The Keeping of Lena Ch. 04

Renz nodded and stepped inside to the largely mahogany receiving hall. It was spacious, whilst somewhat sedate, with multiple fireplaces and comforts typical of a chalet.

Charming, by American standards.

"You can leave Mr. Wolfenbarger's belongings in the foyer. We'll send someone to deliver them to his room," the woman called to Stuart.

"Understood, ma'am. Mr. Wolfenbarger, is there anything else you need from me?" Stuart asked. Renz shook his head, dismissing the driver with a few American dollars, as a courtesy.

"And you are...?" Renz asked, turning back to the woman in black. She smiled softly.

"Rosalyn Smith, sir. I'm in charge of hospitality here at the lodge. It is my duty to ensure that each guest enjoys an unparalleled, luxurious experience. The absolutebest that money can buy," she explained. Renz chuckled, dryly.

"Why bother with calling it a lodge?" he asked. She seemed momentarily perturbed, smoothing her faultless hair whilst pursing her thin lips.

"Well, Mr. Wolfenbarger...I think we can both agree it's a far more pleasant sobriquet thansanitarium," she said, smiling for the first time.

Rosalyn softly gestured to a pair of servants Renz hadn't yet noticed, wordlessly instructing them to collect his belongings. They moved swiftly and silently with their heads lowered, as if terrified to be seen.

He wondered idly if his own household staff acted the same way around him, for admittedly, he'd only just started noticing behavior of servants on account of Lena's experience as one herself.

"When will I be seeing the doctors?" Renz asked.

"So impatient, Mr. Wolfenbarger. We haven't yet properly received you. Come with me," Rosalyn chastised. She spoke to him as if he were a child, particularly odd since he was certain they were within a year or two of each other in age.

She led him beyond the boundaries of the entry hall and into a small library, filled primarily with medical texts. Renz removed his gloves and warmed his hands at the fireplace as Rosalyn sat down behind him, pouring through a journal.

"Now Mr. Wolfenbarger, there are a few receiving forms I'll need you to sign before we can admit you to our program," Rosalyn said.

"I was assured...discretion, Ms. Smith," Renz muttered irritably.

"And discretion you shall have, Mr. Wolfenbarger. We take patient privacy very seriously. Rest assured...no one will know you are here, and the details of your treatment shall not be disclosed. To anyone, under any circumstances. However...we are required to collect your consent to treatment, as some of our methods are unorthodox. This is simply to protect the Lodge from any undue liability, and to ensure we can provide you with the best care possible. Surely a businessman such as yourself understands these terms?" she asked.

Renz turned around and gazed at her with suspicion. There was a pleasant smile on her pale, otherwise blank face, but there seemed to be a quality of mocking in her light brown eyes that both humored and unsettled him.

It was becoming more and more clear she provided far more service to this lodge than that of a concierge.

With a sigh, Renz collected the documents from her, and signed where requested.

"Thank you, Mr. Wolfenbarger. And as particularly esteemed guest, and of course given the exhaustive length of your journey to join us, I am pleased to provide you with our Presidential Suite during your stay. Would you like me to show you to your room now so that you may rest, or--"

"I was under the impression I would have an audience with a doctor today. I don't perceive my visit as extended holiday," Renz pressed. Rosalyn smiled again, that faint gleam of something maternal and playful in her eyes.

"An eager one, aren't you? Very well. Why don't you sit back down, Mr. Wolfenbarger, and we can get started," she said.

Renz shook his head in disbelief.

"You don't mean..."

"I am the evaluating physician of the lodge, Mr. Wolfenbarger. The founding doctors, whom you will meet in due course, were my professors in surgical techniqueand research pathology," she said.

Renz returned to the cushion, momentarily stunned. He'd never before encountered a woman doctor, much less been treated by one.

"Forgive me, Ms. Smith--"

"No need to apologize, Mr. Wolfenbarger. I understand my position is exceptional even for the New World. I'd encourage you to keep an open mind, however. The efficacy of my treatment methods just might surprise you," she said.

Her voice had a charming, prolonged quality notably distinct from most other Americans in New York.

But the more he looked at her, the more unsettled he became, and Renz was reminded of a particular early childhood fear he'd long forgotten about.

"Does my appearance bother you somehow, Mr. Wolfenbarger?" she asked, sensing his aversion.

"You remind me of a nun," Renz admitted. She laughed.

"Certainly not the first time I've heard such a remark. Would it make you feel more comfortable if I revealed I'm an atheist?" she asked humorously.

"Not especially."

"Then why don't you simply lie back and stare at the ceiling. Try to relax," she beckoned.

Renz obliged, but was steadily losing patience.

Perhaps a cure for his sickness was merely wishful thinking.

"How is this supposed to help?" Renz asked.

"It's called therapy, Mr. Wolfenbarger. Now...tell me what has brought you here?" she asked. Renz sighed.

"I was advised that I could find a cure for sickness of the mind," Renz began.

"I see. And what sickness do you believe you have?" Rosalyn responded.

Renz chuckled dryly, for it seemed his particular sickness was boundless.

"It's acarnal sickness, Ms. Smith," Renz said. He glanced at her, curious for her reaction, but her face remained empty, her eyes unblinking.

"Worry not, many individuals such as yourself come to the lodge for sexual deviances. Of what variety is your sickness, sir? Misplaced sexual attraction, perhaps? Have you feelings of lust for another man?" she pressed.

Renz shook his head, though he didn't necessarily agree that a homosexual pairing constituted a sexual deviance. What difference did it make who fucked whom?

"Impotence then? Do you struggle to achieve or maintain an erection?" Rosalyn queried.

"Never."

"Forgive me, Mr. Wolfenbarger, but if I am to help you then I must knowprecisely--"

"I'm a rapist, Rosalyn," Renz said flatly.

To his surprise, her face remained blank. It was as if he'd simply confessed that his hair was dark, or that he was born in Germany.

She was entirely unbothered by his revelation.

"How many women...or..."

"One. A maid. She's eighteen years old," Renz replied. Rosalyn faintly nodded.

"More than once?" she asked.

"Much more," Renz confessed shamefully.

"Where is she now?" Rosalyn asked.

"Schloss Wolfenbarger. My home," Renz replied.

At least, he hoped she was still there.

"Of her own will?" Rosalyn asked. Renz nodded.

She certainly hadn't been brought there of her own will, but he hoped that by now she was staying because of it.

There was a part of him, however, not entirely averse to the idea of shackling her...

"I'm very interested to learn more about this woman, and what has compelled you to commit such acts against her. But before we can understand your sexual deviance, we must first understand your sexuality. And to do this, we must go to the place where it began," Rosalyn said hypnotically.

"And what place is that?" Renz asked. Rosalyn smiled again.

"Tell me about your mother, Renz."

*******

*******

"Ava, please don't put Lena in a corset. Her ribs are still tender yet, my dear," Karl called wearily from outside Lena's chambers.

Ava girlishly rolled her eyes, sharing a playful look with Lena.

"He worries so much about us. You're fit to wear it, aren't you?" Ava asked, extending the offending garment. Lena gulped nervously, for it had been quite some time since she'd worn one. She thought about refusing, but felt somewhat intimidated by Ava, who stood already dressed in full undergarments by their maids.

If Ava could dress like a proper lady, just weeks after experiencing a stillbirth, then surely Lena could handle a corset too.

"I'm sure it will be fine. Let's proceed, please?" Lena asked her maid.

She struggled to hide her tears of pain as the garment contracted around her torso, compressing her stomach to a shape so small and concave it didn't seem fully human. There were several moments of dizziness, and Lena nearly fainted, but finally, she remembered to breathe.

"Enjoy that tiny little waist while you can, Lena dear. You'll soon find that after a child, not even Helga Eichmann's expert corsetry can return your body to that shape," Ava joked.

"I'm starting to fear I'll never know such a privilege," Lena said automatically. She thought Ava would respond with her normal, quick-witted humor, but instead, there was a brief flash of fear across Ava's beautifully painted face.

"Why on earth would you say such a thing?" Ava asked, voice cracking. Lena frowned and glanced at the other maids, suddenly feeling as if she were missing something.

"I'm sorry, Ava, I just meant...I don't know when Renz is coming back, so I'm not sure if I--"

"Oh...yes, well, don't worry about that, Lena. Your lover will surely return to fill your belly with little Wolfenbarger princes and princesses soon enough. And since he already gave you all his money, you don't evenhave to get married, if you want to punish that foolish bastard a while longer yet," Ava quipped cheerfully, resulting in shocked gasped from the room of maids.

Lena would have felt embarrassed too, had she not been shaking with laughter.

It seemed that Ava's full, cheerful, carefree spirit had once more returned, and for the next hour, they continued dressing and styling for the party surrounded by joy and laughter.

When the clock chimed exactly seven in the evening, the first guests arrived.

"May I present Herr Edvard Walter Klaus Krüger, son of Herr Edvard Magnus Elias Krüger, and his wife, Frau Karolina Malin Viveka Krüger, of the Lange family," the head butler announced.

Lena and Ava walked arm in arm to receive them, Karl dutifully following behind, as Karolina and Edvard descended the short staircase into the grand entry hall of Schloss Wolfenbarger. The young couple was dressed exquisitely, Edvard in a gleaming dinner jacket as Karolina stunned in a blue evening gown of textured silk.

Even though Lena had seen them both before, and had spent extended time with them at Renz's party several weeks ago, she wasn't sure if she should curtsey, for the formalities of this intimate dinner party seemed very intimidating.

Before she could embarrass herself with her lack of training in etiquette, Ava confidently spoke.

"Karolina, darling! So wonderful you could make it," Ava exclaimed brightly, wrapping Karolina in a warm hug. Karolina returned the embrace, and even kissed her cheek.

"When we received your letter, I told Edvard to cancel all of our other social engagements! And Ava, let me first say how sorry I am--"

"There will be none of that tonight," Ava interrupted tensely. A pleasant smile remained on her face, but her brow was beginning to shake.

Lena could see that Ava was struggling to fight back tears, and was relieved with Karl stepped forward and placed a tender, supportive hand on her shoulder, pulling her a few steps away from their guests.

Before Karolina and Edvard could comment on Ava's behavior, Lena spoke, "Lovely to see you both again! Pleasant journey from the city I trust?" All seemed relieved by the immediate change in topic.

"I was concerned we wouldn't make it! The storm delayed our train by several hours, so unfortunately we won't be able to stay for too long tonight, to give us enough time to go to our hotel in town," Edvard explained. He greeted Lena with a kiss on the top of her hand, before Karolina reached forward and kissed Lena on her cheek.

"Surely it would be more comfortable if you stayed here for the night? Just until the foul weather passes," Lena offered.

There were several moments of tense silence, and Lena wondered if she'd managed to embarrass herself.

But finally, Karolina smiled excitedly.

"How generous of you, Lena! We'd be honored."

******

It was only after nearly forty-five minutes of light hors d'oeuvres and aperitifs that Ava's sister, Valda, and brother-in-law, Jonas, arrived.

And finally, dinner was served.

The chefs of Schloss Wolfenbarger had prepared exquisite dishes utilizing the French techniques Lena was most familiar with. Lena had overseen the menu, sourcing ingredients and supplies from the local farmers and who lived and worked in Wolfenbarger lands, and the kitchen staff had accepted her humble suggestions...in excess. The head chef had gleefully designed so many courses Lena was certain her stomach would eventually burst.

But they were spaced perfectly, offering ample time for socializing and laughter.

And while Lena wasn'tyet happy, she certainly felt something close.

Perhaps she could get used to hosting parties...as long as the guests were friends.

She sat at the head of the formal dining table and watched the stylish couples before her in fascination. The women were beautiful, sharp, and quick-witted; the men strong, powerful, and worldly.

And boyishly in love with their mates.

These were couples of true equality, women challenging their men just as men celebrated their women.

The women were so much more than mothers and wives.

Valda, Ava's sister, sang opera in Belgium, and she dazzled the small party with her angelic voice in a stunning aria before soup was served, with Jonas accompanying her on piano.

It was after the salad plates were collected that Lena learnt that Karolina was a writer, and had already released four celebrated novels under an English male pseudonym.

It was over savory soufflés that Lena learnt that even Ava was an accomplished artist. Despite the abuses she'd experienced in her marriage to Ludovic, she still created, and her celebrated still life and landscape paintings were currently on display in multiple famous galleries across Germany and Austria.

Lena tried to remain social, to participate in the spirited conversations ranging from fine art to politics to gossip and social scandal, but as the hours crawled by, she began feeling profoundly...young. Uncultured.

And even worse...stupid.

As the discourse veered increasingly intense, with moments of spirited, friendly debate, Lena found there was little she could offer for argument or insight. She simply had no frame of knowledge for understanding the topics that were discussed, nor any elite education to fall back on.

Despite the fine clothing and unlimited funds she now had access to, she was, and always would be, a maid.

"You've gone quiet, Lena darling! Is everything all right?" Ava asked as their fruit and cheese plates were removed by the servants.

Jonas laughed, extending his empty glass to a dutiful butler. "Give her some more wine and our new little sister will start to chatting again, no doubt."

Valda gave her husband a playful tap on his reddened cheek. "A wise suggestion, my love, asyou've certainly been talking enough for all of us! Perhaps less wine for you."

Feigning hurt, Jonas offered Valda an indulgent, mischievous smile. "Forgive these rambling lips, darling. But as we're amongst polite company, I find myself unable to occupy my mouth with my...preferred oral exercises..."

The group discussion promptly split in two as Valda and Jonas sectioned off in lustful whispers that Lena couldn't help but feel envious of.

Karl leaned forward then, speaking in a subdued tone only Ava and Lena could hear. "Lena? Are you quite all right? Are you feeling any kind of malaise?"

Lena forced a smile, hoping to adequately conceal the sorrow that only seemed to deepen as the moments passed.

The party was a delight, no doubt about it.

But she couldn't help but think about how much better it would be if Renz were by her side.

"Just tired, is all. I had no idea how much work would be involved in hosting a party," Lena offered weakly.

Karolina chimed in, "And not just party planning. Ava tells us that you've also taken over running this castle in Herr Wolfenbarger's absence?"

Lena blushed, faintly wondering if she were being ridiculed for becoming involved in such unglamorous and unladylike tasks, but the gaze of astonishment from their guests--and the look of pride on Karl and Ava's faces--confirmed she was actually being admired.

Ava squeezed her hand in support, and proudly boasted to their guests, "Lena has proven she was born to be the Lady of a grand estate such as this. In just a few days time, she's managed the staff, has become acquainted with the tenants and farmers of the Wolfenbarger lands, and has even overseen all financials."

Karl added, "I agree wholeheartedly. I've known Herr Wolfenbarger for years...and can confirm that Schloss Wolfenbarger is currently operating more efficiently than it ever has."

"It certainly looks that way. I knew Lena was a sharp one--give her time, and I'm sure she can run the Wolfenbarger Industries as well!" Edvard declared.

Lena bashfully shook her head. "I'm flattered by your praises...but it truly hasn't been that difficult. And, I've been receiving lessons from Herr Wolfenbarger's accountant, Diederich, in matters of finance and estate management. I would be quite lost without his help," she admitted.

Valda laughed. "Lena, you needn't humble yourself. Our household staff consists of only fifteen and I haven't the discipline to accomplish what you have. Just how many servants work the estate grounds of Schloss Wolfenbarger?"

Lena gently cleared her throat. "Schloss Wolfenbarger employs one-hundred and six household servants. All with very specialized, important roles. I've learnt, more than ever, that an estate cannot function without the talent, hard work, and loyalty of its staff. And Schloss Wolfenbarger is quite fortunate to have an abundance in that."

"Spoken like a true, refined Lady. Did you grow up in a manor as large as this? Your accent, it's French, is it not? Which château are you from? I didn't catch your family name..." Jonas asked, words slightly slurring.

Lena's heart raced in brief panic, wondering just how much the evening would sour once her wealthy dinner companions found out she was nothing more than a lowly chambermaid, but before she could respond, Ava suddenly spoke. "Now, dear brother, remember Lena is our gracious hostess and the Lady ofthis castle. We mustn't offend her with our overly bold inquiries," Ava offered sweetly, expertly chastising her brother-in-law with the skillful social elegance clearly sourced from elite training in etiquette.

Jonas blushed, and it wasn't from his hearty consumption of multiple glasses of wine.

He was...embarrassed.

With a somber smile, her turned to Lena, "Forgive me, Fräulein, I didn't mean any offense. It wasn't mere jest when my wife said I talk too much. I was just curious, as it is certainly a rare pleasure to stay the night in Schloss Wolfenbarger..."

Jonas continued apologizing, rambling on and on about howhonored he was to be in her presence, to set foot in the finest German estate secondonly to the Royal Berlin Palace itself, and before Lena realized what was happening, she was giggling uncontrollably.

"Jonas...please. None of this is necessary. I am not royalty. I am no Lady. In fact...I'm a maid," Lena admitted between shakes of laughter.

She heard several gasps around the table, whichshould have made her feel humiliated and lowly, but to her surprise, Lena found that she could only laugh harder.