by Susan Firman
CHAPTER 10
Something important
Summer was in full swing. Erwin Hans Resmel was happy with life: his English was near perfect, he had gained the certificate he had come to England for and he had found Caroline. He was almost an Englishman. His grandmother would have been proud of her grandson.
Hans had written to Uncle Karl and told him how well his studies had gone and how hopeful he was of finding a good position in England if his uncle was happy to agree for him to stay where he was. When the reply letter arrived, his uncle complained about how slow business had been. He wrote that Axel was working in the knife-making business four mornings a week and although business seemed to be slowly improving, the economy of the country was still too depressed to allow for much development. Uncle Karl also mentioned that no one appeared happy and discontent was to be found everywhere.
We hope that the Government will find an answer to our problems and that they will be able to keep the trouble-makers under control. The Bolsheviks are gaining supporters especially from the ranks of the unemployed. There are demonstrations and marches in the city. Not a good sign.
As it is extremely difficult to find a good-paying job or any job at present, I think your idea of remaining in England might be for the best.’
As Hans lay on his bed and read his uncle’s letter, he was reminded of what Heidi had told him. He had been under the impression that things were improving for the German people but now he was not so sure.
Hans continued to board in the Turner house for the rest of the summer but he knew he could not remain with Miss Turner and her niece for ever. He saw little of Jan as throughout the week and on weekends he went bicycling or walking with his friends. He was enjoying their company and now that they were older, they found themselves discussing everything from the latest craze to come out of America and the virtues of having a democratic government to the pros and cons of investing in shares.
He had written to uncle Karl and asked if he could advance a little more money so that he could put down a rent deposit. There were a number of small houses in a good area in town that had come up for rent and he was keen to get one for himself. In the meantime, he managed to find a part time job helping check the accounting figures for a small business. Uncle Karl had encouraged Hans to help with his own accounts as Hans had a good head for figures and could add up a column of figures in his head quicker than putting them through the slow and cumbersome adding machine. As soon as the money arrived in his account, Hans began using his free time going round the rental agencies and looking in many shop windows at the list of available accommodation. Caroline was a godsend. She spent several weeks finding out information and asking people she knew if they had any information about the properties in town. Finally, between them, they found the address of a place which Caroline said might suit.
It was a small flat in town where he could be independent and with money his uncle had sent, he had enough to enable him to employ a daily maid to come in to cook and clean for him. Wages for young girls were very low. Many poor parents still preferred to see their daughters into domestic service, knowing they would be safe from a wild life and temptation to be found in the streets of the larger centres. Parents hoped their daughters might find a position in one of the upper middle-class homes where they could pick up some of the graces that kind of household encouraged. However, Hans was young and single. Such a young girl in his house would definitely be frowned on.
How should he begin to select a servant to look after him and keep house? It was Caroline who suggested he ask Miss Turner and much to his surprise, she was willing to interview the applicants for him. Now that he had joined the adult world, he was beginning to discover that she was less of an ‘old dragon’ than he had thought and at times like this, she could be extremely helpful.
Occasionally, when he visited the Turner house, he ran into Jan. She was more in control of herself and Hans thought she appeared more grown up. She was no longer the rude and silly teenage girl he had met when he had first arrived. Jan did not say very much to him, other than a very polite good morning or good afternoon and she always seemed to be preoccupied one way or another so he really did not know what to say to her. He could not make up his mind whether her perceived coolness was from an uncertainty on her part, or a genuine dislike of him. Whichever it could be, Hans was content to leave her alone.
The first fall of snow arrived late in November. It had been a good autumn until then with fewer fogs than usual. Then, just as quickly, the snow melted and temperatures slightly warmed up again. As soon as Hans had settled in to his new house, Anne Sutherland and Bertie Williams had asked if they could move in with him for a few weeks until a few days into the New Year. It would be a squeeze. Hans would have to give up his bedroom for Anne and join Bertie in the tiny sitting room but he liked the idea of having company, especially it involved good friends.
Even though Anne’s home was ten miles away, she wanted to be closer to friends during the time when her parents were away. Anne’s father had allowed his servants to return to their own families for the festive season and, with Anne also away, had decided to shut up the house. Anne told Hans that it would be her last chance for town life before she retreated into the countryside.
Bertie also wanted time to see some of his old friends before he returned home. During the winter months there was not much to do on the family farm in Hampshire. He had told Hans that his father had made it clear that Bertie was to take over running the farm as soon as possible. It seemed that Bertie’s father was struggling since last July when some sort of illness had struck him down. It was something the doctors could neither explain or help him with and before he died, he said he wanted to teach Bertie as much as possible about farm management. Hans felt sorry for his friend for he knew what it was like to be without a father and without someone so close to you you could ask them anything and they would never think the worse of you. He had never had that feeling of father and son, not even with Uncle Karl. It was just not the same as having a father.
Miss Turner found Hans a housekeeper. She knew of an elderly widow who had just lost her long-held position when her employer had suddenly died. She was happy to oblige and for a four hours a day Mrs Harrison would come in to dust and tidy and prepare the main midday meal. The housekeeper was not the young girl Hans imagined he was going to get. He had dreamed of someone like Heidi or an English girl like young Mary but he knew his new maid could never be as young as them. Still, until the maid arrived, he could dream. That was until Mrs Harrison arrived on his doorstep on her first morning and Hans knew imediately all his wonderful dreams had ended. There would not be the slightest provocation for gossip for when Mrs Henderson did arrive, Hans saw that she was a homely widow of fifty years. At least no-one would be left wondering what was going on at number 36, and besides, all of Hans’ friends now knew that Hans had eyes only for Caroline Grace.
“Post’s arrived early this morning, Sir.”
Mrs Harrison always brought him his letters on a plate and handed them to him personally.
“Thank you, Mrs H.”
She preferred it that way. Everyone adressed her as Mrs H and she was so proud of that that she had embroidered it on the top of her pinafore.
Hans tore open the envelope and began reading. He was engrossed in it when Bertie entered the room.
“What? Another love letter, Hans?”
“Get lost, Bertie.”
“Caroline, Caroline give me your answer do; I’m half crazy, all for the love of you.”
Hans could hear Anne and Bertie singing in the hallway. Most times, he pretended not to hear them. This time, he could hear their subdued giggles on the other side of the door but after reading all of the letter, he felt cheerful and happy. How exhilarating it was to be in love. He finished the ditty by singing loudly to make sure the others heard him.
“But she’ll look sweet upon the seat, of a bicycle made for two, if I ever get one!” At the end Hans
shouted as loudly as he could. It was all in good humour for Hans did not mind the ribbing he was given.
Bertie popped his head round the door when Hans answered.
“You sound extremely happy today, Hans.”
“I am. Caroline’s going to take advantage of the better weather and come over. She writes that she’s coming down for the weekend. She wants to see me again. Isn’t that great. She does want to see me again!”
“Lucky you, old boy. I’m off for a spot of fishing before the cold really sets in. Loppy’s father’s had permission to fish in Lord Haselmere’s stream so the pair of them have invited me along for the day and Anne’s off with Gerald for the day but won’t say where. I think we’re all going to have an exciting weekend, that’s for sure.”
Friday was hinting at a wonderful weekend for after a light early morning mist, the sky cleared as a high pressure settled down over England. Hans was invited over to the Turner house for morning tea. He knocked and waited for Ellen or Mary to open the door. It was Jan. He noticed her hair had been cut and was much shorter than before.
“My aunt’s expecting you,” she said without any emotion in her voice. She held the door open for him to enter. As he stepped inside, she added, “I’ve heard you’re in love with Caroline Grace.”
“Who told you that?”
“It’s common knowledge.” She pushed her glasses back and looked at him down her nose.
“I think she’s a very nice girl, that’s all.”
“My aunt’s not very pleased about it,” answered Jan keeping a firm hold on the door.
“What’s it got to do with your aunt? She’s not my guardian. I don’t go to the school any more. And I thought we were getting on better.” Hans was annoyed with Jan and it showed in the way he spoke his words.
“I don’t know about that. All I know is that she’s not pleased.”
“It’s got nothing to do with your aunt or you.” His answer was spat out as if he wanted to hurt her with his words. Jan bit her quivering lower lip and adjusted her glasses. Hans thought she was about to burst into tears. He knew he had embarrassed and upset her, for that little habit always gave her feelings away. “Well, are you going to allow me in, or not? Or do I have to wait for Ellen or Mary?”
Jan did not cry. Neither did she answer him but she did finally open the front room door wide enough for him to step through.
Miss Turner greeted him cordially and indicated that he should sit where she could easily converse with him.
“Are these rumours true, Mister Resmel, that you have a very soft spot for Miss Caroline Grace?” She did not wait for him to answer. “My dear boy, you cannot continue such a relationship. I’m telling you that that you will find it very difficult should you wish to court that girl. You know nothing about the family or about her father. Besides, I think you’re too young at present to think about taking on a relationship. You have not found a job to support yourself and you are in no position to think about providing for a wife.”
“Nobody has suggested marriage, Miss Turner. We’re friends. That’s all.”
“That will please your uncle.”
“My uncle? What does he know?”
“Nothing as yet. He understands that your first priority is to find a good permanent position. He doesn’t want you to throw opportunities away and I agree with that. Once you have established yourself and have a settled address, then you can think about courting, if that is what is on your mind.” Mary knocked and brought in the tea pot and three cups. A few minutes later she returned with the plate of small cakes. Miss Turner broke off her conversation with Hans and addressed her maid. “Mary, would you also bring us some serviettes.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And tell Miss Janine that we’re ready to take tea.”
Hans shifted in his chair. The thought of Jan joining them did not appeal to him. Last time he had visited, Jan sat opposite him and spent most of the time in a silent stare. This time Jan actually spoke to him.
“Tell me, have you heard from Miss Friedl?”
“Yes, but she does not write often.”
“Pour out, will you, Janine ?” Miss Turner offered Hans a cake. “She was a good little worker,” Miss Turner commented. “I’ve heard of other foreign girls seeking work in this country.”
“Yes. Uncle wrote that there’s not much work in Austria or Germany. He has advised me to stay here and look for work. For a while, at least.”
Jan half stood and reached for a cake. She took one and held it awkwardly in her cupped hands. Her aunt’s eagle eyes had already noticed.
“Do use a plate, Janine. It’s so common to hold food like that.”
Jan picked up a plate and placed her tiny cake in the centre of the tea plate.
“What are you doing later this afternoon?” She took a small bite and replaced the remainder on her plate.
“Probably going boating down the river.”
What Jan said next surprised him.
“Why don’t you take Anne, for example?” Jan looked directly at her aunt. Hans knew full well that Jan knew Anne was not available. “I’m sure she’d like to go boating.”
“Anne’s going out with Gerald this afternoon. I thought you knew. I think they’re making up a foursome and going out in Osbert’s motorcar.”
“Janine’s not got anyone to take her out.” Miss Turner looked quite intently at Hans. She looked serious, too. “It’s such a lovely day.”
In his mind, he said, it won’t be Jan, if that’s what she’s thinking but to Miss Turner, he said instead,
“Sorry. I’ve already made arrangements.” There was a pause while he thought of an answer. He did not want to admit it would be with Caroline. Finally, he said in a quieter voice, “with Robert Brinkwater.” He bit his little finger, then laughed a little and hoped he had not betrayed himself. “Boys’ day out. ”
“Then that’s that then!” Jan seemed both resigned and annoyed at the same time.
“Yes, sorry about that.”
It sounded awkward to him but it was all he could think of. Jan huffed and put her empty plate down with an audible bang. She stormed out of the room.
“Janine!” But Miss Turner’s concern did not stop the hurried exit. She turned to Hans. “Oh dear, it seems you have upset her again.”
“I didn’ t mean to.”
The rest of the afternoon tea was spent with just himself and Miss Turner in the room.
When Hans met up with Caroline, he told her what had taken place at the Turner house.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with Jan Turner. One minute she appears to hate the sight of me and the next she wants me to take her out. Then, because I said I was going somewhere with Robert, she got the huff and was hostile. She is absolutely crazy. What a girl!”
“I think she’s all right,” said Caroline. “We’ve always got on well together every time we’ve met.”
That took Hans aback. He didn’t know Caroline knew Jan. Neither had hinted they had any knowledge of each other prior to Hans having met Caroline.
“What do you know about her?”
“Jan’s never been allowed the freedom most of us have. I think my father is strict but her aunt is far stricter and keeps a very close eye on everything Jan does. She is so protective. Poor Jan, she hardly dares to go out of her aunt’s sight and she says things she doesn’t always mean. I’d hate to be in her place. I think she’s being like that because she’s not allowed to be herself. I think Jan does things because it is her only way to rebel and can you blame her? She sees others having a good time with their friends and she wishes she could do the same.”
“Who? Jan? But she’s younger than any of us. We would not want her tagging along.”
“She is only younger by a year or two,” Caroline pointed out. “That shouldn’t make any difference. Besides, she’s not the wild cat you seem to think she is.”
“Jan Turner! Jan Turner?” Hans shook his head in disbelief. “You, you
know her?”
“Oh, yes. We’ve known each other since we were babies. We’re second cousins. Miss Turner is aunt to us both.”
No wonder Miss Turner had been against any involvement between himself and Caroline Grace. But that didn’t stop them arranging to meet up again on Saturday and this time Hans was determined to spend the entire day with Caroline. They had agreed to meet outside the small café in the High Street at nine in the morning. Hans waited just outside, leaning against one of the lamplights. He didn’t notice Caroline’s arrival.
“Hello, Hans. Been waiting long?”
He turned as she tapped him on his shoulder.
“No,” he lied. In fact, he had been there since half past eight.
“You said nine. It’s not quite nine and . . . ”
“I’m impatient.”
“Or keen.” She laughed and brushed down her skirt. It had acquired a few spots of mud on it thrown up when a motorcar passed close by.
“Well? Where are you taking me?”
“Surprise.”
“Can you wait just a mo’,” she said. “I’ve just got to get something from the shop over there.” She pointed three shops along the road to the sweet shop. “Back in a jiffy.”
Hans leaned against the lamppost again.
“What the . . . ?”
It was Jan Turner. She stopped in her tracks in the middle of the pavement, letting her shopping bag sink on to the pavement.
“Hello.”
“Hello, Jan.”
“You going to my aunt’s?”
“Um, er, no. I’m waiting for someone.”
“I see. Robert by any chance?”
Why she had mentioned his name she had no idea but as the two had been seen in each other’s company, Jan considered it could be him.
Hans glanced at the new watch he had recently acquired. Caroline could appear any minute now and he did not want to be caught out. He wrapped an arm around the lamp post as if it were the waist of the girl in his mind.
“It’s actually Caroline I’m waiting for this time. She’ll be here any minute.”
The two stood looking at each other for a minute in awkward silence, the full shopping bag and the lamp post between them.
“I s-see,” she finally stuttered. “Going for a boat ride again?”
“I told you, that was with Loppy.”
“Oh? Yesterday it was Robert! So you said! Or let me guess. I’d say, Caroline. Not Robert at all.” Her eyes narrowed and the muscles in her face twitched. “You’re a liar, Hans Resmel!”
“You shouldn’t be so nosey, Jan Turner. Then I wouldn’t have to lie to you!” He snapped his words out at her. As he looked away, he caught sight of Caroline as she reappeared from the sweet shop. “Must go!”
He grinned triumphantly at Jan, then releasing his arm from the post, he made a dash across the road so that Caroline did not come face to face with her angry cousin. Hans grabbed Caroline by her arm and hurried her away in the opposite direction. Jan was left standing where she had met him. Her mouth half open in an unfinished exclamation and her shopping still in front of her feet.
It was marvellous to get out into the fresh air at last. It had been a long time since Hans and Caroline had been able to enjoy each others company again. They walked along the bank of the river in a westerly direction following the flow downstream. Hans carried the small picnic basket which Mrs Harrison had prepared. They would have to walk for a good hour and a quarter before they reached the spot he had previously found. As the path left the riverside, they made their way alongside large spreading beech and oaks which had been planted to give shelter to the fields of corn just beginning to show signs of a golden autumn change. The day was perfect, as perfect as any day could be.
The pathway edged the fields and then turned back towards the river again where they followed it downstream for another thirty minutes or so. They could hear the constant quacking of ducks as they swam in and out of the overhanging vegetation which grew along the river’s edge. Wild flower-heads scented the air and along the water’s edge, they could hear the occasional gentle swish of a willow branch as the river current caught it and tried to drag it along. Hans picked up a small pebble and bounced it across the surface of the water. He made a slight whistle sound as he watched the bounces. Caroline looked at him, and laughed.
He took her hand and led her over a crest to where a tree had fallen down during one of the winter storms. They sat down on one of the smooth branches together and Hans balanced the picnic basket on it between them. Caroline opened up its lid and took out several sandwiches, two for Hans and one for herself. They began eating.
“Do you come here often?” Caroline asked as she bit into her sandwich.
“No, but I’ve been here several times. It’s peaceful here and not many people seem to know this little area.”
“Did you see the way Jan looked at you when we were in the High Street?”
“You noticed? I thought you didn’t see her.”
“Well I did.”
“Then you saw the way she behaved.”
“You think she does that because she hates you? I think you are wrong, Mr Hans Resmel.” Caroline laughed. “I think Jan likes you. A lot.”
Hans’ voice went up several octaves. His hands grabbed at the air each side of his head. The idea was preposterous.
“What! Are you crazy? All she does is argue with me or give me the silent look. She is always watching me. ”
“Well, it proves you are no good at reading us women. You should have seen the dismay and disappointment on her face when she saw me. You didn’t, of course, because by then you weren’t facing her.”
“I think you’re completely wrong, Caroline. I boarded with her and her aunt for over a year and all Jan did was demonstrate that she really didn’t want me there.”
“That was jealousy. Like sibling rivalry.”
“It didn’t come over that way to me.”
“I know her. Remember, I’ve known her longer than you.” Caroline handed him another sandwich. “And we are both female.”
“Yes, you are. All woman to me.” He tried to kiss her but she ducked her head and laughed teasingly.
“Cheeky!”
“Yes my sweet. And you win.” And before she could stop him this time, he pecked a swift kiss on the tip of her nose. “Come, let’s not spoil our day. What have we got in here?”
He began unwrapping the two slices of cake that had been put in the basket and when they had finished eating, Hans edged closer towards Caroline. He was feeling a tingle of excitement because he wanted to hold her close to himself but at the same time, he did not want to frighten her away. He was having great difficulty finding the words he wanted to say to her.
“Schatzchen.”
“Hans, I don’t understand.” She looked at him in puzzlement. “You’re not making sense.”
“What I’m trying to say, Caroline, is . . .” He swallowed the remains of his last sandwich and took a deep breath. “Your my ‘little treasure.’ You must have guessed. I am crazy about you!”
“You are?”
“Don’t tease me. You know I am. I’d do anything for you.”
He leaned forward to kiss her but she turned her face away.
“Give me time,” she breathed as she returned to face him. “I can’t make up my mind that quick. I’d like time to think things over before we get serious. That’s not to say I don’t like you. I do. An awful lot.”
“I don’t just like you, I adore you.”
“Whew!” she gasped. “That’s strong.”
Caroline was embarrassed by his sudden attention. A little shift away from him indicated she was beginning to be a little unsure of her feelings towards him at this moment.
“Why should it be?” He sounded deflated.
“Because we haven’t known each other for that long, Hans. I mean, you don’t know anything about me.”
“I don’t need to! I love you. Isn’
t that enough?”
“I suppose so.” Her voice had hesitancy in it. As his expression changed to one of disappointment, she changed what she was about to say. “If you’re really thinking of courting me, you should speak to my father first.”
“You think he’d allow it?”
Caroline arched her back like a gymnast and flicked away a strand of hair that had been blowing across her face.
“I don’t see why not,” she answered. “I am sure he’d speak with you, if he was in the right frame of mind.”
Hans found the situation awkward. He bit on the end of his little finger, something he had not done for some time. Finally, he said,
“What do you mean? What frame of mind?”
“When it is not church day, for then he thinks only of the good book and of our morals. And it cannot be on Tuesdays or Fridays as those are his tea delivery days. But between those . . .”
“Do you think he would give his permission for us to see each other?”
Caroline laughed.
“He might. But then he might not. He is like that, my dad.” She turned over and raised herself on to her knees. It was plain to Hans that Caroline did not want to talk about her father. “What if you should decide to return to Germany?” she asked.
“Wouldn’t you be willing to come, too?” He began to help Caroline pack up the picnic basket.
“It’s not England,” she said hesitantly. She stopped what she was doing and looked him in an earnest manner. “I’ve never been that far before.”
“But you’d be with me. I’d look after you.”
He laid his hand over her wrist. It was such a dainty one, warm and feminine. His open hand slid down over her smooth skin until his hand covered hers.
She did not look up.
“Well, I suppose so. It might be all right.”
The hesitation in her voice made Hans a little apprehensive. He wondered whether Caroline really would be prepared to leave her family and country and start a new life with him abroad. He thought of his grandmother. She had followed his grandfather and, as far as Hans knew, she did not see her family again. What if their two countries should ever go to war again? The idea was too awful to think about. It was just as well their countries were friends again and that the League had been created to keep Europe stable.
His contour brightened and he leaned forward and smiled at her.
“That’s a start. Let’s say we’re pledged to each other at least.”
He had heard that saying first from Anne when she told him about her relationship with Gerald.
“Like boyfriend and girlfriend?” she asked.
“More than that.”
“Like being engaged?”
“Yes. But without the ring. And then, in a few months, say three or four, we can make it more formal. That’s after I’ve asked your father, of course”
Caroline nodded and her expression became lighter.
“That sounds good. I’d like that, very much.”
She laughed teasingly. Hans made a grab at her. The picnic basket fell off the branch but nobody minded or heeded its falling. Only the declaration of their feelings for each other seemed important now.
Hans could no longer contain his love for her. He began kissing her most passionately; her arms, her neck, her cheeks, until he found her soft moist lips. She yielded but then returned his embrace with a passion equal to his. With that encouragement, he found he could not stop himself until his breath finally ran out and he was forced in gasping ecstasy to pull his lips away from hers. His body felt as if a fire had been lit in his belly. His nostrils flared like a prancing stallion as his breathing became more rapid. He laughed out loud from sheer happiness. Caroline’s response had told him everything. She did love him.
“I do love you, Caroline Grace. And, I will marry you, you’ll see.”
Hans leapt in the air in jubilation. He was young, his muscles tingled with pleasure and excitement. He clenched his fist and thrust his arm triumphantly into the air and let out a cry of triumph for all to hear.
“She loves me! See, she loves me! Hey, you English hills! Caroline loves me! There! What did you think of that?”
“Worth watching.”
“I’ll start saving up for a ring.”
“You’d better find yourself a job first.”
“I will. Give me time. I’ll find the best job in the whole of England. Then your father cannot refuse me.”
They laughed together. They shared another magical moment cuddled tightly in each other’s arms, kissing and loving every moment as their excited emotions spurred them on and on.
Suddenly Caroline broke free and pushed Hans away from her.
“Steady on,” she gasped, gently removing his hand from inside her unbuttoned dress. “That was getting a bit strong. You’ll be thinking I’m a loose girl.”
“Never. I’d never think that!”He re-buttoned the bodice like a mother dressing her child. Suddenly, Caroline noticed the upturned picnic basket. Its contents lay scattered in an untidy array on the grass.
“The basket!” she exclaimed. “Oh, no!” She began picking things up. “We’d better be getting back.”
As they stashed the items back into the picnic basket they teased and touched each other, delighting over the discovery of their attraction.
The Sunday sky was blue. The chattering birds mirrored their feelings. It was a wonderful walk to the bus station and they constantly chatted about all the wonderful things they would do together and counted all the wonderful children they would have in their wonderful family home. Happy, in love, they meandered hand in hand along part of the riverside, Hans carrying Caroline’s small suitcase in his right hand. After fifteen minutes, they made a left hand turn which took them back into town. Hans waited with Caroline until her bus turned up. She climbed the stairs to the open top with her scarf holding on her Sunday hat and stood bent over the side waving and waving with her black gloved hand until he lost sight of her as the bus turned off the main street and disappeared out of view.
