The Left-Handed God (15 page)

The comment about raving frightened Augusta into meekly fetching the gold and seeing him out without further argument.

That night she sat beside her brother’s bed as he slept fitfully, twitching and moaning now and then. He did not show any signs of delirium, but every sound he made sent Augusta into a panic. When he finally woke it was daylight. He mumbled about an aching head and wanted to know what time it was.

Relieved, Augusta said, “Gone past eight. You’re to stay still and have nothing but broth for a day or so.”

“Past eight?” he cried, sitting up. Clutching his head, he grimaced and swallowed. “Why the devil didn’t you wake me? Oh, God, it hurts!” he muttered. “But I should be at work. What will Herr Stiebel think?”

Augusta was not sure what to make of his condition but did not want him to risk getting up. “Max can take a message,” she offered.

Franz sank back into his pillow and closed his eyes. “Very well.”

“Franz?”

“What?”

“Your stutter’s gone.”

His eyes opened. “N-no! It can’t be. How‌—‌?”

“Don’t think about it. Just speak. Did Dr. Mesmer cure it?”

He frowned. “I don’t know. Perhaps. B-but it may c-come back.”

“Never mind. Rest now. I’ll send Max to Dr. Stiebel.”

But when Augusta got downstairs, Max had not arrived yet, and she sent Elsbeth with the message. Then she made breakfast for her mother, her ailing brother, Max, Elsbeth, and herself. She never found time to eat because she had to urge some white bread soaked in warm milk and sweetened with honey on her brother, in hopes that it would serve as well as veal broth. Franz was irritable and uncooperative. He also refused to talk. She was still in the midst of begging him to eat a little more, when her mother came in to fuss over her son.

Augusta went back to the kitchen to make a list for the day’s marketing. She had no peace for the rest of the morning. Franz slept or dozed, but her mother came to argue about the marketing and to complain that Max had promised to fetch her new hoop petticoat.

Where was Max? It was not like him not to show up. Augusta, her head full of the attack on her brother, began to fear for Max. She was up to her elbows in soapy water, washing the breakfast dishes while reasoning with her mother, when a pounding on the door sent her rushing to open it. Two uniformed gendarmes stood on the steps.

The older touched his cocked hat. “Sergeant Steiner, miss. And Corporal Radl.” The Corporal stood at attention. “We got a report of a gentleman of this household having been attacked last night, miss,” the sergeant rasped. “Can you confirm the matter?”

“Yes,” said Augusta, wiping her hands on her apron. “My brother was indeed cruelly beaten on his way home.”

“Ah,” said the sergeant. “Von Langsdorff’s the name? It’s the right place then. We must have a word with the gentleman, miss.”

“He did not see who it was,” she said. “And he’s resting.”

“If you don’t mind, miss,” insisted the sergeant. “It’s a matter of the law.”

With a sigh, Augusta took them to her brother’s room and left them with a warning not to tire him.

They did not stay long, but by then their mother was in another tizzy about the absence of Max and the marketing that had to be done. Augusta had hardly seen her off with Elsbeth, when there was another knock at the door.

Augusta had never met her brother’s employer. Franz had said that Doctor Stiebel was shy around women. Now she saw a very small, odd-looking person, who peered up at her over his spectacles and made her an elaborate courtly bow. When he straightened, his wig was askew. His brown jacket was buttoned crookedly, and one of his white silk stockings sagged around his ankle.

“Oh,” he said nervously, “I do beg your pardon. I know it’s quite outrageous. But the occasion…‌you will forgive this intrusion?…‌I have been distracted with worry. And at such a moment, too. I mean when all seemed so hopeful. Mesmer, you know. Oh, forgive me, my dear. You must be Augusta. I’m Stiebel.”

Augusta suppressed a smile. “Yes, of course,
Herr
Doktor
. Pray come in. I’m very glad to meet you, sir. Franz speaks of you often.” She remembered his description of the lawyer’s eccentricities and added too quickly, “With the greatest respect and affection, of course.” And blushed.

Fortunately the small gaffe passed by the little man who looked around distractedly and asked, “How is Franz? It’s not too serious, I hope. Though I was told a blow to the head…‌still, he’s young…‌but then the brain is such a delicate matter…‌especially in his case. I took the liberty to notify the authorities. Oh, dear.” He looked at Augusta beseechingly.

“Yes, two gendarmes were just here. Franz did not see the men who attacked him. He’s feeling better but keeping to his bed on doctor’s orders. He was so determined to go to work this morning that I had to restrain him.” She wondered if she should tell him that the stutter was nearly gone. But perhaps Franz was right, and it was only a temporary improvement. So she said, “I am anxious to know what you think of his condition, sir. He will be glad to see you. Pray come upstairs.”

Stiebel hurried after her and into Franz’s bedroom, crying, “My poor fellow!” and peering anxiously at Franz with his bandaged head, “How are you feeling? The doctor has seen you. What was the verdict?” He scurried around the bed and hopped into the armchair beside it.

Franz smiled. “You’re very good to come, sir. Nothing’s broken‌—‌except my thick head a little bit. I’m to rest just today and shall be as good as new tomorrow. I shall work very fast to catch up on Steinhilber vs. Wagner.”

“Bless my soul, never mind that.” Stiebel smiled, patted his hand, and laid it back on the cover. “Don’t, for heaven’s sake, trouble yourself with that, my dear boy. Allow your charming sister and your mama to pamper you a little longer. I’ve a free day today and shall take the case in hand.
Pars sanitatis velle sanari
, as you know. You must wish to get well first.” He paused to nod. “Your charming sister tells me that you did not see the villains. Tell me, do you think this attack had something to do with the letter?”

Augusta asked, “What letter?”

Franz glanced at her. “Oh, it’s nothing. I promised to deliver a letter but could not find anyone by that n-name. Doctor Stiebel offered to make enquiries for me.” He turned back to Stiebel. “It’s just a letter from a s-son to his father, sir. And besides, no one knows about it. I think last night must have been a footpad in hopes of my purse.”

Stiebel chewed his lip. “Strange. I asked because someone broke into my chambers while we were in Iznang. It’s never happened before, and I cannot account for it.”

Franz looked astonished. “Broke in? Was the letter taken, then?”

“No, no. The strongbox was attempted, though. They searched my desk and yours. Nothing was taken, I think, and they were careful not to disturb things.” He sighed. “Except my little bird. The scoundrels let him out and he’s gone. I’m sure, by now the neighbor’s cat got it. It had a very complacent look about its whiskers this morning.”

“Oh, I what a pity,” Augusta said quickly. “But do leave the window open. Perhaps it just wanted a taste of freedom and will return. And now, will you take a glass of wine, sir?”

But Stiebel was in a hurry to get back, either to work on his papers, or to look for the lost bird. At the front door, she asked, “Don’t you find Franz’s speech much improved?”

“Do I? Oh, indeed, I do!” The little lawyer brightened. “It was the great Mesmer, you know. I cannot tell you how happy I am my little scheme worked so well.”

“If it is so, dear sir, we’re most deeply indebted to you.”

“Not at all. Not at all,” Stiebel cried and dashed down the steps to escape so much gratitude.

Augusta had to deal with still another visitor. This time, she opened the door to Herr Seutter and remembered the lesson on the pianoforte. She burst into apologies, mentioning Franz’s injuries and his having been attacked the night before.

He listened with great concern. “Do not, my dear girl, fuss yourself about the lesson,” he said, taking her hand and leading her into the parlor. “It don’t signify. How is Franz? Are you all alone?” He looked around the room and frowned. “Your Mama is with the patient?”

“No, Mama’s gone out. Oh, dear. The bells are striking twelve. I must see to his broth. I wish Mama were back.” Augusta brushed a distracted hand over her curls. “The doctor said he must have broth, but I haven’t had time or veal bones…”

“Ssh! We’ll send your servant to my house. There must be some broth to be had there.”

“Oh, you’re very kind, but Elsbeth has gone with Mama.”

“What of that hulking big fellow I saw the other day?”

“Max didn’t come today.” She went to the window to look out. “I can’t imagine what happened to him. He’s never late.” Her voice trembled.

Herr Seutter joined her. “Augusta,” he said firmly, “you must calm yourself. Allow me to take some of these cares from your shoulders.” Saying this, he laid his warm hands on her shoulders, and Augusta choked back a giggle. “What’s the matter? Why are you laughing? I came to talk to you about something, but maybe this isn’t a good time.”

She apologized, feeling vaguely resentful at the way life seemed to derail all her efforts to keep control. Only Max had been there to help, and now he, too, was gone. She sat on the settee and twisted her hands in her lap, fighting tears and wishing Herr Seutter gone.

But he came to sit beside her and took her hands. “Augusta, forgive me for speaking to you now when you are troubled, but my poor heart cannot bear to see you so distracted. You know that I’ve been alone since my dear Susanna died and took our boy with her. It’s been hard, living alone in that big empty house of mine. Seeing you and your dear Mama struggling since your Papa passed away has made me see that I’m not the only one. It pained me to see two gentle ladies in such straits. And it’s made me think that all this can be put behind us in a moment. I made up my mind a long time ago and have been patient, counting the months until your next birthday before speaking to your Mama, but I cannot wait any longer. I’m afraid if I don’t speak now, I may lose my happiness forever.”

She looked at him, surprised, blinking away her tears. Why did he need her approval? Pressing his hand, she said with a smile, “But why should you wait for my birthday? I assure you, I have no objections whatsoever. And as for Mama, why I think she’ll be excessively happy.”

His face glowed. “Oh, my dearest girl!” he cried and pulled her into an embrace so fervent that it imprinted every button of his waistcoat on her bosom. “My very dearest girl. You make me the happiest man alive. And the luckiest. My dearest life! Oh, my joy! I’m blessed beyond anything.”

Augusta had begun to struggle against the painful clasp, when the parlor door opened and her mother and Elsbeth came in. They stopped. Her mother gasped and then shrieked.

Herr Seutter released Augusta and jumped to his feet. “My dear lady,” he cried.

“Villain,” screeched Augusta’s mother, pointing a shaking finger at him. “Viper! Oh, that I had to live for this day! I feel faint.” She swayed on her feet.

Elsbeth stood, struck speechless and paralytic, her mouth open at the drama that unfolded before her eager eyes. Herr Seutter rushed to support her mistress. When Augusta’s mother saw that she was about to find herself in his arms, she uttered another shriek. “Don’t touch me, you monster!” she cried and tottered to a chair where she collapsed. From the stairs came the thumps and curses of Franz coming down, and Augusta realized the magnitude of her mistake.

Herr Seutter had been proposing to
her
.

In spite of her shock and confusion, she managed to get up and say quite firmly, “Mama, there has been a misunderstanding.”

Her mother blinked, then searched her bodice for a lace handkerchief. “What misunderstanding, you unnatural girl?” she quavered. “Your perfidy was clear as day.”

“Yes, what misunderstanding?” demanded Franz from the doorway, barelegged in his nightshirt and with his head bandaged. He was pale and supported himself against the doorframe as he looked around the room. “Your servant, Seutter,” he said to the visitor. “Mama’s screams brought me down. What happened?”

Herr Seutter was red with embarrassment. “I took the liberty to make my intentions known‌—‌” he began.

Augusta interrupted, “Herr Seutter asked me if Mama would welcome his suit. When I told him, she would, he was overjoyed and embraced me. That’s all that happened.”

A startled silence fell.

Her ears burning, Augusta turned to her mother who gaped at her over her lace handkerchief. “Mama, you have shamed me and our kind friend. And Franz should be in bed. I think it will be best if we leave you to make your apologies to Herr Seutter.” She started for the door.

“Not so fast, Augusta,” growled Franz.

Dear God, she thought, don’t let him suddenly take an interest in us now. Not when he wasn’t here for all those months and years when we needed him.

Franz did not move aside.

Augusta’s despairing eyes fell on Elsbeth, who seemed fascinated by Franz in his nightshirt. “Please, Franz,” she pleaded. “You’re not dressed. Let me help you upstairs.”

Behind her, Herr Seutter cleared his throat. “I beg your pardon, Franz. This is my fault and my mistake. I’m sorry for it and I also beg your pardon, madam. I should’ve spoken to both of you first. You see…”

The disastrous truth would come out after all. Augusta clapped her hands over her ears and closed her eyes. What would her mother do to her for having stolen Herr Seutter’s affection? Mama had never loved, or even liked her. How much would she hate her now? She felt her brother’s hand move her aside and opened her eyes.

He went to stand beside his mother, his hand on her shoulder. Frau von Langsdorff wept in earnest now and clutched her son’s hand. “Go on,” Franz said in a dangerous voice.

Herr Seutter looked terrified. He raised, then lowered his arms helplessly. Augusta’s heart went out to him. “I,” he started, blushing with embarrassment, “I was speaking to Augusta. I mean, it was Augusta’s hand in marriage I was asking for. Only‌—‌” he faltered and gave Augusta a despairing look that twisted her heart.