31st May 1942

Mary Poppins and Jane Banks sat in the small apartment in London.
The two women now wanted to meet regularly and talk about everything; the good and the bad things.
They decided this when they had met on the street a few days earlier. But the street was no place to talk about certain personal things.

As Mary drank her tea, she looked at Jane, who was eating a piece of cake.
It was amazing what an remarkable woman the giggling girl has become.

"Have you heard anything from Michael?" The nanny asked and sipped the hot liquid.

"Yes, but there is nothing new... But he is alive and that is the only thing that matters."

She shook her head and laughed dryly, "Captain Michael Banks... I still can't believe it."

When Jane told her former nanny that her little brother was now a captain, she couldn't believe her ears. And she was afraid for her former charge. So she always asked Jane how he was doing.

"Where is he now?"

"He never tells me that. Sometimes he makes vague hints, but that's all... How is Bert? Have you heard from him? "

From the way Jane changed the subject, Mary knew that she no longer wanted to talk about her brother. And she could guess why: It probably hurt Jane to know that her little brother probably wouldn't get away unharmed.

"Bert is still a little overwhelmed with his position as sergeant. But he is a little relieved that he and his division are back in England. "

"Understandable... How is it for him to experience this misery a second time?"
Of course, Jane knew that Bert was also at the front about 25 years ago.

"He is scared... You know him: he can't even harm a fly. But the difference is that he was a medic back then and helped the wounded. Today is the sergeant and-" Mary broke off and had to hold back her tears.

Jane put her hand on Mary's and stroked it gently. "Everything will be fine, Mary Poppins… Why should we think about the worst now? To become sick!? I think we should try to stop worrying and try to value the memories of the good times."

"Wise words…"

"I learned this way of thinking from you and Bert. And I am incredibly grateful for that!"

Mary nodded and smiled at her. Jane withdrew her hand and went back to her cake.

"You are right ...", the nanny took a sip of her tea again, "Elizabeth speaks like that too."

"How is she doing?"

"Not very good. She is stressed... Very stressed..." Mary clutched the cup in her hands. Almost as if she were trying to hold onto it.

"In what way?"

"I feel like she's been trying to follow Bert's footsteps ever since she found out he was a medic at war. She always had the urge to help people and was interested in medicine even in her early youth... But ever since she knew his story, this urge has become enormous!"

"But at least she has good intentions."

"That is true!"

The women returned to their tea and cake and enjoyed the pleasant silence for almost a minute.
It was Jane who broke this silence.

"Does she at least write regularly now? Or does she still needs half an eternity for her answers?"

Mary had to laugh and was a little surprised that Jane could remember her complaint from a few months ago. "She writes more regularly. She also apologises if it took her a little longer to answer."

"Where is she right now?"

Mary's smile faded and Jane felt instantly uncomfortable. "I am sorry. I-"

"It's okay... She's in Germany."

"In Germany!?"

Mary put the cup on the table and adjusted her skirt. "She is with two siblings and helps them... They both need her help."

No sooner had Mary Poppins uttered this sentence the candles flared dangerously and the windows were thrown open by a gust of wind.

Jane looked frightened around the room while Mary got up and went to the fireplace. Only a few seconds later she was holding a letter in her delicate hands and the spook was over.

"What was that!?" Jane asked with wide eyes.

"This is what it looks like when I receive letters from Elizabeth."

"Does her mail always arrive like that?"

"No," Mary opened the envelope with a concerned expression, "only when she is not feeling well."

"Oh…"

Mary walked out of the room into the kitchen and let her blue eyes slide over the scrawly handwriting.

Hello Mary,

first of all I would like to thank you very much for your birthday wishes. It's good to know that there are people out there who care... Who care about me.
I have not yet opened the gift because I want to do it in peace.

And I have no peace right now.

First of all, I have a feeling that you are not doing well. I don't know why but this feeling is incredibly oppressive... If something is bothering you you can always talk to me about it! Maybe I can help you somehow...

And secondly: shortly after reading your letter, I received the message that Hans had to go to the front.
It was a shock and I still haven't recovered from it. Even if we've only known each other for a few months, he had become a very good friend.

In a long conversation last night he asked me to take care of Martha and his stallion Basil.

But I can't take care of a ten year old. I can't stay on the farm and I certainly can't take the little one with me to the areas I go to. She deserves a (somewhat) quiet environment and someone to look after her and also someone who can teach her things.

That's why I wanted to bring Martha to you.
I know that you would take good care of her and that you would understand and like each other.

She is an incredibly friendly girl and will help you wherever she can.
Maybe she will give you other thoughts too...

Would you be okay with taking care of her?
She needs someone, Mary.

Please answer as soon as you can.

Elizabeth

P.S. Please take care of yourself and don't worry too much.

Mary lowered the letter and looked at Jane who followed her. She handed her the paper with a hoarse voice: "That's what I meant."

The blonde woman read the letter very carefully. Here and there she had trouble reading the handwriting, but she didn't want to ask Mary either. A sad smile crept onto Jane's lips: "Do you know who she reminds me of?"

"Bert."

It wasn't a question. No, it was a statement.
Because anyone who knew them would say that.

Finally, FINALLY, I had the time and the nerves to write the next chapter!

I'm sorry that you had to wait so long again but a lot happened to me (again).
I hope you understand that professional and personal problems have priority...

How are you? I hope you're all dong well!

As always, I would be very happy to receive reviews :) 3