  "The weather can change very quickly. The clouds rolling in across the forest, plunging the whole area into fog. It's really cloud, I think. We live in the clouds here at times."

  "Hopefully the weather won't come in while we’re out."

  Elke walked them to a path that led into the forest. The thick canopies blocked out much of the sun and it instantly felt colder. A carpet of green moss covered the whole of the forest floor, looking like a raucous sea over slopes, rocks and boulders, even felled trees. "In the early autumn, the forest fills with blueberries. It's wonderful. And then mushrooms, all different kinds. Although you have to know which ones to pick, some are poisonous. I am sure there is a book on them in the library. It is very important to know which mushrooms to pick and which to avoid."

  They walked arm in arm down the path, reaching a small bridge over a ravine. Again, the whole of it was covered by moss, almost making it all look soft. "It is such wild country," Aldine said.

  "In places. Other places it is gentle with rolling hills. Heinrich showed you the dairy fields, did he not?"

  "Yes," Aldine said, still appreciating him taking the time to show her his lands and industries.

  In the distance, they saw a cart traveling along the road. Again she thought it was Heinrich for a moment, before seeing it was Wolfgang.

  "Wretched man," Elke said. "Why doesn't he just leave?" Then she caught herself and smiled. "He can be very quarrelsome. He's a thorn in the family's side."

  Aldine didn't know what to say. "Does he have family elsewhere?"

  "None that will have him."

  Although Heinrich had expected it, Wolfgang hadn't appeared for supper the previous night. "He is not married, I take it."

  "Well, who would have him? He has nothing. Doesn't stop the dairymaids from clambering after him. I'm sure he toys where he shouldn't."

  The bitterness in Elke's voice showed clearly she disliked the man. As did Wilhelmina, apparently, according to Wolfgang's own inference. Heinrich seemed more welcoming, although Aldine hadn't heard Ludwig say one way or the other.

  It had to be awful to be in that position, part of a family where at least half of it wanted not a bar of him, wishing he would simply go away. It was perhaps understandable that he was rude and bitter.

  "Come, let's return to the house," Elke said, throwing a last dirty look at the man who hadn't noticed them before he disappeared from view.

  *

  The church was freezing inside when they entered through the main doorway. Grey stone covered all of the floor, with a carved stone window above the altar. Small windows high along the walls let in some light, so it was a bright space, albeit cold.

  Dark wooden pews lined the sides and they took their seat at the very front, which Aldine assumed was for the family. A simple wooden cross hung on the wall, but there wasn't much adornment otherwise, except for the carved pulpit.

  The pastor was a middle-aged man who wore a black robe over his black cassock. It made him look pale, but he had a kind, round face.

  With long strides, he walked over with his hand outstretched. "Welcome, Countess Graven. I am so pleased to meet you and welcome you to the congregation."

  "Thank you," Aldine said.

  "I understand you are from Manheim. Deacon Walter, I presume."

  "Yes," Aldine said, pleased and impressed that there was a connection between her own church and her new one. This seemed to go well. So far, she liked her new pastor, hoping they would get on well. Some in the Lutheran church were a little fervent.

  The sermon started shortly after she sat down next to Heinrich, enjoying the warmth of him next to her. They were to have the day together and Aldine was looking forward to it. His hand took hers, his fingers entwined. Sometimes he was very affectionate, and other times, he seemed to want to keep her at a distance. It had confused her at first, but now she simply accepted his intermittent affection.

  Her hand was small in his, his skin calloused and rough. Those hands had traveled her body that morning, elicited urgent desire that seemed to grow stronger each time they lay together. It was a base act, but it had its own beauty, she had concluded. It was growing on her. But now was not the time to think of such things.

  The pastor was talking about tolerance and of when to be firm, but Aldine found it difficult to concentrate. There was so much curiosity about her new family. Even Wolfgang was there, but he was sitting in the pew behind them. It seemed in church, he wasn't fully part of the family. Tolerance didn't fully extend to him, it seemed. Or perhaps, she was the one taking his place, displacing him out of the family to be forced to sit in the pew behind.

  Quickly, she looked behind her to see him looking down into his lap. They looked so alike, him and Heinrich, yet one was the titled progeny and the other the illegitimate scourge on the family—according to some. It seemed unfair.

  The sermon was over and they rose to sing a hymn, then another. Then it was over and they could return to the warmer temperatures outside. If it wasn't for Heinrich sitting next to her, she would really have frozen. She knew for next time to dress warmly.

  "Pastor Stubbe," Wilhemnia said with apparent affection when they reached the doorway, where the man was farewelling his congregation. "It was a lovely sermon."

  "Yes," the man agreed. "We all have our duties to perform and we must do so to the greatest of our abilities, even if it is hard."

  Aldine wondered if the man was referring to Wolfgang. Perhaps not, but the sermon surely applied to her illegitimate stepson. So far, though, she had barely seen Wilhelmina acknowledge his presence.

  "It was such a pleasure to have you with us," Pastor Stubbe said, taking Aldine’s hand.

  "Yes. And a riveting sermon," Aldine replied. It might not have been riveting exactly, but it had been good. The virtues were difficult to enact uniformly in one's life, but she tried to be mindful of her own impact on the world.

  "Of course, any instruction you would wish, I would be happy to help."

  "I will keep that in mind." Pastors often seeme
d to expect that they went home and studied the bible after service. Perhaps the Graven family did. It remained to be seen what they did with the rest of their Sundays.

  Walking arm in arm with Heinrich, Aldine greeted the sun and let it warm her face. Wilhelmina was speaking to a contemporary and even Elke had found someone to chat with. Aldine knew no one here but the family. Wolfgang didn't loiter and was already on his horse, riding away.

  "Excuse me, I must speak to someone," Heinrich said. "Won't be long."

  Her hand slipping out of his arm, she let him go. This was the one place the whole community met and mingled, so it wasn't a wonder everyone liked to mill. Normally she would be having a word with her friends too. Instead, she looked around. It was a lovely church. Narrow, but very pretty.

  Around her was the graveyard, and her eyes soon found a Graven. The date said it was only recent, but there had been no mention of this person. A sister?

  "Come," Heinrich said, drawing her attention away. "Let's head back for some luncheon. I am starving. Pastor Stubbe is coming to join us."

  "Oh, that's wonderful." In fact, it was the first time they'd had a visitor of any kind.

  Chapter 6

  TAKING HEINRICH'S HAND, Aldine stepped into the carriage and was followed by both her mother and sister-in-law. Heinrich and Ludwig took their seats on the driver's bench and they were quickly on their way back to the house.

  That grave she had seen still lingered on Aldine's mind. She'd never heard mention of a Josefina, who had died only last year. There were no indications of this person by anyone, or any signs of her in the house. Still, it didn't seem suitable to ask when everyone was present, in case it was a very sensitive topic, which it seemed to be if all reminders of her had been cleared away.

  It wasn't a long ride back to the house, no sight of Wolfgang when they got there. Pastor Stubbe was not far behind in his own plain carriage, and they received him in the salon. Mr. Weber retrieved drinks for everyone, including an elderflower cordial for the ladies.

  Pastor Stubbe was speaking to Wilhelmina about an upcoming event within the village, while Heinrich and Ludwig spoke about some machine that had been introduced at an agricultural fair.

  None of the conversations included her, and that suited her fine. There was little she could add to either. Elke was shifting her skirt to display it better.

  "Who was Josefina?" Aldine asked quietly.

  "Where did you hear that name?" she asked.

  "I saw her grave."

  "Ah. Well, she died. We don't talk about it. It's hurtful. Please don't bring it up."

  "I'm sorry," Aldine said, feeling admonished.

  "The past is best left there, at times. More cordial?"

  Her glass was still three-quarters full. "No, I'm fine." It was a bit sweet for her liking.

  "Would you prefer some tea? I like a bit of mint tea before eating. I find it prepares my digestion. Shall I make some? I think I will. Won't be long." Rising, Elke disappeared and Aldine was left to observe the company again. Both Heinrich and Ludwig were relaxed, having moved to the fireplace to smoke.

  "Do you play any instruments?" Pastor Stubbe asked Aldine.

  "Not well. We were never much of a musical family, I'm afraid."

  "That is a shame. Music is such a delight for the soul."

  "I do enjoy going to concerts," Aldine added. "When they're on," she drifted off under Wilhelmina’s harsh scrutiny.

  "Not much in terms of concerts around these parts," Wilhelmina added. "We must make our own music. Perhaps you should practice."

  With a tight smile, Aldine nodded.

  "Here we are," Elke said, returning with two cups in her hands, placing one down in front of Aldine. "There is more if you would like," she said to her mother-in-law, "but you are not a fan of mint, are you?"

  Without responding, Wilhelmina turned her attention back to the pastor, who was now talking about what appeared to be another lady living in the district, and her two young sons, who were just about to go away for their schooling. Apparently the woman lamented being without them.

  "It is always difficult when your sons go away, but they do come back. Unlike daughters. But we are then blessed with daughters-in-law."

  "And such lovely additions to the family," Stubbe added. He seemed genuine in his compliments. There was an openness about him that Aldine liked.

  "Where did you attend seminary?" Aldine asked.

  "Munich," he replied. "It is where I am from originally."

  "You must miss it," Elke said.

  "At times. The Black Forest is such a beautiful place, such rugged beauty, one cannot help but to be swept away by the romance of the landscape."

  "You have such a way with words, Mr. Stubbe," Wilhelmina said and the pastor's cheeks colored slightly. "Poetic."

  "Do you write?" Aldine asked.

  "I dabbled a little in my youth, I suppose, before I became immersed in my work after."

  Weber arrived to tell them that luncheon was ready to be served and they shifted to the dining room. Heinrich sitting at the head of the table, while it took a moment for Aldine to realize that she was supposed to sit on the other side. Normally Wilhelmina headed the other side of the table, but not today. Not in front of company, it appeared, where Aldine had to take her rightful place as the mistress of the house.

  Feeling a little awkward at this elevated status, she sat down. It would be far worse to argue. She actually preferred sitting next to Heinrich, but he was still in full view.

  A large trout had been placed at the center of the table, covered with green herbs and onions. It looked delicious and smelled wonderfully. A maid served the portions out, starting with Heinrich, and then hers, followed by the guest. The dining process was much more formal when they had company. It reminded her of when she had dined with her father at the Academy of Architecture, where they had been served with gilded cutlery. It had been a very fine affair and Aldine had worn a gown specifically commissioned for the event.

  As luncheon finished, Elke decided to retreat upstairs to her room to rest, but the rest of them went outside to see the pastor off just as Wolfgang was returning from wherever he had been.

  "You missed lunch," Heinrich said to his half-brother.

  "Needed to be elsewhere," he said as he dismounted.

  "There is plenty left over if you should wish," Ludwig called back as he walked inside.

  Wolfgang nodded, proceeding to take off the saddle and bridle. His horse didn't move when free to do so, even walked behind Wolfgang as he carried the saddle to the stables' tack room. The horse seemed to trust his owner implicitly, probably expecting a feed of oats. Aldine didn't actually know what time horses ate.

  "How are you, my dear?" Heinrich asked. "Did you enjoy our lunch?"

  "It was a lovely meal."

  "I believe Ludwig caught the trout this morning."

  "He did a splendid job." Stepping a bit closer, she wanted to touch him, for him to put his arm around her perhaps. Maybe even kiss her, but he didn't. "What do we do now?"

  "Whatever you wish," he said. "Read. We can play cards if you like. I know Elke really likes cards."

  The idea was appealing; she wanted to spend time with him. It felt as though she had barely seen him all week. They did share a bed in the evenings, but there wasn't much talking between them. Other than that, they had very little time together, and it seemed they wouldn't have much now either.

  "What is it? You looked concerned," he asked.

  "Not concerned as such. It's just that I saw a grave in the graveyard."

  "There are many graves in the graveyard."

  "Josefina Graven."

  The easy smile melted off his lips for a moment, but he covered the expression. "She was part of the family for a while, but she died. It was very sad. No reason to concern yourself. The past is the past." His sentiment on the topic seemed to echo Elke's. Taking her hand, he tugged gently on her arm. "We will play cards. I'll just refresh for a moment an
d I will see you in the salon."

  Stepping back, his fingers slipped out of hers before he turned and walked in the door. Aldine stood there, trying to understand what he'd just said. Part of the family for a while. What did that mean?

  Crunching steps sounded and Wolfgang walked around the corner. There was something uncomfortable about his presence, and she didn't know how she was supposed to deal with him, choosing to smile.

  "Josefina was Heinrich's bride before you," Wolfgang stated and Aldine's mouth opened in surprise.

  "I didn't know," she said quietly.

  "She died and now they don't speak of her."

  "Did he love her?" It seemed a crucially important question and she voiced it before she had time to think about it.

  Wolfgang raised his eyebrows as if the question surprised him. "Not sure they knew each other long enough, but who can tell? I suppose only Heinrich would know that."

  Except Heinrich clearly didn't want to speak about it.

  "And Luise before that." Wolfgang added.

  "Luise?"

  "Heinrich has had a string of bad luck when it comes to brides. Some around here say he's cursed, but they're a superstitious lot. Any slight coincidence and it's a curse. The exact same people who believe in moss folk, goblins and elves. No rational person would put any stock in it."

  Cursed? Of course she didn't believe in curses. Beliefs from centuries before. "Moss people?" she said. Well, there was certainly enough moss around.

  Two brides lost. Aldine had had no idea.

  Wolfgang walked into the house, which was the first time she had seen him enter the house. Was he to while away the afternoon with the family, or did he simply wish a belated lunch?

  For a while, Aldine stood staring after him. Heinrich had lost two brides, Josefina and Luise. This had never been mentioned. Not that either she or her father would have put any stock in any notion like a curse. Perhaps his reticence to spend time with her was a result of this. How close had he been to them? Had his heart been broken, not just once, but twice? Or had he not known them well enough to have developed deep feelings for her, them?