Beyond the Storm. Diana Finley

‘and now that we all live together here, I shall sell my own apartment.’

      Julia made no comment about the fact that Paulina had already been living with the family since the boys were babies. She was happy for her mother-in-law to take command of the situation.

      ‘The important thing is for Jakob and Paul to continue to receive the very best education, especially in these difficult times. That must be our priority.’

      Julia nodded in agreement.

      As Paul and Jakob progressed through their teens, one by one their Christian friends rejected them. Fritz Henkelmann’s parents refused to receive Jakob in their home. At first, Fritz had no such reservations about calling at Jakob’s house, although he did not reveal these visits to his mother and father. Gradually though, his visits became fewer. Away from their homes, Fritz remained a loyal friend to Jakob, and the two young men continued to meet in coffee houses, and to play football or go skiing together.

      * * *

      Paulina and Julia continued to entertain in a modest way. Their circle of friends had shrunk, with a gradual falling away, first of the most rich and grand, and then of almost all their Christian acquaintances. They had known Artur and Matilde Feldman and their daughters for many years. Both families had been through difficult times, and Paulina admired the way in which Artur had held his business together, despite his wife’s illness. He had also shown great concern and support for the Wiener family since the death of Rudolf, who was his lawyer and friend.

      Although the girls were not their social equals, Paulina considered Esther, Anna and Margaret quite charming. It was true that there was some concern about Margaret’s leaning towards radical political activities as she grew older. There was even rumour of her having joined a naturists’ club. However, Esther was strikingly attractive and Anna was pretty and sweet. The children had played together from time to time ever since they were quite small.

      When Jakob left school he began a course in architecture, while his brother Paul followed their father in studying law. Jakob took his studies seriously, well aware that opportunities for higher education could be snatched away at any moment. Some of his Jewish friends talked of communism as a possible way forward. Out of interest, Jakob attended one or two meetings of the Communist Party. He noticed Margaret Feldman sitting in the hall, a couple of rows ahead, giving the speaker her rapt attention. She would have been barely fifteen. As they left the meeting, Jakob and Margaret were pushed together at the exit by the jostle of the crowd. They smiled at one another, and Jakob offered to accompany her home to Mariahilferstrasse.

      * * *

      The front door is opened by Margaret’s sister Anna. Anna shakes her head and gives Margaret a look of exasperation when Jakob explains how they have met. How pretty Anna is, when she raises her eyebrows to Jakob with a wry smile, her hands on her hips. She thanks him for bringing Margaret back and apologises for not inviting him in at such a late hour.

      Jakob is not a radical activist, but like many young people he is searching for answers to the growing inequalities in Viennese society, and especially the erosion of the rights of Jews. Disappointed by the speakers, he soon decides communism is not a solution he wishes to pursue, and attends no further meetings. Yet Jakob’s spirits are raised by the encounter with Anna, and he looks forward to his forthcoming twenty-first birthday party, to which all three Feldman sisters will be coming.

      Paul and Jakob’s party is a great success. Paulina has sold some jewellery to ensure her grandsons’ birthdays are marked in a way that befits them. It is a fine, glittering occasion. Paul dances energetically with all the prettiest girls present, and charms some of their mothers by asking them too to dance. Jakob does not allow his brother anywhere near Anna, protectively keeping her to himself. Paul accepts Jakob’s possessiveness with his usual good humour. Jakob dances only with Anna, though of course he asks his mother and his grandmother to honour him with a waltz. Paulina is buoyed by the evening. It is quite like old times.

      Jakob is entranced by Anna. For two years they spend every spare minute together. Due to new rulings of the government, he has had to leave his architecture course before completing it, and Anna is working as a governess and nanny, having been unable to attend university. They have discussed the future and agreed that it will be necessary to travel abroad if they are to have the opportunities they both want. Paulina has provided a modest allowance for her grandsons to allow them some independence. Jakob loves Anna’s enthusiasm for every experience: theatres, concerts, riding, swimming, skiing. She enjoys his company and always seems delighted to see him. But Jakob worries that perhaps she does not love him with the same intensity he feels for her.

      ‘She is still young,’ Paulina reassures him. ‘Give her time. Anna likes all of life’s pleasures – that is clear. Make sure she has a good time with you, and don’t put too much pressure on her.’

      But it is not in Jakob’s nature to concentrate on life’s pleasures alone. He wants a commitment from Anna. He visits Artur Feldman to ask his permission to marry his middle daughter. Artur grips Jakob’s arm affectionately and steers him into his study. Kaethe brings a tray of coffee. She leaves with a curtsey and a curious look at Jakob.

      ‘And have you asked Anna to marry you, Jakob?’

      ‘Well, not in so many words. I felt it best to ask you first. But I think we have both assumed we will always be together.’

      Artur studies the earnest young man before him. Jakob’s face is tense. He licks his lips and blinks at Artur. His left knee jiggles a continuous nervous rhythm.

      ‘That is very proper. But with Anna, I suggest it is best to assume nothing. She is still young of course.’ Artur echoes Paulina’s words.

      Jakob is disappointed that Anna does not immediately leap at his proposal, but instead asks for time to consider it. It takes some weeks before she tells him that yes, she would like to marry him, and they become formally engaged. Jakob is overjoyed.

      * * *

      Some months after this, Jakob receives a note from Fritz Henkelmann, asking to meet in a coffee house known to both of them. It is nearly a year since they have seen one another.

      ‘First of all, I have heard about your engagement. Many congratulations to you – you’re a lucky man, Jakob. Anna is a lovely girl.’

      ‘Thank you, Fritz. I am a lucky man, and I know it. The wedding may be a little while off, but I hope you will be my best man? I imagine we will have to leave Austria before much longer, with all the restrictions imposed by this poisonous government.’

      Fritz scrutinises his friend silently, as the waiter brings a coffee pot and lays out their cups. He stirs his coffee thoughtfully. ‘You should go soon, very soon.’

      ‘Mmm. Well of course, it will take time to make all the arrangements.’

      ‘No, Jakob. Do not delay.’

      ‘Oh …?’

      ‘Look. We’ve been friends for many years …’

      ‘Yes?’

      ‘I like you, Jakob – you know that. I like you and Anna.’

      Jakob feels a growing sense of unease. ‘What are you saying?’

      ‘I want you to know that I am in total support of this “poisonous government”, as you put it. I am a fully-fledged member of the National Socialist Party, and I believe absolutely in their policies.’

      Jakob laughs out loud for a moment, his laughter fading as he takes in his friend’s humourless face.

      ‘I don’t believe it! Fritz, is this some kind of joke? Really I don’t find it very funny, not funny at all.’

      ‘It’s no joke. I believe the Nazis are right: with the Jews’ monopoly on large areas of trade and business, they are a major cause of the social and economic difficulties both Germany and Austria are suffering. We must eliminate the Jews in Austria and restore racial purity to our country. That is absolutely essential.’

      Jakob