“I can see two coffins and two soldiers on a sleigh,” Madeleine, who had been peeking out the window, commented. “Shabby wooden coffins, I might add.”
Once they arrived at their destination, it became the usual rivalry between civilian and military authorities; each assuming a superior air, claiming that their assignment was of the utmost importance.
“I have the strictest orders to bring back the bodies of two officers at once, or I wouldn’t be here,” the coroner spoke up annoyingly. Dr. Schneider retaliated with a malicious smile, inviting them to take a closer look at von Walden and Altmann’s bedroom.
“Never mind their private life! Right now, we don’t even know where to bury them, as Captain Altmann has no known relatives and Major von Walden’s father refuses to bury his son in the family tomb.”
“So it is their private life,” Dr. Faulkner acknowledged in abhorrence. “Otherwise, you’d put them in a military grave! Wouldn’t that be the proper way then?”
“That’s for the courts to decide, and I’m neither a lawyer nor a judge,” the coroner answered with a tone of finality. “The lawyers of our Emperor’s army will be in touch with the Reinhardts. Please relay the message.”
Both doctors nodded, and Faulkner answered, “If not, I personally guarantee that the Reinhardts will be calling on the Emperor himself! As you might know, homosexuality in his Highness’ army is totally unacceptable,” he warned sternly.
The coroners sullen face suddenly reddened, and his lips started to quiver as he finally responded. “Your offensive language in front of a lady is totally unacceptable in my circle, Doctor.” Shaking his head in disgust, he saluted again and left.
“I’m terribly sorry if I’ve offended you in any way, Madeleine, but this idiot’s behavior really got the best of me,” Dr. Faulkner apologized to Madeleine.
“Don’t worry about it! Since my father is a physician also, and shares your sentiments, I’ve heard him talk on the subject many times.”
“I didn’t know that your father is a doctor!”
“That is my fault, of course. No doubt, I forgot to introduce you properly. After all, our present situation can’t be classified as a daily occurring affair,” Dr. Schneider interjected in defense of his very likable and competent assistant. He continued, “Miss Madeleine Kramer is the sister of Mark Wiland’s wife, and the fiancée of Vienna’s best-known curator, Felix Nordmann.”
“Have you a sister who is not spoken for?”
“Luckily for you, I have two,” she replied, smiling. “And unlike me, they are quite beautiful.”
“Don’t force us to pay you a compliment, since you must know very well what you look like,” Dr. Faulkner replied out of sheer politeness, taking again a look at her rather homely face. Beauty or not, one had no choice but to embrace her cheerful personality and admire her for her extremely courageous behavior, let alone her strength and endurance. It was so much more than Dr. Schneider could say about his own wife, whose obsession with beauty and perfectly fitting clothes was legendary, and who had never presented him with the child he so desperately desired.
“I consider our curator a very lucky man. Hopefully he realizes his good fortune,” Dr. Schneider replied earnestly. “And I’m quite sure Dr. Faulkner will take the liberty and call on the Kramer family in the very near future.”
“We welcome all congenial visitors,” she smiled noncommittally, hoping he would take a strong interest in her studious sister Nicole, whose fanatic interest in medicine equaled that of her father’s. Dr. Kramer’s attraction and efficacy in the field of new surgery was always being mentioned in connection with great physicians.
∼
Except for the tall, polite doorman, who opened the castle’s entrance door very quietly for Madeleine, a sort of eerie stillness surrounded the deserted ballroom, giving no indication that an elaborate party had taken place a few hours ago.
“Your room is upstairs. A servant has been assigned to wait on you and to make you comfortable, my lady.”
“I only need a bed.” She smiled. “And so do you.”
“I am the night doorman, and only here on special occasions, which, until this terribly sad day, have all been happy ones.”
“Any word on Mrs. Reinhardt’s condition?”
“One of the doctors gave her an injection. Other than that, we will just have to wait,” he uttered in dismay.
The maid in front of the bedroom also looked very distraught, but smiled courteously. “Glad you were able to come back, madame. Did you bring anyone else?”
“No. Both doctors returned to their homes. They are used to nights like these.”
“Any wishes Madame?”
“Only a bed,” she repeated. “Are you a night attendant also?”
“Yes, when a special need arises. Then I am most happy to oblige.”
“Any household should be that fortunate!” Madeleine thought, entering the beautiful guest room. On a delicately carved table, which perfectly matched the rest of the fine French furniture, she found a tray with a variety of deliciously prepared sandwiches, petit fours, and an assortment of drinks. Helping herself to some of these delicacies to still her hunger along with a glass of brandy, she noticed the traditional silver horseshoe and a small chimney sweep made out of papier-mâché, tucked into an exquisite flower arrangement with an inscribed tag sticking out which read, ‘Best of luck for the year 1850’. “What mockery of life,” she murmured, flinging herself back on the large bed, closing her eyes and letting the day flash before her as tears rolled down her cheeks. Even the fearless and brave Madeleine Kramer had no strength left to hold them back. Neither had she any wish to do so. And to cry oneself into sleep after a day like this one was probably the sound prescription the dear Lord had ordered.
12
“Holy Mary, Mother of God,” exclaimed little Elsa, after drawing the drapes to let in some daylight. “There are masses of carriages standing outside the house!”
“They are waiting to pay their respects. In any case, they are to be sent away until we are ready for them.”
“No, no, Mr. Rupert! They are military people,” she cautioned excitedly.
“The same goes for them,” he objected, completely unimpressed, and continued to drink his hot chocolate. A loud knock soon forced him to open the door, however.
“Good morning! We’ve waited for the first sign of life before disturbing the Reinhardt family.” A Captain firmly saluted the doorman, whose livery looked almost like his own uniform. “I’m here on behalf of our commanding officer, Colonel Hauser, who asks permission to speak to any of the residing Reinhardts,” he continued.
“You may not be aware of it, but Mr. Otto Rein—”
“It’s all right, Rupert. I am up. Let the Colonel come in please,” Karl said calmly. “Not having been able to sleep, I heard the clattering of horses quite some time ago, but dismissed the noise as being that of our departing guests.”
“I am sorry, and do regret the inconvenience Mr. Reinhardt, but disobeying orders is quite a serious offense in our profession.”
“I am aware of your rules and regulations.” Karl smiled with a mixture of sarcasm and disregard. “Have the rest of your soldiers come in.”
“Only officers are permitted to enter!”
“Whatever, whomever! And throw some blankets on your horses! Those are some rules and regulations of our house. And it’s quite a serious offense in our eyes not to do so!”
“I’ll order my Sergeants to do so at once.”
“Rupert, are there any servants up to fix us some coffee? Lots of it,” Karl asked kindly. While showing the entering and saluting officers to chairs, he said, “We are usually up around six. There are, however, some nights that seem to never end. Last night was one of them.”
“I understand, sir. We also had to be awakened, since our commander considers this a matter of grave importance,” the Colonel asserted grandly. “I’ll come right to the point.”, he added, reading the obta
ined details about Thomas von Walden and Rudolf von Altmann’s suicides, omitting their ranks, and also following up on Christina’s death, stating the cause as unknown.
“Murder,” Karl interrupted sternly.
“Mr. Reinhardt, we haven’t even begun to look into the details of her mysterious death!”
“What do you mean by ‘mysterious’?” Karl asked firmly, concealing his interest in Benedict and Egon.
“How the chloroform was obtained, for example, since none of our hospitals has been using this type of label in the past year. We know that much, at least!”
“Alright, let’s call it premeditated murder, then.” Karl frowned deeply now, looking at the Colonel and searching his mind.
“Possibly. Anything is possible. However, the press of Vienna would carry large headlines and be filled with false reports, while we are trying to do our best to get to the truth of all this!” he tried to convince Karl, who registered every word of what was said.
“Also, the reputation of his Majesty, the Emperor Franz Josef’s army, and that of our hospital are at stake! We do not know why von Walden and Altmann’s behavior has been swept under the rug all these years, catching most of our officers completely by surprise! And this is one more reason we have to investigate very thoroughly every possible angle of it.”
“This is only fear on your part,” Karl stated matter-of-factly, looking from one officer to the other, while a servant served coffee and Rupert put hot croissants with butter on the table. “Thank you both,” Karl praised gratefully. “God only knows when I had my last meal”
“You are very welcome, Mr. Reinhardt. There is more to follow,” Rupert said, disregarding the thanks and nods of the officers.
“Fear of reprisal, for one thing,” Karl continued nonchalantly. “No doubt my late sister knew their problem for a long time. Her last moment’s secret message, which was brought to me by a trusted servant, seems to prove it even more. People all over the country live in constant fear,” Karl voiced, glancing once more from one to the other, seeing no other reaction then their enjoying the delicious breakfast.
“We must keep order, or we would have a complete anarchy on our hands. It’s as plain as that Mr. Reinhardt!”
“Oh, I agree! But there are limits. Those uncountable executions and court martials have gone on much too long!” Again, they seemed to be completely oblivious. “As for the press in Vienna—” Karl broke the silence. “The Reinhardt name will never be tainted, no matter the outcome of your investigation. I shall personally see to that! Please Rupert, take those poor, freezing soldiers out there some hot breakfast also,” Karl ordered.
“That’s what I came here to ask you, sir,” Rupert replied kindheartedly, watching the officers’ uneasy faces.
“Our newspapers have been very lax in reporting the facts since 1849,” Colonel Hauser continued, disregarding the interruption. “As a result, many preposterous stories have been spread, and have, therefore, upset our citizens.”
“Oh? But you do have to agree the house of Habsburg has taken action whenever the news was not favorably reported as far as they were concerned.” Karl shrugged after their lengthy debate, turning around when he heard the familiar voice of his son Alex on the hand of George Auersbach, and Reinhardt’s own priest along with them. He had informed his children of their grandfather’s and their Aunt Christina’s death. And since he considered the discussion with Hauser to be fruitless, he called them to his side to introduce them, also emphasizing George’s involvement in the discovery of Christina’s murder and the two men’s suicide.
“We may take the liberty to call on you during our investigation. Our present priority lies in informing Policeman Volker of his duty to keep the affair silent, as well as all the late von Walden’s staff. Anything else on our roster?”
“No, Colonel!”
“I can personally assure you of Policeman Volker’s utmost integrity,” George stated convincingly. “We have, just a few hours ago, returned from your garrison.”
“That might be so. However, one should not overlook the fact that wives and children might not be so inclined to let their tongues wag at the wrong place!”
“Well, as for von Walden’s staff, they are quite incapable of even lifting their heads, much less standing up. If you think you will be able to talk to them or have them answer any questions, you might be quite surprised. But don’t let us keep you. See for yourselves,” George suggested, but not without sarcasm.
Karl waved to Alex to come closer and smiled, “I would like you to meet my son Alex, who without question is very eager to give you a proper salute!”
They looked visibly astonished at Alex, who said seriously now, “Ever since I was very little, I’ve wanted to be an officer. Right, Papa?” This caused a bit of merriment in the ranks, considering his present size and his self-assurance.
“How old are you, Alex?”
“Nine years, sir! And when I’m ten years old, Papa will send me to a military academy!”
“Is that a fact?”
“Absolutely,” Karl acknowledged. “It’s my son’s own explicit wish. As a matter of fact, his last birthday wish!”
“Well, Alex Reinhardt, all present can tell you that it’s quite a hard road ahead of you, if this is what you choose to do. Above all, you have to take many orders before you’ll be able to give them,” Colonel Hauser stated for obvious reasons.
“I do know that, sir! That is why my father and I are practicing large war games every evening with my collection of tin soldiers.”
“You don’t say? Who would you like to be most?” Major Essler asked delightedly, finally taking his turn in the conversation as he explained his own son Kurt’s involvement in battle games on horseback.
“Papa and I are seldom on horses. We usually draw up maps and place our soldiers on them accordingly!”
“So, again, who would you like to be most?” the major repeated.
“Caesar Augustus. Alexander the Great. And sometimes Napoleon also!”
“As long as they are winning, I may add,” Karl interrupted, afraid his son would omit mentioning the Austrian Generals and likely adding some prominent Prussians instead.
Some laughter came again when Colonel Hauser, now in excellent humor and completely smitten by the boy’s keen interest in his profession, rose to leave, followed by his staff and Major Essler, who vigorously shook Alex’s hand and added, “I sincerely hope that you and my son will be able to meet someday. You certainly would get along excellently. You know, he is already attending the Academy of Prince Eugen!”
Alex’s face lit up in excitement. “Please do tell your son that sometimes, I’ve played to be Prince Eugen also!”
“Yes, son. You defeated the Turks quite often, as I recall,” Karl added, relieved at hearing him finally mention a renowned Austrian General. “Glad to hear you have your son in Prince Eugen’s Academy, Major, because that’s exactly what my family had in mind for Alex.”
“Nothing but the best for our sons,” Major Essler retorted joyously. “Permit me to please extend our most heartfelt condolences to your parents!”
“Parents? Then you are obviously unaware that my father suffered a fatal heart attack upon hearing of his daughter’s death,” Karl informed him, sadness returning to his voice.
“Architect Otto Reinhardt is dead?” Hauser half murmured, slowly taking Karl’s hand and holding it in his own two hands. “It cannot be! I’m deeply sorry!” The officers had promptly taken their positions standing at attention, seeing their Colonel’s obvious discomfort.
“Grandfather only went to heaven,” Alex uttered comfortingly, looking towards the priest who was standing nearby. “We’ll see him again.”
“Religion has its merits,” Karl replied thoughtfully, adding, “We have to escort the officers to their carriages, son. Don’t we?”
“Yes, Papa.”
“Talk about a boy’s heaven,” Karl mused.
“Even the horses have alread
y had their oats. Nothing and no one seems to be overlooked in your household. I can’t wait to tell my son about all of this.” Major Essler smiled, very pleased, watching two stable boys removing the feeding bags.
“Whatever has a heart needs to be cared for,” Karl answered simply, shaking the departing officer’s hand and taking a breath of fresh air, while Alex took, once more, his chance in giving a firm salute, followed by a friendly wave of goodbye.
All officers agreed on this unexpected pleasurable time, also voicing great admiration for Karl Reinhardt. “Among other things, he is also very astute, several times hitting the nail right on its head. I also do believe it was a very carefully planned murder,” confided Colonel Hauser now to Major Essler, whom he considered a most trustworthy friend.
“I personally had very little communication with Rudolf Altmann. Rather considered him to be a likable chap until 1848. Von Walden’s reputation, however, had always been that of a lady’s man. Now I keep wondering who the lady was,” smirked Essler sheepishly.
“Altmann! The coroner found him in bright-red lace panties….the Parisian style!”
“Oh, my Lord! What next?”
“This is why I must insist on everyone’s absolute secrecy. Reinhardt promised to do his best, so let us do ours. I may otherwise be facing an early discharge with a very small pension!”
The major ignored this remark, changing the subject as usual. “I have just been thinking about the entire Reinhardt family. One hears so much about them, yet knows so little. But this Karl seems to be an honest, down to earth gentleman with virtues of a good Samaritan. Also, so very disciplined under the enormous stress he must be under right now. One would think this would only be expected from us officers! Yet speaking for myself, I don’t know if I could have behaved so civilized after finding out that my sister had been murdered, and my father had died as a consequence of it. And all this within just a few hours,” Major Essler said, amazed.
“It sure took me by surprise to find out that architect Otto Reinhardt had died! Karl certainly never uttered a word about it during our whole discussion, focusing only on Altmann-Walden. I would have thrown each one of us out! No, let me rephrase that. I would have ordered someone to throw us out!”
Yesterday Was Long Ago: Part One Page 19
