Rick laughed and slipped his arm around Chaisley’s shoulders. “I understand. The house is wonderful. And enormous. But I guess one can get cabin fever anywhere.”
Chaisley smoothed her hands across the tabletop. “I was not thrilled to be out in the cold. But I confess a bowl ofmosterdsoepsounds like just the thing. Not even Grandmother’s chef can make it like the cook here.”
It was true. The traditional Dutch soup was filled with flavors. Butter, stock, cream, leeks, mustard, and if the cook had it available, bacon. Judging from the smells wafting into the small dining area, bacon was definitely in it today.
Melanie cleared her throat and leaned forward to her friend, her voice low. “Have you come to a final decision about the tour?”
Chaisley turned her head toward Rick, who pressed a kiss to her temple. “We have. And I know you won’t be surprised. Both Rick and I think it’s wise to end the tour with a hopeful promise to return ... when things settle. Most of Europe is reeling from all that has transpired, and no one balked when we paused a year’s worth of concerts. Except the Germans.
“But Hitler’s boldness against the Jewish population, his cruelty, and the way his armies are now controlling almost every inch of Germany in a vise grip have made me uneasy. More than that—I fear for my life. After that officer burst into the dressing room, what does the Führer know about us? I just don’t know what he would do to me if I stepped foot back in Berlin.” She shuddered. “I think now he would be bold. My fame and talent wouldn’t matter one whit. He’s shown he will be accountable to no one.”
Rick caught Melanie’s eye. “We’re still working out plans, but I know that Chaisley would like to go back to England. Back to the manor for a while. At least until we see where things truly stand. From there, she can help to acquire visas for those traveling from Amsterdam and other areas of Europe while I finish up my work for the SIS, give them the information I gathered, and put in my resignation. Then I’ll assist her in the rescue work she’s doing.
“Dr. Grafton already has his small team in England working on the visas, but it’s getting harder and harder every day. He will stillhave a base here at the manor, but we are unsure how long Amsterdam will stay safe. Celestia will return to England with us until she is fully strong again. Two trusted staff members will look after all those who stay. They know how to hide people if necessary.”
Melanie nodded and leaned back as the waitress slid three steaming mugs of hot chocolate in front of them. She cupped her hands around her mug, her cold fingers thawing beneath its warmth. Chaisley was right. She wasn’t surprised. Her friend was being wise and thoughtful.
A chill tripped up her arms, scattering goosebumps across her skin. She couldn’t imagine the pressure. Yet her dearest friend had handled it with grace and poise.
Hopefully, she would respond in the same way when Melanie shared her own news.
“I can practically hear your wheels turning from here,” Chaisley teased. “What has you in such deep thought, Mel?”
Well, Lord. That couldn’t be a clearer sign to share my news, could it?
Melanie took a long sip of the rich, hot drink, and gathered her thoughts. “I am glad to hear you’re ending the tour. I think it’s smart. And I know that you and Rick are both seeking the Lord as to what He wants you to do with the work we’ve started these last several months. The network is in place, and I have no doubt Dr. Grafton will keep it running. Because people will need it now more than ever.” Her nose stung as tears rushed to her eyes. Oh, this was going to be more difficult than she anticipated.
Chaisley slid her hands across the table, palms up. “Spill it, Mel. It’s all right.”
Melanie laughed, set her cup down, and grabbed her friend’s hands. “You’ve always been able to read me like a book without your sight. Which is incredible.” She sniffed, then plunged ahead. “I think I want to stay in Amsterdam. At least for now. Help with the families that are in the house. Work with the transportationteam, or even get travel documents. This work—with these children and families—has changed me. My heart breaks for them. And while I know I can’t save everyone, I don’t think I can stop trying to help anyone I can. Besides, Mary Beth and Geraldine are still out there. I aim to find them.”
With a big swallow over the lump in her throat, she glanced at Rick. “You told me about theKindertransport. I hate the thought of separating Jewish children from their parents, but I think the best thing we can do for these children is get them out of Germany. And, with God’s help, we can get their parents out as well.”
A tear slipped down Chaisley’s cheek. “As soon as Rick shared that news, I wondered how we could assist.”
“I’m German. I could get back into Germany and help those children. I just wish...” She left the sentence unfinished.
Silence surrounded their little table. They were all thinking the same thing. When the Jewish and Quaker community leaders met with the British government to discuss the innocent Jewish children, it felt like a small victory within their small team. If only they could convincetheirgovernment to think of all the endangered children. The ones being hunted down because they were considered less than, the poor young people being sterilized against their will, and worse.
One of their contacts had recently shared what Hitler said to the Nazi Party in Nuremberg back in 1929:“If Germany was to get a million children a year and was to remove 700-800,000 of the weakest people then the final result might even be an increase in strength.”
More tears spilled down Chaisley’s cheeks, which made Melanie’s eyes water and burn. Oh, how she longed to be stoic and keep the tears at bay. She wanted her anger to fuel her, to keep her strong. “I guess I’m saying that we need to part ways for a while. You’ll be in good hands with Rick by your side.” She tightened her grip around Chaisley’s hands.
“I’m not surprised to hear you say this. I will confess I worryabout your safety. Yet if this is truly how you feel the Lord is leading you... ?” Her friend closed her eyes, her lips trembling in a thin line.
“It is.” Melanie made her assurance firm and clear. “For now, my friend. I hope to return as your beloved assistant one day.”
“Then—” Chaisley sniffed and gave her a watery smile—“you have my full blessing. Not that you need it.”
Melanie tightened her grip once again around Chaisley’s fingers. “But Iwantit. I never would have left you alone, Chaisley. Never. You are my dearest friend. The sister I always wanted. But the Lord started to change my heart when I realized you and Rick had feelings for each other. I knew Jesus was showing me that He had other work for me to do. Just like He called you to it before we ever left on the tour.” She smiled at Rick. “You are in the best hands now.”
Rick’s hand covered theirs and he patted Melanie’s wrist. “Thank you for trusting me with your sister.”
Melanie pulled back and grabbed her napkin, wiping at her face. She cleared her throat and looked back up at her friends. “There is one more thing.” Her throat felt thick and she coughed again. Perhaps a sip of hot chocolate would help. Or was it just nerves?
She sipped her drink anyway, then jumped in. “My brother is a Nazi.”
Chaisley’s jaw dropped open.
