A Square of Apples: The Journey of Daniel Fischer

© 2011 Jan Tucker Mulligan. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 09/14/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4670-2827-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4670-2826-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4670-2825-7 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number : 2011916129

Printed in the United States of America

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

1

Family

2

Plans

3

Asking

4

Brothers

5

Conflict

6

Speculation

7

Farewell

8

Flight

9

Visit

10

Letters

11

Mission

12

Grief

13

Strategy

14

Execution

15

Scheme

16

Homecoming

17

Secrets

18

Acquiescence

19

Journey

20

Scam

21

Revenge

22

Friends

23

Not Lizzie

24

Pursuit

25

Place

26

Allies

27

Insanity

28

Lessons

29

Revelation

30

Compromise

31

Discovery

32

Confrontation

33

Proposition

34

Contradiction

35

Courtship

36

Prey

37

Rescue

38

Summons

39

Conviction

40

Decision

41

Tradition

42

Jacob

43

Status

44

Resolution

45

Gift

46

Beginning

AUTHOR’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My thanks to the following individuals, without whose help this novel would not have happened:

My family: Brian, Brendan, Daniel and Fiona, for their love and support.

Dr. Bridgford and Dr. Duval at West Chester University, for their inspiration and patience, and my fellow students in the 2011 Novel Workshop, Summer Session II, for their feedback.

Barb Foster, Jane Resides and Cathie Voorhees, for their generous editing.

The West Chester University Fiction Society, for their enthusiasm and good will.

The Herman Family.

Logan, my nephew, who named the horses.

By the same author:

Smuggler’s Legacy: A Breton Sailor’s Adventure

DEDICATION

To the ancestor who inspired this fiction, Daniel Stritzinger, a Bavarian veteran who, in 1865, sailed to America to help his widowed sister-in-law.

GLOSSARY

U.S./Bavarian Timeline 1863—1871

1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation.

1864: In Bavaria, King Maximilian II dies and his 18-year old son, Ludwig II, is crowned. Ludwig’s expensive tastes and political disinterest will eventually ruin Bavaria’s treasury and allow Bavaria to fall prey to the influences of Prussia and France.

1865: In America the Civil War ends. President Lincoln is assassinated. Attempts continue between America and Britain toward the establishment of a transatlantic telegraph cable.

1866: Austro-Prussian War, or The Seven-Weeks’ War: The Kingdom of Bavaria joins with the Austro-Hungarian Empire against the Kingdom of Prussia to prevent Prussia’s encroachment into Southern German territory.

After ten years of effort, a transatlantic cable is successfully connected between the southwestern coast of Ireland and the eastern coast of Newfoundland. The initial price of a message to England is available only to the very wealthy—$1 per letter—paid in gold, at a time when the monthly wage of a laborer might be only $20.

1868: In Bavaria, King Ludwig II begins construction of the first of his Cinderella-style castles.

1870: Franco-Prussian War: Bavaria is forced to join with Prussia against France to preserve mutual German territory.

1871: Treaty of Frankfurt ends the Franco-Prussian war. The Kingdom of Bavaria becomes part of the German Empire but retains its own military, railway and postal systems.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

The difference between hay and straw is this: Hay is to be eaten; it is cut from grass, clover or alfalfa. Straw is cut from the hollow stalks of grain after threshing, and used for weaving or mulch or bedding for livestock.

Just in case anyone was wondering.

1

Family

April 23, 1863. Breakfast! Sofia Fischer called. She stood in the farmhouse doorway and reached to clang the iron triangle. For two hundred years it had hung from the porch eaves and summoned members of her family to meals, as well as to hear news, good or bad. According to family legend, the first Fischer, Christoph Jacob, had walked all the way from the town of Berlin in the Kingdom of Prussia, seeking both religious freedom and fertile pastureland. He’d had dreams of an orchard and carried nothing but a burlap sack, bulging with seed packets and swaddled apple saplings. He stopped in this southern part of Bavaria and the rolling Alpine foothills, a week’s travel by horse from the Austrian border.

Now, two centuries later, through a series of strategic purchases and backbreaking work, the Fischer property blanketed several hundred acres, three miles down the farm road from the thriving town of Miesbach. Along with the Fischer acreage had also grown the Fischer reputation for fair business dealings and high-quality produce.

Sofia, an ample woman with silvering chestnut hair, set out her family’s breakfast. Anna, her pregnant daughter-in-law, helped. Through the open window a breeze carried the buzz of honeybees and the sweet scent of apple blossoms, at first pink, now turning white. The women stopped to inhale their delicacy.

Anna, dear, mark my words; we’ll have petal drop this week, buds by the full moon. They set more platters of steaming, tasty food on the table and Sofia called, Come, family; wash your hands.

Lukas Fischer, her husband of twenty-five years, paused in the doorway. Children, your mother is a wonder; the gazette predicts the drop will not hit ’til the week after next.

They’ll be wrong, Ursula stated. Ursula was 15. Sofia patted her daughter’s cheek and blushed at her husband’s compliment. "You’re blocking the door, Papa, and your coffee’s getting cold."

Lukas washed his face and hands at the pump and teased, "Smells good, Mama." Soon Carl joined him. Carl was 24, the eldest son, firstborn and heir apparent to the Fischer orchards. He was well-respected for the humble way in which he wore his privilege; during his mandatory year of military service he had not paid a replacement, he had served as a lowly enlisted man, and now worked just as hard as seasonal workers hired from town.

Sofia stood at the foot of the stairs that led to the second floor. Jacob! Daniel! Breakfast!

Ursula quipped, You’ll have to shout louder than that, Mama; Daniel slept in the greenhouse again. Sofia rang the triangle a few more clangs.

Soon everyone was seated at the scrubbed plank table; Lukas at the head and Sofia at the foot. She gave the blessing as they bowed their heads over the hearty breakfast. Lukas scanned his family and gave private thanks: Carl and Anna, their daughters, Hettie, 5 and Marta, 2. Two more sons, Jacob, 21; Daniel, 17; three daughters who’d eventually marry fine sons-in-law: Ursula, 15, Teresa, 12, and Katarina, 9. Lukas let his gaze settle briefly, gently on Anna. A man could not have asked for a better daughter-in-law. Gott willing, this third child, due in early August. She and Sofie had predicted a boy—and Sofie was never wrong. Lukas looked down the table at his wife and met her gaze. He winked at her and shoved aside her gentle but cautionary words from last night: Ach, you should not tempt Gott with too much bragging, Lukas, for He is not a fool; we may dwell in the palm of His hand, but be thankful for our blessings, for they never come without a price.

Amen, Lukas whispered as breakfast began. They passed the platters and bowls laden with slices of smoked ham and brown sugar glaze, fried eggs, fragrant pumpernickel bread, sweet butter and rosehip jam, herbed potatoes and string beans fresh from the garden. Along with the food, conversation swirled around the table: In America, the War Between the States still raged. At home, they had a new king, Ludwig II, already rumored to be more interested in architecture and music than actual governing. The Fischers were overjoyed that their second son, Jacob, had just been accepted into the Watchmaker’s Guild. However their happiness was dimmed by Jacob’s repeated talk of having his own shop in America; they knew that a country at war with itself was not a safe place. Locally, taxes were again on the rise and, as usual, there was trouble to the north from the Kingdom of Prussia and to the south from the Austrian Empire. Both wanted ownership of Bavaria and history had proved that both were willing to go to war over it.

Lukas and Carl finished, kissed their wives and began to load their wagon with equipment for the morning’s work in the cider orchard. The Fischer orchards were organized by purpose of the fruits they grew; the cider orchard was so called because the varieties of apples that grew there, when pressed, produced the best-tasting cider.

Jacob tossed aside his napkin and headed for the door. I’ll be late tonight, Mama.

Jacob, your lunch! Sofia stood in the doorway and handed him a pail. Give Frau Chormann our best wishes. She winked at him and turned back to the door. And that sweet Lizzie.

Jacob stopped and looked at her. What have you heard?

What do you mean, dear?

Jacob’s frown eased. Nothing, I suppose.

Sofia checked the flowers that cascaded from baskets hanging from the eaves and pinched a few brown leaves. She plucked a single red blossom and strolled toward Jacob and continued in a sly tone, But now that you mention it, we’ve not had a wedding in five years, and you’ve worked for her family for ten. And Lizzie has blossomed into a lovely young lady, inside and out. She handed Jacob the flower. Jacob scowled.

From his lone seat at the table, Daniel muttered, Lizzie is mine; she just doesn’t know it yet.

Sofia turned and called, Daniel, did you say something?

He stood and bit into a slice of hearty pumpernickel. Nothing, he mumbled. He drained his mug of cider and approached his mother and Jacob as they continued their conversation in the yard.

Jacob shook his head. Mama, this is 1863; I’ll make my own choice of wife. Just like Carl.

Sofia scoffed. You and Lizzie are a good match. If you’re not careful someone else will notice her and sweep her away.

Daniel muttered, I noticed.

Sofia turned. Daniel, dear, stop swallowing your words along with your bread. If you have something to say, then out with it.

He replied with a lift of one shoulder, I think Jacob should look for someone his own age.

Jacob retorted, I don’t need courting advice from a boy. To Sofia he said, Mama, what would you have me do? Call on Frau Gibbel?

Sofia countered in indignation, No son of mine needs a matchmaker. I’m just asking you to think about it; how many times did Lizzie’s father—rest his soul—say he thought of you as the son he never had, and how happy he’d be if you married his last single daughter and inherited his shop?

Mama, I love you, but who I court and marry, and where I work, is my own business. How many times have I said it? I want America, not that rat trap in town.

Mind your tongue, young man. That ‘rat trap,’ as you call it, was good enough to give you training in a good trade. Chormann’s might be small and in need of repair, but Johann Chormann took a chance on you—a twelve year-old farm boy—when none of the other watchmakers would; and now you’re a guildsman. She sighed. I remember that place when Chormann was alive; a young man like you could bring it back to its old shine. And I’ll hear no more of this ‘America’ talk. They’re at war with themselves. Sofia blessed herself.

Mama, the newspapers exaggerate everything. They do it to sell more papers. And as for Chormann’s, the whole building needs work—

So? You can swing a hammer.

"—And the customers are old. I want something new; both in storefront and clientele."

But how many times has Frau Chormann told me about offers made by other watchmakers?

To tear it down, you mean, Jacob snickered, And build something modern.

From his seat on the wagon, Carl commented, Keep dreaming, Jacob. That is what you’re good at. Dreams and watches.

Jacob retorted, You don’t understand; I’m not being disloyal. I have always wanted America and Herr Chormann knew it. And their war will not last forever. Everyone says so.

Everyone? Lukas flicked the reins. I’d rather hear it from the mouth of a man who has actually been there first. Basil, their largest workhorse, whinnied and drew the wagon toward the gate. Of the three Fischer draft horses, Basil loved apples the most, and he seemed to sense where he was headed. Lukas said, And, Jacob, if all our young men thought like you, who’d be left to run the kingdom?

Daniel, who was now walking toward the greenhouse, called back, Don’t worry, Papa; I’m here to stay.

Lukas smiled. Danke, my boy; with you helping Carl and expanding those hybrids of yours, I know this land is in good hands.

Jacob threw a jibe: Don’t worry, Daniel; I’ll bring you back a nice girl from town; one of my extras. Daniel flushed and ducked his head.

The Fischer family separated toward their daily chores and after Lukas tossed an admonishment to his middle son he called to Daniel, Don’t mind Jacob; you focus on building your future. There’s plenty of time to find the right girl. I waited, and look how well that turned out.

Daniel whispered, I’ve already found her.

Lukas cupped his ear. What?

Nothing, Daniel replied.

Lukas blew Sofia a kiss. We’ll be in the cider orchard.

Sofia smiled. I know; back at midday?

Lukas winked at her. If you’re lucky.

Sofia made a face and waved goodbye. She disappeared into the kitchen but after only a moment stuck her head out the window. Daniel, come back here! You left your string beans!

Mama, I’m a man; I don’t have to eat them any more.

You are not 18 yet.

But I’m already the tallest! Everyone chuckled at the longstanding joke about Daniel’s dislike of that vegetable.

Jacob headed for the road. Don’t mind me, little brother; I’ve got to work late, but I’ll help you prune your hybrids when I get home. Daniel waved, in forgiveness of the jibe as much as his acceptance of Jacob’s offer.

2

Plans

Noon, Miesbach. In the large supply closet in the back of Chormann’s Watch Repair, Rates Reasonable, Jacob and Lizzie clasped each other in a passionate embrace. The front door bell rang and they sprang apart.

Lizzie tucked herself back into her bodice and buttoned her collar. Ach, Jacob, hurry! Before they come looking for you! Oh—! She held up her long, thick braid. You ruined my hair!

Jacob smoothed his moustache, fixed his tie and tugged on her braid. All for a good cause. As Lizzie blushed he continued, "Now that I’m a guildsman, the customers can wait for me."

She helped him on with his jacket and fretted, Nothing is more important than customers. Especially now that business has fallen off.

That is where you’re wrong. He kissed her lightly. Tonight I’m asking your mother.

Oh, Jacob! Truly? She clutched her hands and her eyes sparkled.

He nodded. After closing. She’s sure to agree; now that I have guild status, I’m one of the most eligible bachelors in town.

Lizzie picked a long blonde hair from his shoulder. Mama was right.

How so?

She told me that you were the better brother.

Jacob’s eyes narrowed. Oh?

Lizzie brushed a speck of lint from his lapel, oblivious to his change of mood. Ya; it’s silly now, but months ago I thought Daniel might be the right boy for me.

He never mentioned it.

Of course; I never told him. Besides, now I’m with you. She patted his shoulder. Mama said women have to be practical and that if I looked carefully I’d see that you were the better catch. She giggled. And I did, and you are!

The bell rang again. Jacob squeezed her hand. Stay here. I’ll be right back. He left to help a customer and a few minutes later, returned to the supply room and Lizzie. After he kissed her, he asked, So, Liebling, what else did Mama say?

Lizzie rested her head on Jacob’s chest. Nothing. Just that as far as you Fischer boys are concerned, you’d all make good husbands, but that Daniel needs another five or six years to establish his own business and if I wait for him, I’ll be 22 and practically an old maid. Besides, I’m already in love with you. She smiled up at him. And you’re in love with me. Jacob? Jacob!

He blinked. Of course. And Daniel needs at least five more years to build his little tree business.

Lizzie’s eyes gleamed I’m getting married! She blinked. I have an idea! What if we eloped? How romantic!

"But what would everyone say? Besides; people bring gifts to weddings."

She pouted. You’re right, I suppose, but I’d follow you anywhere, Jacob, with or without Mama’s blessing. We could be poor and live in a windowless attic with no stove, and still I’d be happy.

I’m glad to hear it, but such extremes won’t be necessary. Five months ago I applied to all the watchmaker positions in the American newspapers.

The ones on that wall at the post office? He nodded and at her look of alarm, he explained, Don’t worry, the largest cities only; I have no wish to be a pioneer.

And?

He tapped her nose lightly. And after you finish sewing your wedding outfit—

I’ll wear Mama’s. Just like Lena and Thea did.

Oh. Well, you should begin sewing your traveling outfit; you’re looking at the newest junior assistant at the Philadelphia Watchmaking Company. The owner is not from Miesbach, but he is Bavarian—and Swiss-trained—and recognizes my credentials. And he’s modern, Lizzie; he has already ordered a mechanized mainspring press and—

Philadelphia? Her lower lip jutted out. But what about the war?

From what I’ve heard, we needn’t be concerned. Most of the battles are in their South; the Confederacy, they call it.

But you said you wanted New York City. And I want to be close to Lena and Thea.

The bell rang again. Jacob called out, Ein moment, bitte. He whispered, Liebling, don’t complain. It’s America; with their mail routes, you can write letters weekly. And your sisters will be only a few hours away by train. Philadelphia is a good start; over a half-million people and I have the promise of a raise after my first year, if he likes my work.

Which he will, because you’re the finest watchmaker in all Miesbach, soon in Philadelphia!

Jacob smiled. "And speaking of Miesbach and our wedding, we’ll invite everyone. Once people hear that we’re emigrating, instead of linens or such they’ll give us cash. Combined with all I’ve saved, I can put my signature on the deed to a boarding house right away, and it won’t be one of those old ones. Something modern. He gave Lizzie a hug. Think of it, Lizzie; one of the fastest growing sections of the city. And boarding houses are the business of the future; by the time we have established ourselves, the war will be over and Union veterans will need places to stay while they re-establish themselves. According to the papers, some proprietors actually turn a profit within their first year."

The bell rang again, louder. A voice called, Herr Fischer? Yoo-hoo! Is anyone here?

Lizzie gaped. Mein Gott; it’s Frau Lieber. If she sees me here, our secret is ruined!

Jacob parted the curtain that enclosed their workroom. A moment, Meine Frau. He turned back to Lizzie. Take the back door; I’ll keep her distracted. See you tonight. And remember; not a word to anyone.

Not even Louisa? She’s my best friend.

Jacob rolled his eyes. Don’t be a child; her mother and mine are like sisters. I don’t want my family to find out through the gossips; it would break Mama’s heart. She’s so provincial sometimes; she’ll want to think this whole thing was her idea.

Lizzie blinked twice. One last thing, Jacob. About my traveling dress? She giggled. It’s already finished; the blouse and apron are embroidered and the skirt is blue, to match my eyes. He kissed her and closed the curtain behind him.

3

Asking

At five o’clock that evening, Jacob closed up shop and in the parlor of the Chormann home he asked Frau Chormann for Lizzie’s hand in marriage. Lizzie clung to Jacob’s arm and begged Mama to give her blessing. Oh, Mama, it happened just like you said; the more I thought about it, the more I loved Jacob. Jacob glanced at her in surprise and Lizzie squeezed his arm.

Clara Chormann gazed at them through her spectacles, at the excitement shining from their eyes. I suppose I’m not all that surprised, you two, although I still can’t fathom how you kept your courtship secret. She kissed Lizzie and hugged Jacob. Right under my very nose. Ach, welcome to the family, Jacob.

Jacob shook her hand. I’m glad you approve.

Clara replied, You know the expression: I’m not losing a daughter, I’m gaining a son. And I think this makes something else official: my husband—rest his soul—would be pleased to have you as heir to Chormann’s Watch Repair.

Er, thank you, Frau Chormann—

Call me ‘Mama.’

Mama, but you see, about the shop, I… that is, Lizzie and I—

Lizzie blurted, We’re going to America!

Clara sat down in shock. Lizzie gave a small hop. "We’ve got it all planned out, haven’t we, Jacob? We’ll have the wedding and reception, and then the train to Bremerhaven, and then the S.S. Hermann to Philadelphia! It’s steam-powered, Mama! We’ll make the crossing in only three weeks!"

Clara glanced from one to the other. But America is at war; it’s not safe. Where will you live?

Oh, that is easy, Jacob said. We’re going to stay at a hotel and buy one of the new boarding houses—

—they’re springing up like mushrooms! Lizzie finished. Everybody’s doing it! People pay for their room! And all I have to do is the same housework that I’ve been doing here!

Clara settled her gaze on Jacob. Very nice, my boy. I did not know you had aspirations to be an innkeeper. We have several inns here, as you are already aware; any number of their owners would be happy to hire you.

Actually, Fr—Mama, I’ve secured a position with a watchmaker in Philadelphia. It’s a very civilized city, despite the war. I start in six weeks. With my salary and the income from boarders, we should do very well. His collar felt tight. You’d like Philadelphia. It’s just a few hours south by train from New—

I know where Philadelphia is, Jacob. She retorted as she resettled in her chair. So. You’re starting your new job in six weeks.

Er… I hope so.

And it takes three weeks to sail to America. This is not a question. Jacob looked at her as she continued, And we need three weeks to post the banns at church before the wedding. And you just passed your guild examination last week. She sighed. If I didn’t know better, Jacob, I’d say that you were in a hurry to leave us.

Not at all, Fr—Mama. It’s just that… for years I’ve dreamed of America, and I couldn’t go without credentials, and I—I simply cannot wait any longer, war or no. Besides, there’s talk that a treaty will be signed in less than a year. And Lizzie… well, she wants America, too; and with her sisters already living there—

-And you love each other—

He blinked. Well, of course.

Lizzie bobbed her head. I know it’s not New York City with Lena and Thea, but it’s so close by train—only a few hours—and… and… Mama, what’s wrong?

Nothing, dear. Clara wiped her eyes. I’m happy for you both. Very happy. Jacob, you’re a fine young man with good skills and a bright future. It’s just that I… I thought when you applied to the guild, and then were accepted, it was a sign that you would continue here, and keep my husband’s legacy secure. Now I realize that you had other plans, and there’s little I can say or do to stop you. She wiped her eyes again. I suppose I owe you an apology, Jacob; I misjudged you.

He looked crestfallen. Fr—Mama, I never meant to hurt you.

She patted Jacob’s hand. I’m sure it never occurred to you. I just need time to get used to the idea. I suppose I can find someone to take your place, to help me carry on my husband’s memory.

Lizzie said, But what about Felix? He’s been here for years; I remember when Papa hired him.

Clara smiled. Felix is good at what he does, but he’ll never be more than a repairman. What I need is a replacement for Jacob. An innovator. Someone with Jacob’s talent and instinct for design, so we—I—can keep my wealthier customers. She took a deep breath and stood. But enough about that. Her eyes watered again. My baby girl is getting married! And sailing to America! She clasped her hands.

Upon hearing her mother’s words, Lizzie realized the consequences of her decision. She burst into tears. I—I’m leaving. Never to return! She looked at Jacob. I’m sailing across the Atlantic Ocean; I’ll be thousands of miles away. She fell into her mother’s embrace. Oh, Mama; I never thought of this before. Without me, you’ll be all alone. And I’ll never see you again. Lizzie wept and Clara consoled her as best she could, amidst her own tears.

Suddenly Lizzie stopped. She blotted her eyes and looked at her mother. She looked at Jacob. We could bring Mama with us.

Jacob and Clara gaped. Lizzie continued, Think of it, Mama; you could sell the shop and bring Papa’s fine gauge equipment for Jacob to use. You said it yourself; Felix can’t replace Jacob. I’m sure one of the other guildsmen would be happy to buy Papa’s license. You could live with us. She looked at Jacob. It would work; we were going to have a boarding house anyway. Mama could have her own room upstairs! Lizzie grew more excited. If we find a house with three storeys, Mama, you could have the whole floor to yourself! It would be just like here; we—we’d do everything together! And we could take the train to New York City and visit with Lena and Thea. Oh, say you’ll come!

Jacob stood in disbelief. However, before he could speak, Clara said, Lizzie, dear; America is not for grandmothers like me; it’s for young adventurers who don’t have bad knees.

Jacob agreed quickly. Listen to your mother, Lizzie.

Lizzie pouted. But Jacob, you said Philadelphia has half a million people; surely we could find a knee doctor for Mama?

Clara hesitated. I don’t know. I never thought about it. Even if I did stay with you, I don’t even know what Americans eat.

Lizzie said, In Germantown they have Bavarian stores and produce. You’ll think you’re in your own kitchen.

But—but they speak English over there. I’m a bit old to start learning a new language.

You don’t have to; Jacob said a third of Philadelphia is German-speaking—didn’t you, Jacob? And there are newspapers and books in German, and one of the biggest libraries in the world. You wouldn’t have to learn English unless you wanted to. She