Days of Winter (12 page)

“Magda, one more time and I will shut that
divine
little imported mouth …”

“First call Solange,” she said, laughing and kissing him on the neck.

Solange was delighted and promptly got an early afternoon train for Calais. She stepped down from the car looking exactly as a countess should. She was dressed in a dove-gray velvet suit. The bow of her pink chiffon blouse billowed out. Her toque was small and feathered in shades of gray, and the sable scarf hung over her arm.

Magda and Rubin greeted her warmly. First she embraced Magda, then kissed Rubin on both cheeks and looked at him in her own sly way. Oh, the things I do for you, Rubin, her eyes were saying. And his responded, thank you. …

Later, after they’d settled Solange in, Magda said, “I’m so happy you’re here, Solange.” Magda lay across Solange’s bed, on her stomach, her hands holding her face.

“Are you really? Two women in the same house with one man.”

“What a question! You know I am.”

“How are things going?”

“Very well.”

“And Rubin is happy?”

Magda looked shocked. “Of course. Why shouldn’t he be?”

“It isn’t easy living so close to the past—”

“Well, I wanted him to come to Paris to live but he said he had to have roots.”

“Yes, that’s natural. Roots and family are very important—”

“He rarely thinks of them.”

“Really? And what about running into people …? He can scarcely avoid that.”

“It doesn’t bother him a bit …In fact, he says to hell with them.”

“It’s not so easy defying convention. Being shut out. Who knows that better than I?”

“It doesn’t bother Rubin. And I believe you were taken back, and forgiven the
error
of your ways. Besides, I have a plan.”

Solange began unpacking. Hanging up a dressing gown, she said, “My dear, you always have a plan …”

Magda disregarded the sardonic note. “Well, I
want
Rubin to be reconciled …I will never be happy until he’s reunited with his family.”

Solange looked at Magda …We don’t fall in love with saints. She understood Magda all too well … liked her in spite of it, but there was more to this little suggestion than met the ear. “It means that much to you … his happiness …?”

“Of course it does. Why are you being so … so difficult?”

Solange settled herself in the satin slipper chair. “The truth is, I’ve been annoyed with you.”

“Why?”

“You took me around the flat like the Queen of Rumania, showing the palace to a serf. You certainly are pleased with the things you’ve acquired. No one is happier than I with your success, but I worry …Rubin loves you, Magda. He’s vulnerable. Love always does that. He’ll do anything to make you happy. This marriage must not fail. The price has been too great—”

“He can afford it …”

Solange sighed and bit her lower lip. “I don’t think you’ve heard one word I’ve said. I wasn’t talking about money. Is that why you married him?”

“No. Of course not. I happen to love him. But can’t one have both? Is it a sin …?”

“Of course not, but don’t hurt him, Magda.”

Magda began to cry. “I wish you hadn’t come … I thought we were friends …”

“Rubin is a shattered man.”

“How do you know?”

“I saw it in his eyes. If you have it to give, then love him, Magda.”

“I
do
. You don’t know the happiness I bring him—”

“I’m not talking about bed … I’m talking about the other Rubin …”

Magda was shocked. She hadn’t seen any great change in Rubin. Wiping the tears from her eyes she said, “Why haven’t I seen his sadness?”

“Because you’re too absorbed in all this.” Solange waved her hands about the room. “You haven’t had time to
look
at Rubin …”

Magda was silent. Solange, in a way, was right …She hadn’t looked at Rubin. She ran to Solange, knelt on the floor, and buried her head in Solange’s lap. “You make me feel naked, Solange. You see right through me, you always have …”

Solange wiped away her tears. “You’re selfish, but at least you’re honest, and for that I do love you. But it would be best if I returned to Paris … I’ll only upset you here.”

“No, Solange,” Magda said. “I need you.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m lonely.”

“And for what other reason …?” There was a pause.

“All right …There is another reason. I know Rubin is suffering because of what he’s done. But I told you, I have a plan. I’m not going to lie to you about why I want Rubin to become united with his family …Yes, it is his wish, but by helping him I help myself to be accepted in the kind of society that once rejected you. You wanted it, Solange. Why shouldn’t I? And I know it can be done, but I need your help.”

“Was it your idea or Rubin’s that I come?”

“It was his, Į swear to you, Solange.”

“But you knew I could help?”

“Yes … I knew you could be my champion.”

“Well, at least that’s honest.”

“Don’t be bitter, Solange. For whatever selfish reasons, I’m honestly happy you’re with me. You do believe that …?”

“Yes …”

“Does it make me wicked if what I want is to bring him together with his family? Wouldn’t it make our marriage even better?”

Solange sighed. “Let me warn you, Magda, what you propose will not be easily accomplished.”

“Once you said that Rubin would never marry me …”

“This is different. We’re not dealing with a man in love but with a whole set of social rules that can’t be reconciled so easily. Do you think that you’re ready for such a task …?”

“With you as my champion, I’m ready for anything.”

“Ah,” said Solange, “I may not do much good.”

“Being your niece will help … being someone.”

“Well …” she said at last, “we will try. For Rubin’s sake, the effort is worth it”

Magda was weak with relief. She did not take offense that Solange’s first thoughts were for Rubin. What did it matter, when victory would be for both of them?

The next morning’s headlines were ominous: BELGIUM’S NEUTRALITY DISREGARDED. GERMANY DECLARES WAR ON FRANCE. Rubin’s hand trembled as he picked up the paper. Solange had left just in time.

He poured a cup of coffee, took it into the dining room and read the latest reports.
Germany issued a declaration of war on France today
…
German troops have ignored Belgium’s neutrality, crossed her borders and invaded the country
…
Although His Majesty’s Government has attempted to be a conciliatory force, still nothing of any major significance has been forthcoming in the negotiations …This morning a stiff ultimatum was sent to the German High Command to withdraw her troops from Belgium immediately …Britain awaits the answer … and must reconsider her position … her moral obligation to aid a small and beleaguered country. Can she tolerate this German aggression? Will any neutral country be safe …?

It was eleven o’clock when Magda joined him, looking like a vision in a pink mauve dressing gown. “Good morning, darling. Thank God the maid arrives today … the house already needs a good cleaning … I detest housework.” She looked at Rubin. He could not hide his concern.

“What’s wrong, Rubin?”

“Germany is at war with France …”

She sat in total disbelief. After recovering from the shock, she said, “Solange said nothing about trouble in Paris … in France …”

“All of Europe may be affected, Magda. England may be next.”

Magda was close to tears …Why did countries have to fight? Why did a stupid war have to spoil her happiness, just when everything was going so well …?

“My Niko was killed in 1912 …” she said. “There was a war then. There has always been a war …My God, Rubin, won’t it ever stop?”

Rubin told her of the Archduke’s assassination, and what had happened since. It broke his heart to see her so unhappy.

“The Archduke’s blood was more important than Niko’s,” Magda said bitterly, drying her eyes on a napkin. “He gave his life for nothing …Just a body to be used for fodder. We didn’t even have a chance to bury him …His body was never found.”

“I wish I could spare you this, Magda.”

The world was falling apart, and he wanted to shield her. Indeed, today she did take a long look at Rubin. How tender and good he was … “Will Solange have to go back?”

“No. She must stay. I want her to stay.”

“Rubin, why did you really want her to come just at this time?”

“Call it a premonition … whatever … If England should become involved …” He cleared his throat “… I don’t want you to … be alone.”

“Alone …? What are you talking about?”

“I may have to enlist, Magda.”

Magda was stunned. She got up and paced the floor. Two days ago they had moved into their new home. My God, the plans she had …What good did it do to plan for a future. Only yesterday she had pleaded with Solange to help her become a great lady … to find a home in England …That was the most important thing in her life. But that was yesterday …Today was terrifying …How ludicrous all her ambitions seemed now, when her husband might have to go to war … and maybe die, like Niko.

“What will happen to us, Rubin?”

“I’ll have to join the army—”

No, this simply can’t be happening, she thought. We haven’t even begun to know each other …Oh, God, I despise the world …I hate it …Rubin and I have done nothing worse than marry, and we are ostracized. But countries can destroy the lives of people, and that’s accepted.
That
is quite proper. …

At dinner that evening Solange sat staring down at her food, unable to eat. The men of her country, of France, were being fitted for the uniforms of death. Some would never live to see the shine on their buttons turn dull … or return with the arms God gave them or the limbs to fill the legs of their trousers. …All that remained of her family’s treasures had been left behind … Whenever she went back,
if
she went back, what would she find? Rubble and debris. …

“Poor Emile,” said Solange. “Will he return to France?” Her eyes filled with tears.

“No doubt as quick as he can,” said Rubin.

“I should have stayed, Rubin …My conscience bothers me so.”

“Knowing you’re with us brings us great comfort,” said Rubin.

Magda broke her silence. “I’ve lived through wars, Solange, and I’m selfish enough to pray we all three survive. Dead heroes are soon forgotten …”

The next day all London waited. There was no hysteria, but Germany had not responded as the hours ticked away. It was now eleven, and still no reply. Crowds had gathered at 10 Downing Street.

Finally there was a dispatch. Germany refused to yield its position.

The British Cabinet had been in session since early morning. At precisely midnight on August 4, 1914, His Majesty’s Government and all its dominions declared war on Germany.

Ten thousand strong, the English people stood in front of Buckingham Palace waiting for their sovereign. …A cheer went up, as the King and Queen came to the balcony with the Prince of Wales and Princess Mary, waving at their devoted subjects. It was a moment in history. In a world filled with hate and dissolution, here, at least, there was a display of union and solidarity. The English stood arm-in-arm, shoulder-to-shoulder. Every able-bodied man would come to the aid of His Majesty. …

Magda roused herself from sleep and reached over to Rubin’s side of the bed. He was gone. Getting out of bed quickly, she called out, hoping he was in the bathroom. When she found it empty, she slipped into her robe, tied a sash around her waist, and hurried across the foyer to the drawing room, and then from room to room. When she reached the kitchen she asked the maid: “Has Mr. Hack had breakfast?”

“No, madam. Just coffee. He didn’t want to disturb you, but left a note.”

Magda trembled as she took it. She went into the drawing room to read it: “I’ll be back later today. I have to do a few things this morning. Eat lunch without me. Love, Rubin.”

Quickly she went to Solange. “Where can he be, Solange? What could be so pressing it couldn’t wait …?”

“With the war going on, Magda, I’m sure he has arrangements to make. He has to think about your security. If anything should … don’t get upset … please …He’s probably seeing his solicitor.”

Solange was right. Rubin was making plans for Magda’s future. All monies were to be transferred to her name …Did Mr. Hack think that was wise …? Why not invest the money in United States securities? No. There wasn’t time for that …When he returned he would, he’d need the income …If on the other hand …Rubin instructed his solicitor to seek the advice of a certain firm that would wisely invest his estate.

Leaving the office he was wished Godspeed and personally escorted down the stairs. The street was filled with milling people, going in different directions. There was no panic. London seemed quiet and strangely sober this morning.

Rubin found a telephone and gave the operator the number. “Good morning, the Hack offices.”

Rubin cleared his throat. “Mr. Leon Hack, please.”

“May I ask who’s calling?”

“Un … Mr. Emile Jonet.”

“Will you kindly hold, sir?”

“Yes.” Rubin’s heart beat too fast … his pulse too hard. Was Leon there?

“Emile! How are you?”

“It’s Rubin.”

“Rubin …” Leon’s voice was warm but subdued. “Where are you?”

“At the Bristol. Leon, I want to see you.”

“Good. Where shall we meet?”

“John’s Pub?”

“I always liked John’s.”

“Noon …?”

“Noon.”

Rubin hung up. The sound of Leon’s steady voice was like a reprieve … even a pardon. …

Rubin arrived early and was seated in a corner. It pleased him. He and Leon had enjoyed so many quiet talks.

He got up as he watched Leon approach …It seemed like a hundred years since he’d seen him. All Rubin’s worst fears seemed to vanish like smoke.

They shook hands. Then Leon drew his brother to him, putting his arm around Rubin’s shoulder.

“How good it is to see you, Rubin.”

“And you … I’ve missed you.”

Leon ordered a Scotch.

“How’s Deborah?” said Rubin.

Leon hesitated. “Not well, Rubin. We’re all concerned about her—”