The Proud Prussian

By Elizabeth M. Forbes

Historic fiction based on the true story of a love that influenced three generations of women in three countries and two world wars. Finally, in the third generation, Maria-Karolina's grand-daughter went in search of the key to unlock the door to what had been and to what could be. Even then, she had to find her courage to start over again and reclaim a promise of love which had haunted her own life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9781467041034

Elizabeth M. Forbes

This author was born in Saratoga, New York which is known for its spring water and its famous racetrack. She is a first generation American descended from family coming from Scotland and Germany. Her maternal family history was told in her first book, The Proud Prussian. This story focuses on her paternal family who came from Scotland to Nova Scotia, Canada and then down into upstate New York. She was born in Saratoga, N.Y. and grew up surrounded by the history of that city and some of its historic sites such as Fort Saratoga. She has great memories of visits to the Seneca Indian Tribe located in upstate New York where she learned to appreciate nature in all its glory. She graduated from Skidmore College and studied history and languages. At graduation, she found that New York had a hold on hiring any teachers for that year. Rather than wait and work part time as a substitute, she followed a family tradition from the Royal British Navy and enlisted in the U.S. Navy where she worked at the Pentagon with Naval Intelligence and as an Admiral’s Aide. She has traveled extensively overseas where she has visited Russia, Germany and, of course, the United Kingdom. Her first trip to Russia was with an International Exchange with the U.S. where she visited Moscow and St. Petersburg along with various museums and hospitals. Her visits to Germany have been more frequent as have her visits to England and Scotland. While in the U.S., she has lived in New York along with Virginia, New Mexico and Texas. At present she lives in Washington state where she is familiar with that state’s two well-known universities, the University of Washington and Washington State University. She is an avid fan of the New York Yankees and yes, she sings the praises of the Seattle Seahawks.

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The

Proud Prussian

missing image file

BY

ELIZABETH M. FORBES

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2011 by Elizabeth M. Forbes. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 10/11/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4670-4104-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4670-4105-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4670-4103-4 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011917976

Printed in the United States of America

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

DEDICATION

FORWARD

MARIA-KAROLINA WILHELMINA

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPER ELEVEN

PAULINE HENRIETTA

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

ELIZABETH MARIE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

EPILOGUE

DEDICATION

This book is lovingly dedicated to my four children:

Deborah, Eleanor, Sarah and Joseph.

It is meant to remind us all that what we do produces ripples that carry into future generations.

Be proud of who you are; but humble enough to be able

to learn from your mistakes and in some cases

look back on them with a chuckle.

It is a small record of our successes and our imperfections.

"If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

If I settle on the far side of the sea,

Even there your hand will guide me . . ."

Psalm 139:9-10

FORWARD

There are many stories to tell of what circumstances brought various immigrants to the United States. Some came to escape a poor beginning as they carved out a better life. Some came from a good life and what they considered a fine future; but then were disappointed when the future turned to ashes. There are many stories to tell; this is one of them. It is a true story and concerns three generations of women.

The story begins in Germany; Prussia, to be exact. Prussia is that part of Germany on the northwest side bordered on the west by the Baltic Sea and on the east by Russia. It produced Frederick, the Great and a host of proud people. The kingdom of Prussia was proclaimed in 1701 and was fortified and expanded by Kaiser Frederick II who ruled from 1740 – 1786. Prussia was instrumental in the unification of all the Germanic states, and in 1871 its King/Kaiser was declared Emperor Wilhelm I of Germany. Kaiser Wilhelm II succeeded him at the age of 29. It is during this Kaiser’s reign that the story begins.

Even though it takes place in another century, it is not so distant from the sweat shops of New York in the early 1900’s where children were worked unmercifully. In those times, there were no laws to protect children from what their elders would have them do. Children had no rights as we know now. Obedience was the word they heard all the time. If they were lucky, they were brought up in loving homes, and if they happened to be females, they had to depend on a loving and protective father. The morals and principles that we might take for granted were not always present; nor was it always present if the family was wealthy and established. Sometimes the poorest of families protected and taught their children the best morals. One could not always be sure who one was dealing with because some of the worst morals were found among the most privileged; the nobility of various countries. Marriages were arranged to gain privileges and many young women were valued mostly for their beauty and their obedience to the customs of the day. Notably in middle Europe, marriages were arranged for young females, and a marriage at 14, was not frowned upon since young women in some quarters were prepared for this at a very early age.

This is a true story of one young lady who started in Prussia, Germany, continued to Russia, the home of the tsars and their Imperial Court before the Revolution; then back to Germany and from there to the United States. It is her tale of how she found friendships with others from different cultures, different countries; of how they helped one another in this new land called America. It is the story of their struggles as they started anew. This true story shows how their families grew and how they mingled with one another to create the melting pot we call the United States. The names of the three principals remain the same; but other names have been changed to protect the privacy of families and friends. Some are no longer with us; but those living know who they are.

This is a story for all of us; for it points up the misuse of young girls who were pawns in an adult world; of women who were sold for the convenience of their families and who learned to live by their wits at an early age. It is before women had the right to vote and before it was thought that women needed to be educated. It is the story of what some ran from and how they all looked to the Lady in the Harbor as she welcomed them to begin again. She was, and is, the answer to their hopes and dreams… and we know her as the Statue of Liberty.

MARIA-KAROLINA WILHELMINA

CHAPTER ONE

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

Maria-Karolina! Maria-Karolina!

Maria heard her sister, Frederieka, otherwise known to the family as Rieka, calling her. She sighed, taking her eyes off her reflection in the mirror, as she brought her thoughts back to the present. Now what? She wanted things to stay as they were. No problems, just pretty dresses and balls and admiring beaus. She had been presented to society in Berlin, just last fall. Although none of the young men had as yet shown up at the estate, Maria blamed it on the hard winter and was eager for spring when she hoped to find a certain relative of the Kaiser’s family coming to call. The one she had in mind was older than she, but ever since she had met him, she’d become impressed with him and he occupied a large percentage of her thoughts. He had not been in attendance at the school, but she had met him when he had visited her family with the Kaiser. Later, when she was at school in Switzerland, and he had visited his cousins, she had become better acquainted and through various little conversations both had become intrigued with one another. Even though he went on to become a cadet at the Naval school, he’d returned for short visits with his cousins who were still at school with her in Switzerland. Whenever he visited, he always looked her up and they would manage to exchange their views on the latest policies and history’s effect on them. She liked to chat with Heinrich because it was not just idle girl chatter. His attention made her feel important. She could not get him out of her mind. He was certainly the only man who paid attention to her thoughts and opinions. When her debut was set, she managed to let him know, and he had come dressed in his uniform. When he had danced with her, there had been an extra spark which only ignited their conversation. She had reminded herself that it was only simple infatuation, but somehow he had become the model for the kind of man that she hoped would come and claim her.

Rieka came dashing in to the room, her eyes dancing with delight as she announced, Papa is home! Then she stopped as she observed her older sister. Maria-Karolina was such a pretty picture; so small and petite with dark chestnut brown hair and eyes that sparked like two tiny blue sapphires all framed with dark lashes and perfectly arched winged eyebrows. A tiny pug nose topped it all off which would remind any anthropologist that the Celtic strain commonly seen in Ireland and Scotland occasionally popped up in the northern part of Germany where those early people had once been active roaming the north seas.

Everything about Maria-Karolina was small and delicate which only belied the thin streak of iron which coursed through her small willowy body. Today she looked even more striking in her light blue striped day dress with dark blue borders on the sleeves and hem which only accentuated her blue eyes. It seemed that Maria always knew the best thing to wear. She always looked like her own precious gem; alive and vibrant.

Maria turned and her eyes grew a shade darker as she said, And what news does Papa bring from the Kaiser’s court? Her father was always courting favors and honors, but they came at a price.

Rieka was beyond mere words. Come now. I want to be the first.

Maria-Karolina jumped up and quickly passed her sister in the upper hall. As they came running down the stairs, she heard Rieka calling out, Wait for me, you are always the first to greet Papa. I should never have stopped to tell you.

Their mother’s words stopped them both as she called out, Girls, girls, please mind your manners. Give him a chance to catch his breath. He’s had a long journey from St. Petersburg. Whatever news he has, he will share with all of us at dinner. You must learn to be patient.

Both girls stopped and sat down on the stairs. Maria-Karolina spoke first, That’s right, Rieka. We have to be ladies. You must stop running and dashing about like a little boy. Ever since my debut in Berlin, so much has changed. We should go back upstairs and wait to be called for dinner with Papa and Mutti.

She nudged her sister to turn around as they headed back up to Maria’s room. Rieka, just sixteen years old, asked the first question. St Petersburg? That’s in Russia. I thought Papa was going to Berlin.

As Maria shut the door to her room, she leaned against it wondering aloud. Why would Papa go to St. Petersburg? There are no favors at that court. After my debut, I’d have thought he would seek out a family closer to home.

Rieka, always eager to hear about her sister’s debut in Berlin, asked Was there someone special that you met while in Berlin?

Maria smiled coyly. Someone that I have already met while at school. He came to visit his cousins. Before I left, I knew my debut would be coming that fall and when the date was set, I sent him a note just to let him know. He was there and we danced and he and another gentleman strolled with me and one of the girls being presented. We strolled through the Tiergarten and chatted one afternoon. Of course, everything properly chaperoned while two women trailed a little distance behind us.

Did you tell Papa about him?

No, that’s not how it works. Besides, he’s older than I am and only stopped by as a casual friend. Usually the young man would approach the father of the young woman and ask permission to come to call on her. I hoped that this particular man might suggest someone close to his family and that Papa would be at the German court. Why would he ever go to St. Petersburg?

Whatever the reason, he must have some news. Now that March is here, the winter should break and you should be getting some callers. I want to get you out of the way so that Mutti and Papa can concentrate on my debut.

You have plenty of time. You just turned sixteen last November and I had to wait until I was almost twenty.

That was because you were in school in Switzerland studying languages; and apparently you managed to study one of the visitors who came to call on some of the students… a certain young man. I want to hear about him.

Rieka perched herself on Maria’s bed while she spread out the folds of her dress. That seemed to focus her attention on her main interest at that time; namely clothes. Rieka was eager to start wearing longer floor-length dresses. She was rebelling at the thought that her hems were still as short as they were. If it weren’t for those shorter dress hems, people would probably think she was the older one due to her height being at least four full inches over Maria’s.

Height was not the only area where the two girls differed. Rieka’s hair was a lighter brown and her eyes were a rich hazel. Her nose was also small, but had an impish turned-up quality to it. She was the youngest in a family of four with the two older brothers being away at the cadet military school. Being the youngest sometimes made Rieka feel forgotten, or, at least overlooked. She sometimes described herself as ‘the brown mouse’ due to the fact that her hair was wavy rather than curly and usually done with tendrils from both sides being drawn back and secured in a braid while the rest flowed down her back in gentle ripples.

Her impish quality belied the fact that she was named after Prussia’s greatest emperor, Frederick, the Great. Looking back on it all, their names should have been reversed for it was Maria-Karolina who had the innate qualities of pride and propriety. Being the first daughter to her father, a Baron, her longer name signified her higher status for she had been given the name of Wilhelmina, in honor of the present Kaiser Wilhelm. Her father, though only a Baron, was connected to a lesser arm of the Kaiser’s family through marriage. The Kaiser and their father had become friends as young men. This was why the young Kaiser paid occasional visits to their estate north of Berlin. It also explained why Ernst had named not only his first son Wilhelm, but had also attached that name in its feminine form to his first daughter, Maria-Karolina.

It was that longer name that so irked Frederieka for she came back to it often stating that everything about Maria is one step better than me. She even got an extra name to please this Kaiser while I’m named for a dead one. In short, sibling rivalry was alive and well in Frederieka as she managed to trail somewhat behind her sister as well as her two older brothers. Rieka was quick to realize that both the oldest son and the oldest daughter were visited and admired by the present Kaiser while she felt she was completely overlooked. As she put it, Even Johann gets more attention than I do. So many plans made for the first three children. She wondered if anything was planned for her. Maria-Karolina had been sent to Switzerland to school to study with the Kairer’s extended family while she had stayed at home and concentrated on needlework and learning how to assist her mother in managing an estate. She didn’t care about bricks and mortar along with livestock; although in checking on the animals she had noticed one certain blacksmith while he shod the horses.

Lately, she had begun comparing her body to Maria’s and was eager to catch up to her sister’s more voluptuous development and often tugged at the necklines of her dresses to show off her progress into adulthood. This had become especially apparent since Maria’s return from Switzerland and her debut into society in Berlin. Rieka felt that she was being overlooked and excluded from the grown-up world that her sister was beginning to enjoy and that Rieka could only imagine.

Since Maria-Karolina had made her debut last holiday season at 19 and now had turned 20 in February, one month ago; Rieka was eager for her turn. She was positive that she would be more aggressive than Maria. No calling cards or beaus on the horizon yet for Maria; but Maria and her mother passed it off blaming it on the hard winter months. Their mother seemed to feel that it all would change with the coming spring and, along with Maria, was enjoying the quiet family gatherings. As far as Maria-Karolina was concerned, leaving home for marriage was still not a priority on her list. She had already been separated from them while she studied in Switzerland and was now proficient in French and English as well as her native German. She was perfectly content to take everything in stride.

Maria-Karolina, well knew the duties that awaited her in the normal course of events, but she didn’t have the curiosity of Rieka concerning her body as it changed. While her appearance alerted her father to the fact that she was now of an age for marriage preceded by a proper courtship, her mother had to be consoled with the idea that her eldest daughter would soon be leaving to start a family of her own and embark on all the experiences awaiting her in the adult world. It seemed to her that all her children were being taken away to pursue their lives elsewhere. While one parent wanted to delay Maria’s movement into the adult world, the other was possessed to launch her into a suitable marriage which would increase their standing within the noble community.

It was those experiences that did not concern Maria while they tortured Rieka, who was eager to experience them all. Their mother, Anna, wondered how one daughter could be so patient while the other was champing at the bit to savor all the adult experiences ahead.

Now as the two girls settled down before dinner, Rieka saw her chance to ask more questions about the young man that her sister had alluded to knowing both in Switzerland and again at her debut. She had missed Maria while her sister was off in Switzerland enjoying her studies in the alpine frosty air along with members of the royal family. With Maria at home, Rieka was eager to have a ringside seat to watch the courtship that was sure to occur in the spring. She wanted to be in on everything Maria might experience. Another item on her mind was the different dresses that would be planned for her since her parents had finally agreed that she should make her debut in the early fall just before she turned seventeen in November.

That upcoming debut would have her younger than Maria at her debut. This was in no small measure due to their father’s response to Maria’s changed appearance upon her return from Switzerland. That, and his new friendship with a certain Russian prince had prompted Ernst to move up Rieka’s introduction to society. Rieka didn’t know what that prince had said to Ernst to convince him to introduce her sooner, but she welcomed the change in events.

Once in Maria’s room, Rieka began examining the dresses Maria had worn in Berlin. I see that the high waist and very low neckline that was so popular when the Emperor Napoleon was in power, has gone out. Some of those styles must have had the men excited.

Since it was the custom at that time, I’m sure they took it in their stride.

I can’t help imagining how I’d feel in one of those gowns. Rieka added wistfully.

Those were only worn at balls and special tete-a-tetes at private parties.

How do you know? Did you go to anything like that?

Oh, no, although I heard some talk about it. Since it was our introduction to society, they kept a watchful eye on all of us.

To make sure you were pure… perfect virgins? Rieka giggled.

I think it was something like that, although from what I heard in the chatter as we dressed, some had experimented in various ways. Maria continued thoughtfully, Remember our society in Germany is nothing like what goes on in France, even though some of the girls who were debutantes like myself had experimented more than I along the lines that you are thinking.

Tell me what you did as a daily thing. Where did you go? Did you meet any of the men other than at balls?

As I said before, we went out for strolls in the Tiergarten and carriage rides along the Unter den Linden. Usually we walked in pairs and the men would stroll also and we’d nod at one another, and then discuss their charms with whatever girl we were with.

What did some of them say about the men? If they met any in private when they managed to sneak away, did they tell you anything?

If anyone did that, she’d never own up to it with a new casual acquaintance.

But how about talking with the men?

We did occasionally, usually when we had a couple of chaperones trailing behind us. We could also chat as we danced, but that was it. The gentlemen would sign our dance cards and that was how we knew their names. They could make a note of ours and then inquiries would be made for an appointment later on.

But you haven’t heard from anyone yet, have you?

Maria sighed. Heinrich said that he’d like to make a friendly call on me later. He’s the one I met while he visited his cousins in Switzerland. I felt most at ease with him. I think the others were looking for someone a bit more impressive. I know I was one of the older girls. Most were around eighteen, having just turned eighteen while I was all of nineteen and about to turn twenty. I think Papa felt I was almost past my time for being presented. I have always wished that I had a more classic profile, but I’m stuck with such a little button. I wish I had a nice one like Papa’s, or even like yours. Maybe then people would take me more seriously.

Your nose would give a person the idea that you’d be a lot of fun to be with… instead of always putting it in books. I think that’s what delayed your debut. You were more interested in studying rather than in the young men about you.

That could be true; but still, when I met Heinrich, I had something in my head so I could talk intelligently with him. He’s older and is concerned with more than just dating. I think men must get impatient with the nonsense that some women chat about. He impressed me, and I know I impressed him. I wasn’t just a simple giddy girl talking nonsense. That’s what I liked about him; even though he is older.

You need to be more frivolous. Maybe a bit of the French court would do you some good. I wonder what it would be like to be scandalous and wear some of those gowns from the time of Josephine.

You are impossible, Rieka, always thinking of how much of your body you can reveal. Whatever got you thinking so much of your body parts. Remember, you must be very careful of who you meet and how you behave when it comes to young men.

Rieka blushed and looked away. What if I’ve already met someone?

How? Who could you meet? Why, you’re still a child!

"What if I told you I have a special friend right here?’

‘If it’s anyone who works on the estate, forget it. You’re playing with fire."

Maria, he’s a fine, gentle young man and he treats me like, like a…

I hope the word you’re searching for is ‘lady’. What’s his name? Who is this ‘fine, young man’ who’s caught the eye of someone just 16?

‘‘It’s August… Gus, our blacksmith."

Maria pretended to faint on her bed as she giggled. You are a ninny! Papa would have a fit. That young man should know better than to encourage any conversation between the two of you. I imagine he’s at least twenty. Who started that conversation in the first place?

I did. While you were in Switzerland, I was helping Mutti and learning about estates and what was needed to manage them. I saw Gus shoeing horses and stopped to ask questions about horses and when they needed to be shod. I had a lot of questions and he was very patient with me.

Really, Rieka! The fact that Mutti would just turn you out and leave you to your own devices to learn from the help. He’s older than you and beneath your station.

I did go to Mutti in the beginning, but when I had questions about the blacksmith, she said to go and ask him myself.

She probably assumed ‘by blacksmith’, you meant his father.

Gus was very polite and even let me watch if I remained quiet and didn’t upset the horse. That was when I noticed how strong and yet gentle he is.

And that got you thinking of young men?

Boys, men… their differences. I couldn’t help but notice his arms and how strong he looked. Then when he looked at me and smiled, he had such a nice smile. I knew what I was admiring and that got me to wonder what they look for in us. I used to hear Wilhelm and Johann talk, but they always changed the subject when they saw me. With them gone, the only man in the house is Papa and he’s not a young man like Gus.

I hope you didn’t start to quiz Gus.

No, but I can’t help but wonder.

Then you should have a talk with Mutti.

Have you and Mutti ever talked about men… like just two girls, not like a mother and daughter?.

Maria shook her head. No, Mutti doesn’t say much. I made some friends in Switzerland and we exchanged some confidences; but nothing more than that.

But what exactly.

Oh, one of the girls shared that one of the boys had kissed her. Then another said she’d been kissed also. I do know from what they said that there’s two kinds of kisses. One that is very sweet and another that is very intimate.

Have you been kissed?

Yes, but only on the cheek.

I don’t even call that a kiss. It’s more like Mutti or Papa would give. I’m talking about something between a young man and you.

Maria blushed and tried to look away, but Rieka’s hand on her arm was insistent. Come, share. You’re older. You must have experienced something.

It was with Heinrich. He was saying good-bye and it was so quick, it took me by surprise; and yes, it was on the lips. But I do know that both kinds start out that way.

How do they progress?

I’m not sure; not having had the more intimate kind.

Well, Gus has kissed me. Maria was shocked. Oh, no! He shouldn’t have. He was reaching way above his station. You are sixteen and he is at least twenty; possibly older. That’s not suitable for someone as young as you. He is not a ‘boy’. He’s a young man.

Your Heinrich kissed you, and on the lips and you said he’s older than you just like Gus is older than me.

Heinrich is not a blacksmith and we are more equal than you and Gus.

Well, it was just on my cheek.

Still, it wasn’t his place to even do that.

That was what got me to thinking that maybe I could practice on him. Even you have some memories of this Heinrich in Switzerland and at your debut. You even said that some of the girls you met in Berlin had done so. Besides, Gus is so kind and he always has time to listen. You know, he’s rather handsome and his arms are so muscular and strong looking. Like I said, I watch him shoeing the horses. He’s gentle when he needs to be gentle and masterful when that’s called for.

Rieka! You’re not a horse! You shouldn’t be thinking those thoughts!

What thoughts? Rieka asked coyly.

You know perfectly well what I mean. From what I’m hearing now, Mutti should never have pointed you in the direction of the help. She should have answered your questions herself.

All she thinks about is you. She really wants to talk about dresses and hems and what is proper and what is not. Mostly about what is not. That’s when I went to Papa and began asking about my debut. I wanted to know if I would have to wait until I was as old as you. I guess that got him thinking and since he was in St. Petersburg, he asked his new friend, that Russian prince.

Maria could imagine Rieka left out and overlooked. Perhaps it was good that she had given her father a nudge in the right direction, if for no other reason than to gain some measure of confidence in herself as she matured. She knew that she had been among the older young women at her debut and sometimes had felt left out when the girls around her chattered about nonsense things. She added, I know. It’s hard for you to see me preparing like this; but Mutti letting me go will only make it easier when it comes to you. She still thinks of me as a little girl just because I’m so short. The only thing that makes me look grown up is… her voice trailed off.

That you are so well endowed; more than I. Even Papa knows that while I’m not like you, I don’t have a flat chest anymore.

You didn’t. You must have embarrassed him to pieces.

He just chuckled and said that he would see about arranging something for me as soon as you were taken care of. That was when I told him that if I had more grown up dresses and wore something besides these little girl things, maybe Mutti would take me seriously. Pantalets certainly don’t make me look grown up. It’s only when a girl lowers her skirts that others recognizes her as a fraulein and no longer a madchen.

You talked with Papa about such a thing as this… about how you feel about such things? Maria was shocked again because such intimate topics were not acceptable for a young lady to discuss with a man, even her father. Certain boundaries were always in place even at home.

Then, as she watched Reika turning and twisting herself before their full length mirror, You have more than enough for your age now. I have the other worry… that I’m going to pop out and embarrass myself. The corset that I wore at my debut, pushed me up so that I was afraid my dress wouldn’t cover me at all.

There’s always a bit of netting that can be used. Rieka added.

Has Mutti been talking with you?

I told you. Mutti doesn’t pay any attention to me; all she can think about is you. Papa knows what interests me now. Did you know that in some countries the girls marry when they are fourteen; and here I am, almost two whole years older. That’s why Papa knows I am ready now. He said he met that prince in Russia, who told him that a young lady at fourteen can look older than her years when she’s dressed up appropriately. Then, giving it more thought, I think Papa now feels that he and Mutti might have waited a bit too long before presenting you.

It could have been my fault. I never pushed the point. Back then, I was the one in the back-waters while I watched the boys getting all the attention.

Maria figured that Rieka had sought some kind of comfort with their father and he had kindly tried to give her confidence during her growing up years. Looking at Rieka again, she realized that when she went to Switzerland, her skirts had been lowered while she was there; but her mother had sent her looking much like Rieka did now.

That made her add, Perhaps Mutti wants to give you that protection of a younger girl. Once we lower our skirts, we enter a part of the world where society allows gentlemen to approach us on a slightly different level.

Rieka giggled again mischievously and cupping both her breasts began to strut about the room arching her back. You mean so the gentlemen notice some of our assets?

Oh, stop it! Now you’re being ridiculous.

I know you looked a bit before your debut which is just where I am now. I just want to experiment a little.

They were interrupted by their maid’s quick tap on the door telling them that their mother wanted them downstairs for dinner appropriately dressed.

____________

When they descended the stairs, both were dressed and somber. They took their seats at the dinner table, one on each side while their parents were at the opposite ends. Grace was said and the service was begun. Silence then ensued until they had all taken a first bite. Their father was the first to speak, I have just come from St. Petersburg and it seems our daughter has caught the eye of a very eligible bachelor who is connected to the Romanov family.

Rieka’s hazel eyes darted across the table to her sister’s bright sapphire blue eyes which were wide in astonishment.

No one said anything to me, Papa.

That’s not how these things are arranged.

Ernst, please be more specific. You have us on tenterhooks, their mother gently encouraged.

I met with the gentleman, himself. He is Russian and comes from the best of families… the tsar’s own family in fact, he is the son of a duke, one of the tsar’s own cousins although of a lesser rank, of course. But his lineage is the best… and you have caught his eye. He spoke with the tsarina and she has agreed that you, my dear, shall be one of her ladies-in-waiting.

This announcement was met with a collective gasp from the three women at the dinner table. All food was forgotten.

But why me, Papa?

You are the daughter of a Baron. That’s the first thing; and you are Lutheran. Remember, the tsarina is also Lutheran; or was, until she had to embrace the Russian Orthodox faith when she married Nicholas; and that’s the second reason.

Both girls looked at their mother. But the Russian court. Do they realize that Maria-Karolina has only been to Switzerland. Do they know that her debut was her first appearance in society?

Really, Anna, that’s what a debut is… the first time society sees or meets this young lady.

But to go from a close family to a country like Russia all alone. Do they realize she is Lutheran… not Russian Orthodox?

That is precisely why the tsarina would like her in the Court. The tsarina was raised as a Lutheran in Germany and she misses the sound of German. The tsarina is homesick for our German culture and language. They speak French at the court. I don’t suppose any of them even know how to speak the Russian of the very people they rule. A small grunt of displeasure and he took another bite while the women all waited expectantly for his next words.

Finally, Maria spoke, "What about this gentleman who you said had noticed me. What is he like? Did he notice me just to be part of the court?’

Ach, nein. It is a proposal of marriage. To make it suitable, you will be connected with the Russian court.

But marriage, Papa. I don’t even know him.

At your age, a suitable marriage is at the top of the list. We must not dawdle.

Maria persisted, What does he look like, Papa?

Why like any young man at court. Papa continued to chew thoughtfully.

Ernst, stop teasing. This from their mother, Anna.

Their father finally leaned back in his chair with a smile. Forgive me for prolonging this announcement. Maria, it is a good match. He makes a fine figure. He’s tall; although almost anyone would be taller than you, my little one. Then seeing Maria’s patience ready to burst, He has all of his hair and it’s brown, a bit lighter than Rieka’s; and he’s slim and, and oh, yes, he has a moustache which makes him look handsome to the ladies. That is, I presume so.

So when is all this supposed to happen? Anna asked.

Maria-Karolina will probably leave in the early spring in late March or early April… as the flowers come up, you will be on your way to becoming a married lady in one of the most lavish courts in the world.

Anna interrupted again, Ernst, what is his name?

Vladimir Andreivitch Romanov. Now how does that sound?

That ended the discussion at the dinner table. Their mother gathered both girls to her later while their father adjourned to his study. She had a multitude of things to discuss mostly concerning Maria’s wardrobe. It had to be suitable for a future bride and suitable for the Russian Court.

You can wear some of the gowns you wore at your debut; but we will have to alter them to go with the fashion in Russia. Which reminds me, I must check with a seamstress to find out what is the current style in the Russian Court. Rieka, you will inherit some of Maria’s gowns after we lengthen them for you.

Mutti, make sure that the necklines are not like little girls. I’m old enough to have the necklines like Maria’s for her debut as well as having my skirts floor length.

Yes, yes, I know. Lengthen the hems and lower the necklines. It will be arranged. Mutti agreed absently as she began to check out her oldest daughter as she failed to notice that her youngest was wearing a dress that had already become tight across her young bosom and which had forced Rieka to open some buttons.

____________

When both girls were back upstairs and in Maria’s bedroom, Rieka was beside herself with curiosity as to what her sister’s fiancé looked like and what she thought of him.

That’s just the point, I really can’t think who he might be. It’s really not the way I thought this would go at all.

How so?

Well, after Switzerland and my coming out and the ball and all, I figured that Heinrich, along with some others, would start to come calling here. Then we’d meet on an informal basis while we got acquainted. When nothing like that happened, I figured I’d have to wait until the weather got better; when spring came. Not like this. Now Papa has me going to Russia of all places at just the time when I thought I’d be hearing from some others. Now I’m suddenly being carted off to a strange country where I’ll meet this man that I’m to marry and we really don’t know one another at all. I thought marriage was supposed to be more than just two people being put together like two sticks and expected to merge like animals. I thought we’d have a chance to get acquainted and get to know one another. I also thought I’d have a say in the person that I would be marrying. It seems that Papa has just jumped over any kind of courtship.

I know. I know how I’d feel. Maybe it’s because he feels you are getting too old and wants to hasten a good marriage. He’s looking out for you and wants to get you settled. All those girls you met will soon be getting married. Maybe your courtship will be taking place in Russia rather than here.

But I wanted it to be here where I could talk to you and to Mutti. Who will I have to confide in there?

There’ll be women there just like in Berlin.

Maria nodded somberly. She was already feeling alone while she stared at some of her broken dreams.

Maria, remember you told me that the gentlemen signed your dance card; maybe we should look at some of those; assuming you saved them, of course.

Quickly Maria turned to her satchel where she’d left the dance cards, and both sat down to scan the names. It was Rieka who found it first. Here it is! And he danced with you not once but many times. You ninny, think, think.

Maria frowned as she concentrated. Then she saw his name on another card and an image came to her mind. I think I do remember him. But we didn’t say much. He made me feel uneasy. The way he looked at me. It was Heinrich that I really spoke to… at the ball and that time in the Tiergarten. Her finger trailed over his name.

He was probably thinking how nice you looked; and how well your dress looked on you. Then Rieka, seeing her sister holding another dance card added hastily, Not Heinrich, ninny, the Russian prince what’s-his-name. How low was the neckline? If it was low enough, he was thinking of your figure.

The one I’m thinking of was a bit older… maybe in his late twenties.

Wonderful! That means he has some experience.

But what if I don’t like him? It’s more than just putting two people together like we breed animals on the estate.

Rieka looked thoughtful. I keep wondering if he noticed your obvious assets.

Rieka, don’t start that. Marriage is more than a fine figure. It isn’t just what goes on in the bedroom. It’s what you have in common, friendship, interests. It’s nice that he’s attractive, but I want someone I can relate to. This man, the one I’m thinking of, makes me feel strange.

Did you feel like kissing him? Maria shook her head. Did you like being in his arms? Maria frowned again.

He seemed so forceful. Like he was in complete control.

Well, he was. Men are.

I want a man who will be kind and gentle, who will consider what I want. I want someone like Heinrich. He makes me feel safe. From the moment we met, there seemed to be a spark. I never thought of this Russian the way I did of Heinrich. Heinrich is also older than I, like this Russian; but different. He listens to what I say and seems to value me. I don’t want someone who feels he can take whatever, or doesn’t value me.

That’s the way we expect men to be. There must have been something that made him stand out.

Maria said nothing. She was almost afraid to mention how he’d held her so close to him, or how it made her feel when he moved his hips invitingly toward hers. Had he done that deliberately? She couldn’t be sure so she felt she should say nothing for now. She tried not to think of the Russian and focused on imagining Heinrich coming to call before she left. She could imagine him coming to talk with her father and then being included in a general conversation. She knew Heinrich had been impressed with her and she had envisioned becoming a part of his family; a part of his inner circle or even married to a relative of his, if not to him. Heinrich was a symbol of all she desired. If he would only come to call like a friend and relative of the Kaiser’s. Maybe if that happened, it would impress her father and he would stop this ‘arrangement’.

Rieka was still busy with her own thoughts. I just wish Gus would be more forceful. Maybe he just needs me to encourage him more.

"Rieka stop thinking about a blacksmith. You will be meeting others. Some you will like and some will just not be anyone that attracts you. You know, not every man is suitable for every woman. Making a debut is introducing you to polite society and telling society or men, if you will, that you are ready for courtship.

A lot of good that did you. You like Heinrich… but here you are arranged to marry a man you can barely remember, let alone like; and a Russian to boot!

"I know. Somehow when I met Heinrich and we had so