Page 148 of The German Mother

‘Of course I’m sure. But we’ve still got rationing, so there won’t be a huge amount to eat.’

‘Oh, don’t worry about food or drink – the Americans have an endless supply of both! I’ll ask Peter to bring a contribution – it’s the least he can do.’

Peter arrived in Munich on Christmas Eve, driving his own army jeep. As they loaded Leila’s bag into the back seat, she noticed a large ham, a turkey and several bottles of wine hidden under a tarpaulin.

‘Oh good, you managed to find some supplies. I won’t ask where they came from.’

‘Best not,’ he replied, smiling. ‘Suffice it to say, I dropped in on the PX at Bad Homburg headquarters, and they will be having a slightly less generous Christmas meal than they might have done!’

As they drove the few miles to Augsburg, Peter admitted to feeling nervous. ‘It’s ridiculous, Leila,’ he shouted over the roar of the jeep’s engine. ‘But I feel like a teenager on a first date.’

‘But Peter – you’re not on a date,’ she shouted back. ‘You’re just visiting an old friend who’s been through a very hard time.’

‘I understand. But I can’t help thinking…perhaps Minki doesn’t really want me there – maybe she was just being polite.’

‘Oh, Peter, don’t be so silly. To be honest, I don’t suppose she’s thought about you at all. I’m sorry if that wounds your male pride. But all that matters to her now is having Clara back. A big romantic reunion is not high on her list of priorities.’

‘No, of course, you’re right.’

Coming up the drive, Leila noticed a large wreath made of winter greenery hanging on the grand front door. It looked so cheerful and full of life – a symbol somehow of a brighter future. Minki welcomed them into the hall, where a fire blazed in the old oak fireplace, and ivy and greenery were draped on the banisters.

‘How wonderful to see you both,’ she said, taking their coats. ‘And Peter – it’s marvellous to see you after all this time.’

‘You too,’ said Peter, blushing. ‘You haven’t changed at all, Minki.’

‘The house looks lovely,’ said Leila. ‘I love all the greenery.’

Minki laughed. ‘Clara and I got a bit carried away.’

‘How is Clara?’ asked Leila anxiously.

‘Come and see…’

Minki led them into the drawing room. The three children were playing a game of cards with Gunther. He stood up when the visitors arrived. ‘Leila, how lovely. And this must be Peter?’ He held out his hand to the younger man.

‘It’s good to finally meet you, sir,’ said Peter. ‘I’ve heard a lot about you.’

‘All good, I hope. Now, Champagne I think…’

As Gunther handed round the glasses, Leila took Minki to one side. ‘Peter’s rather nervous. He’s worried you two won’t get on.’

Minki smiled. ‘How sweet,’ she whispered. ‘I’ll have a word… So, Peter, it really is wonderful to see you. It must be what… twenty years?’

‘Twenty-one,’ replied Peter, blushing.

‘Peter has brought a jeep filled with food and drink,’ said Leila, sensing his embarrassment. ‘Peter, why don’t you go and bring it inside and take it to the kitchen.’

‘I’ll come and help you,’ said Gunther, and the pair went off together, leaving Minki and Leila in the sitting room.

‘Minki, I can’t get over the difference in Clara,’ Leila murmured.

‘I know,’ Minki replied. ‘Isn’t she marvellous?’

Clara was wearing a dark-green velvet dress. She had put on a little weight, Leila thought, and her skin was glowing.

When Gunther and Peter returned, the children demanded their grandfather return to the card game. To Leila’s amazement, Clara was not the timid, nervous child she had found in Hadamar. Instead, she held her own against her brothers as they played a noisy, competitive game of rummy.

‘I think she’s slowly coming back to us,’ said Minki. ‘And it’s you I have to thank.’ She kissed Leila’s cheek, and hugged her tightly.