When a very disillusioned Hannes returned to Vienna, his immediate desire was to resume his work, as he felt at present that there was no other cure for his state of mind. His many different approaches to Verena were, if anything, a disaster, and his visits to Rombergs, Nordmans, along with all other friends, only confirmed his suspicion that, momentarily, she felt best when left all alone.
He told a guilt-ridden Philip and a disappointed Victoria only that his poor wife was not herself and was therefore not able to attend their wedding. He omitted in every way her unreasonable outbursts, blaming her physical and mental condition strictly on her father’s sudden death, also adding that somehow it’s an acquired family trait, as Stephany Reinhardt acted not much different, and Karl, though no blood relation, left Vienna years previously in profound grief, even leaving a small son and a newborn girl behind. The newborn ironically being Verena. Victoria responded with the utmost understanding, giving reference to her father’s worsening mental condition, hoping Mrs. Reinhardt would never have to experience that horrible humiliation by being transferred from one hospital to the next. Philip only muttered a few polite words of sadness, but was otherwise very suspicious, awaiting a man-to-man talk with his father.
“Not anticipating your early arrival, Father, Victoria and I promised to dine with the Esslers,” Philip apologized.
“That’s alright. I would have gone there anyway. An extra plate will be only pleasing to them.”
“What a wonderful family,” Victoria exclaimed joyfully. “Aunt Lillian is going to so much trouble to make our wedding day a perfect one.”
“My sister loves every moment of it. And I am so happy to hear you call her Aunt Lillian,” he said, watching Victoria’s happy smile and appreciation.
“I meet more of their many friends and relatives every day, and find it hard to judge which ones I enjoy the most. They are all most kind whenever I talk to them.”
“The feeling seems to be mutual, Father,” Philip responded, putting his arm lovingly around her small waist, while imploring his tired looking father to get some needed rest and join them at the Esslers’ place later.
“Victoria and I take our afternoon rides at different times. The hours have somewhat changed to accommodate her heavy schedule with Father Christopher. He has to convert her in a hurry for us to get married.”
“I’ll be there earlier,” Hannes replied. He didn’t need the recommended rest as urgently as an opportunity to tell Kurt and Lillian of his sad experience with Verena. He was devastated at her behavior and vowed that it was his last visit to her until she asked for him under different circumstances.
“Romberg suggested some treatments at the spa. All of Europe’s nobility have enjoyed the warm springs as long as I can remember. They not only cure all kinds of ailments, but especially those pertaining primarily to a nervous condition, which is her problem,” Hannes confessed to both Esslers right after his arrival, losing no time getting right to the main topic. Kurt and Lillian commiserated with him and listened to their dear brother's travail. Presently, the wedding was brought up and several names of invited guests were mentioned.
“I thought it was family only. Us and Kronthalers, of course,” he remarked.
“Hannes, have you still not learned that when Lillian says family, she refers to all of the Esslers?” Kurt interjected.
“I don’t see any other way out. It all started when Anette invited herself,” Lillian replied in defense, but added quickly, “I was shocked but happy that she feels up to it. Come to think of it, it’s her very first social event in thirty years!”
“No one was more dumbfounded than I,” Kurt confirmed. “She has never come to any of our gatherings, and that includes my parents’ funerals.”
“What on earth changed her mind?” Hannes inquired, amazed.
“I know of one thing for sure. Philip insisted on introducing Victoria briefly to her, possibly to avoid an unpleasant encounter on a later date, and lo and behold, Anette took a liking to her. So far, I have not even encountered one negative comment about Victoria. It is as if she is one of Austria’s old nobility.”
“Somehow aristocrats have a certain way of clinging together,” Hannes smiled, tongue in cheek.
“And listen to this,” Lillian reflected with great pride. “All my invitations were graciously accepted even though I stated that Philip’s bride is from Berlin.” A moment of uncomfortable silence took place as they thought of Verena’s stubborn refusal.
“As you can see, Hannes, your sister rounded every able Essler up, which included the Trautmans, Stambergs, and Thalburgs, along with everyone else who is even remotely related to us.”
“So no one will ever accuse me of showing favoritism and that I hurt anybody’s feelings. We all have our experience on such delicate matters… especially weddings,” she elaborated with a great show of confidence, hoping everything would turn out alright.
29
The lavishly arranged wedding was completely dominated by the Esslers, with no one amiss, no matter how long or inconvenient the journey. If that voluminous and peculiar family agreed on one thing, aside from equestrian events, it was a good time at a great party. And this one promised to be special. The very first German among all of them, Verena’s conspicuous absence on account of it, and with all the usual tidbits of gossip preceding the occasion, no one was foolish enough to miss it. But equally surprising was the attendance of the forever aloof and eccentric spinster Anette, who only the old guard could remember, but everyone else was well aware and informed about her self-invented love story between the brain-damaged Alex Reinhardt and herself. One just had to come and observe the event. It would be worthwhile in the long run, at least to have something to talk about in the long and dreary winter days ahead.
Her beautiful, impeccably dressed mother and the forever elegant and charming Kronthalers conversed politely and cheerfully in French, as though the German language was foreign to them, and only represented Victoria. With drinks in their hands, they made their rounds after a careful introduction by a very pleased Kurt and Hannes. Both seemed to enjoy this occasion for the obvious reason that Victoria was an addition to the family. So far, no one could find the slightest faux pas, no matter how hard the older and seasoned skeptics tried. But then again, they were dealing with diplomats who were carefully trained to give a permanently flawless appearance. Also, Hannes and a few of his favorite Esslers were never far away to make sure no last-minute ungracious behavior presented itself to spoil an otherwise perfect day.
Looking from time to time for Anette, who would be the sole one capable of any kind of embarrassment, Kurt took notice that his sister happily babbled like a waterfall to none other than Lotte, who listened with great interest, as though Anette was the only one present who really mattered. Kurt smiled to himself, knowing that the Countess was very well aware of her circumstances.
All in attendance were asked to go to the chapel, and he looked, even more puzzled, towards an equally perplexed Hannes when Lotte reached for Anette’s arm and walked through the long hallway leading to the chapel.
“I was christened here. It was not a very happy day for the Esslers,” she whispered upon entering, while looking around to be escorted to her proper place.
“Can the Baroness have a seat right next to mine? After all, we are in the family now,” Lotte suggested to a young usher who had no idea Anette was one of his relatives.
“As you wish, Madame,” he replied curtly, not even glancing towards her companion.
“I shall always remember your kindness, dear Countess.”
“And I thank you for attending my daughter’s wedding,” Lotte said, putting a very happy Anette between the Kronthalers and herself, who acknowledged her presence with a sincere smile.
“Who in the hell needs the Esslers?” Anette though to herself, turning her head in all directions to make sure they could see whose side she was on. She was, however, out of luck, as everyone was too occupied chatting and cr
aning their necks, awaiting the momentary arrival of the new bride.
Lillian, in a bright blue velvet gown adorned tastefully with ermine, looked her very best and took her role as surrogate mother very seriously, hovering over an extremely nervous groom.
“Relax, Philip! No one is going to hurt you,” Hannes said, moving towards him after hearing the first tunes of organ music, ready to be his best man.
In the adjoining room, Kurt took his role as Victoria’s surrogate father equally seriously when he offered a radiant bride his arm. “This is the moment,” he said, and embraced her heartily before facing the anxiously awaiting guests. Their very first smiles went to her mother and the Kronthalers. After all, they had played the main part when it mattered the most. Anette, of course, returned the smile with relish, as if it were meant only for her. Victoria continued with her slow, regal walk, warm smile, and a playful twinkle here and there like she had rehearsed for this special day all her life. She couldn’t help but notice the many expressions of awe and surprise as they squeezed each others gloved hands. She wondered at the moment if her lavish wedding dress was the sole reason, as it was the latest creation from the House of Lavin in Paris. Lillian had even insisted that two of Lavin's most qualified seamstresses come along, not trusting anyone else for the final assembly. One worked feverishly at the specially designed bishop sleeves while the other attached white handmade Brüssel lace over heavy white velvet. October was usually quite chilly and no one, least of all Victoria, wanted to take a chance and catch a cold in the unheated chapel. There were no bridesmaids at Victoria and Lillian’s request, but a seven-year-old flower girl with an identical dress shared the spotlight. Flora von Stamberg suffered from a rare blood disease and had only limited time to live. Since it was an open secret that Victoria had insisted on her presence upon learning of it, she endeared herself already to all, but most of all to the little girl who called it her happiest day.
“They both looked like a pair of angels just descending from heaven,” Anette whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. And since no one objected with either a ‘pssst’ or ‘quiet please,’ but were rather in search for a handkerchief, Anette assumed they were in full agreement and took the proper compliment as her own credit.
When a solemn Father Christopher pronounced the former Victoria Elisabeth von Wintersberg to become Mrs. Victoria Reinhardt, the present nobility took solace in the fact that the House of Reinhardt was in reality the House of von Dorn. It was always whispered that Karl had become a Reinhardt through very special circumstances. Any out of wedlock birth was always addressed as such, providing it happened in their very own family. Somehow, through their long-intertwined list of ancestry, some of the Esslers’ in-laws were related to the von Dorns. Otherwise, the late and highly esteemed architect Karl Reinhardt would have been referred to in quite a different light, his profession notwithstanding.
With the short ceremony behind them, most of the guests surrounded the newlyweds, congratulating the exceedingly happy couple. They commented openly to Philip about Victoria’s loveliness and how lucky he was to have found her. Nothing much on Philip’s behalf was said. The family-oriented Esslers hoped sincerely that he had put his legendary love affairs behind him, and would become a devoted husband and father. Having endured the many handshakes at the receiving line, Hannes and Lotte were the first ones to take their leave.
“We are in the same boat dear Countess,” Hannes said, full of pity. “Our spouses are missing for almost the same reason. And our families are so very small. You a daughter . . . me a son. And each one of us lost one, though quite differently, but gone nevertheless.”
She sighed in agreement but was unable to respond, when she noticed Anette elbowing her way through the crowd in a rather excited state.
“Imagine, Hannes, one of my old uncles, by marriage of course, asking me very impolitely if I am ‘new’ around here,” she lamented in disgust. “Did he ever get an earful and was he ever surprised!”
Hannes didn’t doubt any of it. “Don’t blame him too much, Anette. Just come more often to your family’s gatherings.” He scanned her pleasantly but had to admit for fifty-one she looked considerably older and her dark gray, unadorned attire, along with her white hair put straight back to her nape couldn’t have possibly given her any kind of status, except that of an old, worn out servant. On special occasions like weddings, the Esslers always went to great pains to appear en vogue, though never overdressed, or God forbid, wearing too much jewelry.
“Let’s stay together, dear Baroness,” Lotte soothed, understanding her situation. “You will be sitting with my friends again.”
“Do you think Consul Kronthaler minds?” she asked hesitantly, though she was overjoyed at the offer.
“They asked for you and considered you the most well-read lady.”
“Unfortunately, that’s all I am ever able to do until Alex gets better . . . if he ever does,” she said with tears flowing through her tired eyes.
Hannes decided he’d better move away from Anette’s dilemma and gave a mumble of polite excuse. Since he missed Verena tremendously, the last thing he needed was to encounter a flow of more tears. It was the very first party he had attended without her. He still carried his wife’s last letter unopened in his pocket, though it arrived a few days ago. Knowing her rapid mood swings, there was no telling what the contents or new accusations were, and he preferred a peaceful wedding day. After all it was his son’s. He took a seat in a nearby corner and chose to listen rather than to converse. He had talked enough already for the following year as far as he was concerned. All those passersby who seemed to have the time of their life had their own opinions, however, and he had no choice but to smile as some wondered if the dessert of strawberries with Madeira sauce was the Countess von Wintersberg’s own recipe, as no one had tasted anything so delicious before. The numerous and unique gifts were also discussed, as so far three extra tables had to be added, with still a lot of unpacking in progress. The chandelier in ormula and rod-crystal caught everyone’s attention as it was priceless and came from Berlin. “Doubtless from Russia. I know their exquisite antiques . . . own several pieces myself,” added an elderly aunt of Kurt’s, not without a trace of visible envy. “Where will they place all those treasures?”
“In their mansion on the square. The Auersbachs are already in the process of looking for a place.” All smiled, cynical simultaneously, as nothing flattering or complimentary even in the smallest sense could have been said about that oversized family, who were freeloaders at the expense of the Reinhardts.
But the topic changed quickly to the great variety of gifts, among them many very unusual painted bowls and vases, unmistakably Vienna’s Biedermeier, and yet they were shipped from Berlin.
“Well, it shows that some of Germany’s nobility have taste par excellence, especially from the Countess’ circle of friends and family.”
“Doubtless, those pieces were outrageous in price,” replied Countess Stamberg, still overjoyed at her daughter’s walk with the bride, presently toying with a pair of candlesticks made of malachite and crystal. “Talking about price, my dear Ladies . . . there is none.” She paused, looking around to get everyone’s attention. “Anette, on the other hand, insisted her many gift boxes remain unopened and only to be seen by the newlyweds.”
“That figures,” answered Countess Stamberg’s sister. “Who wants to see whatever she has to give away? Let’s hope it looks better than her wardrobe.” All were curious as Anette was known to have quite a collection of rare stones.
“So far, that spinster has ignored every single one of us. She is only speaking French to a few Germans . . . just turn around and take a look,” a young Trautman smirked. She was suffering from a bad case of acne and was extremely jealous of Victoria’s beauty.
“Well, it’s not going to last anyway,” remarked her cousin, who, though not suffering from bad skin, had little else to offer on beauty.
Just as Hannes was ready to
get up and walk towards the bridal couple, one of his favorite Esslers approached him.
“I watched you for quite a while, Hannes. You were almost ready to doze off! Let me tell you before I leave that that young beautiful lady is the best acquisition you Reinhardts ever made. She also looks to be very prolific,” he stated, as though he were talking about one of his racehorses. “You need new blood in your family,” he assured him while trying to find his overcoat.
Hannes was aware that he had drunk more than his limit but he still replied, “New blood is all the Reinhardts ever got.”
“Now that you mention it, I have to agree. But I hope she won’t turn in to a typical convert like my daughter-in-law. More Catholic and more nationalistic than we are! And that from a former Swedish Protestant! After nine grandchildren in eleven years I know what I am talking about,” he laughed in pride while walking away.
When Hannes started out to catch the newlyweds again, he noticed many guests making their way to smaller parlors for more comfort, which was more to his liking anyway, but no matter where he turned, he never found himself far away from or out of hearing distance of Anette. It seemed almost like it was her big day thirty years ago with Alex at her side. He heard her tell the Kronthalers all about her beautiful jewelry made from precious and colorful stones called ‘Tourmaline,’ and taking a new a glance at her, he wished she would have worn at least one of her many pieces.
“Every stone is from America and they are from the softest green to the deepest purple,” he heard her elaborate with great pride. “And it was a distant relative of the Reinhardts who returned from America and willed every piece of stone and jewelry to me. You can imagine how highly this gentleman thought of me,” she concluded, but not before giving both Kronthalers a lengthy lesson about mining those treasures. She forgot, however, to mention that in one of the boxes was every piece of her own gems enclosed, as she planned upon Alex’s death to enter a convent.
Since many admiring onlookers who inspected the hand-embroidered veil, along with all other intricacies of her most unusual and exquisite wedding gown, momentarily surrounded Victoria, they also kept a steady and envious eye on her oversized diamond, which complemented her long slender fingers. The high collar had pearls sewn in to match the ones in her veil and it was rumored they were the finest ones, as Lillian would never stand for anything less. All in all, it was strictly her own undertaking, with Victoria’s full approval on every item or suggestion. While Countess Lotte von Wintersberg was in Berlin, she had tried very hard to get a little dowry together, which were the Biedermeier items admired by everyone.
Yesterday Was Long Ago: Part One Page 46
