ONE.
The winds of Königsbrunn
Elisabeth sat at her desk covering the last of the reports from the bank papers Tristan had brought by. "What are your thoughts?" He keenly questioned, Elisabeth removed her reading glasses and with a sigh answered, "The best I've seen in fifteen years," She closed the portfolio handing it back to him. Tristan lit a cigar, "Know when Rebecca will be back from New York?" He quizzed exhaling the smoke in a ring, "Soon," She remarked. "I haven't done the last audit for the persuasion line but I think it's been a great success," Elisabeth smiled, "One of the best yet, with the new talent we have, I can't complain," She versed, Tristan poured them a scotch, "Still giving retirement a thought?" He handed her the glass she sat back in her chair relaxing, "I have and I think with the sell of the forestry business in Canada and Ansgar returning home, it's time," She slowly sipped her drink.
"Ansgar will certainly want to run the family," Tristan surmised, "I think a lot has changed with Ansgar, meeting Monique and remarrying has been a positive thing, returning home with his new bride is all he's talked about and he should be able to live comfortably," Tristan sighed at her comments. "It will be interesting with Carla returning home to help with things at the bank," Elisabeth chuckled, "I've missed Carla dearly, sad about Stella though," Tristan nodded with a grimace, "Haven't heard from my dear cousin in ten years," He thought briefly, "Or longer, what exactly happened with Stella?" He couldn't recall. "Breast cancer, she was diagnosed late and it was very aggressive, Carla took it hard she's been living a simple life in the south of France for the last two years," Elisabeth noted but was eager about her return.
Tristan poured himself another drink, "I heard Marlene had some good news to share," He sat back down crossing his legs and twirling the smooth liquid in his glass, "Professor Schumer is near retiring and Marlene will become department head in the fall," She answered, "That will be a lot more work," Tristan goaded. "True but she's capable, she's taking the summer off the boys are at an age where they're a handful," Elisabeth laughed out loud. Tristan guzzled the last of his drink before responding, "My nephews are well mannered," He teased sitting the glass down, "Emily and I are headed to Zurich for the weekend, it'll be late Monday before we return, Helena is watching Zoey," He relayed getting up and departing from the study.
Marlene and Professor Schumer combed through the work documents that sat on his desk, "I'll have Ann notebook these forms, you'll need them," He told her pushing his glasses up from the bridge of his nose, "That will be good," She smiled with excitement of her new and upcoming position. "Have you shared the news with Rebecca yet?" He questioned she sat down beside him, "She's been in New York for more than a month, problems with getting the line out on time and then fashion days," Marlene looked sad to him. "Oh, I see, it must be difficult, I mean with the boys and all," He relayed, "Ruth has been a godsend and they think of her as grandma, Matthew wants to play soccer," She giggled, "It's hard to believe he's already eight," She stated. Professor Schumer took in what she was saying, "Are you sure about this position?" He asked meekly. "I am, I'll have the summer with the boys, Ruth and I will line things out and Rebecca will have to do her part," She sternly answered.
Rebecca returned to her flat closing the door and leaning against it, finally a break from all the hustle and bustle, she looked at her watch, "It's not too late to call home," She dialed Marlene, "Hello," She whistled happily in the phone, "I miss you, when will you be home?" Marlene eagerly questioned. "Fashion days is a rap, I have one more meeting this evening, I'm drained," She worded plopping down on the sofa. "So a day or two?" She inquired, "Maybe, after I meet with Sophia I will have a better idea about if this is all going to work out," Marlene groaned on the other end of the phone. "I guess she's a hit in New York?" Her questioning blunt but pensive, "It was the best move for LCL Marlene, she's out of Germany," She became miffed. "You know how she is Rebecca," Rebecca frowned at Marlene's comment. "I have it under control she's not a worry," She reassured her. "I have some news to share when you get home," Her tone changed, Rebecca grinned. "I can't wait to hear it all, I'll see you soon, kiss, kiss," She hung up from her and headed for the shower.
Tanja flipped through the material folder feeling the fabric of each strand of material that was bound in it, a knock came to the door, of her office "Oh, Emily, please come in," She sat the binder down, "It's late, aren't you and Triatan on your way to Zurich?" She questioned laying the folder to the side. "We are, Laura had an issue with the pressing room," Tanja smirked, "I'll take care of Laura, go on, you don't want to keep Tristan waiting," Emily relaxed, "Thank you," She relayed, "Well, I'm in a good mood and what are sister in laws for," She smiled, something the family saw rarely but Tanja liked Emily despite her being a free spirit. "I don't think she likes me," Emily mentioned sadly, Tanja groaned and uttered, "For heaven sakes Emily, this is a working environment not a high school friendship contest," Her blues pierced her as she spoke. Emily was speechless, "Now go on the sooner you get back the less time you'll be behind on your line," She shooed her from her office.
Rebecca made her way down the street to the restaurant where Sophia patiently waited flipping through the menu. "Oh there you are," She had a gleam in her eye, "Sorry I'm late," She hesitated before sitting down to the table, "Red wine please," Rebecca caught the waiter, "About ready to return to Dusseldorf?" Sophia inquired, "Yes, Tanja has hired a new designer and I haven't even put my eyes on her yet," She answered. "Enjoyed fashion days with you, all to myself," She teased still having desires for Rebecca. "Yes fashion days was good but I also miss my wife and boys terribly," She made herself clear, "Still, I think we could be a good team," Rebecca grinned, "We are a good team but from afar," Reverting back to the fact she had transferred her to New York last year.
"Down to brass tacks then," Sophia remarked, they ordered dinner discussing future changes to the whirlwind line. "Well, I've enjoyed it but I have to go pack, I plan a return in July sometime, I hope that all is well with the whirlwind line but I do agree we need to make some changes," Sophia took her cue, "I'm on it first thing," She replied sipping the last drop of wine in her glass. Rebecca stood up as did Sophia, "Take care Rebecca," Her lips brushed her cheek, "You too, goodnight," They parted ways. Rebecca opened the door to her flat and fetched her cell phone from her purse she text Marlene, "I know it's early there but I just wanted you to know I love you and how much I miss you and my boys," She sent it tossing the phone to the bed and pulling out her suitcases.
Elisabeth opened the shades in the dinning room and awaited for everyone to attend breakfast she sat down with the morning newspaper in hand. "Countess," Justus called from the buffet table, "Would you like more coffee?" She nodded, "Thank you," She looked up as he poured her a fresh cup, "Good morning Sebastian," He was the first to enter, "Good morning," He sat next to her, Tanja entered sitting next to him followed by Helena and Zoey, "Good morning," She tapped her water glass with her fork getting everyone's attention. "As you know the sale of the forestry business in Canada has been completed, Ansgar and his new wife will be here on the fifteenth and Carla will arrive on the seventeenth, I propose a Sunday afternoon dinner with all of the family," She rehearsed as they listened, plans for dinner was set into motion.
Marlene prepared Rebecca's favorite for dinner, "Mommy," Brandon clutched her by the leg, "Where's your brothers?" She questioned putting the lamb chops she was braising on simmer, "I think Nicholas skinned his knee and Wolfgang is crying about it," Marlene took him by the hand leading him outside. "Let me see," She grabbed Nicholas up staring sweetly at Wolfgang, "Stop crying now, he's got a cut and I'm sure he'll be just fine," She looked at the broad scrape on Nicholas's knee, "Go inside," She pointed to the door and gently ordered them in, Ruth met them at the door, "Another scraped knee, I see, come," She took Nicholas by the hand leading him to the bathroom, "I'm starved, what are we having for dinner?" Matthew grasped the lid on the skillet smelling the scent of lamb cooking. "Lamb!" He seemed excited, "Your mother is on her way home, go clean up and take Wolfgang, make sure he washes his hands good," She relayed her eyes following them as they began to climb the stairs, "And put that soccer ball back in your closet please," She chuckled with a shake of her head.
Marlene heard the creaking of the front door opening as she set the last plate to the dinning table, "Hello," Rebecca called out, Marlene rushed to her embracing her their lips met in a gentle kiss, "Mommy, mommy," All four boys came down the stairs grabbing their mother around the waist, Rebecca bent down and picked up Wolfgang, "Little man," She teased her other hand brushing the tops of each of the boy's heads, "Mommy you've been gone too long and I've skinned my knee again," Nicholas mentioned they moved into the den sitting around each other. "How's school?" She looked at each of her sons, "I'm no old enough for school," Wolfgang chimed in. "You will be soon," She told him, "I'm going to play soccer this summer," Matthew voiced, "Yes and I'm very proud of you," She smiled touching the side of his face. "Brandon, you're being awfully quiet," He looked at her perplexed, "I'm being quiet because I got into trouble yesterday for getting cookies from the counter without asking," Marlene rolled her eyes in a chuckle. "How I've missed this, you all," Rebecca cried out they sat to the table and ate dinner.
Rebecca tucked in each boy kissing them goodnight and turning out the lights she crept quietly down the hall to the bedroom where Marlene awaited her, "I'm tired," She slipped into the bathroom turning on the shower. Marlene took her reading glasses off and snuggled down under the covers, Rebecca came from out of the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around her, "Hmmm, I thought you said you were tired?" She picked, Rebecca dropped the dampened towel to the floor exposing her nude body, "Come closer," Marlene beckoned with a wriggle of her index finger, "Certainly," Rebecca crawled in next to her, "I've missed you so much, I wish you were there," Marlene put her lips to hers, "I don't want to talk," She added rolling on top of her, "So sexy," Rebecca whispered in her ear. Marlene's lips and tongue made quick work of the side of Rebecca's neck, caressing her and sending her into desired bliss. "Make love to me," She begged Marlene, Marlene's hands covered every curve of Rebecca's body her lips meeting her void in passionate strokes.
Rebecca ran her fingers through the fine blonde strands of Marlene's hair pulling her deeper inside of her until she exploded in orgasm, "You make me feel so alive," Rebecca groaned she pulled Marlene up to meet her in a seductive kiss her fingertips massaging the harden nipples of Marlene's breasts, "I want you," Marlene voiced quietly. Rebecca kissed her breasts gently taking each nipple into her awaiting mouth. Marlene's taut abdomen flinched at the touch of Rebecca. Rebecca lie on top of her pushing her mound against hers, they moaned and groaned, hands and fingers playing on each other's skin, Rebecca slid her tongue between Marlene's opened legs, penetrating her soaked crevice. Marlene came in waves of climaxes finally resting in the clutch of Rebecca's arms. "You wanted to talk?" Rebecca whispered, Marlene stirred, "Not tonight, I'm spent," She giggled they fell asleep in each other's arms.
"Good morning," Ruth mumbled, Rebecca could hear the sound of spoons echoing off the bowls of oatmeal the boys were eating, "Rebecca poured a cup of coffee and strolled into the dining room, "Mommy," Wolfgang toyed with his spoon, "Good morning," She sighed deeply watching them, "Mom, are you going to be home for awhile?" Matthew questioned, "A few more days away and I should be here most of the summer," She answered, Marlene entered sitting next to her, "Leaving again so soon?" She had a trifling look, "A couple days in Berlin and Barcelona," She reflected picking up the newspaper and opening it. "Boys the bus will be here in ten," Ruth warned serving Marlene and Rebecca's breakfast. Matthew, Nicholas and Brandon grabbed their backpacks each kissing their mother's on the cheek, "Have a good day," Marlene followed them out making sure they made it to the end of the driveway.
"You had news to share?" Rebecca questioned Marlene, "I do, Professor Schumer has definitely decided to retire and I've been named department head starting the fall semester," She smiled widely. "That is wonderful news Marlene," She leaned over and kissed her lips. "Will this change your schedule? I mean the boys," Marlene interjected, "No, I will be able to make my own hours, I'll have instructors to worry about and not teaching students," She sipped her coffee. "And as long as I get my paperwork done, instructors in order," She shrugged her shoulders, "Well that's a relief," Rebecca noted. "I need to go into LCL today," She got up from the table folding the newspaper neatly back up and laying it on the corner of the table. "I will see you this evening then," Marlene clutched her by both arms drawing her closer and teasing her with a kiss. "Mommy, mommy," Wolfgang called out, "Can I go to the office with you?" He sweetly questioned, Rebecca grinned shaking her head, "Certainly you can, go and put on your jacket and I'll meet you in the kitchen," Marlene slid on her suit jacket picking up her briefcase, "You and Wolfgang have a fun day," She remarked leaving for work.
Rebecca with Wolfgang in hand entered LCL, "Wolfie," Aaron picked him up swinging him around in his arms, "How about you and I go for a Danish," He winked at Rebecca, "Glad your back," He remarked, "I'll be meeting with Tanja, behave little man," She pointed her index finger at Wolfgang. Rebecca opened the door of Tanja's office, Tanja looked up, "Coffee?" She motioned, Rebecca poured herself a cup, "Glad you're home from New York," She stated signing the last document that lie on her desk. "I think Sophia gets it, finally," She sighed. "Rebecca, Sophia does get it she just likes to toy with your emotions," Rebecca rolled her eyes, Tanja gave an impish grin, "We will make those changes to the whirlwind line, however they will be subtle," Tanja seemed distant, "The new designer?" Rebecca questioned. Tanja lightly chuckled, "Giving Emily fits, I don't know if I've made the right choice, I never try to doubt myself but in this case," She stopped talking. "Is she seated next to Emily?" Rebecca asked, "No, Emily's working on summer's heat and away from her, as you know she is out today, she and Tristan should be back late, tonight, they are visiting her ailing mother in Switzerland, Rebecca pursed her lips, "I guess I should go up and meet our newest addition.
