“A draft for what?”
“Military service, ma’am. Our army apparently is rather small, and a great many men are needed for the war. The officer said there has been a celebratory spirit of sorts and people are quite excited.”
Clara sank back against the seat, shaking her head. They might all die in the war, yet everyone was acting as if they’d just been asked to a grand party. She was glad to be heading west soon and leaving the city. It was bad enough that German submarines lay in wait off the coast, torpedoing passenger ships as well as freighters. It was absolutely terrifying to imagine that those same submarines might threaten the city itself.
The traffic began moving again after some delay, and finally Clara made her way into the bank. The delays had been such that the bank was only minutes from closing. She quickly requested Mr. Walker and breathed a sigh of relief when he appeared.
“You’re back so soon. I didn’t expect to see you, what with the masses gathering outside.”
“It was difficult.”
He nodded. “Did you find the key?”
“Yes. I presume this is it.” She held up the key.
The man smiled. “Exactly so. Please come with me.”
He led her to an area of the bank Clara had never visited. Here he took her key and, in a matter of minutes, seated her at a table with the closed box. “I’ll return in just a few minutes. Feel free to leave whatever you like in the box. It will remain in your husband’s name unless you wish otherwise.”
Clara waited until he’d disappeared out the door before opening the box. To her surprise she found several banded stacks of money and four small books. She picked up the first of the books and opened it. It appeared to be a diary of sorts in her husband’s handwriting. How strange. She’d never heard Adolph say even once that he was keeping a journal. She checked and found the other books to be the same. Perhaps their children would one day want to read them and know their father better. She slipped the books in her purse, then took up the money.
For a moment she wondered if she should give the money to Otto. If Adolph had mismanaged their affairs to the degree Otto implied, then this money might help to set things right. On the other hand, something about the entire matter had troubled Clara. Adolph had always been very meticulous with their affairs, and what little she knew of their finances had always seemed solid.
She heard footsteps on the highly polished floor outside the open door and quickly stuffed the money into her purse. She could further contemplate what was to be done once she was in the comfort of her home. For now, all she knew was that there was a gun in her husband’s bedside table and a great deal of money no one apparently knew about in his bank box. None of it made sense.
5
So I purchased train tickets for each of us,” Clara told Mim. “I do have some concern that Otto might ask about us at the depot after we’ve gone, but given the size of the station, I seriously doubt anyone would remember two women with children.”
“Perhaps you should forego wearing black,” Mim suggested. “That way you won’t stand out among the other travelers.”
Clara nodded. “I had thought of that as well.” She lowered her voice to add, “I hate black.”
They were interrupted just then by a very worried-looking Perkins. “Madam, I was just passing the foyer and saw a car arrive. It’s your mother.”
Clara stiffened. She had hoped they might be able to leave before her mother arrived. “Very well.” She looked to Mim. “You should probably return to the nursery. However, I want all of you to join us for dinner at noon.”
Mim nodded, not even questioning Clara’s instruction. The nanny hurried from the library, leaving Clara and Perkins alone. Clara tried to think of what she should do. The doorbell chimed, and she shot up from her chair.
“I suppose you’d better let her in. I’ll meet her in the formal parlor.”
“Very good, madam.” Perkins turned to head out of the room, then paused. “Although, I could tell her that you are indisposed.”
Clara laughed. “She would never believe it, nor care. No, I’ll see her.”
While Perkins went to admit her mother, Clara made her way to the parlor and prayed. She found she didn’t feel half as brave as she’d hoped to. She had promised Otto she could hold her own with her mother, but now she was honestly concerned as to whether that was true.
She heard her mother before seeing her. Harriet Oberlin was not one to remain silent when she was disturbed.
“You took your sweet time opening the door, Perkins. I won’t brook such dereliction of duty in the future. I presume without my son-in-law to keep you all in line, you have simply taken charge of the house, but that has come to an end.”
“Yes, madam,” Perkins could be heard to reply.
Clara could imagine him shaking his head when her mother wasn’t looking. She smiled at the thought and took a seat in an antique throne chair her husband had given her for her last birthday.
“Now where is my daughter? I demand you take me to her immediately.”
Perkins opened the door to the parlor and stepped inside. “Mrs. Vesper, your mother has arrived.”
She started to instruct him to show her mother in, but instead her mother pushed past him and descended on Clara like a summer storm.
“You would not believe the difficulty I’ve had getting here. The entire city seems to have gone mad with this war. It was bad enough I couldn’t risk sailing here from Florida due to all those intolerable German submarines threatening our shores, but the trains were positively crowded with men going off to be soldiers.” She paused and looked down her nose at Clara. “You look terrible.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
Clara studied her mother for a moment. The older woman was dressed in a pigeon-breasted style reminiscent of the previous decade. The mauve color suited her graying hair and the floor-length hem her sense of propriety. Mother had often spoken out against the newer, shorter fashions. She believed women should keep their limbs concealed beneath their skirts. No doubt she would disapprove of Clara’s dress being inches from the floor, despite the black stockings and black heels.
Her mother waved her hand. “I don’t know why you chose these garish colors for the main parlor.”
Clara shrugged. “I suppose because my husband liked blue and gold.”
“Yes, well, he’s gone now. Perhaps I will make some appropriate changes.” Her mother walked around the room as if already planning what she would do. “This wallpaper will have to go.”
“Mother, why are you here?”
Her mother paused and fixed her with a look that suggested complete surprise. “To see you through your time of grief, of course. I have instructed Perkins to have my things moved to the guest room. I intend to stay and see that you are not given over to sorrow.”
Clara hadn’t figured on her mother planning to stay. “You have your own house, Mother. You needn’t install yourself here.”
“Nonsense. You will need me. I will arrange for the children to go away to boarding school and for the house to be brought up to date. Honestly, I don’t know why your husband allowed everything to fall into such disrepair.”
Clara looked around the room, trying to figure out exactly what her mother meant by her statement. Everything was up-to-date, clean, and beautiful.
“I like the way things are, Mother. We needn’t change anything. Not only that, but my children are not yet of school age, in case you’ve forgotten.”
The older woman stopped and turned, her expression pinched in obvious discomfort. “It won’t do for you to have children underfoot while choosing another husband.”
“But I don’t intend to choose another husband.” Clara got to her feet. “Nor to have one chosen for me.”
Her mother’s face reddened as she sputtered. “I . . . I . . . well, I never expected such disrespect. You are in mourning, however.” She calmed a bit and gave a huff. “I suppose that is the reason for your obvious error in
judgment.”
Perkins appeared just then. “Mr. Vesper is here to see you, madam.”
Before her mother could speak, Clara nodded. “Show him in.”
“What in the world is your brother-in-law doing here?”
“He comes here quite regularly.” Clara turned as Otto entered the room. “Good morning.”
He eyed her mother and then frowned. “I didn’t realize your mother had returned.”
“I have just arrived, so you needn’t remain. As you can see Clara will be in my capable hands, so you may go.”
Clara watched in amusement as the two squared off. Otto wasn’t about to have Harriet Oberlin order him around. Clara reclaimed her chair and remained silent as they went about haranguing each other.
“I have been here for Clara throughout her marriage to my brother,” Otto contended.
“You obviously thought it perfectly fine to interfere in their privacy, but now that my daughter is a widow, it is hardly appropriate for you to be here.”
“It is more than appropriate. I have asked Clara to marry me.”
Clara wasn’t surprised that her mother again turned red in the face. “Marriage to you is out of the question. Imagine the gossip among decent folks.”
“If they are in truth decent folks, then they won’t be gossiping,” Otto countered.
It was a definite point scored for her brother-in-law, as it momentarily silenced Clara’s mother. That silence didn’t last long, however.
“Decent folks will also not allow for you to marry your brother’s wife. I’m appalled you would even suggest such a thing.”
“Few people worry about those antiquated notions.”
“People of quality upbringing do. Besides, Clara is naïve and needs my guidance. There will be many a man who will try to take advantage of her position and wealth.”
Otto looked at Clara as if expecting her to explain. Clara sighed. She wasn’t ready yet to explain her financial situation to her mother. Otto didn’t seem to realize this, however.
“Your daughter has obviously not seen a need to share the truth with you. You know very little about her position.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
Otto smoothed his mustache. “Just this. My brother was a poor manager of his money, and he died with very little to his name.”
Clara noted her mother’s stunned expression but continued to remain silent. She would have ample opportunity to explain the details to her mother once Otto was gone.
“I don’t believe you. How terrible you are to frighten my daughter. You are exactly the kind of man who would take advantage of her.”
The grandfather clock chimed the hour, and Clara got to her feet. “I must interrupt. Perkins is soon to come and announce dinner. You are both welcome to partake, so long as this disagreeable discussion is concluded.”
Both Otto and her mother appeared surprised at her announcement. Otto moved to her side. “I am afraid I cannot remain. I have business that must be attended to.” He lowered his voice. “Might I return and see you tomorrow?”
“Of course.” Clara looked past him to see Perkins standing in the doorway. “Ah, Perkins. I was certain you would soon arrive to announce dinner.”
“Yes, madam. Everything has been made ready, and the others are already seated.”
“Thank you. I’ll be there directly.”
He’d no sooner exited than her mother moved to stand beside her. “What others are already seated?”
“Why, Mim and the children. We usually take our meals together.”
“Well, that will come to a stop. Children belong in the nursery.”
Otto reached for Clara’s hand. “I will come to check on you soon, sister.” He bowed ever so slightly over her hand, then released her. He looked to her mother. “Good day, Mrs. Oberlin.”
“Good day, Mr. Vesper, and you needn’t come to check on Clara. I am moving in to stay with her until she is past her mourning and once again settled with a proper husband.”
Otto looked as if he might comment on this, but thankfully he said nothing. Clara could see he was quite upset by her mother’s words, but surely no more than she. After he was gone, Clara turned to her mother.
“Come, let us join the others.”
Her mother began to pull off her gloves. “I haven’t even had a chance to freshen up.”
“If you prefer, I can have a tray brought to your room.”
“No. That won’t be necessary.”
They crossed the hall and passed from the music room into the dining room. Clara smiled at Hunter and Maddy balanced atop pillows once again. Mim was just helping to push Hunter’s chair closer when they entered the room.
“Mama, you need to come see our drawings. Nanny Mim helped us make pictures of animals,” Hunter announced.
“How wonderful.” Clara crossed to kiss her son atop his head. “I will see them later, but first look who has come to share our meal. Grandmother Oberlin is here.”
Hunter frowned and Maddy did likewise. Neither child cared for the overbearing woman. Meanwhile, Clara’s mother stared at the gathering as if there were animals seated at the table instead of merely being the topic of the children’s drawings.
“Why don’t you greet your grandmother,” Clara said, smiling at her children.
“Good afternoon, Grandmother.” Maddy’s words were barely audible.
“Good afternoon.” Hunter’s voice, though louder, was also filled with obvious displeasure.
“Honestly, Clara. I cannot be expected to dine with these hoydens. It’s completely uncalled for.”
“Mother, these are my children and I will dine with them whenever I choose. If you do not wish to join us, I will have a tray delivered to your room.”
“Clara, I’ve had just about enough of your disagreeable nature. You have no call to speak to me in such a manner, and I will not tolerate it.” Her mother’s eyes narrowed. “I am trying to take into account your loss, but your behavior is quite abominable.”
Maddy began to tear up. She reached for her mother. Clara immediately took the child in her arms and lifted her from the chair. “It’s all right, Maddy. Don’t let this ruin your dinner.” She whispered the words in her daughter’s ear, then turned back to her mother. “You are upsetting my children, Mother.”
“That is why they should be in the nursery.” She turned and glared at Mim. “Do your duty and take them away from here now.”
Mim got to her feet as if to counter this order with words of her own, but Clara spoke up first. “Mim, perhaps you should take the children back to the nursery. I need to speak to my mother, and it would be best if they didn’t have to endure it, for it might be quite unpleasant.”
“Very well.” Mim helped Hunter from the chair. His scowl let Clara know in no uncertain terms how unhappy he was, but she was grateful he remained silent. Coming to Clara, Mim took Maddy in her arms.
“I’ll be up to see you very soon,” Clara promised the children. Maddy began to weep against Mim’s starched collar, but Hunter was already marching from the room. Clara gave Maddy a quick kiss and then let Mim take her away. Once they were gone, Clara sat down and rang for the footman.
A young man appeared shortly, and Clara ignored the fact that her mother was still standing. “Please see to it that dinner is taken up to the nursery for Nanny and the children.”
He nodded and started to leave, but Clara’s mother demanded his assistance. “Have you lost all knowledge of your training, boy? Seat me at once and then tend to your mistress.”
The young man looked shocked but hurried to pull out the chair for the older woman. Once he had her seated, he hurried over to help Clara, but she waved him away. “I’m fine. Go see to the children’s food, and then you may serve us.”
“I can see I’ve been away much too long.”
“Mother, I am sorry that the children make you nervous. However, in the future, if you wish to dine with me here, I want you to understand that they wi
ll be welcome at the table.”
Her mother was unconvinced. “Children are useless to anyone until they are old enough to make advantageous marriages. You have clearly lost your wits due to your husband’s death. I suppose if my husband were murdered, I might be rather shaken as well.” She eyed Clara with a most disagreeable look. “However, I won’t abide such nonsense, nor your disregard of my instruction.”
The footman returned with their soup, but this didn’t stop Clara’s mother from continuing. “I am appalled at how the years have changed your once agreeable nature. It is quite alarming. I think perhaps it would behoove me to call for a doctor. You may be in need of a sedative—something to help you relax and regain your composure.”
Clara bowed her head and whispered a prayer of blessing for the food. She then silently asked God to help her not to lose her temper. She was determined that her mother would not get the best of her.
Without another word Clara sampled the soup. The warm tomato bisque tasted delicious. She and the children were quite fond of Cook’s bisque and had it at least once a week.
“This soup is cold.”
Clara looked at her mother. She seemed determined to be disagreeable. Instead of commenting, however, Clara continued to eat. When the footman arrived with thick slices of German rye bread, Clara took a piece, then addressed the matter of her mother’s soup.
“Would you please take Mrs. Oberlin’s soup away? She says it is cold. Please have another bowl brought to her.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The young man went to where Clara’s mother sat. He first offered her bread, but she waved him away.
“Leave us. The soup is tolerable.”
The servant looked to Clara, and only after her nod did he leave the room.
Clara began to butter her bread. No doubt her mother would find something else to criticize or argue about, but Clara didn’t intend to be drawn into it. She had learned over the years of dealing with her mother that the woman didn’t care at all for what anyone else thought or felt. Instead, Clara silently planned her escape. It would have to be soon.
After dinner, Clara stood and gave her mother a smile. “I’m afraid I must excuse myself. I want to check on the children and then lie down. I’m quite tired.”
A Love Transformed Page 5
