Page 66 of The German Mother

Inside the envelope Leila found a photograph of mother and baby. The child was the image of her mother. Even in black and white her fair hair and bright eyes shone out. There was a beauty and strength about her, and Minki, after all her despair, looked truly happy, beaming at the camera. Leila propped the photograph on her desk in the sitting room, and sat down to write.

Dearest Minki,

Thank you for your letter and for the lovely photograph. What a beautiful child Clara is; she is the image of you. And you both look so well and happy. I’m so relieved. I knew in my bones all would be well.

If you’re planning on going back to work soon, can you try to come down and see us first? If Max is too busy to drive you, perhaps you can bring Clara on the train. We’ll collect you, and put you up.

A visit was arranged that spring. Leila collected Minki and Clara from Munich station in Viktor’s old Mercedes. As Minki settled herself in the passenger seat, Leila was thrilled to see how much her friend obviously adored her child, cradling Clara in her arms as if she were the most precious creature in the world.

‘I’ve put you both in the children’s room,’ said Leila. ‘They can spend the night at my mother’s.’

‘Oh no,’ replied Minki. ‘I don’t want to put you to that trouble. I could easily go to a hotel.’

‘No, don’t be silly. They’re thrilled about staying with my mother – she spoils them so. Besides, I want to be able to concentrate on you and the baby this evening.’

Back at the apartment, Minki handed her the sleeping bundle.

‘She’s exquisite,’ said Leila, ‘the prettiest baby I’ve ever seen.’

‘Isn’t she?’ said Minki, unpacking her suitcase. ‘I can’t believe it sometimes – that she’s here with me. I’m so grateful to you – you gave me the courage to be a proper mother. Now, I’m in love with her, completely and utterly. She’s all I can think about, the only thing that matters. I’m not even sure I want to go back to work.’

‘Gosh,’ said Leila. ‘That is a surprise.’ The baby opened her eyes, stared quizzically at the stranger holding her and began to whimper. ‘Oh, dear – I’ve upset her,’ she said.

‘Here…let me,’ said Minki, taking the child. ‘She needs a feed, I suspect. And she’s still very sleepy. Do you think she’s OK?’

‘I’m sure she’s fine. She’s just a baby, Minki. Babies do sleep a lot, you know. Take advantage of it – and when she sleeps, try and get some rest yourself. Now, you feed her, while I get dinner ready.’

Half an hour later Minki came into the kitchen, and sat down at the table. ‘She’s fast asleep…should be down for a few hours, I hope.’

‘Well, enjoy it. Have a glass of wine.’ Leila poured two glasses of Riesling and slid one across the table to Minki. ‘Here’s to baby Clara – may she be as bright as her name would suggest.’

‘I’ll drink to that,’ replied Minki, raising her glass.

‘And Max, is he pleased?’

‘Oh yes, he’s thrilled. But he’s so busy at the moment he has very little time for either of us.’

‘That’s a shame – what’s he doing?’

‘Oh, he’s producing a brilliant new detective film, so that keeps him busy.’ Minki sipped her wine, before adding quietly, ‘that and one or two other projects.’

‘What sort of projects?’

‘Oh, just documentaries about various things. He’s about to start filming one about how young people can help farmers in the countryside.’

‘By young people, I presume you mean the Hitler Youth?’

‘Yes,’ replied Minki, blushing slightly. ‘He’s also been asked to follow Hitler around the country, filming him as he speaks at rallies. Thousands of people come and see him, apparently. It’s a huge undertaking.’

‘It sounds like one of Goebbels’ ideas…am I right?’

‘Yes.’ Minki nervously took another sip of Riesling. ‘I know you never liked him.’

‘That doesn’t surprise you, I hope. Goebbels is a clever man, but he’s also deeply manipulative. At thePost, we’ve heard he has been tasked by Hitler to control all aspects of our cultural life if they get into power. Is that your understanding?’

Minki nodded.

‘Doesn’t that terrify you, just a little?’