No trace: Part Two of The Accidental Trilogy

Chapter Ten

I tend to Andrea on his arrival to family stable, I am pleased to see that the stable is well kept and the men working there seem kind to their charges. Bernard's extended family seems to be coming out of the very walls, cousins to fill an army.

All of them are very friendly and before I can think I am given one hug after another.

During and after a very rich dinner - I eat daintily, I do not wish to make myself ill - there is some lively discussion, which I make myself aware of, part of what they are discussing is me.

Heaven forbid they begin to consider me more than a friend of their Bernard. Finally, I am shown to a spare room for the night. Bernard has already settled his return date as tomorrow and I would very much like to join him to Berlin. In the city, I have more opportunities for getting some currency of the realm.

We leave early in the morning, I deigned to sleep and was roused by the household's maid, who then assisted me to bathe and dress.

This family's generosity is unnerving and unsettles and so it is a relief when we are once more, on the road, a rested Andrea being led behind.

The few towns that we stop in become more refined the closer we get to Berlin until finally, we reach the city.

'What shall we do first?' Bernard asks me.

'You have your family to return to and reunite with, good sir,' I keep my tone and choice of words formal, as it was on our first meeting, so it should be on our last.

'As I understand it, you are still without funds and a foreign traveller in these lands. Not everyone you may encounter here will be as, understanding of your unique situation.'

I nod, and reply, 'You are a wise man Bernard. But I am anxious not be a burden on you or your family.'

'I had hoped that you would see yourself as my friend. And a friend is never a burden.'
'Even so, I have no wish to outstay my welcome. Once I have the necessary arrangements, I will move on.'

He smiles then, as though he has come up with some great scheme, but for now, he does not share it with me.

Before leaving for his family home, we stop first at the local stables. A business run by a friend of his father, he returns the horse and cart that were on loan to him and arranges care and board of Andrea.

'You expect that I will be here for a month?'

He is a little taken aback before he explains, 'A month is the minimum amount of time a horse can be kept there,' in a gentle tone, before he takes my arm as we walk down the street, before continuing, 'If you happen to depart before, I am sure that he will refund the monies owed. He is a trusted friend and business associate of my father, you can trust him.'

Bernard's immediate family are just as gregarious as his other relations and are equally determined as Bernard that I am to stay for as long as necessary.

In his father's study, Bernard, with his father present, tells me his plan.

'My sisters' have a want for an education, but it is not possible.'

'My son is quite truthful in this matter,' Herr Kahlberg has a deep voice, it matches the seriousness of his study, 'a lack of common-sense means that my daughters are not accepted at the local school and a lack of funds means that I am unable to provide them with a private education. Bernard tells me that you are English and for myself, I can see that you are an educated young lady.'

'Thank you for your kind words, sir,' I reply while considering that I will also have to learn to disguise myself in future, including my tone and choice of words to start with. Bearing and dress to follow.

'Merely stating the facts as I seem them Fraulein. Now as I said, I would pay a fair wage, but I would include food and board in the terms.'

I consider and decide quickly, 'I accept your terms. '

The next six months feel like the longest. Bernard's three younger sisters are all very interested in what I can teach them, courtesy of Louis's education. I keep it basic; I introduce a concept and then explain it to them.

And I also teach them English, something Herr Kahlberg requested specifically. I save the majority of my wages, spending only what I need to on a simple travelling wardrobe and the necessary accoutrements for riding Andrea. Riding bareback is not a comfortable affair, especially after long distances.

In making these various purchases I am accompanied by Frau Kahlberg and the family housekeeper. But there are other items that I have to purchase privately, the family know my plans, but they needn't know the precise details.

My savings should last a good while, but I am anxious not to fritter them away on luxuries.

On my departure date, I am not overly emotional, but I do leave gifts and cards to thank the family for their generosity.

They did indeed shelter a monster.