Repairing Broken Relationships

It was at that point in time when first Otto returned home from his work followed half an hour later by Hans who marvelling at the silence in his home sped next door to find out what was happening. Both men were shocked at the transformation of the Krause backyard, but Otto was brimming with happiness at his son’s return and apologized time and again for the event that had driven his son from home. That evening the Krause family joined the Hoffmans to eat at their home while they discussed an appropriate time for Ben and Clara’s marriage and were happy to hear of Ben’s good fortune and plan to set up business in the city.

With Ben now returned and living in the new premises with his Indian partners Clara would walk straight from her work to the new premises she’d eventually occupy with Ben to view progress and give her input on what she’d like to have done to the upstairs living quarters which were quite spacious. Helga had now adopted Clara as her new sister and hovered around while Clara bustled around giving instructions. Then before it got dark Ben would accompany her to her home. The wedding was one month away.

Ben had made friends with the Moravian community who operated a settlement around Hope during his logging years and been heavily influenced by them, so he suggested using one of their religious leaders to perform the ceremony. Clara agreed. At first Hans Hoffmann was against using the Moravian pastor as they were technically Lutheran. It was not an issue for the Krause family but Joseph Schwarz neighbour from the other side of the Hoffman home was appalled. This was a great sin to him, so he remonstrated with Ben and even threatened to cut off the relationship between his daughter and Leo Krause over this religious issue Josef felt strongly about. Ben reasoned with him pointing out that while they may have different labels, they were all part of the Christian family. Josef finally calmed down but resolved to bring Leo under his closer supervision in the Lutheran Church before marriage to his daughter eventually.

Gisela had at first resented the fact Clara was now more interested in being with Ben in all her leisure time than being with her closest friend. Then she began to feel a sense of envy she didn’t currently have prospects of a man of her own and resulting family. One of the younger members of the English Gifford family now exclusively into shipping but having their home base as Vancouver still whose name was Charles had been trying his luck with her since their school days, but Gisela had not responded to his overtures. Charles was three years older to her, and he was English. Gisela was conscious of her German heritage and proud of it. How could they be compatible? But Charles had not given up and kept showering her with invitations to go yachting with him so Gisela in her loneliness began to thaw in her feelings toward him. Finally, one day as Charles loitered outside her workplace seeking to catch her eye she smiled at him, and he happily made his move. This time she did not refuse his company, and he proudly walked her down Frazer Street to her home. The Hoffmann and Krause children paused to watch the spectacle with interest and the Schwarz children busy with their assigned chores peeped through their window. A stranger was in their German territory, and he needed to be inspected and approved.

Gisela marched the young Charles Gifford up to the front door of her home and requested permission for Charles to sit and talk for a while. Mia was startled. This was not the way things were done in the German community, and she wondered how her husband Otto would deal with this. She paused from her evening preparations and sat for a while examining this young man. Gisela had introduced him as one of the shipping company Gifford family mentioning that Uncle Hans had bought their warehouse and had an enjoyable relationship with them, so it was a good family, but they were not German.

Mia offered Charles some of her German treats prepared as a snack for the children and he gratefully accepted talking animatedly with Mia. Slowly her prejudices broke down, and she began to warm to this respectful young man. Gisela watched her mother’s reactions carefully. Having satisfied herself that this was a respectable young man Mia returned to the kitchen and beckoned to the Hoffmann children in the backyard to come in and share those treats in the sitting room where Gisela and Charles were talking. Her daughter needed to be chaperoned. Not needing a second invitation to sample Mia’s treats they entered and took their seats in the living room staring at the stranger in their midst while they ate.

Eventually Otto returned from his work and paused surprised to find a young man stranger in his sitting room with his daughter and the Hoffmann children. The Hoffmann children returned to their home. Gisela introduced Charles and Otto sat to study and quiz the young man. He was not pleased with the way his daughter had bought this young man into their home without prior consultation but held his peace remembering his overreaction to his son Ben’s declaration of love for Clara. Then to Gisela’s surprise Otto invited Charles to join them for supper, but Charles respectfully declined explaining he had the night shift to care for down at the wharf for his family but would be grateful if the offer were to be extended again when he could plan for it. Otto nodded appreciatively and saw Charles to the door watching as he walked up Frazer Street in the direction of the wharves. He would need to talk with Gisela after supper but would be more careful this time.

That evening Otto and his daughter had a long talk and Gisela made it plain she intended to see this young man again. She’d known him from school days, and Charles had tried time and again to get her attention, but she’d decided at that time he as an Englishman would not fit in with the culture she loved. But he’d not given up and now Gisela had decided to test him by allowing him to visit with her to see if they could be compatible as she did like him and should she decide to marry him she’d be living in secure circumstances as the Giffords were rich. She’d also need to test whether she’d like being with his parents and siblings and whether they’d accept her before she made her decision. Otto nodded at his daughter’s mature way of thinking and decided to let this liaison run its course without his intervention.

Leo had been living in the logging fields for a year and a half now. He’d been taken there by his brother Ben and the Indian using the English name Peter in Vancouver and it had been a surprise to hear Peter being addressed by his Indian name when they reached the logging camp. Ben had arranged with the logging company for his brother to work there and Leo occupied the log cabin Ben had built and still owned. Peter used the cabin whenever he paused at the logging camp before going further to Indian camps to trade. Ben’s business in partnership with his Indian friend had prospered from the beginning and Audrey’s leather garments were in high demand. Claire his wife now was learning the trade from Audrey, and they were firm friends.

But after settling in there to make money for a long period in preparation for his marriage to Leni his intended wife suddenly cut off their communications. Leo was anxious and inquired from Peter on his next visit from Vancouver if he could find out if Leni was sick. A month later he learned the reason for breakdown in communications. A family in the Lutheran church the Schwarz family attended approached Josef with a marriage proposal for his daughter Leni. Josef was surprised as he had an understanding with the Krause family he was considering Leo as a prospective son in law. But on reflection the Krause family had not been regular attendees at church though Leo had been faithful in attending with the Schwarz family each Sunday since declaring his interest in Leni. The Good Book admonished not to be linked together with unbelievers, and he was risking his daughter’s spiritual welfare linking with that family Josef reasoned.

 So, Josef quickly agreed and forced his protesting and defiant daughter to the church where a marriage was hastily conducted, and Leni found herself in an even stricter home where her every move was scrutinized to see she did not stray. Leni was desperately unhappy but powerless to resist and soon found herself expecting a child. There was no going back now. She was in a loveless marriage but would pour her love into the child to be born. Her sister Wylda was horrified and wondered what was in store for her and her eldest brother Elijah who worked in his father’s construction industry realized his prospects of good relations with the neighbour young adults could be impacted as the Krause and Hoffmann families were inseparable. But Emma Hoffman was a distant relative, so he found opportunity to secretly communicate to Emma his mother and sisters were devastated by what their father had done and not to hold it against them.

Elijah found a way to visit Ben in his workshop one day and poured out his heart. He no longer wanted to work for his father and would seek his independence, but he needed money. Would Ben be prepared to spirit him to the logging fields to personally apologize to Leo Krause and seek employment there himself to build his own fortune so he could eventually set up a business of his own. He urged Ben to keep this a secret. Ben had been incensed at his brother’s treatment by Josef Schwarz but decided to help Elijah. He informed Elijah his Indian partner Peter would be leaving for the logging camps to proceed further into the hinterland and trade with the Indians so Elijah should come to his workshop on the day of departure and bring warm clothing with him. He would send a letter to his brother Leo to explain things and ensure there was no reaction against Elijah because of his father’s actions. The journey would be arduous so he should be prepared for the difficulties in his mind.

On the appointed day Elijah appeared at the workshop just prior to the beginning of the journey inland but to Ben’s surprise he was accompanied by his sister Wylda. Ben shook his head.

“Wylda we can’t take you with us. It’s a tough journey for a man but for a European woman it would be too hard to bear.”

Wylda stood her ground indicating nothing could be worse than the future her sister had to face and after arguing with raised voices for some time Audrey intervened.

“I’ll send Helga with her to get her settled and Helga can return on Peter’s next journey. Clara is quite proficient in making leather garments with me now so we can hold the fort until my daughter’s return.”

Ben was not happy with the arrangement, but he shrugged and returned to talk with Peter about the supplies needed on Peter and his sons return journey. That evening Josef challenged Ben as he was at the docks arranging shipments. He’d been looking for his son all day and people at the docks mentioned they’d seen him at Ben’s workshop. At that time Josef did not know his daughter Wylda was also missing. Ben confirmed Elijah had visited his workshop but did not see him after that. That evening an alarmed Josef inquired everywhere for his son and daughter after not finding her at home when he returned. Then he returned to the town to inform those in charge of public order his children were missing. Next day a search began. Sophia had not been confided in by her children now missing but felt sure they were together, and she understood why they’d left.

Charles and Gisela were now married and Gisela expecting her first child. She’d heard of Leni Schwarz marriage plight and tried to make contact but was denied that privilege.

Elk Hoffmann was now engaged to her Englishman Dan Fuller and looking forward to marriage. The rest of the Hoffman siblings were working for Hoffmann and Co. Paul the eldest would naturally be the one in line to inherit the business but his father observing his children at work noted their strengths and weaknesses. Paul was not by nature an administrator, but his second son Noah was a gifted organizer and so was Henry. Anna preferred to quietly work with finances and was an expert at handling the financial records by this time. Hans knew his daughter would someday get married and this would be a great loss to the business but for her sake he had to encourage her to find someone to share her life with so she could enjoy a family. But Anna resisted her father’s urgings. She found fulfilment in working with finances.

Hans sat with his eldest son and laid the facts before him. He did not have a natural aptitude for overall administration like his father, but he loved keeping stock records and handling the in and out movements of their trading stock. Noah was the natural one to take over the overall running of the business as he was excellent at planning for the future and striking favourable deals for the family. Henry was a natural at drumming up sales and loved travel associated with that. So, he suggested to Paul this was the natural solution to their future and Paul who was phlegmatic by nature was quite agreeable. He agreed his brother Noah should be the one to guide the company after their father retired and his other siblings to be confirmed in the roles suggested by Hans. Hans asked Paul to call a meeting that evening and communicate this to his peers. He did that and all were satisfied with their assigned roles.  Hans asked Noah to come up with a plan for distributing a share to each from the profits which their father had formerly held so they could be independent as they established families of their own in future.

Three years had passed since Leo had departed for the logging fields and there’d been occasional correspondence from him. Elijah Schwarz and his sister Wylda had been there almost two years now and although their parents who now knew where they were had alternatively threatened then begged them to return to Vancouver their correspondence had been ignored. Josef had to employ strangers now to help in his construction business, but his heart was no longer in it. He felt he’d done what a father should have done to bring up his children and was ashamed of the path they’d chosen. He could see his daughter Leni was desperately unhappy in the marriage he arranged and blamed that on the bad influence of the Krause and Hoffmann families. Sophia went about her duties heartbroken at the loss of her children and this was affecting her health.

Then one evening two large, covered wagons appeared in front of the Krause home. Leo Krouse had returned home and to the surprise of all he was accompanied by Wylda who was carrying twins. The two had grown to love each other in the logging camps. They’d been secretly married by a Moravian pastor and had been living together for the past year. Leo went inside and visited with his parents who joyously asked them to stay with them. Leo then pointed to the second wagon.

“Elijah Schwarz and his wife are outside in that other wagon. Elijah does not feel he could go to his father’s home and was going to stay down by the docks, but I urged him to stay while I inquired about accommodation either here or at the Hoffmann’s. Otto rushed next door to inquire if the Hoffmann’s could assist them and they sped over to visit with the returned young adults. Hans spoke.

“Which family do you want us to take Otto? We need to have a grand celebration at this welcome return. You said Elijah was married? Which family did he marry into?”

“Elijah married the daughter of the Moravian Pastor who married Leo and Wylda. They decided to return to Vancouver and open a business here and raise their intended family.”

The two families sped out to the street to welcome the newly married family and directed the wagons into the back yard of the large Hoffman backyard where there was more space. Emma and Mia took over the two young married women and fussed over the twins intermittently as they cooked together to feed their expanded family. Tomorrow they’d inform the rest of their families so they in turn could welcome the returnees.

Emma who was of the Schwarz heritage requested permission to inform Sophia who was doing poorly health wise after her husband Josef had departed for work. Perhaps this would improve Sophia’s health knowing her children had returned. Elijah and Wylda made it plain their father should not be informed but agreed to their mother learning of their return. Next day while the travellers slept in Emma sped over to visit with Sophia after Josef had gone to work and delivered news of her children’s return. Sophia wept uncontrollably. Emma stayed with her comforting her for a long time then gently took her to see her children and new grandchildren. Again, Sophia wept and her children seeing her poor health rushed over to hug their mother crying with her in sympathy.

Later that morning Elijah visited the bank and then the Hoffmann warehouse looking for tips on property that may be available in Vancouver with sufficient for him to set up a carpentry workshop where he could make furniture for sale. At least his father in construction had taught him skills that could be used to support his family. The Hoffman’s had greatly expanded their stock for sale from household items to the mining and construction industries and had developed a large turnover of stock to serve an expanding city. It was while Elijah was at the counter talking with Henry Josef arrived to purchase supplies for his own business. At first, he didn’t recognize this tall and muscular man with full beard and long hair but there was something about him that required a second look. He moved closer and noted Henry was quite familiar with this young adult. Then Elijah turned as he talked with Henry and saw his father. A look of anger swept over him, and he abruptly turned and walked out of the salesroom to the surprise of Henry who turned to see what had caused Elijah to abruptly depart. It was Josef looking confused. Josef shook his head and headed for the counter to place his order. Henry indicated to one of the staff he could follow to take Josef’s order then ran out to the street to catch up with his angry friend. He placed his hand on Elijah’s shoulder and Elijah spun around ready to fight thinking it was his father.

“Elijah eventually you’re going to have to face your father, and I know you are quite different to him. Your mother has suffered greatly so you need to see her as soon as possible as her health is detreating since you and Wilda left.”

Elijah relaxed.

“Wylda and I have talked with mother this morning Henry so we will look after her. But it’s going to take time for me to forgive dad for what he’s done to our whole family.”

Henry patted his childhood friend on the shoulder and spoke.

“Elijah, you stay here and wait for me. I want to spend the whole morning helping you search for the things you need but must run back to the shop and inform someone to take over my appointments.”

He was soon back, and both headed for real estate brokers who may have properties in Vancouver to fill Elijah’s needs. The real estate broker relied on the Hoffmann’s in many ways so was very obliging and they sped off in the broker’s carriage to inspect several properties around the city for sale. Eventually a suitable property was found mid-afternoon, and they argued the price for a while eventually coming to a settlement price. Then they returned to the brokers office to sign documents and make payment. Henry was amazed at the wads of currency Elijah had hidden in the garments he wore and could see some business opportunities for the Hoffmann’s when Elijah returned to their company to purchase. Then they ate together in one of the developing cafes Vancouver was producing as it grew.

Josef relied on the Hoffmann’s for his construction supplies so did not confront them on learning that not only his son, but daughter had returned from the logging fields married. So, he went to tackle Otto who gave him a quick exit from the home. Josef protested that the Krause family were responsible for his family dysfunction and Otto plainly told him it was his unreasonable parental actions that had alienated his family and destroyed his wife in the process, so he’d better have a change of attitude to repair the family breach.

Josef returned home devastated and sat in the living room alone to rethink. Had he been unreasonable as a father? Had he caused this rift in the family? He went to consult with the Lutheran pastor who after careful thought told Josef that despite the Pastor thinking he’d been an exemplary role model he needed to make peace with his children for the sake of Sophia’s health. How would he survive in retirement without his children’s support? So, Josef paid a visit to Emma Hoffmann. She was a distant relative in their extended family, and he needed her help in making peace with his whole family. He was miserable and knew he had to act.

Emma did not rebuke him as she could see he was just as confused and miserable as the rest of his family. She suggested Sophia could be feeling isolated and this would be contributing to her declining health and asked Josef’s permission to spend more time supporting her and inviting her to their functions. Josef nodded miserably. He was genuinely sorry to see Sophia in this condition. She was all he had left and who would he have in retirement if all else forsook him? But he wanted a rapprochement with his children too.

Leni had not spoken to him at their Sunday church service and barely spoke to anyone pretending piety with her downcast eyes. He could see his son in law treated Leni badly and the family were unsatisfied with their daughter in law so blamed Josef for thrusting Leni on them. He was beginning to see why Wylda disappeared with her brother long ago. She would have been frightened of a future like her sister’s and obviously didn’t trust her father’s judgement to protect her future happiness. His son had chafed at the authoritarian treatment he received at home and at the workshop as he reached adulthood and Josef could see now his parenting was a contributing cause of the separation. He could understand now why Otto was so unfriendly after encouraging Leo’s pursuit of Leni then closing that hope down without any warning. He’d followed his son’s progress since returning from the logging fields and was proud he’d started what could be a successful furniture constructing business with the aid of the Hoffmann’s. He must seek forgiveness, or his health would also break down.

A week later he entered Elijah’s workplace uncertainly with a prepared speech in mind. But Elijah was not there. He had some young people in training there and he recognized a couple of his former workers among them teaching the recruits. An attractive young woman sat at the reception area managing potential customers though much of their production went to the Hoffman show rooms. This young woman approached Josef as he entered uncertainly.

“Welcome my name is Marina Schwarz are you interested in ordering some of our furniture for your home sir? My husband is not here now, but I could get one of our workers to see what kind of furnishings you need. We make to order.”

Josef gazed at the young woman mesmerized. She was beautiful so his son did have excellent taste, and he could see she was well bred. He’d always been suspicious of Moravians but now reflected there was nothing strange about them as some of his church members had reported.

“I was hoping to see Elijah but will call back later. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance Marina.”

Marina suddenly had an impression this was not some ordinary stranger to her. There was an uncanny likeness in his features to her husbands though this grey-haired man could not be related surely. It was off limits to talk about his father in their home, but she wondered what kind of person Elijah’s father was. She was not even aware of where Elijah had come from to the goldfields or his sister Wilda married to Elijah’s friend Leo. She was thinking these thoughts as Elijah made a sudden appearance at the door. She turned to Josef.

“Elijah has returned so you are in luck sir.”

Elijah froze when he saw his father talking to his wife. Then he spoke roughly to the surprise of Marina.

“What are you doing here dad. It’s better we don’t have any contact as you’ve destroyed this family, and I don’t want you poisoning my wife or future family with your parenting attitudes. Look at poor Leni. My heart breaks to see how she’s treated in that family please leave.”

Marina immediately understood this needed to have her intervention. The Moravians believed in turn the other cheek and forgiveness. Her husband was learning but this was a regression on his part, and he too needed a change of heart. She rushed forward and grasped her husband’s hand addressing Josef.

“Father-in-law it is good to meet you at last. You’ve given me a wonderful caring husband who everyone loves and particularly me. I’m so fortunate to have found him. And now I think we all need to talk.”

She pulled her husband up the stairs indicating Josef should follow then sat them down.

“Now talk this through sensibly Elijah while I prepare some refreshments. I’ll be listening to what my wonderful husband has to say to his father who I didn’t know existed here until this day. I want to make us an extended family husband.”

Elijah looked at his beautiful Moravian wife and she smiled winningly. He always melted when she gave him that look. Then he sighed and looked at his father wondering what to say.

Josef’s confession came out in a torrent, and he acknowledged all the hurt he’d caused his family. He begged forgiveness and went down on his knees in front of his son. Something an adult German could never contemplate. Marina sped over anxiously and helped Josef up and he sank back into the chair whimpering miserably. Elijah watched the performance with mouth open in surprise. His father was genuinely sorry. Marina looked at her husband winningly again and spoke.

“Elijah its time to put all this pain behind you as a family. Say you accept your father’s genuine apology please.”

Elijah sighed. He’d do anything to gain his wife’s respect as he was in awe of her beauty and tender compassion for everyone.

“I’m glad you came dad. I’ll talk with Leo and Wylda to see if we can get together as a family again. Wylda is very upset as you can imagine particularly after seeing the condition mom is in.”

Marina served the refreshments which they consumed in silence then turned to her husband asking him to remain in the apartment while she saw her father-in-law out again. She gave Josef a hug as she ushered him to the door then returned to the apartment to talk with her husband. It took a while after that but eventually Elijah and his sister felt comfortable in visiting with their parents again and it was plain to see Josef was now a changed man and Sophia was improving in health.

To be continued

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