Chapter 31: To Germany

Eloise gently packed the few possessions into the satchel. She traced a finger along the heavily worn leather, reminiscing on the past years. It was over and she didn't know what to do. Her eyes glanced up at Ulrich. The smile curled on his face made her feel that the years of pain was worthwhile.

She strode toward the child and swooped him into her arms. The reflection of the two in the mirror caught her eye. Hollow eyes stared back at her as she ran a finger over her narrow cheekbones. The passing of time had not been kind to her appearance. The ragged woman possessed little of her youthful luster. She quickly ignored her thoughts of vanity and placed a kiss atop of Ulrich's head. The gentle coo eased her sadness.

A rap at the door startled her. She knew beyond the barrier was Everett. Her heart raced as she neared the door. She stared blankly at the barrier before opening it.

"Are you ready?" The words of Everett were rushed as he pushed his way inside the room. His eyes roamed across the open space.

Eloise looked around the empty room. A certain sadness came over her, knowing she was about to leave her new-found home. She closed her eyes and recalled the day she arrived. Memories warmed her heart for a moment, but quickly vanished.

"I have something for you." Everett whispered into her ear. Her eyes widened at the sound of his voice. "Turn around."

Eloise complied with the request and found herself staring at their reflection in the mirror. Without speaking, Everett draped the black ribbon around her neck. Resting upon her chest was a Pour le Merit. She gently ran her fingers along the cold medallion.

"Where did you get this?" She mumbled, quickly glaring up at Everett.

The cocky smile on his face grew wider as he spoke, "I got it from the body of Albert von Brandt." he took it into his hand and stared intently at her. His fingers trailed from the pendant, finding their way onto her cheek. "I told you the death of him would be my greatest victory."

Her breath hitched at his touch. She took a step back, looking at her reflection in the mirror. She could see him digging in his pocket for something, what she did not know. Suddenly a white handkerchief appeared. Eloise knew in her heart that it was Albert's.

"This was also his." He inspected the cloth carefully. His long fingers outlined the embroidered E—the one that she had made. "The poor chap must've had a lass who made him this."

Eloise felt her heart pounding violently. Tears were slowly surfacing her eyes, yet she fought them hard. She took it carefully into her trembling hands. Her fingers ran softly along the bloodstains, knowing they were those of Albert. The sight of them broke her heart.

"May I keep this?" She asked kindly, looking down at the linen.

"Oh yes, Eloise." Everett hastily responded, folding it into her hands. "Keep the medal, too. Let it be a reminder of your greatest accomplishment."

Eloise raised a brow, "and what is that?"

"Winning my hand." An arrogant smile crept onto Everett's face. He turned to leave. "Remember we will need to be leaving shortly. Try to be ready soon. It is not like you have much here to live for."

Eloise nodded silently and watched as he disappeared behind the door. She let out the breath of air she had captured. In a haste, she removed the medallion around her neck and took it into her hands. She dared not to have it rest upon her breast, for it was the medal of a hero; it was the prized medal of Albert. Her fingers outlined the points, recalling the visual of Albert wearing it. Carefully, she wrapped it in the stained cloth. She pressed it to her lips before tucking it into her satchel.

"We really should be departing soon." Everett looked at his timepiece. In a swift motion he took the bag from Eloise and moved toward the door.

Eloise nodded and clasped tightly to Ulrich. She froze in the doorway, looking onto her room one last time before following Everett down the hallway. Her eyes studied the familiar world as she passed through the halls the final time. The faces of familiar people offered her kind expressions as she moved beside them. She knew she would miss her home.

Every step taken down the stairs caused her heart to ache. In that moment she knew she did not wish to follow Everett. The corridor bustled with joyous people. The jubilant chatter of people covered any sounds. Everett weaved them through the crowd, reaching the door. The sunlight pierced her eyes as they wandered outside. The warmth from the sun was the only she felt within her.

"Eloise!" The voice of Adeline shouted over the noises. She quickly maneuvered through the people making it Eloise.

Adeline pressed a gentle hand on her cheek and smiled. "I am truly going to miss Ulrich and yourself." Tears glazed over her beaming eyes. "I don't care what anyone says, you will always be the best person I have ever met. You truly are a blessing. I am certain wherever your path goes, you will always shine the way for others."

"Thank you, Adeline." Eloise gave a genuine smile. "Thank you for everything you have done to help me. Without you I would not have been the woman I am today. I don't know what I would have done without you." Eloise fought back the tears that pricked her eyes. "I don't know what I am going to do without a friend like you."

"You won't be alone." Adeline assured her, pointing toward the motorcar. "General Ramsay is accompanying you."

Eloise turned to see Thomas loading the car with bags. "I wish you were going with me. We've been through so much together."

"I have work to finish here." Adeline remarked, taking Eloise into a tight embrace. "Goodbye, Eloise. Take good care of your wonderful son." she pulled away and smiled, "for Albert."

Eloise nodded, "Goodbye Adeline." she turned to walk away, halting in her tracks to look back at her friend. "Goodbye."

Eloise remained hesitant as she approached the motorcar. An immediate smile came onto the face of Thomas.

"I am glad to see you coming along." Eloise commented, returning the smile. "It will make this journey a little less bland."

Thomas let out a small chuckle, opening the door. "I am glad to know you want my company."

Eloise eased into tight backseat, placing Ulrich tightly on her lap. "It is much better than Everett's." she whispered, glancing over at him. "but don't tell him that. It would damage his pride."

Thomas nodded, taking the seat in the front.

"You look beautiful, Eloise." The hollow words of Everett echoed in her ears as he sat beside her. He placed a firm hand upon her knee while his eyes stared at her. The longer his eyes remained on her, the warmer her face grew. She quickly averted her eyes to the outside.

From the window she watched as her familiar world vanished into the distance. Her eyes fell shut, accepting its unspoken goodbye. As the time passed, she kept quiet. She listened carefully to the conversations of the men while her eyes shifted from her son to outside.

They passed a group of battered soldiers. Eloise watched their respectful mannerisms as they stopped to salute the car. Thomas immediately repeated their actions, offering them a hopeful smile. The tired men beamed with joy as they continued their walking.

"Those men," Eloise whispered, gaining attention. "Did you know them?"

Everett laughed, "Everyone knows me, I am a hero."

Eloise shook her head, "I wasn't asking you." she leaned closer toward Thomas. "Did you know them, sir?"

He remained silent, watching the passing world. "I know many people, perhaps I aided them. I cannot remember." He glanced at Eloise, "Whether I knew them or not, they needed to be shown that their duty in this war mattered. A returned salute is the least I can offer them."

Everett let out a disgruntled huff and folded his arms. Eloise could feel the tension building inside the car, hoping that the journey would soon be over.

The hours passed in silence. Ulrich had fallen asleep in the arms of Thomas, while Everett sulked. Tired and bored, Eloise kept her mind occupied with the changing scenery. Soon the sights were becoming familiar once again. She knew the place—it was the Belgian forest. She doubted her sanity for a moment, before completely recognizing the location.

The once hidden world was no longer a secret. The path that had once been small, had grown wide and worn from the amount of traffic that had come through. Pitted holes were blown in the ground, making the ride bumpy. The canopy of treetops had been obliterated into a vast openness. Bright rays of sunshine broke into the dark world, shining on the destructions of war. The Belgian forest had seen its share of the war; all that was left was remnants of a once glorious world. She saw the familiar stream where she had once gathered water. She knew that her cottage should be located nearby the stream, however nothing looked the same.

"Stop! Please!" Eloise cried out to the driver.

The motorcar came to an immediate halt on the path and Eloise quickly jumped out.

"Eloise, there could be enemies remaining in the forest!" Everett called out.

Eloise ignored him, maneuvering swiftly through the forest. She thought of nothing but her long-forgotten home, wondering what could be left of it—if anything. In the distance she could see the outline of a cottage and immediately froze. She stared at it in amazement before she carefully approached it. Standing before her was the remains of her former home.

She gently pushed the broken door open, looking around hesitantly. It had been ransacked. The bed was thrown onto its end. The trunk had been opened and its contents had been strewn about. She felt her heart sink as she looked at the fragments of her past, tossed about as worthless possessions. Nothing had been left in the chest, except the small case that had belonged to her mother. She walked toward the fireplace, where she saw the binding of her books laying in a pile. She could feel tears pricking her eyes at what she saw. As she looked up the stone hearth, she remembered the hiding place in the chimney.

She took a deep breath before she began to trace her hand along the stones. Her eyes lit up when she felt one wiggle beneath her touch. She gently removed it. Inside held the contents she had placed there years prior. She removed the wrapped possessions of Albert and held them in her hands. Her mind immediately returned to the life-changing day when she found him. Her heart longed to return, but her mind knew it could not happen.

A smile came to her face as she looked down at the goggles and pistol. She gently placed them into the small case, preserving them once again. Inside the wrap she found the photograph of him alongside his mother. She clutched the image in her hand and pressed it against her chest, before placing it alongside his other possessions. His lucky token was the last item she found. Her fingers traced along the shape of the little porcelain blue bird. Tears flooded her eyes as she thought of her past life.

"Eloise!" she heard Everett call out, bringing her mind back to reality. "Eloise, where are you?"

She gently wrapped the bird figurine and closed the box from Everett's view. With a hesitant voice she answered, "I am in here."

"What are you doing? You could have gotten yourself killed." Everett scolded her, taking her by the hand. "You even left Ulrich alone with General Ramsay. That is not like you, Eloise."

"This was my home." She uttered in the silence, closing her eyes. "This is where I was taken from years ago. Do you know how long I have waited to return here?" she paused and shook her head, "You wouldn't understand; but how could you understand?"

"I understand that your heart wished to return here, but this isn't your home anymore. It will never be a home again. Look around you. It is not like it was when you left."

Eloise looked around at the disheveled place. The words rang true, yet she did not want to accept it. This was her home at heart.

He rested a steady hand on the small of her back and began leading her from the house. "We need to get driving again."

"Let me get something before I go." She rushed to the side where the trinket filled chest lay. She took the worn handle into her hand and returned to Everett's side. "I am ready."

She stopped in the doorway, taking one last look at the collapsing cottage. She let the memories flood into her mind. There she was happy—and there she was home.

♠

Germany had saw its fair share of the war. Evident battlegrounds painted the roadsides as they entered into the town. Parts of the town had seen a great deal of devastating blows, while some remained intact. The car came to a stop in front of a large stone structure. People surrounded the entrance, making it difficult to enter. The arm of Thomas sheltered Eloise and Ulrich as they passed through the crowd. Their expressions were confusing to Eloise. Some cheered, while some scorned them. Eloise knew not what was happening, but she knew that she didn't belong with those she travelled with.

"I am going to go for a walk," Eloise blurted out. Ignoring Thomas's objections, she disappeared through the sea of people.

She halted when a cool breeze passed by her cheek. People stared at her, but she ignored them. Passing through the streets she observed the remnants of war. Buildings of rubble lined streets. Debris of war polluted the stone pathways, leaving nothing but a bitter reminder of what had happened. Cold, remorseful eyes followed her as she passed the dilapidated structures.

As she passed through the carnage of the city, she returned to an intact street. She stopped beside a circle of people reading a large board. Names of the deceased were posted. She watched as a woman nervously trailed her finger down the list. She suddenly stopped as tears began to fill into her eyes. A man took her into her arms as she released mournful cries. Eloise watched with remorse as they slowly strolled away. Her mind immediately returned to warzones, picturing the dead. She could see now the affects it carried home. Her eyes focused on ads, seeking out knowledge of their missing loved ones. The words she read broke her heart, knowing many would never know of their demise.

She shook her head, hoping to escape from her memories. She offered a reassuring nod to those who stood with her before continuing down the street.

"Can it really be you!?" a voice called out from behind her.

Eloise halted for a moment trying to place who the voice belonged to. With hesitation, she turned to see the face of Margaret smiling back at her.

"Eloise!" Margaret spoke cheerfully. "Where on earth did you manage to go?"

Eloise awkwardly shrugged, "I have been to places you could never believe."

Margaret rubbed the child's blonde curls. "Who is this beauty?"

A kind smile appeared as Eloise spoke, "This is my son." she paused and shifted his body for a better view. "His name is Ulrich."

"You're married now?" Margaret's eyes grew wide.

"No," Eloise stated plainly. "I am intended to be, though. My child needed a provider that is why I am marrying. His father was killed in action. "

"Oh," Margaret glanced away. Eloise could sense the discomfort in her voice. "I got married too." she smiled.

Eloise felt her cheeks grow flushed. Her brow furrowed in thought. She shook her head in confusion, "To Albert?"

Margaret let out a slight chuckle. "Oh no, Eloise. My brother was killed shortly after you left. I never saw Albert again after that. You know how my mother was, she found me another. I married the captain of a Calvary unit." she paused. "His name is Sebastian Böker."

"I am very happy for you, Margaret." she answered with a timid smile.

"Did you hear about Captain von Brandt's death?" Margaret questioned remorsefully, observing the nervous movements of Eloise.

Eloise nodded averting her gaze. Her eyes found their way back down onto her child. The eyes of Albert stared back at her, taking her breath away. "Yes. He was a faithful fighter for his country. He died an honorable death just like the honorable man he was."

"I heard that his family never received anything from the British officers detailing his death." Margaret informed sorrowfully. "They say that his mother is still mourning. No one has really heard from her since he died."

"Do you know where I might find her? I would like to offer her my deepest sympathy."

Margaret shrugged, "I think she is on the corner of 4th and 5th in the large yellow house. I don't believe you can miss it." She stared at Eloise for a moment, "I don't know if she is wanting visitors, but I am sure you could warm her heart since you knew Albert so well."

Eloise nodded, "thank you Margaret. I really must be on my way. It was nice to see you."

"I am so thankful I got to see you as well, Eloise." she remarked pulling Eloise and Ulrich into a comforting embrace. "I suppose that this is our farewell."

"I suppose it is." Eloise sighed, clasping the young woman in her embrace. "Goodbye Margaret, may you have the best of luck in all that you do."

Her heart pounded violently as she walked the streets. Her eyes studied the signs, repeating the directions of Margaret to herself. Suddenly a yellow house stood before her. She nervously looked around before nearing structure.

With a deep sigh, she nervously wrapped her hand around the golden lion knocker. Three loud pounds echoed through the stillness of the air, and through the stillness of her broken heart. She looked down at Ulrich, who watched the world around him peacefully. His blue eyes staring at her with sheer happiness. Her fingers ran along the top of his head covered with blonde hair. The anticipation of waiting on someone to appear was killing her. She debated on knocking again when suddenly the door creaked open.

A stern woman's face appeared in the small crack the open door offered. "May I help you?" her voice was very distant and cold as she directly addressed Eloise.

Eloise pulled Ulrich higher up on her hip, before opening her mouth to speak. "Excuse me ma'am, is this the residence of the late Albert von Brandt?"

The woman grew more distant at the mention of his name. "Why do you wish to know?"

Eloise leaned down, taking the worn handle of the small box into her hand. "I am here to return his possessions to his mother." She clearly spoke, clasping the handle tightly in her sweaty palm.

The woman hesitantly opened the door completely, exposing her melancholy appearance entirely. Immediately she began to smooth the black and white silk suit that hung over her body. Her cold blue eyes pierced into Eloise, who remained silent in the lady's intimidating presence. The lady began to study both her and Ulrich, who hung happily on her hip.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Eloise Keller. I nursed your son when he was injured." Eloise nodded confidently, reaching the heavily worn box to the distant woman. "These were his possessions when he was in my care. He never bothered to retrieve them when he returned to his position."

"Why do you have them?" She brashly asked, taking them quickly from her grasp. Reluctantly, she opened the beat-up gray box, where she found his many trinkets perfectly preserved within. Tears began to well in her eyes as her fingers traced over the little objects inside. As her fingers glided across a small ceramic bird she burst into tears, that trickled down her reddening cheeks. "My baby..." she mumbled under her breath, taking the small bauble into the palm of her hand, encasing it securely under her long fingers.

Eloise watched her carefully, fighting back her own emotions that swallowed her. The woman wiped the moisture away from her face and offered Eloise a warm smile.

"Thank you, ma'am."

Eloise nodded in response, knowing if she spoke that she would cry too. The woman's eyes went back into the box and found the picture of her with Albert. A smile immediately found its way onto her long face.

"I will cherish these items more than you can imagine."

"I am glad, ma'am." Eloise breathed raggedly, hoping to hide the emotions that engulfed her breaking heart.

She sat down Ulrich beside her on the front step and looked down at her hand. The golden ring shone brightly against her pale skin. She had not taken it off since Albert had placed it upon her finger when she became a nurse, which seemed like forever in the past.

"This was also for you." Eloise stated, swallowing her words hard. "He told me that he was saving it for the most beautiful woman he knew, which was you." She forced a smile onto her face. "He was afraid that we would not get to see you again and was afraid it would get stolen if he fell behind the enemy lines," she paused, looking down one last time at the shiny ring before placing it into the woman's hand. "so, he gave it to me many moons ago."

The woman looked down at the ring in her hand, studying the golden band carefully. The tips of her fingers stroked the two tiny diamonds that lined it. Her eyes turned back to Eloise, who fought back the hot tears that welled in her eyes. Eloise quickly picked Ulrich back up and held him closely against her chest, placing tender kisses on the top of his head.

"He gave it to you," The woman answered, realizing in that moment what Albert had meant to Eloise. "the most beautiful woman he knew." She took Eloise by the hand and slipped the ring back onto her trembling finger. "He wanted you to have it, so you need to keep it."

Eloise stared at her blankly, looking down at her hand behind her child. A smile came onto her face once she saw the golden ring back on her finger. "Thank you, ma'am."

"You may call me Melina." She answered with a wide smile—a smile just like Albert. "Is that all you have to say to me?"

Eloise nodded, closing her eyes.

Melina stepped close to her, pulling her into an embrace. "Thank you again, Eloise." She said gratefully, patting her on the back. "I truly appreciate it."

"You are welcome, Melina." Eloise stated, thinking about his child that she held in her arms. How could she talk about Ulrich, she thought?

Melina released and turned to enter into the house. As Eloise stepped from the top step, she quickly turned around.

"Wait," she nervously called out, gaining Melina's attention. "There is one more thing I want to tell you."

Melina spun around and nodded, "What is it, dear?"

Eloise glanced down at Ulrich, who remained smiling. In his eyes she saw only Albert smiling back. "This is his son." The words slowly slipped from her lips.

Melina's eyes grew wide, "My Albert had a son?" She hesitantly stepped toward them, studying the child carefully. "He reminded me of Albert when I first seen him, but I never would have imagined in a million years that this beautiful child was his."

"I understand if you don't wish to see us. If you would like me to leave," Eloise began, turning to leave. "I will leave and you will never have to see us again."

"Are you mad?" Melina remarked, patting the boy on the back. "I want you to let me hold him and see the beautiful child of my son."

Melina blissfully examined the boy, brushing his light hair with her long fingers. With the tip of her finger, she lightly brushed down his chubby cheeks all the way down to his stomach, where she tickled him softly. She began to coo at him until they were both laughing with enjoyment.

"What is his name?" Melina asked with a smile, glancing up momentarily at Eloise.

"Ulrich Albert Keller." A graceful grin crawled onto her face. "I had to give him my last name because I could not risk them finding your son." She paused for a second. "Albert never knew of Ulrich until months after his birth."

"My dear Albert never met his own child?" a disheartened wave came over Melina, placing her jewel-covered hand over her chest.

Eloise shook her head, "No, but he did get to see him in a portrait." She reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out the brown photo, hoping to ease the pain Melina felt. "This portrait."

Melina held the worn picture in her hands, running her fingers over the child's face while tears welled in her eyes again. She looked on the back of the photo, written were the words: My dear Albert, upon assisting your younger brother, I am able to send you this portrait of your son and I. His name is Ulrich Albert and was born on May 22, 1917. Much love to you, wherever you may be. Love, Eloise Keller.

"You truly loved my Albert, didn't you?" Melina asked coyly, glancing back down at the words written.

Eloise nodded, closing her eyes. The parts of her heart that she had closed off was opening once again, spilling all of the memories she had sealed within. The images of the past came pouring into her spinning mind, causing all of the emotions to pour out with them. Tears trickled down her cheeks with all of the feelings she had bottled up. The brokenness she had felt was finally escaping the dark abyss she had hidden it into and coming to the light.

Melina pulled them into another embrace, crying openly with her. Ulrich touched the glistening tears that kissed Eloise's pale skin, making her come back to her hardened senses.

"Please come in," Melina said politely, wiping the tears from Eloise's face. "I want the rest of the family to meet you."

Eloise shook her head in denial. "I don't think that would be the best idea. You see, I have to return to England and I wouldn't want to cause any more pain in anyone's heart when I have to leave."

"At least we will have gotten to know you, even if it was only for a few hours." spoke Melina, resting her hand on Eloise's tear-stained cheek.

Eloise walked through the doorway calmly, holding Ulrich in her arms. She could see the form of a man sitting beside a large window. The sheer curtain blocked the brightness of the world, leaving only a faint shadow on his solemn face. As she approached the man, she could sense a somberness radiating from him. He glanced at her with sad eyes.

"How might I help you miss?"

"Wolfgang," Melina whispered, nearing the stiff man. "This is Eloise. She was a dear friend to Albert. She is the one who captured his heart." she paused for a moment, glancing at Eloise. "This beautiful boy is Albert's son."

Eloise watched carefully as a kind smile appeared onto his face. He motioned at the empty chair nearby. "Do sit, miss."

As she took the seat beside him, he outstretched his arms to take Ulrich. She placed the child upon his lap and watched as the sorrowful expression vanished. The grin on his face warmed Eloise's heart. She watched as he gently played with Ulrich, making the young child laugh.

"I'm sorry I couldn't save him." She mumbled, dropping her head from view. "If I had been there, I would have tried."

The worn eyes of Wolfgang glanced up at her. She could sense the loss he felt in the stare.

"I know that you would have. No one can be blamed for the death of my son, not even the man who brought him down. It was time for him to leave this world." He looked down at Ulrich as the tears began to well in his aged eyes. "I waited to hear the news of his death every day. I would go to the square to read the postings each day. I would sometimes go three times a day. One day there was his face plastered on the wall," he paused and shrugged. "dead. I have not felt any worse pain than when I saw those words."

A silence fell over the two. Both were contemplating on the loss they had.

"A man can become jealous of his sons, but never once did I wish for him to be any different. I loved my son and I was proud of him, just as I am proud of his son," He paused to place a kiss atop of Ulrich's head. "My dear grandson. Albert would have loved this little boy. He would have taught him everything that I taught him as a boy."

"I wish he was still here," Eloise whispered, wringing the fabric of her dress.

The room succumbed to an uncomfortable silence. A familiar feeling connected the two as they sat. She could sense he felt the same emptiness as she did.

"I am going outside, dear." His voice grew faint as he returned Ulrich to Eloise. Stiffly he rose from the chair and gave a soft nod. "It has been a true pleasure to meet you, Eloise. Do not be a stranger to us."

Eloise gave only a nod as she watched him scuffle through the room. Soon, he had disappeared through the doorway, leaving her with her thoughts.

"What a wonderful surprise this is!" The excited voice of Augustus echoed from behind. "I can't believe that you have made it here, Eloise."

"It is a joy to see you again, sir." Eloise remarked, nodding at Augustus.

"You should drop the sir, Eloise." He replied with a laugh. "You and I both know I am no sir." A wide grin plastered onto his face at the sight of Ulrich. "I see that the little lad is doing well. How have you been?"

"I am well." She kept her words simple, hoping to hide any emotion that might be visible.

"You should have saw the face of Albert when I gave the portrait to him and told him the news of his son." Augustus spoke with a smile, leaning against the mantle. His eyes focused on the child playing the on the floor. "He was a bit shocked at first but the shock melted into complete happiness. I don't think I had ever seen him smile so much, other than when he talked of you or when he made another victory."

Eloise watched Ulrich as he rolled the blue ball under his small hand. "I wish Albert could have seen him."

"He would have been proud of Ulrich." Augustus answered, sipping from the engraved silver cup he held in his hand. "Any man would be proud to have a son like him."

Eloise glanced up at Augustus, who smiled kindly at her. He raised his cup to her and tilted his head.

"Where will you be going?"

Eloise shrugged, "I will be going to England with Captain Everett Bradford."

Augustus's eyes grew wide with astonishment, as a heavy sigh slipped from his lips. "Isn't that the man who—"

"Yes." She kept her answer simple and soft, knowing what he was and what pains he had brought onto their family—and the heartbreak he had caused her...

"Why?"

"I have nowhere else to go and he can provide for me." She stated simply, taking a deep breath before standing. "He offered to marry me and to take Ulrich as his son, something that most men would never do. I will never love him as I loved your brother. Everett will never fill that hole that was left in my heart."

"How will you tell Ulrich about Albert if you marry the man who killed him?" Augustus argued, placing his cup upon the mantle.

"I will figure that out when the time is right." Eloise explained, kneeling down beside her child. She began moving the little frog around him, making the sounds of the animal. "Right now, I have to think about his future and without Everett I will have no future for him. I can't return to where I once lived before, it is in the woods. I can't go back to France; I don't know anyone and I can't speak their language. I can't stay in Germany; I don't have the funds and women can't work here."

"You can be a nurse and live here." He retorted, crouching beside her and taking her hand in his. "My mother is already talking about that. Our family would love to take you in and raise Ulrich as one of us."

Eloise shook her head. "As much as I would love to agree to your kind offer, I can't. I have already agreed elsewhere and I think that it would be the best for us."

"Maybe for you it is." He snapped back, quickly standing upright.

Eloise sighed, popping up after him. "I think it is for both of us." She remained firm with her answer, showing no weakness in the response.

"Just because my brother is dead doesn't mean that you should forget about him so quickly."

"Your brother will never be dead to me for as long as I live." Eloise stated plainly, resting her hand on his tensed shoulder. "He will be forever alive in my heart and in my son. Albert's memory will never leave me as long as I have my mind and I can remember his face." She closed her eyes tightly, thinking about Albert. "You can't let him die in your heart either, for that is all that is left of him."

Augustus remained hushed, staring at Ulrich again.

"Augustus," His father's gruff, emotionless voice echoed through the still room. "I need you to come an assist me."

"Yes, father." He quickly responded, staring at Eloise. Lightly, he tucked his finger under her chin and tilted her head to face him. "Will I see you again?"

"I don't think that I will be through here again." She sadly stated, resting her hand on his wrist. "Thank you for helping me get that picture to Albert. I am thankful that he got to see Ulrich before he passed."

Augustus nodded with a smile. "Thank you for saving my life. That is two von Brandt's that were rescued by your magic hand."

A genuine smile crept onto her face. "and it was two von Brandt's saved my life." She nodded reassuringly. "I suppose this is goodbye, Augustus."

"Don't say goodbye, Eloise." He shared, cocking a brow upward. "You know how this life works; you never know who you will meet along the way." He pulled her into a secure embrace. "Let's say: until we meet again, dear friend."

Eloise nodded, "Until we meet again, dear Augustus."

She pressed a soft kiss onto his cheek. Augustus pulled away and bowed respectfully. He knelt down beside Ulrich and patted him on the head. The vibrant eyes of the child stared up at him, no expression was on his small face.

"One day you will grow up and be a man," he stated, pulling the train around him. "and you will know about your real father. When you are a man, you will do the duties of a man," he paused for a moment to think. "but when you are choosing what to do, child, never fly the planes. That would be the one thing that would completely break your mother's heart." He rested his hand on the child's face. "You are the only thing she has left that she truly loves."

Eloise watched him disappear with tears in her eyes. What was she doing there, she wondered? She knew she was only causing heartbreak on the family and more on herself. She sat down beside her child and began playing games, hoping to clear her mind of the aching thoughts that plagued her. Every time she looked into the eyes of her son; Albert's image painted in her memory.

Melina returned and eased herself down onto the green velvet parlor chair. "My husband and I have discussed it and we would be honored if you would stay with us."

Eloise looked up at her with a satisfactory expression. "I can't, ma'am. You barely know me. I wouldn't want to intrude on your life." She answered, pushing herself up from the ground. "Plus, I am to be married."

Melina became surprised. "Oh," she said blandly. "I understand."

Eloise sat down beside her in a nearby chair, taking her by the hand. "You understand, woman to woman, that I am doing it for the betterment of my child. I loved your son greatly and he will always own my heart."

"I can tell." Melina replied with a reassuring grin. "I see it in your eyes when you talk about him. Your heart is aching, for I can feel it every time you stare at Ulrich."

Eloise hung her head in shame, wishing her emotions were not so visible. She fixated her eyes on ground, hoping it would keep her mind locked on something other than her losses.

"It is a pain that will never go away." Eloise finally spoke, glancing back over at Melina. "I have tried to forget about him and find something in my heart for my intended, but there is nothing—just a broken heart that is trying to be repaired, but every time I begin to fix it, something rips it open again." She squeezed Melina's hand. "That is why I have to leave. I must let myself heal or I will go mad."

Melina immediately pulled Eloise into an embrace, holding her tightly in a comforting grasp. Eloise felt safety and love, a feeling she had felt but lost many times; and she knew that she was going to lose it again. In a matter of seconds, the large grandfather's clock rang out its chiming tune, striking the hour of twelve.

"I have to be leaving." Eloise stated, pulling away from her embrace. "I have to meet—" She quickly rose from where she sat and began to straighten her appearance.

"Him." Melina finished her statement before rising. "I want you to wait here." She said, patting her shoulders.

In a matter of seconds, Melina disappeared leaving only the smell of floral perfume lingering in the air. Eloise began walking around the room, studying each small detail of the elaborate home. Her wishes to stay increased with every step she took in the sitting room. Several minutes later, Melina returned clasping a pink drawstring purse in her hands.

"I want you to take this with you." Melina insisted, placing the silk satchel in Eloise's hand. "Inside is a sum of money and my address." She leaned close to her, taking Eloise's hands into hers. "If you know you are never going to see me again, I want you to get a portrait made every year of Ulrich and yourself. I want to see him grow, the same way I saw my son grow; and I never want to forget the face of the beautiful woman that my son once loved." She placed a hand onto Eloise's blushing cheek. "The money can also be used for you to leave your man if you ever need to. If you do leave him and need somewhere to go, know that you are always welcome in my home."

Eloise gratefully nodded, hugging Melina once again. "Thank you for everything."

"Don't thank me, Eloise." Melina paused catching her breath. "Thank you for coming here. Just a few hours ago I had nothing left of my son. None of his medals, photographs, lucky charms—nothing had been returned to me. Now I have all of his dearest possessions and a daughter," she released her embrace and locked her eyes on Ulrich, who had finally gone to sleep on the floor. "and a grandson."

A wave of peace came over Eloise as she watched Melina sit down beside Ulrich. She stared down at him with tears welling in her eyes, while her hands rested on his stomach.

"Sleep soundly, my child." She whispered, fighting back the emotions that desperately fought their way out. "I don't know what you are dreaming of, perhaps it is of planes or of your mother. Maybe your thoughts are filled with fluffy clouds. Whatever it is running through your delicate mind is made up of complete innocence." She placed a kiss onto his head. Her eyes found their way back onto Eloise. "Are you sure you have to leave?"

Eloise forced herself to nod, wishing she could stay there forever with a family she knew she could love. Melina quickly looked back onto Ulrich, then onto the old toys that surrounded him. Hastily, she gathered them up and handed them to Eloise.

"Take these with you." She ensured with a grin. "They were Albert's when he was a child. I think it would only be right if his son had them, too."

Eloise smiled with gratification. "Thank you, again, for everything." She slid the small toys into her purse along with the silk pouch of money. "I really should be leaving now. I can't be late."

Melina nodded, watching Eloise carefully as she took the resting child into her secure arms. Her eyes locked onto the precious face that she loved so dearly. As she walked toward the door, Melina stopped her once again, placing kisses along the child's face then onto Eloise's cheek.

"Don't forget me." Her voice pleaded as she squeezed Eloise's shoulder.

"I could never forget you." Eloise smiled to her one last time before leaving from the peaceful house.

A feeling inside of her longed to return and never leave. Every step she took away from the large yellow house, she felt her heart break into more pieces; knowing she could never piece back together all of the broken shards that existed. The child she held in her arms reminded her of why she was doing what she was, as undesirable as it was. She was going to remain strong for her Ulrich and for the memory of her beloved.

She slowly continued towards the location of Everett, hoping he hadn't noticed her momentary disappearance. In the distance, she saw him pacing anxiously in front of the building. She let out a sigh, sensing his displeasure. She stood perfectly still as she waited for him to notice her in the distance.

"Where were you!" Everett scolded, rushing towards her and snatching her by the wrist. "You are in enemy territory now." He forcefully pulled her through the crowd. "When you become my wife, you will have to learn how to listen to your husband."

Eloise felt her face growing hot as the faces of strangers watched the scene unfolding. Her wrist began to sting as he forced their way through the streets. She abruptly halted in her tracks, shifting him backward. He released her arm and whirled around to face her.

"What are you doing, Eloise?" He whispered, inching toward her. "You are going to cause a scene."

Eloise glanced around at the people who were watching. She cradled Ulrich in her arms, covering his face from sight. Her eyes locked firmly with Everett, refusing to show any emotion.

"I am not going to cause a scene because I am leaving."

Everett began to laugh, but quickly became stern upon realizing Eloise was not. "You are leaving me?" He asked, inching close toward her. "Where ever would you go? You are in enemy territory."

Eloise shook her head, "No, the only enemy I have come to find is you. Without you, I would still have my love and my son would still have his father."

His eyes grew wide as he became silent.

"I do not love you, Everett, and I will never love you." She whispered apologetically. With a gentle motion she removed his ring and placed it in his hand. "My heart belongs to Albert von Brandt. I cannot look at you without seeing the man who killed him. For that, I am sorry but I cannot marry you."

"Eloise..." His voice trailed off.

She saw the pain in his eyes but felt nothing for him. "Everett, you will meet a woman one day that will love you. I am not her. I will never be her." She calmly turned from him and began to walk away.

"Where will you go?" He asked, chasing after her.

"I don't know," She stopped abruptly, glancing back at him. "but you will not be there. Goodbye Mr. Bradford. May you have a prosperous life."

"Stop!" He called out sternly, watching desperately as she continued. "I demand you to stop, Eloise. I am going to be leaving shortly. If you are not with me, I will leave you and that baby here to find a way to survive. You will not make it without me, Eloise. You know that!"

She ignored his halting commands and continued down the street. A sense of freedom came over her. She eased down onto a nearby bench, thinking of the previous scene. She bounced Ulrich on her knee bringing out a lilting laugh.

"Are you going to stay?" Thomas asked, sitting down beside them on the bench.

Eloise shrugged, "I suppose I will. I have nowhere else to go. If you happened to miss the commotion, I ended my engagement with Everett; therefore, I am alone. I think being alone is a better fate than being with that man."

"If you would like," He paused and began rubbing the back of his neck. "Ulrich and yourself may return to Wales with me." Eloise stared at him blankly, unsure of how to respond. "I will never be able to replace Albert in your heart, nor would I wish to. I will give you a good home and life. I will teach Ulrich all I can and treat him as my own, but he will know that he is the son of a brave German pilot. I will be a husband that will love you with the love that I have left in my heart."

Eloise remained silent. She looked at Ulrich and thought of his future. She thought of Albert, knowing that he would have wanted the best for herself and Ulrich. Thomas would give her the life she needed and could understand what she was.

She rested a hand on his shoulder and smiled, "I will never be Elizabeth, and Ulrich will never be John." Eloise spoke taking Thomas by the hand. "but I will treat you well and try to fill your heart back with love."

"Then I suppose we should find a way to Wales."

Eloise gently nodded, "I would like that, Thomas. I would like that very much."