Max's Plan
Franz returned to the cottage. He was working on a secret assignment. He returned to the villa for Max when it was time to pick up the children
Kurt teased. "You may forget how to drive Uncle Max."
"No Kurt, it's like riding a bicycle. You may get rusty but you never forget."
"Same with skiing Uncle Max; I wonder when we will get our first snow. It sure is cold enough."
"You like to ski Kurt?"
"I do Uncle Ike. Do you ski?"
"Not very much anymore; if I do any, it's only cross-country skiing. Your father is an excellent skier."
"Yes, he took me on the big slopes last year."
The children got out of the car and went inside. "Do you need to go anywhere else Max?"
"Not today, tomorrow I need to visit Wolfgang."
"See you tomorrow then, I'll plan accordingly."
"Did you have a good day at school, children?"
"Mother, I'm so excited about my English assignment."
"Tell me Louisa." She hooked her arm with her mother's as they walked together.
"I need to write a short story for young readers. The best will be published in the University's Literary Journal. Have any ideas?"
"Not off the top of my head; maybe Gretl can help you."
Louisa went looking for her. "Gretl, what do little girls like to read about?"
"Princesses Louisa, but not about all their fancy clothes or crowns. Girls want to know their feelings; how they feel inside."
"Gretl, thank you; now I have an idea; I'll let you read my first draft."
Louisa finished her homework in the schoolroom. Now she was sitting by the fireplace in the living room with a pad of paper and pencil in her hand. She started to record her thoughts for her story.
Maria had been writing that morning. She wrote a long letter to Alice; telling her all about Brigitta's article and a shorter one for Friedrich. She let Georg read them both.
"This is fine Maria. You told them enough; I don't want either of them to worry."
"I didn't either. Do you think the children will tell him any more?"
"No, the older children understand. They don't want to worry Friedrich or their Gromi." The letters were picked up by the courier the next day. Andrew always put them on the next train to Vienna.
The next few days were very cold and brought a smattering of snow. Kurt voiced his disappointment.
"Father, when are we going to get some real snow?"
"Son you asked me the same question last year."
"I know. I really enjoy skiing. It's hard to wait."
"It will come. Don't wish too much; we could get a blizzard. They're not much fun."
"I know Father." Georg didn't tell him the real reason he didn't want any snow. People were still taking the foothill road to Switzerland. They didn't need any snow.
This first week of November seemed to go by quickly. It was soon Sunday. Father Martin made an announcement.
"My friends, Advent is creeping up on us. It begins the last Sunday of the month. I've asked that our Christkindle store be stocked and opened starting Saturday the fifteenth."
After Mass, the congregation expressed their thoughts about Advent coming so soon, including Liesl.
"Mother, I had no idea Advent was so soon this year. I need to prepare the choir. I want something different this year. Maybe Wolfgang might know of some new songs. Could I ask Uncle Ike to drive me and Uncle Max there one day?"
"Max would love it; ask him."
"I will Mother." After brunch she went to find him.
"Uncle Max, are you getting ready to take a siesta?"
"How did you know Liesl?"
"You're in Mother's chair with your feet on the footstool."
"I can postpone it. What do you need?"
"I need to see Wolfgang. He might have some new music for Advent."
"I'll arrange it with my driver. Which day Liesl?"
"Tuesday is best."
"What a coincidence Liesl; I already had made plans to see him on Tuesday myself. I'm helping him arrange singing groups for his performance tent at the Christkindle Marketplace. My driver knows. He'll take us."
"Perfect; have a nice siesta Uncle Max." He leaned his head against the back of the chair. Max was a man who could always fall asleep easily; even sitting in a chair. Soon Liesl heard a soft snore. He must have been tired.
The living room with a fire burning became everyone's favorite place. Louisa was once again sitting there writing. She finished her rough draft of her story. As she had promised she let Gretl read it. "Remember Gretl, it's not polished yet."
"I know." She read.
Princess Angelina
Angelina the shy Princess discovers her inner self.
The princess lives in a modest flat in London
She's excited her grandmother is coming for a visit. She's the Queen of Genovia. Angelina greets her with a curtsy.
No, no my granddaughter; you don't curtsy to me; I want a hug like any other grandmother.
What are we going to do today?
I'm going to teach you all about how to be a real princess.
"All the beautiful jewels and clothes grandmother?"
Not that, my child, about her duties. Princesses are more than jewels and clothes; they have to find what's inside them; their inner self. I only wear my crown when I must; the same for my fancy queen's gown.
Today we will visit some men who served our country. Who keep it safe from bad people. And later we will take some toys to children who are in the hospital.
Grandmother, those are wonderful things to do. I can't wait.
Princess Angelina learned all about the duties of a princess that day. She vowed to be just like her grandmother; she liked how she felt that day. Her inner self was very happy.
"Louisa, this is so good. If I could be a princess, I would be just like her. I think your story will be published."
"I hope so Gretl. I turn it in next week."
Tuesday morning came and Liesl waited with the others for Uncle Ike to arrive. "Why are you going with us this morning?"
"Uncle Max is taking me to see Wolfgang. I'm hoping he will have some new Advent music; something different for us to sing this year."
Uncle Ike drove the children to their respective schools. "Max, are we too early for Wolfgang?"
"Not at all; he's stocking his booth before he opens his store in town. He's expecting me." Since it was early, Franz had no difficulty finding a parking place near by.
Liesl's attention was drawn to all the young men in the plaza. They reminded her of last year. "Uncle Ike, why are there so many young men here?"
"Don't worry Liesl; they're not members of Hitler's Youth Army. They're members of the Austrian Secret Police. Captain James wanted young men around the plaza during the busy times at all the booths. He feels Hitler's boys wouldn't want to be recognized by their old friends. They're in training today. I wouldn't have brought you here if it wasn't safe."
"I see, thanks for telling me."
"Did you know the game store booth is across the plaza?"
"No I didn't. I wonder if John will work there."
"I can't answer that question. But he has been helping them stock it. Some of the men are also his secret police detail."
"Wolfgang, Liesl is here to see if you have any new songs for Advent."
"That's right sir, I want something different for the choir."
"One of my friends sent this box to me; I haven't even opened it. Let's see if it may have what you are looking for."
"There's so much Wolfgang. I like that there are verses for Gregorian chants they already know. It won't take them long to memorize them."
"Take what you need. I'm like Harvey; books or music are meant to be read or sung."
"Thank you, I wish we could sing for you here in your booth but I don't think my father would approve."
"Maybe there's a way your father would approve."
"Do you really think so Uncle Max?"
"We'll see."
"Liesl, Liesl, I didn't expect to see you here in the plaza."
"You neither, John; Wolfgang had some Advent music for the choir. Uncle Ike told me you were helping stock the game store's booth."
"That's true. My Dad said I could work there a few hours on the weekends."
"Do you have classes today?"
"I do Liesl. Would you like to ride with us?"
"Uncle Max, may I?"
"Certainly Liesl, let me walk you across the plaza to Martin's safe hands."
"Don't worry Max; I deliver both of them to the villa this afternoon." Max walked away but turned and saw the sweethearts share a quick kiss. He smiled.
"Wolfgang thanks for helping Liesl. I'll speak to Georg soon."
Franz drove Max home. He went back to the cottage. He had found an excellent place for his Ham Radio. In the late afternoon and early evening he had excellent reception from Germany. He had convinced a German General that he was an Austrian sympathizer. This General shared with him the movements of the German army and Hitler's' right hand men like Herr Zeller and his young side kick Rolf.
There was also another way to get to the cottage; it was through the forest in the back. James and others came there frequently.
Liesl and John arrived at the same time as all the other children. She couldn't wait to share with them the music she had learned. "When you've finished you homework, would you like to practice an Advent song?"
"Did Wolfgang have music for you?"
"He did. I had lots of choices. Come find me in the living room."
Soon Maria heard a familiar Gregorian chant; but with different words.
Come, come Emanuel Come, come Emanuel
He's the Lord of creation
Lord have mercy upon us
The son of Mary will be born
Christ have mercy upon us
For the angel will proclaim it
Lord have mercy upon us
"Liesl, I love it. How about you children? What do you think?"
"Mother, we think it's perfect. It's very different."
"It is Louisa."
"You like it too Uncle Max?"
"You sound like the Klopmann Monastery Choir."
"I agree with Max."
"You too Father?"
"You've always been as good as any monastery choir."
"We'll practice it again tomorrow and I have another simple song for you to learn."
"You really enjoy directing a choir."
"I do John. I suppose I take after mother."
"You're just like her. Do I hear babbling?"
"Barbara enjoyed their singing too. Are we eating in here again?"
"Yes Aunt Katia, it's so much warmer than the dining room; more fun too."
"You have a while until dinner. Who wants Barbara?"
"I'll take her."
"She's all yours John."
"You've gotten heavy little one. I still can't get over how she goes to anyone. My aunt's daughter had a fit when any man tried to hold her; she didn't particularly even want her father to hold her."
"We're prejudice John; we believe she's an angel; our own little angel." Liesl tickled her and she squealed with delight. "Let's sit on the floor with her. Father's been teaching her how to catch her ball; watch. Here it comes, Barbara."
"Good girl, now throw it back to Liesl."
"Almost Barbara."
"It won't be long Liesl. Let me have her John. She needs a head start. There's way too much activity in here at dinner time." Maria placed her in the highchair. "There you go Barbara; here's your spoon. I see Aunt Katia coming with your food."
Maria fed her without any trouble. She let her try to feed herself some of the squash; most of it did not get in her mouth. "Good try Barbara, let me clean your face and you can gnaw on a biscotti." She was happy; sat there with her biscotti and seemed to listen to all the chatter.
The family engaged in a variety of activities after dinner. Kurt took Karl up to his building room to see his latest bridge. Isabel and Katia played Old Maid with Gretl and Marta. Louisa and Brigitta each were curled up in a chair; one was writing the other reading. Maria and Katia were talking. Liesl and John were playing chess. Each game always ended with the same words. "One of these times I am going to win, John." And he would always laugh.
Georg had gone to his study to find the reference books he wanted to take with him in the morning. Max saw his opportunity and followed him.
"Got a minute Georg?"
"Sure Max, what's on your mind?" Max closed the door; that got Georg's attention.
"Hear me out please. You were quite adamant once about your children never singing in public. I think you should reconsider."
"Max, I have. Remember when Maria and I were planning our wedding?"
"Yes, go on."
"I didn't consider myself a Baron then and not now either. The Empire is gone. I'm an Austrian like everyone else. If I have any allegiance, it's to Austria. What are you thinking?"
"Georg, it's only a matter of time before all of us will need to leave Austria. You need to make the Germans, particularly Herr Zeller, think you are all for their Anschluss. First, the children need to sing in Wolfgang's music tent at the market place; it's not very large. It's very well protected. James knows some Austrian sympathizers will be there and would spread the word.
"The children know so many songs. Maria and Liesl could easily put together a concert of five to eight songs; recorder music too. Liesl commented yesterday to Wolfgang that she wished they could sing there. I planted a seed; a seed of possibility.
"No one would have any idea it's all a front. The children would draw a lot of attention. I could easily arrange for a tour; not far away. Then later, maybe to Rome and Zurich – you would always return. You would send up no red flags.
"When the time came to really leave, you would draw little attention. It would be publicized as another tour."
"Brilliant Max, I always knew you had a tactical mind; reminds me of battles plans from the Great War. We need to develop this further before we tell anyone. I know we don't have much time. We should probably meet in town; our drivers will need to know. They will help us. We better get back to the family."
No one had noticed them leave. Everyone heard Maria. "It's Barbara's bedtime. Come say goodnight." The children did and soon the younger ones went up to bed as well. Liesl and John said their goodnight with a sweet kiss at the door.
In the morning Georg spoke with Sidney. He explained Max's idea. "I think it will work. Let me arrange a meeting with James."
After Georg's only class that Wednesday, Sidney took Georg to the apartment.
"Max is quite the strategist. It's an excellent idea. I'll contact Franz. He'll let Max know."
"Thanks James, now I can share this with Maria."
"Next time we meet it will be in the bomb shelter by the Riding Academy."
Today was Georg's turn to want the day to be over so he could talk with Maria.
He participated in all the family's games after dinner. Nobody sensed he had something serious on his mind; except maybe Maria.
They didn't delay going to bed. "Are you going to bed soon Karl?"
"Katia and I will stay here and smooch until the fire dies down"
"We are, goodnight."
"Goodnight Maria, Georg; see you in the morning."
"It's so nice to see those two so happily in love."
"Just like I'm happy with you darling." Georg reached around his wife and picked her up. She had to swallow her squeals. "What are you doing Georg?"
"We're still newlyweds, remember?"
"Put me down sweetheart, your wife needs to use the bathroom."
She found him standing beside the crib. "She's so innocent. Thank goodness she doesn't understand our talk. Come sit with me I need to share something with you."
"I felt you had something on your mind. Tell me Georg."
"You realize our time to leave Austria will come one day."
She let out a big breath. "Sadly, I do."
"This will surprise you. Max has a plan; it involves the children singing. He remembered my adamant words from long ago. I explained to him, like I did to you; I'm no longer a Baron. I don't believe in the rule that prohibits singing in public."
"Go on sweetheart; I'm anxious to hear the rest."
"Max wants them to sing at Wolfgang's booth. Liesl even asked Max if it were possible. After Christmas we could go on some local tours. German loyalists living here we surely communicate to Berlin that we seem happy with the impending Anschluss. We may even be able to go to Rome or Zurich; but we would always come back.
"When it came time for us to really leave, Max would book us on another tour; from that location we would escape. Our returning from all the other tours would make this one not raise any alarms."
"Do you think it will work?"
"Nothing is without some risk. I don't believe we would be leaving with Herr Zeller hot on our heels. We still have some planning to do. The difficult part is not letting on to the others; if too many people know our plan it could become known by sympathizers."
"How do you think the children will react?"
"I think Liesl's exuberance will defuse any questions or hesitance."
"Georg, do you remember those peasant clothes I bought on our honeymoon?"
"What about them?"
"They could be their costumes. I know they would need altering. Isabel could help me. She will need to go with us. Barbara will need her."
"Sounds possible; let me clear it all with James. We'll be meeting often."
"Now can we be like Katia and Karl?"
"Are you jealous Maria?
She didn't answer him; his mouth was engulfed in an extremely passionate kiss. "Hummmn, you're wonderful darling."
In the morning, Maria left Barbara in her highchair under the watchful eyes of Georg and Max. She went to the kitchen to get Barbara's cereal. "How long did you stay up Katia?"
"We fell asleep."
"You didn't?"
"It's true Maria; we woke up because we were both cold. It took me forever to get warm. Next time we'll go to bed."
"Smooching on a settee can be nice but I'll take the bed any day."
"Maria, such talk from an almost nun, I'm surprised."
"Almost is the key word Katia; sharing myself with Georg was all God's plan. I wouldn't trade it for anything on this earth."
"Well said, here's Barbara's cereal with her favorite fruit, apples."
"I'll tell her Aunt Katia fixed her favorite. Let me go get a head start. She eats so much better without too much distraction."
She found Max and Georg being silly with Barbara. "She's a wonderful little one Maria."
"I know Max. She's helping us cope with these trying days." Max understood her; he knew Georg had told her about his plan."
"Let me feed her. Barbara, look, Aunt Katia fixed your cereal with apples this morning; your favorite." She took her first spoonful and immediately opened her mouth for more. Katia served the others and brought an apple slice for Barbara to gnaw on. Maria watched her closely to be sure she didn't bite off a large piece. Maria cleaned her face and hands and held her to say goodbye to everyone.
Georg and Max spoke to their respective drivers about the plan. Georg asked Sidney to arrange a meeting with James for the four of them tomorrow.
On Friday, Franz and Max went into town; he waited near the Riding Academy. He saw the advanced guards for James take their position all around the area. Sidney drove up with Georg; he was between classes.
"This way gentlemen, the door is hidden behind this rock." The bomb shelter was relatively large; could probably house one hundred people. "It's wired for electricity; the switch is right inside the door. There are also some oil lanterns incase it would ever lose electricity."
In the front were a few chairs. "Have a seat men; Franz filled me in on your plan Max. We hear from our sources that the Germans want things to appear normal. Your singing is very normal; especially at Wolfgang's booth. I was told Maria bought some peasant clothes on you honeymoon Georg. I believe they're perfect. I also think you should sing on all four Saturdays. That would really send them a signal that you're not afraid of the children performing in public. Let's stay in touch; meet me here next Wednesday morning."
Kurt was so excited when Uncle Ike's car drove up. "Look at those clouds; are they snow clouds?"
"You may be right Kurt. You might get your wish. I doubt it will be enough for skiing. But I'm sure it will be enough to have fun in."
His excitement continued in the villa. "Mother, Mother."
"What Kurt?"
"Did you notice the snow clouds?"
"Let me look outside." Maria opened the door to the veranda. "They do look promising; we'll see in the morning."
"This will be Barbara's first snow. Does she have a snowsuit?"
"As a matter of fact yes; I ordered a bunch of things in September. The store sent all her winter things out last week."
"Goody, she can help Marta and me build our snowman."
"Girls, I don't think she can help very much. I'll help you. Then after her nap she can come outside and look at it."
Kurt announced his expectation of snow to everyone. "And yes Father, Uncle Ike told me it probably won't be enough for skiing. But I bet it will be good enough for a snowball fight."
Kurt opened the veranda door at least ten times that afternoon; checking on those clouds. One time he announced, "I saw a few snowflakes this time."
"Your son is really anxious for some snow Georg."
"It seems that way Karl."
Saturday morning Kurt ran from his room; down the back stairs to the kitchen. He knew Katia would be there. "Did you see all the snow Aunt Katia? It looks like several inches; I'm getting dressed and use my ruler to measure it." He rushed right by Karl.
"Now what's Kurt doing Katia?"
"Getting dressed, so he can measure the snow."
"I'm glad he can still be a boy; even though he is a teenager. Something tells me all the children, except Barbara of course, are going to grow up fast in the next few months."
"I suppose you're right; I try not to think too much; just take it one day at a time."
"Can I have one of your fresh out of the oven biscuits? I'm starved."
"Be my guest; don't burn your mouth. I need it to share your kisses."
"You mean one like this?" Katia received a long romantic kiss. They broke away just in time. Kurt came bouncing into the kitchen.
"We got almost eight inches. It has already stopped snowing."
"I'm sure it won't be gone by the time you get home from school."
"I hope not Father."
"Good morning you two; do I smell biscuits?"
"Help yourself Georg, I did. It was delicious with butter and jam."
"I think I will."
"Has Maria come down with Barbara?"
"She was finishing her feeding. I'm sure she'll be down soon."
"I'll start her cereal, plums or pears today Georg?"
"Which does she like?"
"Pears it is."
Everyone found Kurt announcing to his sisters his plans for after school. "We'll have snowball fights and build snowmen."
Franz wasn't needed today. Georg rode with Sidney. They were on the return trip. "It's time Sidney; to tell Liesl and all the others about our plan. She and Maria need time to select the concert songs. And Isabel needs to help Maria with altering their costumes."
"How soon will you tell the children what's happening?"
"Hopefully I can wait until next week."
When they got home Katia and Karl were sitting in the kitchen. "I need to share something with you two. I'll be waiting in the living room for Maria."
"Do you know anything Karl?"
"Nothing Katia."
The couple met Maria in the hall. "Georg wants to see us." Maria knew immediately why; but she kept quiet. Max, Isabel and Liesl were already there. Max had stoked the fire. Isabel had been straightening up the children's games. Liesl had been playing the piano.
"Liesl, come sit by me here on the settee." The others found a comfortable seat.
Georg wasn't sure how to begin; he started with some facts. "All of you know Germany will be holding an election in two weeks. James already had advanced word that it will be a validation of Hitler as supreme leader or Fuehrer. That will mean disaster for Austria; sympathizers here are numerous. What I am going to tell you can not leave the villa's walls." All eyes were on Georg.
"As you know I initiated the plan to encourage our Jewish friends to leave Austria while they could do it safely. You must realize that my talents as a submarine commander have not gone unnoticed at Bremerhaven. In time they will come after me. Maria and I have known this for a long time. Max presented me with an idea that I took to James. I'll let him explain."
"It came to me the day that I first met with Wolfgang at his booth at the Marketplace. He asked me to find groups to perform in the small area he had set aside for them. My mind thought like an army general planning a battle. Sometimes they needed to set up a diversion for them to work.
"I've also known that we will need to leave one day. Our diversion will be the children singing at Wolfgang's booth." He looked directly at Liesl. He heard her make a sound like a spasmodic reflex of the throat as is heard when one is surprised.
She choked out her thoughts. "Uncle Max, I was only wishing out loud. I never had any thought it could come true. I remembered how father felt about us singing in public."
"I know Liesl. Times have changed; I wanted you to know it was a possibility. Let me tell you about my plan.
"Word would get back to Herr Zeller that Georg seems to be accepting of the impending Anschluss. After singing during the Christmas season, I would arrange other concerts; a couple of short tours, then maybe a tour to Rome and Zurich. We would always return. They would send up no red flags. When the time came to leave Austria, I would plan another tour. It would be our escape."
There was silence for a few seconds. "What do you need us to do?" Karl asked.
"Try to act normal. I'll find a good time to tell the children."
"Liesl, why don't you begin to make a song list?"
"I can do that Mother."
"Isabel, I'm going to need your help. I bought some peasant clothes on our honeymoon. They will make perfect costumes. They will need some alteration; especially the ones for Marta and Gretl."
It was soon time to pick up the children from school. All the adults knew Kurt had their after lunch activities all planned. Phillip even refrained from clearing off the veranda. He knew it was perfect for Marta and Gretl to make a snowman there.
Kurt didn't disappoint them. Immediately after eating lunch he proposed the activities for the afternoon. "Okay everyone; get on your snow clothes. Who's game for a snowball fight? Uncle Max, Uncle Karl."
"I'm game, Kurt."
He was so preoccupied; he didn't notice Liesl didn't join them. Maria didn't disappoint Gretl. She joined her and Marta in the building of a cute snow woman.
"Gretl, I found these earlier. Maria had a straw hat and a pink scarf."
"I like it Mother. Can Barbara come out and see it?"
"Let me see if she's awake."
Maria found Katia sitting in the kitchen with her. "She had a snack Maria; she's ready to see the snow. Let me button her snowsuit."
"Barbara, Barbara, come see the snow woman mother and I built."
Barbara's snowsuit covered every inch of her except for her face. "You look so cute Barbara." She was too big for Gretl to safely carry so Maria took her to see the snow woman. She laughed when Gretl pointed out the snow woman's eyes, nose and mouth.
Maria eyes were drawn to a loud exclamation by her husband. "Enough Kurt, I look like a snowman!"
"Look at your father Gretl."
"You're covered in snow Father."
"Thanks to your brother Gretl; he's a much better aim this year." Georg brushed himself off. "Does my little one like the snow?"
"She likes my snow woman Father."
"Your idea Maria?"
"Yes, I found the hat and scarf earlier. I thought it would be perfect for Gretl's snow woman. Are you going in?"
"I am."
"Me too." Max came up the steps to the veranda. "Kurt and Karl can continue the battle."
"I suppose my husband is being a kid again."
"Kurt has him pinned down in a bunker. I'm sure Karl will surrender soon."
The snow was a happy diversion for the adults. Now Georg had to find the right time to tell his children.