Yesterday Was Long Ago: Part One

by Hedy Thalberg James

  “Hey you! Heaven forbid that I call you nun or Sister! Your behavior is neither charitable nor kind and you, therefore, are not entitled to either one of them. I shall speak to your Mother Superior. Now!”

  “That is not possible, sir! No strangers are allowed here,” she reminded him sternly with a slight sneer, ready to enter the sanctuary following the children who had quietly disappeared.

  “Then you leave me no choice but to prove you wrong,” he called after her.

  Alex gripped his father’s hand, prepared to go into battle with him, whereas Verena clung to Karl’s side without a word, taking all this commotion in stride. The nun noticed Alex’s rebellious grimace and slammed the heavy door in their faces.

  “Oops! One should never do that!” Verena declared solemnly, meticulously keeping her good manners, as always.

  “No, one really ought not do that! And Verena, if one does, one must pay, mustn’t one?” Karl demurred, taking the few steps to the door and pulling the cord of the bell.

  Two middle-aged nuns came running to the door, however, asking what his desire was. He had to quench the laugh that was creeping up in his chest, looking at their somber, horse-like faces. Asking himself whether he had come to the door of a menagerie or an orphanage, he noticed the bulldog-faced one upstairs, surprise on her face at his return.

  “I must see Mother Superior at once!”

  “Our mother is in prayers!”

  “Then interrupt her! I am Karl Reinhardt, the benefactor of this shelter for these unfortunate children to whom your sister has behaved so heartlessly. Do not take me lightly!”

  Their faces fell and became even whiter than the rims of their habits as they looked at him with trepidation. One of them mustered up the courage to answer him. “Beg your pardon Mr. Reinhardt! We will certainly inform Mother Superior of your presence!” she stammered in awe. Her hands folded, she asked him cordially to come in and to wait in their little vestibule, viewing his two children with an uneasy smile.

  Through the vestibule’s door, he could see four more nuns who were standing around in a huge, but bare room with a large crucifix on the wall and a couple of tables with benches around them, nothing much reminiscent of a religious institution. As he looked at God’s servants with their large, white head gear over their black habits, he realized the pitiful state these children must be in, at their mercy with no one to turn to.

  “You wanted to see me, Mr. Reinhardt?” a tall, serene visaged nun inquired kindly, eyeing him curiously, trembling as she recognized her own son.

  “I do indeed, Sister!”

  “How can I help you? I am Mother Superior.” She corrected him with dignity, listening to his side of the story, paying close attention to what he had to say. After he had finished, she took a deep breath, gazing out of the window, before she answered candidly. “Let’s assume there are only six nuns in this large shelter, or orphanage as we call it, and those six nuns are fully responsible for at least sixty children at a time, but of various ages and backgrounds, not only for their well-being, but also for their educational and behavioral growth. Believe it or not, some of these children are quite strong-willed and defiant because of what they have had to go through before they had the good fortune to come to us. Tell me please, how does one handle them? Well, we do it by the Golden Rule and an iron hand!” she answered herself, not really interested in hearing what he had to say to this.

  She asked, interrupting herself, “Could I offer you a cup of tea….and the children some milk, maybe?” One of the nuns came in when she rang the bell, and she gave orders to delay devotions until the visitors had left.

  “How kind of you to make time for my complaint,” Karl offered, smiling and thanking her for the tea.

  “One can be flexible occasionally without appearing to be soft,” she soothed, but Karl could feel the strength behind her cool manner.

  Another nun knocked and came accompanied by a child who Karl recognized to be Hannes, the one who had asked what his sister had done now. The boy asked the gentleman’s permission for his children to come out and play hopscotch with the others.

  Before Karl could answer, Mother Superior had already responded, “And why not?” overriding his answer again.

  Even though Alex and Verena had never heard of the game, both were glad to try anything to avoid the boring conversation on rigid rules and strict discipline in an orphanage. As far as Alex was concerned, this was no military academy, and in his opinion, here, no one could force anything. Verena was more concerned about Lillian’s punishment after seeing the nun pull the girl’s hair.

  Karl gave short, but precise answers to Mother Superior’s carefully selected questions, at the same time enjoying watching his children play so cheerfully outside, mostly seeking the company of Hannes and Lillian. He felt it was finally his turn to ask a few questions of his own, and began by inquiring about Lillian’s love for horses, and also about Hannes and the ever-present redhead, who he noticed was standing around and reading most of the time.

  “Ah yes!” She smiled again. “This is an especially sad case, if one speaks of sad events! Their father had been beating them with the same horse whip he also used on his wife, and of course, the animals. When I mentioned shelter in the same breath with orphanage before, I meant that we also provide shelter for children that are being badly abused and we care for them until we can find a suitable home that can foster them, treat them well, or adopt them at best.” She went on to tell him more about the Brehmer children and their now dead parents. She also told him about the redhead who had been brought into the Brehmer family by marriage, and who was forever full of expectations to someday become a priest. Both of the Brehmers had been married and widowed before they had met and married again. “I had given my word to her mother, before she died, that all three children would stay together in the case of an adoption,” she continued.

  “And what are the chances of these three children staying together in the case of an adoption?” he asked speculatively.

  “Not very good. For one thing, most people prefer to adopt a newborn to raise as they see fit, and for another, I don’t believe that there are too many families who would care to adopt three children in these times.”

  “I shall have to talk with my mother and, with her, weigh the possibility of at least bringing them into our house. It would probably be good for my two offspring, since they do, at times, get quite lonely for having different interests. And seeing them so happy out there, having so much fun with other children gives me the greatest pleasure! Aside from all this, I may soon lose my son to the military academy. He is very adamant about becoming an officer! He would then, most likely, enter the Prinz Eugene Academy as early as next year.”

  “Become an officer?” she interrupted, looking quite unhappy and slightly red in the face as she bit her lip.

  “Yes, Mother Superior. I might add that I don’t like it any better than you seem to,” he replied, letting her know that he had read her mind.

  “As far as the adoption is concerned, I would suggest not saying anything to the children yet, since it is the Bishop who makes the last decision, and while he is a fair man, he might also consider it unwise since you are a single man. It would be rather cruel to get the children’s hopes up and then have to tell them that it was only a fairy tale.”

  “Let the Bishop try to stop me!” Karl said self-assuredly, now even more eager to take all three of them.

  ∼

  “We had the nicest time today with a lot of friendly children. And now I know how to play hopscotch!” Verena rushed to her grandmother, hugging her and telling her all about the exciting time she had had. And Alex, usually very blasé about all that was not military-related, had only good things to tell about this afternoon’s outing.

  “So, it was an enjoyable wedding! I’m so glad you could all attend!”

  “I’m afraid, Mother, the children weren’t referring to the wedding, but to a different visit we had. We didn’t r
eally stay at the wedding that long, although the children enjoyed themselves there as well.”

  “Where else did you go? To one of the museums?”

  “No, Grandmother. We went to Saint Anthony’s orphanage!” Alex explained triumphantly.

  “Good Lord! How did you get in? Those nuns guard that place against any intruder with their lives!”

  “Papa just rang their bell really hard and pounded on the door, almost breaking it.” Alex beamed with pride.

  “Any reason for this aggressiveness, Karl?”

  Alex was already giving her the answer before Karl could even respond. “One of the snow geese slammed the door in Papa’s face.”

  Ignoring Alex, Stephany invited Karl to sit down. “Let’s discuss this in a thorough manner.” She smiled, pleased at seeing both children clinging to him.

  The longer she listened to his explanation of what transpired at the orphanage, occasionally interrupted by Alex’s ‘excuse me, Papa, this was this way, or that way’, she became more and more convinced of the fact that Karl had adoption on his mind.

  “First, Karl, I would consider it on a trial basis, if I may have any say in the matter. Those children may be just as disappointed in these new surroundings as Alex and Verena might be in having them.”

  “Very well then, Mother. Let’s debate this, all the pros and cons, especially taking into account the views of our children.”

  “Hannes has never seen any toy soldiers, but he is informed on history. He knew that Napoleon’s nephew is President of Paris,” Alex said with a considerably pleased tone in his voice.

  Verena intervened, “And Lillian is only permitted to read religious books, and none of the children are allowed any dolls,” she added sadly.

  Stephany and Karl exchanged glances, listening to the array of information given them by the children. Karl suddenly remembered the little redheaded boy. “Ah, yes! There is another; this shy little boy, Franz-Xavier. I don’t rightly know where to place this little redhead. You must know, Mother, I was told he is adamantly planning to become a priest.”

  “Then let our priest have a pupil! Father Hugo enjoys the easiest job in Vienna.” She smiled delightedly at this suggestion.

  “Splendid idea, Mother! With that, the little deprived trio could be in one house together. I just hope the Bishop will be satisfied with the idea, as Mother Superior already mentioned there might be a problem since I am a single man,” he sighed.

  “Let him try otherwise!” Stephany said, repeating his own words at the orphanage, and also his late father’s favorite expression. They smiled at each other, both equally determined not to let go of what they wanted to achieve.

  ∼

  The overweight Bishop was sitting in a soft chair in an ornately decorated room, toying with a delicate bonbon dish. Upon entering, Karl immediately thought to himself, “Not at all like the frugal nuns and other priests’ habitats, trying to continue living on the plain life of Christ, but a very pompous place of his Holy Excellency!” Karl was motioned to a seat, not being addressed by his name, and being stared at with appraising eyes.

  “I have a request in front of me, however, I have had no time to study it thoroughly. Something about an adoption on a trial basis?” the Bishop emphasized with a voice smooth as silk.

  “I explained it all to Mother Superior.”

  “But therein lies the difficulty,” the Bishop interrupted with a tinge of self-importance. “First, these three children will get spoiled in the luxurious lifestyle of the Reinhardts, and then, if they are not to your family’s liking, we will have them returned to us!”

  Karl had never even thought about it in those terms and had to hold onto himself in order not to show his anger. “Nothing could be further from my mind, Bishop Rastner!”

  The Bishop was annoyed at not being called at least ‘Your Excellency’, but, resolved that from a Reinhardt it was no surprise really, continued on in his smooth voice. “But then why the trial basis? You are not a foster home.”

  “While I am not an expert on your procedures, my mother and I have considered the feelings of the children we are trying to adopt. What if they do not like it at our house and get homesick for their friends at St. Anthony’s?”

  “I would love to believe that, however, my largest concern is your difficult son, Alex, who had his governess dismissed with the snap of his finger! Why do I know this, you may wonder?”

  Karl nodded, deeply offended.

  “My niece had the privilege to work for your family, and of course, lasted only two months, when she was let go like a pestering fly!” The Bishop’s voice was no longer silky, as he took a bonbon, not offering the dish to Karl and continued. “She told me she loathed the boy’s bad moods, his fanatical obsession with the military, as well as his indifference on one side and his outbursts towards his little sister on the other!” he finished bitterly, watching for Karl’s provoked reaction.

  “Bishop, the way I see it today, it is I who should be chastised for his bad behavior in the past. I was the one who left abruptly after my wife’s sudden death, believing to have left my children in very capable hands. At least, that is what I was led to believe from the letters I received. I—”

  “Come now, Mr. Reinhardt,” the Bishop interrupted him impatiently. “We have thousands of orphans who find themselves overnight without parents, be it accidental death as it was in your case, or wars, or in so many cases, desertion. And in most cases, they are lucky enough to find relatives to look after them. Your son had too much pampering….too much of everything! Very typical of what I call the undeserving rich.”

  “I am indebted to you for all your unsolicited remarks, Bishop Rastner. I now feel quite a relief from my burden of having gone away without any explanation, even to myself! I am here for my children now, and they have my undivided attention!”

  “You have gone to the best school, for one thing.” The Bishop said truthfully. “As for the other, it will be unfolding at the right opportunity. Life is a long road of never-ending learning processes. Of course, most miss their opportunity to see it as such.”

  Karl smiled in agreement. “My father, God rest his soul, had the very same idea!”

  “How is Mrs. Reinhardt holding up? Very fine lady!” he added convincingly.

  “If I can only get her out of the house, or interested in something, she’ll be all right, I’m certain!”

  “Time heals.”

  “It has not in my case, Bishop.”

  “It takes a little longer with some of us.”

  Karl could not ignore the sound of bitterness in the bishop’s voice and was convinced that he too had not always known only the good times.

  “Has the von Walden case ever been resolved?” Rastner asked brusquely, getting up slowly.

  “They do have their difficulties, since all involved are dead.”

  “Thomas von Walden had been a child of extreme abuse,” the Bishop offered.

  “I’ve heard as much,” Karl sighed.

  “I would like to talk to both of your children, alone,” the Bishop announced now, ending further conversation on von Walden.

  “As you wish, Bishop Rastner. Just set the date.”

  “I mean today,” he said without hesitation.

  “You’ll have them here within two hours, if not earlier.”

  “Two hours will suffice. I must study your request a bit more thoroughly. We shall see then.”

  Karl was infuriated but only replied, “Thank you, Bishop Rastner.”

  “Oh, Mr. Reinhardt, I will also need Father Hugo’s presence since he would be responsible for Franz-Xavier. Just in case. But so far, my decision is not final,” he added hastily.

  “One can hope then?”

  “One should always have hope!” the Bishop corrected with a small smile, shaking Karl’s hand firmly.

  ∼

  “Mother dear, say a long and intensive prayer to all the saints you can think of. I believe we are a small step closer in gett
ing the children!”

  “And while I am at it, I will ask Father to intervene, since he is right up there,” she added mechanically, and Karl was glad the Bishop had not insisted on talking to her.

  “Father Hugo, please get ready for our visit to the Bishop!”

  “His eminence, Bishop Rastner?”

  “Yes! He wants to see you and talk to you himself. He has a few questions concerning an adoption.”

  “Now? But you have been adopted so very long,” the priest whispered in confusion.

  “Not mine. I am planning to adopt three children from St. Anthony’s orphanage.”

  “How wonderful! God bless you, Mr. Reinhardt!”

  “He also wants to see Alex and Verena. I only hope my son passes the test. For a bishop, he seems to be quite keen and quick-witted.”

  “That is why he serves the largest cathedral!” the priest stated grandly and not without pride.

  Karl just shook his head, refraining from making any further comment. His head and heart were set on obtaining the Bishop’s permission to have the children, and very soon!

  ∼

  Expecting an immediate reply, the Bishop commanded Father Hugo, who was still out of breath from his haste to get there, “Describe the Reinhardts to me in a few words.”

  “For a family of their standing and prestige, they’re very fair and down-to-earth, yet with essential distance to command great devotion and respect from all.”

  “What prompted you to say that?”

  “You asked me for my opinion, Your Eminence,” the priest answered with sincerity.

  “Yes, I did. What about their religious practices?”

  “Mass on Sundays and regular confession for all, including the servants. Both children are instructed on Catholicism daily for an hour, nothing out of the ordinary.”

  “There is the question of Franz-Xavier Brehmer, who is determined to become a priest. The boy has all the potential to become one. Do you foresee any difficulty?”