Finding Gessler

By Barbara Celeste McCloskey

Edward Gessler had it all—wealth, good looks, and charisma. As he finished his Ph.D. in law in Berlin, Dora Bach fell in love with him, and an unplanned pregnancy pulled the two of them into marriage.

They settled in her hometown of Warsaw, but in 1939, they were pulled apart by war. The Nazis invaded Poland while Edward was in Paris

• Language: English
• Publisher: Authors Press
• Release date: Feb 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781643142722

Barbara Celeste McCloskey

Barbara Celeste McCloskey lives in Racine, Wisconsin with her cat Louie. She enjoyed a rich twenty-year career in Marketing Communications in a corporate environment. She also taught writing at the local community college. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in English with a writing concentration from the University of Wisconsin. The history of the World War II era has been of special interest to McCloskey because her parents were young adults during the war years. Her mother worked for the Navy Department and her father was a veteran of the Army Air Corps. Beyond this personal attachment to the time period, she has done extensive reading and research into this time period and people who lived through it. Other titles by McCloskey include: "Finding Gessler" and "The Tea and Biscuit Girls," "The Love Immigrants," "The Subversive," and "Grounded No More."

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Copyright © 2020 by Barbara Celeste McCloskey

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REVIEW

BOOK TITLE: FINDING GESSLER

AUTHOR: BARBARA CELESTE MCCLOSKEY

REVIEWED BY: Joe Kilgore

Edward knew he and Johnny were playing a high-stakes game of espionage roulette, and if their cover stories would be blown, their usefulness would end and quite possibly their lives as well.

Adventure, fear, romance, love, tragedy, sorrow, and hopeDthey all unfold amid the pages of this sweeping saga of individuals buffeted by the winds of war. This is a tale of decisions that can’t be unmade, consequences visited upon multiple generations, and the relentless search to come full circle with whats most important in life.

First and foremost, this is Edward’s story. He’s an intelligent young man from a good family growing to manhood in Germany prior to the start of World War II. As the shadow of Nazism spreads across the land, Edward keeps his distance from politics and the Third Reich’s abominable prejudices and policies. Soon, however, a lapse in propriety and a twist of fate combine to change his life forever. He impregnates Dora, a young Polish girl who is also Jewish. Refusing to abandon her, or to have the pregnancy terminated, Edward marries her. His father is outraged. He literally banishes and disowns his son. Leaving Germany for Poland, Dora’s parents are no less understanding of their daughters actions, so the two are left to make a life for themselves without the aid and comfort of family ties. But the couple manages to both survive and prosper, and two more children are added to their union. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes when Edward is abroad in Paris on business, and the Nazis invade Poland. It becomes virtually impossible for Edward to get back to his family or even to get word of them. The blitzkrieg and downfall of Warsaw create a chasm that cannot be spanned.

Desperate to strike a blow against the forces that have ripped him from his family, Edward joins his good friend, Johnny, and becomes not just a spy against his German homeland but literally a double agent. The Nazis think he’s working for them, but he’s actually engaged against everything they stand for and begins a cat and mouse intelligence game that finds him involved in espionage from London to Lisbon and eventually to America, where he discovers that working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation can be just as maddening as working against the Gestapo and their degenerate goons.

Author McCloskey is not content to confine her chronicle simply to the war years. It would be a spoiler to talk about who survives and who doesn’t, but suffice it to say that her narrative reaches far beyond the timeframe of the war itself and the borders of Europe and the United States. The world she recreates on the pages of her opus runs the gamut from glittering continental capitals to windswept Midwestern homelands to semi-barren deserts in the Middle East. Her characters, as well, cover a broad spectrum of human emotion and behavior. There are uncompromising caretakers, intrepid operatives, idealists, scoundrels, martinets, malcontents, and more. Her prose brings to mind memorable visuals of the 1930s and 1940s the kind of cinematic imagery that re-imagined the war years in classics like Bogart and Bergman’s Casablanca and contemporary films such as Pitt and Cotillard’s Allied. McCloskey’s book is both an entertainment and a worthwhile reminder that what Tom Brokaw dubbed the Greatest Generation wasn’t only made up of Americans but also included individuals from countries near and far who met the challenge of worldwide tyranny and overcame it.

Contents

Barbara Celeste McCloskey

Dedication

Book One Edward Gessler

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 47

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Chapter 79

Chapter 80

Chapter 81

Chapter 82

Chapter 83

Book Two: David Gessler

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Book Three: The Search

Chapter 1: London, England

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8: The Mid-West United States

Chapter 9

Chapter 10: Lacrosse, Wisconsin

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16: Haifa, Israel

Chapter 17: Lacrosse, Wisconsin

Chapter 18: Haifa, Israel

Chapter 19: Lacrosse, Wisconsin

Chapter 17: Haifa, Israel

Chapter 18: Lacrosse, Wisconsin

Chapter 19: Lacrosse, Wisconsin

Chapter 20: Israel

Chapter 21: Israel

Chapter 22: Lacrosse

Chapter 22

Chapter 24: Israel

Chapter 25: Lacrosse

Chapter 26: Israel

Chapter 27: Lacrosse

Dedication

To my loving husband, Ken, who is my strongest supporter for my writing career.

To Sue Barnett, my dear sister-in-law who once again designed a cover that captured the essence of the story.

And of course, to Ernie, my dear little pug dog, who sits by my side everyday through every draft and rewrite.

Finally, to all the brave souls during the World War II years who fought the terror of the Nazis in any way they could. This book, as well as, Apple Pie and Strudel Girls, Stranger in the Spotlight, Tea and Biscuit Girls and The Love Immigrants and Grounded No More were inspired by their bravery.

Book One

Edward Gessler

Chapter 1

As a child of wealth and privilege, Edward Gessler grew up in the lap of luxury. His family never wanted for anything, even during and after the Great War. He was sheltered from the horrors of war because his family was wealthy enough to send him to boarding school in New York City when he was six years old. Even though he was one of the smallest boys in the school, no bully ever dared to touch him because of his family reputation and what their money could do.

Going to school in America gave Edward the opportunity to rub shoulders with the sons of industrial giants Rockefeller, Ford, J. P. Morgan and others. He gained entranced into their exclusive world and often would be invited to their homes for holidays. Edward only knew the best of everything—food, clothes, people, and education. He also knew about loneliness.

In 1920, he returned to Germany to finish his secondary education. His father expected great things from him, so at age of twelve, Edward studied Latin, Algebra, History, Chemistry—subjects that would put him in line for a track to the University of Berlin.

He was a scrawny child, but he matured into a very handsome teenager. He was a member of the school boxing team, which required him to run, jump rope, and lift weights to gain the strength and coordination he needed to become a winning fighter. He also developed discipline and focus, which would benefit him far into the future. As his body filled out, the girls began to notice him, and it wasn’t long before he learned the pleasure the fairer sex possessed.

When Edward entered the University of Berlin in 1927, he was paired with Johnny Harrison as a roommate. As the semesters passed, the two young men became inseparable, closer than brothers. They visited each other’s homes, went on holiday together and even attended political events, which were all the rage during the roaring 20’s. They liked the same subjects, entertainment, music and wit. Above all, they both loved a keen sense of competition with each other.

The boys even physically resembled each other. Both stood almost six feet tall; their bodies muscular from their participation in sports. Each had distinctive facial features, as if they had been chiseled out of granite. The only difference between them seemed to be Johnny was a blue-eyed blonde, while Edward sported wavy, dark brown hair and hazel eyes which sparkled in the sunlight.

Like Edward, Johnny’s family enjoyed wealth. But in Johnny’s case, his family’s wealth had been earned, not inherited. Lucrative military contracts with the Harrison firm in Hamburg during the First World War had propelled Johnny’s family into the higher echelon of German society.

As Edward and Johnny finished their undergrad studies, they both continued their education seeking graduate degrees in law. The young men were always at the top of their class, plus they were well-liked, popular men. Women swooned over them, Neither one was ever without a beautiful girl on his arm. They saw themselves as playboys, never considering a serious relationship.

By 1932, a strong nationalist pride took hold in Germany. The economy was better than it had been in a long time, and young people and their parents began to think they would have a future with the new leadership. But there was also a dark side to what was happening in Germany. The Nazi party was gaining power with Adolph Hitler as their leader. Johnny and Edward were leery about the man who had never succeeded at anything until he was set up by this radical political party. Worst of all, the Nazis established a climate of anti-Semitism throughout the country. Propaganda posters dehumanized Jews with grotesque exaggeration of facial features, while rhetoric professed the Jews were responsible for the German defeat in the First World War because of corrupt Jewish bankers and businessmen. Johnny and Edward saw the Nazis as just a bunch of thugs with an ignorant ideology.

About the same time Hitler was named Chancellor in Germany, Edward’s interest in a particular girl created a problem which would change his life. He got Dora Bach pregnant. She was a beautiful girl, who was completing her Master’s in Fine Arts, but the news about the child turned Edward’s life upside down.

As weeks went by, Johnny saw a drastic change in his friend. Edward, what in the hell has you so damned depressed lately?

Nothing. Edward was sitting at his desk, reading the same paragraph for the fourth time.

Liar. You’re sullen and moody, and I’m really sick of it.

Edward didn’t answer.

Tell me, or stop it! Johnny shouted as he slammed his hand on the desk.

Edward glared at his intrusive friend. There’s nothing you can do.

Johnny realized bullying his friend wouldn’t produce the truth, so he tried another tactic in a softer tone. Oh, come on, Eddie. Out with it. You know you can tell me anything. Let me help you.

Edward turned and looked Johnny in the eye. Dora’s pregnant. Fix that!

Johnny’s eyes grew too big for their sockets. So that’s it! Are you sure you’re the father?

Yes. She was a virgin when we . . . you know.

Johnny pulled the other chair in the room over toward Edward and sat down. So, what are you going to do?

Well, I can’t turn my back on her. Edward’s tone was sincere. It is my child after all.

You don’t have to marry her. You can provide for her without slipping your head through that noose. Johnny said with a nonchalant tone.

She deserves better. She’s a sweet girl.

You could get rid of the child.

No! I can’t believe you’d say such a thing! Edward shouted.

Calm down, sport. It was just a suggestion. Johnny paused. The only other thing you can do is marry the girl.

Edward didn’t believe what he said next. I know.

Johnny shook his head. But she’s Polish, Eddie! Are you willing to live in Poland? Johnny said ‘Poland’ like he had just stepped in dog shit on the sidewalk.

I don’t know. That’s a whole different conversation.

That it is. Johnny agreed. And you better consider it.

The two men sat in silence for several minutes as if they both were thinking about the implication of what this decision probably would do to their friendship.

It was Edward who broke the silence. Would you stand up for us?

What?

If I decide to get married, will you be my best man?

You’re sure about this, Eddie? You’ve given it all the thought it needs to make such a decision?

Yes. I’ve looked at it from every angle. I think of myself as a man who has sound principles, and I can never shrug my responsibilities.

Johnny smirked. But do you love her?

What’s love got to do with it?

Johnny shrugged. So, when will you do the deed?

Right after graduation. Before she shows.

Johnny put his hand on Edward’s shoulder. You can count on me, brother. Always.

Chapter 2

Edward wasn’t madly in love with Dora, but he was attracted to her. He tried to convince himself that given enough time he could fall in love with her. His principles demanded he make their union legal, so the baby she carried would have his name. At the very least, he knew he would provide for her and the child monetarily.

Dora came from Polish high society. Like Edward, she grew up privileged and well-educated. She was an accomplished painter and pianist. She was strikingly beautiful with a perfect oval face and eyes the color of rich chocolate; she was petite and slim, but voluptuous. Her long curly hair was thick and shiny like the mane of a well-bred stallion. Her only flaw was she had Jewish blood.

Keeping her Jewish blood a secret in Germany was not that hard because her surname was Bach. Like Edward, she had not counted on getting pregnant, but now that she was, she was glad he was the father. Every time she gazed at Edward her heart jumped. Besides his good looks and intelligence, he had kind eyes, and a warm heart. She was deeply in love with him and couldn’t wait until she felt his life inside of her.

Edward graduated with his PhD in law, and Dora completed her Masters of Fine Arts degree in May of 1933. After they received their diplomas, they packed two small bags and caught a train to Warsaw. The plan was to take the train to Warsaw and elope. Edward slipped an engagement ring on Dora’s finger, while Johnny looked on. She never thought she could be happier than she was when Edward said, Marry me.

On a balmy May 25th afternoon, Edward Gessler took Dora Bach as his wedded wife in front of a judge in the Warsaw city hall. After a short honeymoon, they both knew they had to break the news to their family.

Chapter 3

When Dora brought Edward home to meet her parents, their reception was cool. After the couple shared their news of marriage and the pregnancy, her parents turned frigid.

You kurwe her father yelled in Yiddish. You dirty, kurwe! How could you disgrace your family like this?

Dora’s petite frame melted into a leather side chair, as the shock of her father calling her a whore assaulted her.

Edward put his hand on her shoulder and stared at her father. He had no idea what the man had just said, but he recognized the intonation and knew it was nothing complimentary. He came to the defense of his wife. Mr. Bach, please. Be sensible. We are married, and your daughter is going to present you with a grandchild in November.

You are a German Gentile! I will not accept this marriage. She was to be married in front of a rabbi!

Edward stared with unbelieving eyes at his new wife. He bent down and whispered, You’re Jewish?

Dora looked at him with moon eyes. Yes, she whispered.

Edward began to simmer. Why didn’t you tell me?

It never came up. I never practiced the Jewish religion; I never went through bat mitzvah; I never thought it would be important. Honestly, Edward, I didn’t try to hide the fact, I just didn’t think it would make a difference.

I don’t know how you could keep this from me! A cold chill went through Edward’s body.

Dora cried and her voice quavered. I didn’t think my heritage was an issue.

Edward glared at her with his jaw locked tight.

Dora’s father stood in front of his daughter and growled. I want you two out of my house! You are no longer my daughter! Don’t you dare to come back here. You have shamed this family! And now I learn you have denied your heritage, too? Not to admit you are Jewish is the worst sin you could ever commit.

For the first time that afternoon, Edward agreed with Mr. Bach.

Dora cried and looked to her mother. Mama, help me.

With tears glistening in her eyes, her mother said, You have made your bed, my daughter. Now you must lie in it. Do as your father says. Leave us. Dora’s mother stood up and left the room.

*****

Edward wired his parents with the news of his marriage a day later. Three days after that, he received a reply, which was as detrimental as Dora’s parents’ reaction. His father thought marrying a Pole was unforgiveable. Deciding to live in Poland was inconceivable. And to do it all because of a pregnancy that could have been terminated was ridiculous. Edward’s father demanded he come back to Germany at once.

With Dora confessing she was a Juden, Edward knew he could never go home again, at least as long as the Nazis were in power. He had married Dora. And it was his responsibility to protect her from harm and humiliation. He too had made his bed, and somehow, he would make this bad situation work for him.

Chapter 4

Edward decided as long as he was forced to live in Poland, he would take the necessary examinations to practice law in Warsaw. Within a month, he set up a law practice, and within a few months he was seeing a profit.

Dora couldn’t lose herself in a professional life as Edward had done, so she threw herself into the business of making a home for the two of them, as she waited for the birth of their child. They purchased a beautiful old house in the nicest part of the city, but as old homes go, this one needed painting and fixing. She hired workmen to take care of the electricity problems and to install modern plumbing.

Dora painted the master bedroom a warm shade of green and the baby’s nursery a lovely pale yellow. She hung her award-winning artwork on the walls, hung lace curtains at the windows, and made the bed with cotton sheets and pillow cases she had embroidered. She placed the quilt her mother had made her for her graduation present over the wool blankets. With her estrangement with her parents, the handmade quilt was the only part of her parents she had left.

Dora did everything in her power to show Edward she was a good wife. Every night she had a hot meal on their dining table ready for Edward the minute he stepped into the door. She was pleasant and loving, but Edward still hadn’t forgiven her for the deception of her background, and he maintained a cool demeanor. He’d engage in polite conversation at dinner, recounting his days at the office, but he kept his distance by sleeping in the guest room.

After dinner, Dora would sit down at their used piano and play his favorite songs, as he read the latest professional journals. He enjoyed her artistic touches and was constantly amazed at her talent. As he listened to her beautiful music and gazed at her ever-growing belly, he felt his grudge against her waning. So far, his stubbornness didn’t allow him to say the words, I forgive you. But, she was the mother of his child, and she was doing everything in her power to make things right between them.

Dora?

Yes, Edward?

Are you happy?

What a curious question. Of course, I’m happy.

No, I mean it. Are you sorry we got married? I cost you your family, after all.

And I have cost you yours as well. She waddled toward him. He patted his lap for her to sit.

Her heart jumped. This was the first time since moving into the house he even hinted he wanted her to be close to him.

You’ve made this drafty old house a beautiful home, Dora. Thank you. Edward put his arms around her. And you’ve never complained about my bad behavior.

His sign of affection brought tears to her dark eyes. She had to clear her throat before she could speak. Oh, Edward, it was always my dream to have a house like this. Come to think of it, you’ve made all of my dreams come true.

I’ve been a brut.

And I don’t blame you. I should have told you I was Jewish; I know that now. She dropped her head.

He lifted her chin. Let’s leave that in the past. Soon, our baby will be here, and he deserves both parents, don’t you think?

You’re sure you’re having a son?

He laughed. Yes, of course. Proud German fathers know everything, you know. He briefly thought of his own father.

For the first time in months, Dora laughed. And what about Jewish mothers?

Oh, they just worry. Edward laughed from his belly and hugged his wife.

I’m sorry, Edward.

Me, too.

He laughed. Wonder if the baby is a girl?

Then you’ll have to admit German fathers don’t know everything they propose they do, and you will have to try again for a boy. Dora giggled. This conversation reminded her of their times when they were dating. It was free and easy. The constant strain that had existed between them for the past several months had magically melted away. I love, you Edward.

I feel the same. Edward hugged her. Would it be all right if I slept in the master bedroom tonight?

I was hoping you wanted to. I’ve missed you so much. She kissed him.

I want to show you something. She took his hand and led him upstairs. They walked down the bare hardwood hallway to a small room that was next to their bedroom. Dora opened the door and switched on the light.

Before his eyes, Edward saw the nursery for their baby. Where did you find the crib?

At the secondhand store just down the street. I’ve been painting it in the garage for the past several weeks.

And the mural on the wall—you did that, too?

Of course, silly. I’m the resident artist, after all. Dora said with pride. I thought bunnies were very appropriate for our dear child, don’t you?

He gently rubbed her belly and kissed her nose. I know he’ll just love them.

They both laughed.

Chapter 5

Dora and Edward fell into an easy routine as the years went by. Their first born, David, was now four years old. He was followed by his sister, Ruthie who was two and a brother Jacob, who was only three months. Their home life was good, but Edward was restless in his professional life.

The work had become boring, and the responsibilities of being a husband and father day in and day out made him feel trapped. Edward secretly longed for his college playboy years. He loved Dora and the three children, but he missed the excitement of the years when his wealth and good looks could get him anything or any woman he wanted.

Dora saw the change, too. She realized her efforts to domesticate Edward couldn’t be long term. She watched his shoulders sag a little more every day under the pressures of his business and the responsibilities of his family. She was a realist. Dora knew Edward’s love for her didn’t match her own unconditional love for him, but he had been very good to her through their years of marriage.

One evening after the children were in bed, Edward and Dora sat together on the sofa. He was hidden behind the evening newspaper, while she knitted a new scarf for David.

It looks like this thing in Germany is getting very serious.

Yes. It’s very frightening to think another war is coming.

I’m glad you hid your Jewish background, Dora. Legislation was recently passed in Nuremburg making it illegal for a German to have intercourse with a Jew.

They can do such a thing? Dora was horrified.

The Nazis can do anything.

The room went quiet.

Dora, I need to ask you about something.

Yes, Edward?

I need a change.

Dora held her breath. What kind of change? She was a little concerned he might want to leave her.

Well, I want to sell my law practice and set up an import/export business. I want to travel again. I feel so isolated here in Poland.

That’s understandable. Before we were together, you did a lot of traveling. I guess it stands to reason you would miss it. Her tone wasn’t convincing.

It would mean I would be gone a lot. Maybe three weeks out of four, especially in the beginning.

That much?

Yes.

Dora thought carefully about what she would say next. I’d miss you terribly, Edward, and I know the children will, too. But, on the other had, I want you to be happy, and clearly you are not with the way things are now.

You’ve noticed.

It’s been hard not to. I don’t want to be without you, Edward, but I know you’ll do the right thing. Whatever you decide, I will support your efforts.

You’re serious?

Yes. I love you, Edward. If that means letting you go, then I will.

Edward was stunned. He put his arms around Dora and held her in a tight embrace. I love you, Dora. I truly do.

Chapter 6

After several months of building his new business, Edward witnessed what his self-indulgence was doing to Dora. He stared into her tired, drawn face and knew this arrangement wasn’t fair to her. As they sat quietly in their parlor sipping a fine French wine he had brought home from his last trip, Edward brought up his concerns.

Sweetheart, I can see that my new business is taking a toll on you.

Oh, Edward, don’t be silly. I’m fine.

You’re not fine. You haven’t had a sparkle in your eye since I started this new business. You’re exhausted. It’s etched into your face, and we have to do something about it. Edward said with genuine concern.

Edward I am fully capable to take care of things while you’re away. I’m happy to see your new enterprise has put the spring back into step your step. Dora said as she sipped her evening glass of wine. You know I love it when you’re happy.

Edward put his glass down and leaned forward as he looked at Dora. But darling, I want you to be happy, too. I love you. Edward spoke the truth.

Well, what shall we do then?

Edward said with authority, I’m going to try to be home more often, but I want you to hire a housekeeper and a nanny to help you. We can afford it. Business is good and with my trust available to me now, we don’t have money problems. Trying to run the house and care for the children alone is ridiculous.

Dora knew he was right, and she loved him for his suggestion. I’d feel uncomfortable with strangers in my house.

Didn’t you grow up with servants like I did?

Well, yes. Dora admitted.

Was having them around strange then?

I never even thought about it. They were like part of our family. Dora said.

Then why are you even questioning this decision?

I didn’t have three little people who counted on me, then. Dora said. What if I hire the wrong people?

Then you’ll fire them and hire better ones. Will it help, if I screen the applicants?

I should be able to do that myself. Dora answered. I’m not totally incompetent.

Come on, Dora. I did not mean it like that. I want to see your pretty face smiling again. I’m tired of looking at your weariness. Let me help you.

Dora felt guilty she let her comment slip out. Usually she was more skillful in hiding her unhappiness. She said in a soft voice, I know.

Well then, hire a live-in nanny and have the housekeeper only work during the day.

You make it sound so easy. Dora said.

It can be worked out, sweetheart. But it is up to you to find the candidates. I can’t do that for you.

Dora smiled at Edward with love in her heart. I will begin tomorrow.

Good. Edward smiled back.

Dora got up from her overstuffed high-backed chair and walked across the room. She sat on Edward’s lap. You’ve always been so good to me, Edward. I know you didn’t really want to get married when we had to. She put her hands and she held his face to look deeply into his dark eyes. I love you so much, Edward. She kissed him passionately. She longed for his expert touch. She never told him she didn’t sleep well when he was traveling. How could she tell him that help with the children and housework was not what she really needed?

Edward held her tightly and returned her kiss. Oh, Dora.

She whispered. Let’s go to bed.

He nodded and they went upstairs to their bedroom and made love all night.

Chapter 7

The new year of 1939 was good for Edward. He and Dora worked out a routine to satisfy both of them. His new business fulfilled him. He could use his charm and intelligence to cultivate new customers and build an extensive network of associates throughout Europe. Mixing with intelligent, interesting people, and getting the attention of the beautiful women who ran in such circles energized him. Surprisingly, he stayed true to his wife.

The only alarming element was the serious political change in Germany; Hitler and the Nazis were rattling their sabers, itching to start another war. Most people felt the undercurrent of fear which was spreading across the continent like a rabid illness.

On the first day of September, the unthinkable happened. The Nazis invaded Poland after Poland refused to sign a pact with Germany, which would have reduced her to a client state of the Third Reich. Two days after the German attack, England declared war on Germany. It had started. Europe was at war again.

When this