“Oh, aren’t you defensive?” Ursula patted Lilly’s arm. “Don’t worry, I’m only razzing you. I have a man already.”
“Sounds like you’ve had several,” Edith muttered, and the girls in the back gasped as Ursula turned towards her in shock.
“Ladies,” Wilhelm warned, fearing that the atmosphere was turning hostile.
“That was fantastic!” Ursula clapped and began to chuckle sincerely. “I didn’t peg you as witty.”
“I’m not surprised,” Edith muttered again.
“Twice in a row!” Ursula placed a hand to her heart, and Lilly began to smile as well.
She was so amused at Ursula’s character and assumed that if anyone had spoken to her in that manner, she wouldn’t have been able to forgive them. Yet with Ursula, the comments rolled off and, with such deflections, she had power over those who tried to hurt her.
“I should be more like you.” Lilly nodded as she looked at Ursula.
“See, I told you that I liked you.” Ursula threw a limp hand in the air. “Ugh! Let’s get this boring meeting over with quickly so that we can dance!”
“What is the meeting about tonight?” Edith asked.
“They’ll be assigning us to our groups,” one of the girls in the back replied.
“How do they choose the group?” Lilly asked.
“You choose, silly.” One of the other girls snickered.
“Weren’t you paying attention?” Ursula frowned but then began to mimic Clementine in a dramatically sarcastic fashion with her arms waving in the air. “You will choose whatever brings out your unique personality as a woman.”
“In other words, whatever will make you a good wife and mother!” a girl in the back replied.
“So, we can choose, but the end goal is the same?” Edith frowned.
“That’s right!” Ursula crossed her arms, and her elbow dug into Lilly’s stomach, pushing her closer into Wilhelm.
Lilly’s stomach fluttered, and her face grew flush as she felt the warmth from Wilhelm’s body. She breathed in his sweet cologne, locking the smell into memory. Then, ever so slightly, she leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling a surge of emotions she didn’t know how to possibly begin to describe.
“But don’t you dare say a word of this conversation to anyone!” Ursula held up a stern finger and looked at each sister, and Lilly quickly abandoned her closeness to Wilhelm. “I’m serious. Some girls have been punished harshly for even thinking these things!”
“Especially don’t tell Irma!” one of the girls in the back spoke.
“She’s the worst!” Ursula’s head fell back. “Don’t mention the dance to Mrs. Muller, either! If she found out, or if the major knew, there would be hell to pay, literally.”
“Mrs. Muller seems so nice, though,” Lilly spoke.
“Oh, she seems nice, but she has a rather unforgiving side,” Ursula huffed. “One of the girls made a joke about Hitler, and they took her away.”
“Away? Where?” Lilly shook her head.
“We don’t know!” Ursula’s eyes flew wide. “Her parents are still in Frankfurt, but she’s not at school, and not part of the Society. She’s just gone! Poor thing, it wasn’t even a good joke. Not something worth disappearing over.”
“She probably just went to one of those education camps out in the east!” one of the girls in the back chimed in.
Camps in the east? That must’ve been what Lilly was referring to, Lilly thought.
“Anyways, it’s too squishy up here,” Ursula spoke as if the idea wasn’t hers to begin with.
Climbing into the back as her feet nearly smacked Lilly and Edith in the head, Ursula began chatting lively with the girls as the sisters sat silently with Wilhelm in the front. Yet it wasn’t an awkward silence or one of animosity, but rather, the calm before the storm.
“Why did they release Papa?” Lilly spoke out the corner of her mouth, trying not to bring attention again from Ursula.
“What do you mean?” Wilhelm whispered back.
“Yeah, what do you mean?” Edith scratched the back of her neck.
“The major is smarter than this.” Lilly glanced between the two of them. “Something’s not right.”
“Didn’t Sergeant Wolf mention to you that Papa didn’t admit to anything?” Edith asked.
“Can we trust the sergeant?” Lilly looked up at Wilhelm.
“His loyalty is unquestionable.” Wilhelm nodded reassuringly. “He’s helped many escape.”
“How do you know?” Lilly narrowed her gaze.
“Know what?” Wilhelm glanced down at her.
“That they escaped?” Lilly continued to whisper.
“I suppose I don’t have any proof”—Wilhelm stared at the road as he drove and reflected— “but he’s never given me reason to doubt him.”
“This doesn’t add up.” Lilly stared at her feet as she pondered. “The major is planning something.”
“My sister is rather perceptive,” Edith spoke over Lilly to Wilhelm. “It’s best that we take her premonitions into consideration.”
“In any case…” Lilly paused. “I believe it’s important to recognize that whatever has happened to our family is just the beginning. What we already suffered at the hands of the major will be mild in comparison to his next foray.”
Chapter Eleven:
Espionage
“How can we expect righteousness to prevail when there is hardly anyone willing to give himself up individually to a righteous cause? Such a fine, sunny day, and I have to go, but what does my death matter, if through us, thousands of people are awakened and stirred to action?”
Sophie Scholl
“Sound off!” Mrs. Muller called to the group.
“One!” the girl to the left of Mrs. Muller shouted, followed by the girl next to her, until the count came to Lilly, who shouted, “Seventeen!”
Mrs. Muller gave a slight nod and an appreciative grin to Lilly, who wondered if Ursula had spoken the truth with respect to the instructor’s malicious side. Mrs. Muller appeared so gentle and kind, and Lilly thought perhaps Ursula was being deceptive. There were only a few people that Lilly could trust, after all, and she would have to keep a keen eye open at all times.
Glancing around the facility, Lilly was discouraged to find that the major was nowhere to be seen. He was in one of the back rooms with Clementine during the last meeting, Lilly reminded herself. Perhaps he is in one of the rooms again? I want to see his face when he notices that we are here and not cowering away in our house.
Lilly wasn’t afforded another moment to think as, once the sound-off had finished, Mrs. Muller spun towards the Nazi flag and saluted. Everyone, including Lilly and Edith, bellowed, “I promise at all times to do my duty to the Fuhrer, so help me God!”
“Orchestra!” Mrs. Muller clapped twice, and at once, seven girls ran up to the little stage and grabbed their instruments.
Lilly smiled as the room swelled with the beautiful music, although she recognized that the spirit with which the compilations were crafted was entirely evil in nature. Still, she joined in the singing with the other girls, proving to everyone that she was above suspicion. Truthfully, Lilly used to love these songs. She recalled how, previously, they inspired patriotic fervor and made her proud to be German. She only wished that the major could witness her feigned nationalistic delight.
“I love, love hearing your beautiful voices.” Mrs. Muller folded her hands as she held them caringly near her chin. “Now, I know that many of you are excited about choosing your specified work groups.”
The room erupted into giddy chatter as each girl turned to their closest friends, making sure that they were going to be in the same groups.
“However, I have been instructed to show you a quick film beforehand.” Mrs. Muller shrugged in apology as a collective groan arose from those who were previously in ecstasy.
“I know, I know,” Mrs. Muller spoke warmly as she tried to quell their discouragement. “As I stated,
it’s only a short film. Ursula, can I have you in charge of organizing the chairs?”
“Of course!” Ursula replied proudly, and then turned to Lilly and whispered, “I’ll get you to help me as well. It’s easy, don’t worry. We get to order the other girls around.”
Lilly grinned as she nodded in her agreement and felt quite privileged to have Ursula as her friend. She didn’t understand why she was helping her, and the cynical side of Lilly thought perhaps Ursula was procuring a future favor. Whatever the case, Lilly decided it would be best not to push away kindness when it is shown.
“Helene, would you collect the projector?” Mrs. Muller turned to another girl.
“Come.” Ursula pinched Lilly’s elbow as she began to walk away from the square.
“What are you doing?” Lilly whispered harshly, terrified that she would be in trouble for breaking rank.
“It’s alright, silly.” Ursula snickered. “We have a task assigned.”
“If you say so.” Lilly’s shoulders tightened from anxiety as she followed Ursula to a door near the back of the facility.
With a heave, Ursula threw the doors open to reveal a maintenance room with wooden chairs stacked on top of utility carts. The strong scent of dust struck Lilly, and she was forced to cover her nose to block out the stench.
“Awful, isn’t it?” Ursula giggled as she grabbed one of the carts and began pushing it out of the room.
Copying Ursula, Lilly also grabbed one of the carts and pushed it out as she followed her to the center of the facility, which was now a frenzy of organized chaos as the girls were preparing the room for the picture.
“Just two more should do it, I think.” Ursula marched back towards the maintenance room, and Lilly followed closely behind.
But when the two had entered the room again, Ursula paused and seemed to be in deep thought. Of what, Lilly couldn’t decipher, but she politely stood beside her new friend, waiting for direction.
“How’s your father?” Ursula spoke out the corner of her mouth, and Lilly gave her a stunned glance.
“News travels quickly in Marburg,” Ursula explained with a slight grin.
“He’s recovering.” Lilly nodded.
“Good.” Ursula took a deep breath. “My brother was taken.”
“Really?” Lilly frowned and studied Ursula in a new light. “Why?”
“I still don’t know.” Ursula shrugged. “They never gave a reason.”
“When was he taken?” Lilly stood closer to Ursula as she continued to speak in a hushed tone.
“A couple of years ago.” Ursula rubbed her shoulder, and Lilly thought that she appeared almost indifferent. “We received a letter from him, shortly after he was taken, assuring us that he was fine and that they had him working at one of the camps out east.”
“Really?” Lilly examined Ursula, and it was evident that she wasn’t convinced about the report.
“Problem is my brother doesn’t know how to write,” Ursula scoffed.
“He doesn’t?” Lilly found the statement strange.
“He has a mental disability which keeps him juvenile. He’s the sweetest person this world has ever seen, and he would never hurt anyone, but he’s still five years old in his mind. Or at least that’s what the doctors told my parents.”
“That can’t be why they took him, can it?” Lilly pressed.
“I don’t know.” Ursula shrugged again. “But I am certain that our glorious utopia can’t permit mental disabilities.”
“I’m sorry.” Lilly put a gentle hand on Ursula’s shoulder.
“We should finish this up before they take us as well.” Ursula chuckled, but Lilly understood that she was overcompensating to hide the pain she was enduring.
Soon the chairs were set in place, the projector was installed in the middle of the aisle, the lights were dimmed, and Lilly was seated next to her sister and Ursula.
“I don’t see the major,” Edith whispered to Lilly as they were awaiting the start of the film. “I’m not sure if he’s even here.”
“We’ll find him afterwards.” Lilly nodded. “Don’t worry, we won’t fail Papa.”
“Alright, ladies, settle down now.” Mrs. Muller waved her arms for the girls to be quiet and then gave the signal to the projectionist to start.
The movie began, and Lilly watched with annoyance as it was another tiresome piece of propaganda. A group of Hitler Youth were shown standing together in their neatly pressed uniforms in front of one of the government buildings in Marburg. They were all eagerly singing the anthem and then chatting with each other on how much better life was under Hitler.
Lilly tried as best as she was able to stifle her groaning at the entirely obvious and patronizing tone with which the boys explained how contented everyone should now be.
Then, suddenly, Lilly’s breath was stolen. Standing off to the corner behind the two boys talking was none other than Wilhelm. She remembered that Walter had mentioned he was involved with some sort of project, and she assumed this is what he had been busy with.
“Wait?!” Ursula gasped and looked over at Lilly who, at once, understood that she had recognized Wilhelm.
“Lilly, your man is a movie star!” Ursula stood and pointed at the screen, and the entire room erupted into laughter. Even Mrs. Muller was trying to contain her smile but was failing.
In utter humiliation, Lilly slunk down in the chair and covered her face, which she felt was turning a bright pink. But then, abruptly, the laughter ceased. Curious, Lilly peeked out from her hands at Ursula who, after spotting someone behind her, returned to sitting with good posture while pretending to pay attention to the film. It was evident that she was nervous but, before Lilly could inspect why, a pair of strong hands seized her shoulders.
With a slight gasp from the pain and the thick stench of alcohol, Lilly understood that the major was behind her. Without a word, the major began massaging Lilly’s shoulders roughly, but she attempted to react as little as possible. She refused to allow him any satisfaction that he would potentially gain from her pain.
Then, leaning down, the major put his head between Lilly and Edith before whispering to both of them, “I’m glad that you’re here.”
Shivers ran down Lilly’s spine, and she felt herself becoming faint. With a quick pat on Lilly’s shoulder, the major walked away, yet Lilly was still too terrified to turn around to confirm that he was no longer there.
Even Ursula, she noticed, was desperate to thwart his attention as she sat, properly, watching the film keenly.
Eventually, as the movie progressed, Lilly turned to see the major and Clementine exiting the facility.
“Why was he here?” Lilly whispered to Ursula, who quickly shook her head, indicating that she wanted no part in the conversation.
I don’t understand why an SS major would be attending a Society meeting? Lilly pondered. His interest in us isn’t so great that he would attend just for Edith and I, is it? He was with Clementine again! That must mean he’s interested in her, but why?
The music in the picture grew dramatic, drawing Lilly’s attention again. She watched as the main character, a young Hitler Youth member, was attacked and stabbed by a band of dirty, unclean Communists. The camera then focused on the boy’s face and, as he lay dying with fake blood in the corner of his mouth, he was singing the Hitler Youth anthem.
The film stopped, and the lights turned on as a heaviness set about the room. Glancing around, Lilly was surprised to find some of the other girls with tears in their eyes. Then, looking over at Edith, Lilly noticed that she seemed stunned. Not from the film, but rather that she had ever believed in the nonsense.
“He meets with Clementine,” Ursula whispered, answering Lilly’s question from a few minutes prior.
“Pardon?” Lilly frowned.
“The major. He meets with Clementine,” Ursula explained.
“Do you know why?” Lilly pressed.
“He hates Marburg. Always has.” Ursula scrunched up h
er nose in distaste for the major. “He wants out. He was in Berlin for a bit, then they posted him to his hometown of Marburg. He believes that good relations with Clementine will be his ticket away from here.”
“How often does he see her?” Lilly asked as she looked again behind her to ensure that he wasn’t around.
“I know he’s meeting with her tomorrow evening to dine in the market.” Ursula shrugged. “Why do you ask?”
He’s meeting her in the market! I can tell Sergeant Wolf and provide the “weather report.”
“How do you know all this?” Lilly studied Ursula suspiciously.
“Well, I’m his niece.” Ursula returned the peculiar look, and Lilly felt her breath leave her.
Glancing at Edith, Lilly noticed that she was feeling the same sense of dread. Can she be trusted? Did the major plant her to keep an eye on us? Lilly examined Ursula.
“I prefer not to tell people of our connection.” Ursula guessed Lilly’s thoughts. “They tend to look at me the way you are now.”
“Sorry.” Lilly felt ashamed for judging Ursula.
“I hope I haven’t turned you off of the dance?” Ursula looked hopefully at Lilly.
“Never.” Lilly shook her head quickly.
“Good.” Ursula sighed in her relief. “Though I doubt there is little that would keep you away from my Wilhelm.”
My Wilhelm?! Lilly looked up at Ursula to see a wry grin in the corner of her mouth for the teasing.
◆◆◆
“Come on!” Ursula pushed Lilly eagerly as they headed towards the vehicle where Wilhelm was patiently waiting for them. “I don’t want to be late!”
“I’m going, I’m going.” Lilly griped.
Truth be told, the last thing she wanted to do was attend a dance, especially with the condition her father was in. Still, she understood the merits of Edith’s plan.
“Do we still have to go?” Lilly whispered to Edith as they entered the vehicle. “We know where he’ll be tomorrow evening.”
“It’s our job to collect as much intel as possible,” Edith whispered back. “I want to give the resistance a decent amount of options.”
The Daughters of Marburg Page 19
