Page 124 of The German Mother

I cannot tell you how sad I am at your news. I am broken-hearted for you. Your strength and bravery shine through.

As for my parents…They are now living with the seamstress who made my wedding dress. Do you remember her? They would enjoy a visit over Christmas.

I would be grateful if you could also pass on my best wishes to Uncle Emil in Berlin. Julius Zerfass mentioned that Emil’s health is poor and he would appreciate a visit. Julius’s contact details are below. Do please ring him or write and he will pass on Emil’s address.

I will leave it there…and wish you, the boys and Gunther a peaceful Christmas.

My love to you all,

Leila

There was a risk, of course, that the card might be intercepted before it was delivered. It was also possible that Minki would not understand its significance. But Leila hoped that her friend’s keen mind and journalistic instincts would kick in.

A few weeks later, she received a card in reply.

Dearest Leila,

Thank you for your kind words. They give me comfort. Christmas was hard – as I’m sure you appreciate – but I did my best to be cheerful for the boys.

I’d be pleased to visit Uncle Emil. I’ve already been in touch with Julius and he’s given me an update on our poor uncle’s state of health.

I’m going to visit your parents next week and will pass on your love. Be assured that I have everyone’s best interests at heart.

With love,

Minki

Leila breathed a sigh of relief. Her friend had understood her message about her parents, and how to help them. Leila just hoped it wasn’t too late.

38

MUNICH

January 1942

Emilia Becker’s apartment was in a block overlooking the Englischer Garten. As she mounted the stairs, Minki recalled the last time she had visited the seamstress – for Leila’s wedding. She gently knocked on the door.

‘Yes?’ The voice was tentative.

‘It’s Minki Sommer, Frau Becker. I’ve come with news from Leila Hoffman in London.’

She heard the sound of several locks being unbolted, and the door finally opened.

The seamstress’s appearance had changed little over the years. She still had the same slim, neat figure, shown off to perfection in a well-tailored navy-blue dress, decorated with meticulous cream topstitching. The only signs of the passing years were the grey streaks through her blond hair. ‘Do come in, Minki. It’s good to see you again.’

Minki was shown into the sitting room. It was all very familiar. Bolts of cloth lay on the walnut table, and mannequins dressed in half-finished outfits stood around the room, like a silent audience.

‘It’s so good to see you too, Frau Becker.’

‘Oh, call me Emilia – please. I’ll go and get the Hoffmans.’ She disappeared into the back of the apartment.

The old couple came tentatively into the room. Leila’s father Levi had greatly aged. His hair was completely white, and he seemed to have a curvature of the spine, presumably from years of hunching over his jewellery workbench. But it was the look of fear and confusion in his eyes that concerned Minki most.

Hannah, by contrast, was relatively unchanged. She still had the same dark hair, and kind eyes, but had lost weight. She rushed towards Minki, her words tumbling out with excitement. ‘Oh, my dear girl, how wonderful to see you, and how clever of you to find us. Emilia has been so kind giving us sanctuary in her beautiful apartment. What is your news? Have you heard from Leila?’

The two women embraced. ‘Yes. Leila and I have been writing to each other. And I know she wants to try and get you out of Germany. How are you both?’

‘Oh, fine, fine,’ said Hannah, joining her husband on the sofa.