Yesterday Was Long Ago: Part Two

by Hedy Thalberg James

  When both children read about the sudden death of Anette, they had cried bitterly and hoped their own mother, along with the kind Reinhardts, would be spared. Neither Ingrid nor Henry showed any reaction, other than telling them the flu befell mostly the old ones. Aunt Ingrid’s interests were always of a different nature. Shortly after their arrival, she enrolled Andreas and Gaby in one of the best private schools and, although they didn’t start until the middle of September, there were tutors for every possible subject, considering that Austria’s schools were, due to the war and closing many weeks due to the shortage of coal, far behind. There were also lessons in ballet and piano. Andreas played violin and needed gymnastic lessons, never mind all their household chores, so that their playtime was limited to two hours at the most.

  Andreas walked to the nearby soccer field where the Swiss boys were glad to have an aggressive newcomer, and Gaby spent her playtime with the Rosattis’ mongoloid boy, Eugen, who, after taking the first look at her, smiled happily. One reason was that she always thought of new little games he was able to participate in.

  Alfredo and Isabella Rosatti owned a famous Italian restaurant in the main business district. She would spend the morning hours there, overseeing every detail, leaving nothing to chance. Her own household consisted of a maid and an old, but kind nurse for Eugen. The cooking was done by her. It was quite a different matter with the Lebruns. His dental practice was within walking distance from his residence and Ingrid, having the advantage of attending one year of finishing school in Lausanne, ran the household by herself like clockwork. Once a month, a couple would take care of the windows and rugs. The beautiful rose bushes surrounding both villas were her hobby and the Rosattis were glad she included theirs too.

  Alfred Rosatti and Henry Lebrun’s villas had, at their front view, very little space, but both families bought their places, although three years apart, for their oversized backyards, which were only separated by short hedges. They knew each other previously and developed over the years a very close friendship. Both houses had large French doors leading to identical patios, surrounded by Ingrid’s roses. The rest of the yard was still a playground, but only Gaby and seven-year-old Eugen took advantage of it. It consisted of a large sandbox, a seesaw, and a swing set. Throwing balls was started quite frequently, but as Eugen never caught one, he brought her the jumping rope instead, as he was fascinated at her performance and applauded each time. It was no surprise that the Rosattis were overjoyed at Andreas and Gaby’s one-year stay, regardless of whether their parents returned. It all depended on Austria’s situation.

  With several weeks of school behind them, the rhythm was not very different from their own private school in Vienna, with the exception that only French was spoken. Since they spoke it in all their years of visits, aside from learning it at their own school, there were not too many problems.

  The Rosattis, who came from the south of Switzerland and spoke Italian among themselves only, were more than happy to help with their language, and being Austrian, their German was flawless, with many students asking for either Andreas’ or Gaby’s help. Their first report cards were outstanding, with a note adding that their behavior was excellent. Andreas was sure he wanted to be a Doctor of Medicine, and had, at fifteen, the great advantage to be tutored by Lucas Rosatti, who, at twenty-one, had three years of medical school behind him. And Uncle Henry, in whose profession he saw only a man who pulled or filled teeth, proved nevertheless to be very useful in answering every one of his many questions. But in Lucas Rosatti he saw a scientist, and his admiration for him knew no bounds.

  Gaby still envisioned herself as a ballerina, but after seeing Swan Lake, Giselle, and Sleeping Beauty she changed her mind. She had dreamed of being the principal dancer but upon hearing of their serious training hours, she settled on becoming a piano teacher. During the winter months, swimming and tennis were replaced with Latin and endless hours on the skating rink to practice the required figures of a perfect three and eight. So far, skiing was considered only fun.

  By the time Christmas arrived, Andreas and Gaby were greatly surprised to receive skis and all the necessary clothing with them. Lebrun and Rosatti were already informed about the children’s missing father months previously, but were told not to breathe a word, knowing how upset they would be. Both families never met the officer, but after folding Astrid’s note, they only replied to each other that he was, after all, a professional. But Astrid got a nice letter of hope in return. Lucas, after being told in secrecy, was very sorry. He, like the rest of the two families, loved Astrid, not only for being Ingrid’s sister, but because she never complained or said a bad word about anyone and was only filled with good thoughts, despite the many hardships she had to endure by marrying a poor Baron.

  Lucas went every year during Christmas vacation to ski in the Alps. Mountains relaxed him, be it climbing or skiing. But at present, he was asked by his parents if he could spare one day and take Andreas and Gaby on a smaller mountain to ski. It would be an exception, as Gaby was by far not as skilled as Andreas since he had started at a much earlier age. Their parents taught them like most Viennese at the nearby Vienna woods, but tomboy Gaby was unpredictable, always trying to out-do her brother. However, Lucas skied at difficult slopes, where Andreas could only fantasize about it. “Andreas,” Lucas asked kindly. “My parents have suggested we three go skiing. They feel sorry for Gaby to be left out. Both of our families have older people over each year for dinner. Gaby and you have never met them and would only be bored.”

  Andreas was elated. “Why should I mind? I feel so honored to be asked after hearing you have skied for thirteen years. In comparison, my sister and I are pupils!”

  Lucas smiled humbly, but was very, very happy. Gaby would be near him!

  “I’ll bet your parents feel sorry for us. We have everything a skier would need, but we wondered if we could ever use them while in Lausanne.”

  “Trust me,” Lucas promised. “We will ski quite often if I can help it.”

  Andreas’ face glowed with excitement. It was one thing to ski on hills, but quite another with a skilled man like Lucas in Switzerland. “I may sound like a sly fox, but if we tell my aunt that those trips will be lessons, she will give us permission. She is determined that Gaby and I excel in anything we do,” Andreas concluded.

  Lucas was overjoyed at his plan, knowing it would work with Ingrid and he could be near Gaby. Though he felt ashamed to admit it to himself, Lucas was hopelessly in love with Gaby, who just turned thirteen in July. However, he knew and had loved her since he saw her first at the age of three, when she was the cutest toddler he had ever encountered. She had almost demanded that the eleven-year-old Lucas carry her on his broad shoulders or push her on the swing set. The seesaw was shared between Andreas and herself. After the end of their summer vacation, he always felt sad and lonely. Now the tall, but very shy young man was neither handsome nor ugly. His strong physical appearance was his greatest asset, but his light tanned skin left much to be desired. His black hair was curly, and his dark brown eyes seemed to be far away. But as a future doctor, not too many girls would have turned him down, but then again, he had never even dated, let alone given any indication of contemplating marriage, whenever asked by his relatives in sunny Locarno, where the Italian-speaking Swiss marry very young.

  When Astrid brought her two children for their vacation, she usually stayed a week with her sister. But this time she was told that her friend Isabella Rosatti had a new baby which was quite special. She also asked her never to give any indication that the little boy was a mongoloid. The year was 1911. Gaby had just turned six. And the eight-year-old Andreas, after having seen the child, declared again that he wanted to become a doctor, as he had seen several mongoloids in Vienna, each being led by a nun.

  “How strange,” his aunt said solemnly. “That is exactly what our neighbors’ son, Lucas, said.” Being fourteen, he had no sense of direction except to study the next few years, as he never wante
d to work at his father’s noisy restaurant with lots of people. Therefore, his preference was pathology, as it meant spending all his time in a laboratory.

  After Gaby took the first look at him, she became very attached to Baby Eugen and by watching her caring for him, though still in a cradle, Lucas became even more smitten with her kindness. He wished his many thoughts would fade away and he would get her out of his mind. But with each yearly encounter, he loved her even more. As far as Lucas was concerned, he had never seen a more radiant, beautiful girl, with flawless skin, bright blue eyes and flaxen blond hair. She was truly a sight to behold. And now at thirteen she could have easily passed for fifteen, but was fully unaware of it. Her walk, too, was light and straight, on which even the forever critical Aunt Ingrid commented, but gave Gaby’s twice a week ballet lessons the credit for, as she did with her great improvement in skating. And now Lucas had a chance to take her skiing, but more than that, be near her for a whole day. It was only a two-hour train ride and was considered the mountain for many skiers from Lausanne.

  The following summer, Astrid made her yearly visit, but also to tell the children their father may be somewhere in prison and was the previous year declared missing.

  “He will be back, Mama,” consoled Andreas, but Gaby took the news very seriously, went into her room and wept. Ingrid asked if the poor children could stay another school year and Astrid was very glad to oblige after seeing both so very relaxed and happy. Astrid confessed that after being so alone with Hermine and having nothing else to do than wait for her husband’s return, a depression had set in and the Wertheims suggested typing and some secretarial skills and they would be only too happy to hire her.

  It was Bertram who brought her a typewriter so she could also practice at home. Six months later, she worked in Wertheim’s bookkeeping department and started to enjoy life again. She felt wanted and needed. It took her barely twenty minutes with the trolley and should her husband make it back, Hermine would call the store. Now she had her first week of vacation and sat with her sister Ingrid, discussing the future of Andreas and Gaby.

  She elaborated on those many political fights and demonstrations, which after a year in peaceful surroundings could have a very negative effect. Never mind all the risk on their way to and from school. So, one year longer was agreed upon, making everyone involved happy… especially Lucas who had already forged a plan. Astrid talked endlessly about Bertram’s great change, how kind he was supplying her with anything she wished. She also mentioned Foster’s kindness. “That lovable Bertram just gives and doesn’t even take a franc from his inheritance.” But Henry and Ingrid knew that one of these days he would collect.

  1920

  7

  “Lucas will be a Doctor of Medicine in a year,” the visiting Rosattis said with great pride, as he was the first one in their family to have something accomplished other than a Chef of Cuisine in France or Italy.

  “I plan to take my residency in Vienna,” he replied, matter-of-factly.

  “Wonderful!” Astrid applauded.

  “You can even stay with us. I have an unused guestroom as Bertram lives with the Fosters.”

  “I’ll think about it,” he said nonchalantly. “It will all depend on the travel distance, as I will send my resume to the Wilhelminer Hospital.”

  “Whatever is right for you, Lucas, but you are more than welcome.”

  The Rosattis thanked her, knowing he wouldn’t be lonesome in a big city, despite those long hours of practice and study. Only Gaby somehow changed, feeling certain that her father was dead. From a happy tomboy, she had turned to a sad, young, but still beautiful girl.

  The year of 1919-1920 went by much too quickly. Aunt Ingrid tried to give even more lessons while switching other ones. But by school’s end in July, the Lebruns and Rosattis agreed on a month vacation together before bringing the children and Lucas to Vienna. The Rosattis insisted on showing Andreas and Gaby where they lived and went to school in Locarno, and the children fell in love with the little and large towns on Lake Maggiore. Andreas and Gaby considered those places, surrounded by palms and the great variety of southern shrubs and flowers in every possible color, more beautiful than Lausanne or Geneva.

  They had to take little Eugen along, who had turned nine, but looked like five and was only interested in holding Gaby’s hand. He spoke as much as expected, but many children, seeing for the first time a boy like him, kept on staring with a certain grin or smirk which didn’t go unnoticed by the Rosattis, but made no difference to Gaby. At Alfredo’s and Isabella’s place, the boy would mostly stay inside, or if lucky, played in a small backyard. To take him to Vienna was out of the question and all arrangements to keep him in Locarno were made well beforehand.

  ∼

  The Rosattis had never seen Vienna, but were not particularly impressed until Astrid and the children took them sightseeing. The Lebruns went to the health spa of Baden but when they returned, they complained that Austria was falling apart and if it weren’t for their Swiss francs, they would have starved, never mind getting a beautiful room in a first-class hotel. After one week, the Lebruns and Rosattis were ready to go home, and both families felt sorry for Andreas and Gaby but wouldn’t dare to ask Astrid to take them back again.

  The Reinhardts were in Salzburg and the Silvermans in Tyrol, so Astrid had no chance to introduce them to any of her friends except to show them the Wertheim store where she worked, but the owners were with the Silvermans in Tyrol, too. They did get to meet Bertram and his friend, but were not overly impressed, regardless of his friendly manner. Rupert was their favorite, despite Astrid’s effusive praising of Bertram.

  “Hello, Andreas. Gosh have you grown the last six years.” Andreas smiled sweetly, but his reaction was only “Glad you noticed.”

  He could deceive anyone with his look at Gaby. “Isn’t she beautiful?”

  “Thank you, Bertram. I try not to let it go to my head,” she replied.

  “Well, every young man in Locarno and Lausanne was of the same opinion,” Isabella Rosatti said.

  The Lebruns and Astrid felt very flattered but kept quiet. Their mother was pleased that both of her children inherited the best features from their parents and Ingrid believed that without education and perfect mannerisms, beauty alone is a bore. All kept smiling except Lucas. He was seething with jealousy since he left Locarno, and now in Vienna it started to be the same all over again. Gaby was his and his alone. He disliked Bertram the moment he laid eyes on him, and Bertram told Rupert after their short visit, that he reminded him of an undertaker. But Bertram had long ago forged a plan after seeing the arriving photos from Lausanne. But like everything else in his life, he kept it to himself. He never trusted a single soul, and with Rupert, he only told him what he wanted him to know as it was the best way to handle him.

  ∼

  Andreas and Gaby were blessed with the talent of quick adjustment. Despite the big change in Vienna, they felt right at home and admired the many new items the late Anette left for Astrid in her will. Their former school friends made them very welcome, as they had grown taller but were otherwise the same. It was an open secret that if anyone wanted to survive, one went to the black market, providing one had foreign money, as the Austrian crown became less valuable by the day. Therefore, neither Astrid nor the children felt bad when Bertram and Rupert brought them any goods. Rupert was always in uniform and Gaby found him very handsome. Bertram developed the habit of calling Andreas ‘brother’ and Gaby ‘sister’, always adding how happy he was to have a family. His father was never mentioned, and Astrid asked her children to do the same.

  By now, all the vacationing families had returned and resumed their daily routine. Four-year-old Anna Silverman seemed to remember Gaby as she gave her a big hug. The only change occurring since their departure was in the Wertheim household. Martin Wertheim’s brother sent his son for two years to Vienna’s Academy of Fine Arts to learn drawing. He also spent some time at the store to learn the qualit
y of different kinds of silk, wool, and cotton, which came ironically from his father’s department store in New York. Needless to say, it was never sold, but only bartered among their Jewish friends.

  The boy’s name was Samuel, but everyone called him Sam. When introduced to Bertram, they conversed about art but both knew immediately that Sam was also looking for girls. That was no problem, as never before were more women available to be easily had. There was a great shortage of men, as many were either dead or otherwise crippled. Bertram turned from time to time to ‘Bertie the Pimp’ and returned to his former place. Mr. Breuner was, therefore, very elated to be introduced to Sam, the American client, where a few dollars represented a fortune. He assured him that Sam would be in the best of hands.

  Bertie also learned that Philip Reinhardt never returned, but was informed that he visited new places for his own pleasure. Presently Vienna’s morals were at their lowest point, but for some reason the girls never looked prettier.

  Sam mixed his art classes with Breuner’s, knowing Wertheim would never suspect a thing. Bertram would comment from time to time that “some people are just plain gullible.” Otherwise, Fosters suited his lifestyle, with Rupert being the best friend he ever had, and his work was a pleasure. But deep in his heart, he had a master plan, though it would take time and the right opportunity.

  Astrid was, as usual, invited to the Reinhardts’ and was told not only to bring her own two children but their friend from Lausanne too. Gaby accepted the invitation this time after hearing that Paul had studied in Zurich.

  “Mrs. Reinhardt is quite a lonely woman now with three of her children gone.”

  “But the Reinhardts have so many friends,” protested Gaby.

  “I would call them rather ‘acquaintances’, but be that as it may, many died and for many, life has changed completely for the worse. As I said, Elisabeth, the oldest, is a Doctor of Medicine, married to one, and on the way to Nairobi, Africa.”