Page 59 of The German Mother

‘Yes, I’m fine. But I fear we are deep in the midst of the enemy.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Viktor, have you noticed we are the only Jewish people here?’

‘Are we? How can you tell? Do we all go around with a sign on our heads?’

‘Oh Viktor, don’t be silly. I just know. It makes me feel…uncomfortable.’

‘So, would you like to leave?’

‘I shouldn’t, but yes, I would.’

‘We should say goodbye at least…’

Leila looked across at the stunning bride, now laughing gaily with her handsome new husband and Goebbels. ‘No, Viktor. Let’s just slip away quietly.’

Driving away from Max’s house, Leila again felt the sense of anxiety that increasingly accompanied her meetings with Minki. Her friend had become immersed completely in a world that was quite alien to her. A world dominated by the Party and its acolytes. A world, she felt sure, that would drive a wedge between them.

18

BERLIN

August 1931

Minki emerged from the bathroom, her face white, her eyes bloodshot. Max was lying on their bed, reading the newspaper.

‘Darling…are you all right?’

‘No, not really.’

‘Is it the baby?’

‘Probably…that’s the sixth time today I’ve been sick. I thought it was supposed to be morning sickness. Mine appears to last all day. It’s really unfair. I’m four months gone at least…it should have stopped by now.’

‘Poor you,’ said Max. ‘Maybe it’s worst with your first?’

Minki had a flash of guilt. She had never told Max about the first pregnancy, which had caused no morning sickness at all. Perhaps the fact she was so unwell this time was a good sign, meaning her body was adjusting properly to being pregnant. She pushed the memories of her first lost child away and sat down at the dressing table, studying her face in the mirror. ‘I’m not sure I can go out tonight, Max.’

‘Oh, darling, we must go. You know what Goebbels is like… he’s expecting us – and you in particular. He adores you.’

‘He adores Magda Quandt. He’s quite forgotten me.’

‘Don’t be so silly – you’ll always hold a special place in his heart. Besides, I have business to discuss with him.’

Minki swung round on the padded seat. ‘Max, I sometimes think you only married me for my relationship with Goebbels.’ She didn’t really mean it – wasn’t even sure where the idea came from – but Max flushed, with anger or embarrassment, she couldn’t tell which.

‘Don’t be absurd,’ he said furiously. ‘That’s a stupid thing to say.’

‘All right…I’m sorry. It was just a joke. But do we really have to go?’

‘I told you – I have to see him.’

‘Can’t you just go and see him at his office?’

‘It’s better at a party – more relaxed.’

‘Why is it so important?’