Lorelei Asks, “What Happens Next?”: Sequel to Elizabeth’S Journey

By Carol Ann Frazee

When Loreleis abusive husband, Charlie, sends her away, she lives each day yearning to find the comfort of faithful stability and a sense of belonging. With the encouragement of her friends, Lorelei gradually manages to truly express herself. As her self-confidence and freedom grow, her husband reappears. Loreleis hopes and dreams are repressed in Charlies presence. She tries to submissively live as he demands until his actions aggressively climax. When he can no longer harm her, she is left alone to struggle in a mans world. Feeling determined, Lorelei seeks help from her trusted friends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inspiring Voices
• Release date: Aug 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9781462411979

Carol Ann Frazee

As a summa cum laude graduate of FSU, Mrs. Frazee began her teaching career in 1984. Presently, she is an education instructor at Garrett College. Mrs. Frazee has one daughter, Caressa, and resides in Grantsville, Maryland, with her husband, Brian, and their bichon frise, Zoe Grace.

Book preview

Chapter One

AFTER THE RALLY, THE TRAIN OF MEMORIES

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RIDING THROUGH THE ROLLING COUNTRYSIDE of Germany racing toward the ocean, Lorelei sits mindlessly staring at her tasseled travel handbag as she vaguely remembers the specific details of the last several days. Her bruises are slowly changing various shades of discoloration on her arms, legs, and trunk. She places her hand beneath the base of her ornate hat. The lump on the back of her head is beginning to decrease in size. She glances at her reflection in the window and releases a thankful sigh that Charlie never leaves marks on her face when he is in one of his angry tirades. Upon more consideration, Lorelei recognizes that Charlie, being a proud man, does not want anyone to know what happens when he loses his temper. Above all else, he must always maintain his image. His future aspirations are far too important to him.

But, this last time is different, Lorelei scarcely murmurs to her mirror image and replays the events from her limited memory, adding the accounts she has overheard since the grave incident from the servants’ gossiping in the hallway outside her room at the Meyer’s manor. She asks herself, How do I make sense of this? Oh, it is all so foggy.

After sitting and swaying to the train’s rocking motion, Lorelei gives in to her fatigue and leans against the train’s cool glass and closes her eyes to assist with emerging logic from her sketchy recollections. She tries to pinpoint the trigger for Charlie’s foul mood. Thinking back, she determines that it all began in the afternoon at the political assembly. She believes that Charlie was prepared for his speech and would do well at the rally; although, and in a large part, his triumph normally relies firmly on his grandfather’s influence and position in society. During the debate, she, the ever pleasant, dutiful wife, serenely sat at her appointed station by his side. However, his opponent slowly gained the upper hand as the debate lasted longer than planned. In addition, his opponent’s benefactors confronted him with surprises later at the nobles’ reception. By the end of the evening, Charlie had one too many drinks to calm his nerves, and he mindlessly fell into the carriage after clinging to Lorelei for stability while trying to maintain his composure when walking from his seat at the reception to the carriage. The driver shook his head and helped Lorelei to her seat before closing and fastening the door of the carriage. With Charlie feeling annihilated by his opponent, they rode home in silence; Lorelei knew all too well that he would soon lose his temper, verbally and physically. Closing her eyes, she silently prayed for peace and protection.

Finally, the carriage ride came to an end when Charlie and Lorelei arrived home late in the evening. Once the footman helped her from the carriage, Lorelei planned to run to the safety of her room and lock the door. Instantaneously, the butler held open the entry door and watched while she quickly ran through the doorway and across the tiled foyer, which leads to the grand staircase. Not needing to look back, Lorelei knew from experience that time was of the essence. She heard Charlie’s wobbly stride increasing in speed as she hurried up the staircase. Suddenly, he grabbed her arm as she reached the top step, a few feet away from her room of safety.

While he excruciatingly twisted her arm, he turned her toward himself. She smelled the strong odor of alcohol still lingering on his breath and heard him begin to whisper dreadful words. With her free arm, she instinctively tried to protect herself from the anticipated blows that she knew were sure to follow.

After this moment, she cannot remember the details, just the sting of Charlie’s fist, his cruel words, and the sensation of rolling down the staircase and the utter blackness of it all…

In the vagueness of the days that followed and with the servants’ faint chatter outside her slightly opened bedroom door, Lorelei pieces together the rest of the account. She heard one say that when an anxious Charlie saw Lorelei’s lifeless body at the bottom of the staircase, he slowly stumbled down the stairs. Once he was standing beside her, he kicked her leg and demanded that she stands up. Finally seeing that she was unresponsive, he methodically assessed the situation and the repercussions to his political aspirations aloud as if someone would appear and guide him to his next decision. At this point, two overzealous servants reenacted the parts of Charlie’s and the butler’s conversation as another servant participated as the narrator.

Charlie ordered the butler, Bring me a pot of black coffee, now! I need to think.

Yes, sir, as you wish.

When he returned to the foyer and handed the coffee to Charlie, who was lounging on the settee, Charlie gruffly instructed, For goodness sakes, carry her to her room and have her handmaid make her presentable. What’s more, have someone bring Doctor Heinz to make a house visit. Straightway, clean up this mess! I will be in my study. Inform me when Doctor Heinz arrives.

As you wish, Master Charles, the butler bowed and left the room to follow instructions.

Spilling dribbles of coffee, Charlie sauntered into the study and then bellowed, More coffee, NOW!

Before the impromptu play can continue in Lorelei’s mind, Margaret offers her sleeping powders. Lorelei reluctantly accepts Dr. Heinz’s prescribed medicine. Within minutes, the medicine induces slumber. In her sleep, Lorelei’s mind relives selections of memories as if she were merely a bystander watching everything ensue without her control.

"After the examination, the doctor resets her left arm. When Lorelei becomes alert, she sees Doctor Heinz standing beside her bed and Charlie leaning against the doorframe. She softly asks what has happened. Charlie firmly explains that she clumsily fell down the staircase in her haste upon returning from the party. Upon seeing the look on Charlie’s face and hearing the tone of his voice, Lorelei obediently nods and focuses on Doctor Heinz. He briefly explains her injuries. Then knowing her desire for a child, he pauses, heaves a sigh, and pats her hand before telling her that she has lost the baby from the fall. Lorelei hysterically cries, yet Charlie does not attempt to comfort her. Doctor Heinz notices Charlie’s apathy and pulls Charlie aside. In the room but away from Lorelei, he questions Charlie about the fall. Charlie insists that Lorelei was clumsy and misplaced her footing on the top step of the staircase. The loathsome look Doctor Heinz gives Charlie, and, then, the pitiful look he gives Lorelei makes Charlie feel awkward, yet not remorseful.

When the doctor leaves the manor, Charlie retires to his study. While he sits in his study drinking the strong black coffee, he plays with the different scenarios that might be believable because he cannot stand any more looks of disdain like that of Doctor Heinz. His career ambition depends on the proper perception.

Finally, Charlie mumbles, Why did she have to break her arm? That cannot be hidden. Now, I must make excuses.

The next morning, Lorelei’s handmaid, Margaret, quietly bustles around her room. Groggy from Doctor Heinz’s powders, a sore and aching Lorelei wakes and minimally watches her. Margaret sorts through Lorelei’s clothes choosing only the best to fold and pack into the three trunks precariously arranged in her room. Pausing briefly, Margaret walks to Lorelei’s bedside and gently raises Lorelei’s head from the pillow to help her sip water from an awaiting glass. Placing her head back onto the pillow, Margaret gently changes the cold compress on Lorelei’s forehead. Lorelei drifts back into a restless form of sleep.

Later in the day, Margaret wakes Lorelei and coaxes her to drink the broth of chicken soup. Other than that, the two do not exchange any more words. She sees that Margaret fights to hold back the tears in her eyes. Lorelei wonders why, but in her confused state of mind, she does not ask. Margaret gives her more of the powders Doctor Heinz has prescribed before she falls back into a numbing sleep; the rest of the day is a loss to her memory.

The following morning, Lorelei opens her eyes to see Beth’s sweet face. The young girl speedily talks about an adventure. Even though she does not know about any adventure, Lorelei smiles and tries to nod, unfortunately this incites a throbbing headache. Yet, seeing Margaret carrying the breakfast tray in from the hallway, Lorelei tries to sit up in bed while grimacing in pain. Rushing to her side, Margaret and Beth fluff several pillows to help prop her up and to make her comfortable. While eating a small portion of her breakfast, Beth chatters on about a trip until Charlie enters the room. Suddenly, the room becomes ghastly quiet.

With a cool tone, Charlie speaks meticulously, Your clothing and other personal belongings have been placed in trunks. You are traveling to America to visit your friend, Elizabeth. Margaret and Beth are your traveling companions. I expect to receive letters, in your own handwriting, weekly. He turns and moves to exit the room.

What do you mean? a medicated, disorientated Lorelei asks.

With annoyance, Charlie turns, faces Lorelei, and raises his voice, Are you too ill-bred to understand and to follow your husband’s instructions? My words were clear.

Even though being confused, Lorelei bows her head in compliance.

Margaret, you did pack Mrs. Meyer’s stationery, I presume! See that she mails WEEKLY a letter in her own handwriting, Charlie demands.

Yes, Master Charles, Margaret obediently speaks as she curtseys.

One more important detail, be dressed and inside the carriage punctually at noon. My grandparents are returning this evening. They need not know of the recent events leading to your departure, in person or in writing. I believe that I make my wishes evident!

Lorelei, Margaret, and Beth silently, fearfully nod in compliance as Charlie closes the door behind himself. Lorelei tries to reposition as she sits straighter in her bed. She knows that she must regain the necessary strength to prepare for the journey and forces herself to the side of the bed. Noticing the white sheets stained with blood, she looks down at her nightgown. A sensation of queasiness overcomes her causing her to faint. Margaret and Beth run to keep her from falling to the floor.

You’re as weak as a newborn kitten, ma’ lady, Margaret exclaims! I certainly don’t see how Master Charles expects you to go anywhere today in such conditions.

Here, Miss Lorelei, drink yourself a bit of water, Beth begs and presses a glass to Lorelei’s lips.

Such a cruel man, Margaret grumbles, the devil himself doesn’t want him.

When Lorelei regains some strength, she whispers, Please, help me dress. We must obey his orders.

Margaret nervously continues to complain while she and Beth help dress Lorelei in her traveling clothes. At one point, Lorelei tries to distract Margaret by asking her to bring broth from the kitchen. Yet, when Margaret returns, she is even more upset and extremely talkative. Keeping a watchful eye on the clock, Lorelei attempts to oversee the final stages of packing from a propped up position on her bed. At eleven-thirty, she sends Beth for Heinrich to load her belongings.

Having everything loaded, Heinrich, Margaret’s husband and Beth’s father, carries Lorelei down the grand staircase, through the elegant front door, and places her inside the awaiting carriage a little before the clock strikes noon. Lorelei perceives the look of pity in the eyes of the servants; she feels so humbled. Her eyes fill with tears as they express their well wishes for her. Merely out of habit, Lorelei glances up to Charlie’s bedroom window where she shockingly sees a female standing beside Charlie looking down at her. Stunned, Lorelei steadies her gaze to focus more clearly on the features of the woman as Charlie boldly pulls the drapery closed.

At that moment, Beth takes her seat beside Lorelei while Margaret tightly hugs and kisses her son, Henry, before stepping into the carriage. Fighting back the tears that fill her eyes, she and Beth wave a final goodbye from inside the carriage window to the small gathering of servants, who promise to watch over Henry until Heinrich’s return.

Heinrich tousles Henry’s hair and winks, I’ll be back soon. You make me proud.

Henry dutifully complies, Yes, sir.

Henry stands and watches until the carriage disappears in the distance.

In the early afternoon, the carriage arrives at the train station. Heinrich follows Charlie’s instructions of purchasing tickets and overseeing the loading of the luggage. In her clouded, medicated state, Lorelei limply holds onto Beth’s arm, leans on Margaret’s sturdy frame, and tries to shuffle along as they lead her from the carriage to the train car where they wait for Heinrich. As Beth looks around her new environment with wide-eyed interest, she can hardly contain her excitement. Once inside the train car and seated, she begins asking Lorelei many questions. Lorelei groggily answers a few questions before Heinrich clears his throat. Recognizing the signal, Beth quickly obeys her father; however, she maintains an inquisitive demeanor in silence. Her wide eyes scan the new surroundings.

Lorelei sits silently in her seat until she falls asleep. Suddenly, she feels a cold draft and fear overwhelms her."

Lorelei flinches from the hand placed on her shoulder and startles awake from her fitful dream. She soon focuses and hears Margaret’s comforting words, It is only a dream, Miss Lorelei. Wake up. You are safe now.

She nods to acknowledge Margaret’s voice. Then, she barely whispers, I do not feel safe. Margaret, it was not a dream. It really happened. I remember.

Chapter Two

RESTFUL SHIP

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THE COUNTRYSIDE WHISHES BY THE windows as the train resolutely speeds toward the ocean. As scheduled to the second, they reach their destination of Bremen and exit the train. Heinrich precisely follows Charlie’s orders and hails a carriage to take them to a nearby inn for the night. The innkeeper is alarmed at Lorelei’s fragile appearance until he reads Charlie’s note, which Heinrich hands him upon entering. He shakes his head and retrieves keys for the travelers as he leads them to their rooms. Being thoroughly exhausted, both physically and mentally, Lorelei collapses at the base of the stairs, and Heinrich carries her to an awaiting bed. Margaret prepares more of Doctor Heinz’s powders. Being too weak to protest, Lorelei swallows the mixture and falls into a deep sleep instantly.

Early the following morning, the travelers make their way to the ship. Onboard the ship on the promenade deck, a dazed Lorelei sits in a lounge chair, tearfully observing while Heinrich, Margaret, and Beth say their final goodbyes. Beth is wide-eyed and anxious for the voyage to begin, but Margaret fearing that she will never see her husband again clings to Heinrich until the final moment when guests must leave the ship. As she watches, Lorelei ponders, The adults fear the unknown change while the youth embrace the unexplored. Ah, the innocence of the early years can be a blessing.

Shortly after Heinrich leaves, the ship slowly moves away from the port at Bremen. The first day on the ship is very somber as each adult is lost in her own thoughts. However being a young teenager, Beth is excited and interested in the development of the new experiences of the last two days and the adventures to come. She has so many questions to ask but understands that she cannot bother her mother or Miss Lorelei…today. Yet, she cannot seem to sit still and eagerly asks permission to walk to the deck railing. While Beth explores the ocean from the deck railing within her mother’s watchful eyes, she looks out into the massive, continuously moving water. Beth finds the ocean movement so peaceful. The motion begins to call to her. She slowly walks along the handrail while looking down in the water. The ship seems to cut through the water as it splashes and foams along the side of the ship. She is mesmerized by the power and beauty of the ocean.

Around the next corner, Beth meets a man also standing near the railing who engages her in conversation. He introduces himself by tipping his hat, Hello, young lady. I am Mr. Richter. I hope that you are not traveling alone.

No, sir, Beth answers, my mother and Miss Lorelei are here, too. She points in the direction she came from and adds, You look familiar to me. I think that I have seen you before.

Mr. Richter laughs heartily, My blessed mother always said that I have such a friendly, trustworthy face that people will think they know me.

It seems as if I just saw you two days ago.

I have been here waiting to board for awhile. Maybe you have seen me on the docks, suggests Mr. Richter.

No, we arrived late yesterday, Beth shakes her head.

Mr. Richter craftily changes topics, Well, then, what do you think of the dock and the ship in the daylight?

There is so much to see! Everyone is so busy running this way and that. The boat is bigger than anything I have ever seen. I have so many questions, but I mustn’t bother anyone, Beth blushes and quickly covers her mouth trying to control her emotions.

"You do not bother me. Ask