Yesterday Was Long Ago: Part One

by Hedy Thalberg James

  Manfred doubted his prediction, but was only too glad to receive something to let him sleep and forget. Still staring at his erect hand, he was wheeled into a large and noisy room which held countless men who were clanging their chains and stomping on them. He realized then that this was not imaginary. This was terrifyingly real.

  26

  The two proprietors of the old and new Pracher coffeehouses would never boast of having the greatest coffeehouses in Vienna. The two brothers, Theo and Wily Pracher, had long realized that the true prestige belonged to their friendly rivals The Sacher and the Café Demel, which had been well-established a long time ago. While the Sacher was most famous for their torte, the Café Demel was mostly known for their great selection of chocolates and truffles. Both of the cafes owed their fame to the fact that they were honored to be the suppliers to the Court of Vienna. They were, therefore, frequented by most of Austria’s nobility.

  The Pracher, however, had its own charm, and its visitors enjoyed and adored its snug and cozy atmosphere and the warmth and sincerity in which its visitors were welcomed without regard to social standing, profession, or connections with the house of Habsburg. If their pockets were not full enough to order a mere cup of delicious coffee, they were still offered the chance to read the newspapers and enjoy the atmosphere. Its owner's policies had always been to treat everyone with esteem and on a completely equal basis. The result was that a wide variety of renowned and also lesser known artists and intellectuals referred to the Pracher as their very own Café house.

  For these obvious reasons, it was also frequented by the Reinhardts and the Esslers, and therefore, also by Philip Reinhardt. Every afternoon, he could be found sitting alone or with friends in one of their plush, velvet-colored seats in a booth, enjoying either just being there and watching the abundance of beautiful girls strolling by, or just having a good conversation. All that had, by now, changed drastically. For more than three weeks, Philip would sit there, staring blankly out through one of the large windows, always hoping to see Victoria strolling towards him.

  She had indeed promised him via letter that she would see him as soon as possible, but had not sent a note since to negate her intentions. Irma Kronthaler had informed him of her father’s unexpected nervous breakdown, as well as her mother’s plan to return permanently to Berlin. The only encouraging news was that Victoria was intending to finish her last term in school, and that she, along with her maid Martha, would be staying with the Kronthalers until the time came for them to join her mother in Berlin.

  “God forbid!” he thought, once again distressed and ordering more coffee and pastries. Hadn’t he and Aunt Lillian already planned the wedding down to the last detail just to avoid any possible embarrassment? Had all this now been for naught? He was still pondering this thought when the waiter reappeared with his order. Philip glanced habitually out the window, and was surprised to see two elegant ladies crossing the boulevard. His heart started to jump as he recognized one of them to be Victoria. He would have been able to pick her out of any great crowd, even though today she was wearing a high-necked, black dress, topping off her mourning clothes with a black, wide-brimmed, veiled hat that had no doubt come from the house of Chanél or Rubinstein, the only fashion houses that had not too long ago made their entrance into Berlin and Vienna’s high society’s salons. Irma Kronthaler, obviously the other, appeared in her new attire, an unmistakably Paris creation.

  The ever-present doorman opened the door with a deep and courteous bow to the ladies. Philip got up hastily, striding towards them with a relieved and joyful smile, greeting them in his polished manner, and expeditiously but respectfully half-asking, “I’ve almost resigned myself already to have to wait for another year Miss von Wintersberg. Thank you very much, Mrs. Kronthaler, for saving me from having this dire prediction come to pass.”

  Both ladies smiled at him, each for their own reasons, but it was Victoria who said, “It seems that way, Mr. Reinhardt.”

  Irma exchanged a few polite phrases and then excused herself, claiming that she had discovered an acquaintance outside that she hadn’t seen in days, well knowing how eager both of them must have been to finally have a private conversation. She waved to them through the window, which Philip had a permanent viewing of lately, hoping that everything would be working out to the best for them. She somehow felt that Victoria and Philip should be together. And with Victoria’s father safely tucked away at the hospital, they would finally be able to learn more about each other, and eventually he would take her home as his bride.

  “What may I order for you? I have a thousand questions all well sorted in my mind, some more pressing than others,” he stated carefully. “I’ve had so much time to think about them lately. Why don’t I ask you first how you’ve been? Which is possibly the most absurd question I could ask at the moment.”

  “It would be just as absurd for me to answer that I have been well and all right.” She smiled her sweet smile, taking off her hat.

  He realized that this was his first chance to admire her flawless beauty in broad daylight. Although it didn’t surprise him, he was still happy to notice that her beauty, in contrast to other girls he had known, did not depend on rouge and powder, or all of the little beauty aids and jewelry. She was just beautiful! Even in her very simply cut and adorned black muslin dress.

  “I have very anxiously awaited hearing from you,” he repeated uneasily, once again being at a loss for words, and fearful that he would not be able to say what was really in his heart.

  She answered him simply and with a warm smile. “So have I. The Kronthalers have grown to be very fond of you, I understand.” Her smile turned into a small, sheepish laugh.

  “Ah, yes! And their esteem is requited. You must consider yourself very lucky to call them your friends. I surely would! They certainly were my only hope to ever see you again.”

  Victoria had become more relaxed and started to tell him about the reason for their unforeseen journey to Berlin, however, carefully avoiding any of the less pleasant details. She told him of her uncle’s generous invitation and that her mother would possibly take him up on his proposal in the near future. “We have decided that I will finish school here and then follow Mother to Berlin after my graduation. In the meantime, I shall reside with the Kronthalers and so will Martha, our maid.” She hoped secretly not to have discouraged him with what she had just told him, not completely convinced that this was what she really wanted to do. She also explained that because of her father’s completely irrational behavior and his final total nervous breakdown, she hadn’t been able to meet him any sooner. “Besides all this, before he broke down, he slapped my face, which would not have been an altogether pretty sight to carry around openly. I just had to wait until the swelling went away,” she finished, seemingly embarrassed by the behavior of her father.

  “I am so sorry you had to go through such a bad time. The Kronthalers have, of course, not disclosed any of this, but have rather led me to believe that you were slightly depressed upon your return from your brother Oscar's graveside.”

  She noticed his extreme discomposure about what he had heard when he said, “I shall talk to my father again immediately upon his return from Salzburg tomorrow. He’s quite influential at the Maria-Theresa hospital. I’m going to ask him to make sure that this monster of a man will never again be able to come near you or your mother.” He was noticeably shaken. “Would you allow me to take you home, Miss von Wintersberg? I would be so pleased to be able to talk to your mother. You would not mind, would you?”

  “But of course not. I’m certain my mother would be very happy to see you again,” she said without committing to anything, though she was elated by his suggestion.

  Once outside the Pracher, he offered her his arm, and this time they walked undisturbed and unhurriedly along Ringstraβe, which by now had become one of Vienna’s favorite landmarks, where people were always taking their little strolls, spending their leisure time window-shopping and
relaxing. Victoria was obviously enjoying seeing all this together with him and mentioned, “We are surely very lucky to live in such a gracious era. Mother and I are often wondering how much longer we might be able to enjoy this, and how much longer it will last. Just watching the ladies and gentlemen’s attire, it has never been more elegant and beautiful. Please disregard my present garb!” she smiled.

  “You are very beautiful,” he remarked. “But look at the stores and the cafes...they have never been more crowded!” he laughed. “Yes, I suppose we are living in a very prosperous time.”

  “Yes, especially in Vienna,” Victoria commented cheerfully. And they continued their stroll in complete silence towards her residence, each savoring the moments of togetherness.

  “I have always been enchanted by the month of May, but especially at this moment—” he ventured, breaking the silence.

  Before he had a chance to continue, Victoria stopped suddenly. “This is the Ambassador’s coach! I am certain he is paying Mother a visit. I hope to God, no more unpleasant surprises are in store for us,” she lamented.

  “I wouldn’t worry too much. I’ll be right there with both of you,” he soothed. “and I’m not easily intimidated. Not even by an Ambassador!”

  Martha opened the door and led them into the parlor.

  “Haven’t we met somewhere before, young man?” the Ambassador inquired, knowing full well who he was. He bowed slightly in Victoria’s direction, who still had her arm linked into Philip’s.

  “If you mean lately, it was at the Vienna Opera ball, just a few weeks ago.”

  “Oh, yes, yes! You brought lovely Victoria to our table and then had to hurry off to go home. I was very sorry to hear later about your grandfather’s death. I should have realized then, but didn’t, how much love and prominence he enjoyed.”

  “He had, as most people, his share of grief. Not all that glitters is gold!”

  “Indeed. Indeed, Mr. Reinhardt. Even our beloved Emperor can tell you that!” he bragged.

  “So would ours!” Philip retaliated self-assuredly.

  “Indeed. No crowns without thorns!”

  Lotte was becoming uneasy, fearing that the Ambassador would start once more into his one-sided history lessons, so she asked Philip and Victoria to kindly take a seat. “His Excellency was so gracious to pay us a visit in regards to my husband. There may be a possible transfer to a German hospital for him.”

  “At the first sign of any improvement, dear Countess,” he corrected. “I felt that you should be completely informed about my decisions. At the moment, the poor man is still not capable of even uttering one coherent word. He’s just continuously staring at this right hand. I shall be meeting with the Professor tomorrow and hope for a frank disclosure and discussion. If possible, I would appreciate meeting with you afterwards. I imagine I will have to be there by eight o’clock in the morning,” he sighed, annoyed at having to change his morning routine.

  “So sorry, Your Excellency. But since you are the only one permitted to see him— If you would tell me the place and time you’d like to see me, I shall be there.”

  “Probably best around ten. I usually take a little coffee break at Huber’s restaurant. Please join me.” With his inbred arrogance and an air of importance, he got up, slightly bowing to the ladies and shaking Philip’s hand, then followed the already waiting maid to the door.

  “An Ambassador never pays a visit unless invited or announcing himself weeks beforehand. Do you sense any urgency, Mother?” Victoria asked, concerned.

  “Possibly. One never is clear about this man’s real thoughts. I have the strong feeling he will force your father into an early retirement. But since I am not concerned, let’s not dwell on it or worry about it. Instead, let’s get comfortable for a chat. Unless, of course, you have other plans, Mr. Reinhardt.”

  “Absolutely none,” he assured her. “I’d like to apologize for the unannounced intrusion, but your daughter’s revelations were very disturbing to me and I wanted to ask you to feel free to let me know whether I could be of any help to you and Miss Victoria,” he offered sincerely.

  “That’s very gracious of you, Mr. Reinhardt, but I believe we shall be quite all right. By tomorrow, I shall know more about our future. However, as of late, it seems that every day presents another unpleasantry to us. Victoria has doubtless told you about my departure for Berlin, which I have now planned for an even earlier date than originally foreseen, and that she along with Martha will be staying with the Kronthalers until July.”

  “I was very happy to hear that Miss von Wintersberg is not going to be leaving quite so suddenly,” he answered with a loving look at Victoria. “And as for the Kronthalers, you might have heard that we have become quite friendly and close. As a matter of fact, they will be at my aunt’s and uncle’s place the day after tomorrow. Hopefully you’ll be able to join us there, and I hope you will not mind if I invite your lovely daughter. She met them already at the ball.”

  “Of course, I don’t mind. And I have heard a lot about the Esslers from Captain Kreibich. Only good of course! He’s so smitten by all of them!” Lotte laughed. “Especially with their horses!”

  “Your Aunt Lillian seems to be a very special lady in every way possible. I am really looking forward to seeing her again. And maybe I’ll be able to persuade Mother to come also.” Victoria smiled.

  When Philip had been assured that there was nothing he was presently able to do for them and that, for the moment, they would be all right, he finally took his leave, promising to call on Victoria and her mother the day after tomorrow to take them to the Esslers.

  ∼

  If everything had been very sweet and had looked so easy before, now that Philip had left and she sat there alone with her mother, Victoria was not quite so assured. A new confusion started to take hold of her as to what she should really do. She wasn’t at all sure whether she shouldn’t go to Pracher’s and put an end to her inconsistent state of mind. At the same time, she was aware that this was to be a new beginning. She startled her mother when, after a long silence, she declared, “The trouble is, I just love Philip Reinhardt without any reservation! Don’t ask why I feel so strongly about him, Mother. I haven’t quite figured it out myself!”

  Her mother, who, for as long as she could remember her marriage, had been in bondage, warned, “This presents a great danger to you, my child. As I have learned from the past, one should always set some conditions. Unless, of course, one is willing to suffer the consequences. You have a choice. I did not!”

  “How should I go about it, when my heart and my mind are not working in unison? My choices consist of likely being miserable with him or being just as miserable without him! It’s perhaps a bit far-fetched of me to even think that it would, in the end, be something totally serious on his part. So, I might as well be happy at the moment and for as long as it lasts.”

  “Yes,” her mother sighed. “I must agree with you wholeheartedly. Capture every moment of happiness you can get a hold of, Victoria! Whatever will come of it, you and I have had good lessons in dealing with adversity, haven’t we?” Lotte comforted, patting her cheek.

  “Thank you, Mother. I knew I could count on your wisdom and your understanding.” She hugged her mother and gave her a good night kiss. Once in her bedroom, she prayed diligently for God’s help to show her the right way.

  ∼

  Lotte was sitting there aghast, watching the Ambassador, who was obviously enjoying his opulent meal, shoving fork after fork into his incessantly talking mouth, never pausing, explaining to her how much Manfred’s condition had deteriorated and that he felt an impending transfer to a Lutheran hospital in Leipzig would be necessary, as well as his early retirement; with a small pension, of course.

  It was beyond Lotte’s mental capacity. What kind of man is this? She questioned his ethical, moral, and social propriety. How did he ever get into the position of Ambassador with the bad manners he displayed right now?

  But ther
e he was, expertly stressing all the pros and cons of mental health, never even aware of his sometimes-tactless remarks. Now he came up for air again, before continuing pompously. “I could have the poor man resign, but that would mean that neither he nor you, as well as lovely Victoria, would have any income at all. I, of course, have no idea about other resources you might have. My conscience would never allow it, to see you without funds, dear Countess,” he added, his tone odiously patronizing.

  Lotte, not having commented yet, thought cautiously. “He’s got a bit more up his sleeve! Let him continue.”

  “He’s a proud Prussian and would never do anything to dishonor his country. I am so sorry that, when I visited him, he still did not recognize me. He turned his head away from me, dear Countess. Imagine that!” he sighed in dismay. But Lotte, who was not easily fooled, had her own thoughts about that.

  The Ambassador rambled on. “I visited that nauseating place again this morning, as I had promised, and it seems that every time, I’m greeted by a different Jewish doctor. Finkelstein the last time, then Rosenblatt, and today it was Dr. Perlmutter. You may thank our dear Lord that you are not permitted to go there. Those idiots have nothing better on their minds than to secretly make fun of our accent and lifestyle! I’ve seen their grins—even if they are disguised in a benevolence that’s almost sickening, trying to convince me that poor Manfred is in the best of care. It’s possible that they even believe it themselves. But then again, Austria is not just another country. It’s another continent!” he said, letting his hatred show and reminding her of her husband’s own ugly comments. But he couldn’t be stopped now. “Wherever I go, look or find myself in this city, nothing but Jews, beggars, nuns, and the almost grotesque looking priests! And it’s not only the lesser people. There’s also Austria’s so-called nobility! Nothing but degenerates, their crude subjects always following a few steps behind. No decency! Not like in our great Germany!” Without giving Lotte even the slimmest chance to reply, he moved on to his main concern: the ‘lovely Victoria’. In all the years they had known each other, he had never managed to say the one without the other. Later, he added ‘dear Countess’ to his limited vocabulary, and now he had increased to ‘poor Manfred’.