So this was more serious than she thought. “I believe I still have them in a book here.”
“If you do, you should burn them as well after you memorize them. Just in case.” His voice was clipped.
“What is it you’re not saying?” The higher pitch of Melanie’s voice clued in Chaisley about how much anxiety this was causing her.
She could relate. Dr. G never did anything without a purpose. If he thought they needed to guard their communications while on tour, there was good reason. She reached for Melanie’s hand and turned her face toward the scent of lavender and lemon. “Mel, I believe our dear friend here is simply thinking about worst-case scenarios and making sure that we are able to safely communicate in case things escalate.”
“Escalate?” Melanie’s voice squeaked. “Why?”
“Because I’m blind,” Chaisley stated as calmly as she could, even as the depth of the reality in Europe sank in. “Which means I could be seen as less than worthy. Unfit to live. That’s what you mean, isn’t it, Dr. G?”
Berlin, Germany—Saturday, February 19, 1938
For the first time in a long time, he had hope.
That his country could make it through this depression stronger, larger, and wealthier than ever.
That with a powerful leader at the helm, his homeland would not be humiliated again.
The only way to erase any residual humiliation was to get rid of those who couldn’t pull their weight. Those who were less than perfect. Those who couldn’t make decisions for themselves. Those who weren’t of the superior race.
In the past, weak leaders had exacerbated the mess that his country had inherited. But no longer.
If people would simply take the time to listen to the Führer’s heartfelt words, they’d understand and agree with what was best for the world. And theywouldreach the world. He’d seen the plans. Hitler would start taking Europe little by little, and then his power would spread around the globe. It wasn’t a matter ofif. It was a matter ofwhen.
His own family didn’t understand. How could they? His mother had left eons ago, and his siblings were scattered all over Europe. They’d had no correspondence. Not since he’d returned home to Germany for his father’s funeral hadheunderstood. Five years ago, his eyes were finally opened. And now he would do anything—anything—to see things set to rights.
Hope was a wonderful thing.
chapter
Two
London, England—Wednesday, March 16, 1938
Melanie looked at the half-packed cases on her bed and wiped her hands on her skirt. The trembling in them had grown worse the last hour. Why couldn’t she quell her ridiculous nerves?
If only Mum were still alive. They could sit down, Melanie could pour out all her fear and worries, and her mother would say all the right things to calm her.
A knock sounded on her door, and she put a hand to her chest to steady the wild beating of her heart. She needed to pull herself together. “Come in.”
The door opened and Dr. Grafton stood in the door frame. “I was wondering if you would take a walk with me in the garden. I have something of great import to discuss with you.”
She blinked and glanced back at the cases. In only a day’s time, they would be leaving England for the tour. Which would last the next eighteen months. It would be the longest time she’d been away from England since her mother passed. The first bit would be spent in Amsterdam visiting Chaisley’s grandmother. But then it would be travel, travel, travel.
Dr. Grafton cleared his throat.
“A walk. Yes, of course.” She grabbed her shawl and followed him out the door. Once they were outside, Melanie could still hear Chaisley playing the grand piano in the music wing.
Dr. Grafton shoved his hands into the pockets of his trousers, and they walked for several minutes in silence. When they reached the center of the garden and the circle of benches, he held out a hand, inviting her to take a seat.
She did and the shaking in her hands was more apparent. Clasping them in her lap, she watched him sit a couple feet away from her and stare out to the horizon. “As you know, your mother and I were very close.”
A slight nod and a swallow were all she managed. She’d fully expected Dr. Grafton to become her stepfather, until the sickness hit her mum with a ferocity that took them all by surprise.
“She was very proud of you, Melanie, and asked me to keep an eye on you once she was gone.”
Hot tears slipped from her eyes and down her cheeks. Mum had taken the world on as a single mother and had provided for her daughter while tutoring Chaisley. Raised by blind parents, Mum had convinced Chaisley that she didn’t have limitations after losing her sight, that her exceptional gifts needed to be shared with the world.
