Hollywood Connections: One Family’S Narrative of Surviving the Sixties

A Necessary Prologue

Los Angeles, California 1915

Xavia von Bamberg, born in a mansion on West Adams Boulevard in Los Angeles in 1900, was the first and only child of Herbert von Bamberg, a German national, and Consuelo Estrella y Castello, who descended from of a Spanish-California family. Consuelo’s family was not in favor of her marriage to Herbert, although he was wealthy and lived in the best residential area of Los Angeles. He was much older than Consuelo, and he was not Spanish.

Before Herbert von Bamberg arrived in California, he had made a fortune in mining silver in Mexico. As soon as he acquired a two-story mansion on West Adams Boulevard near the University of Southern California, he began to search for a bride. Herbert met Consuelo at a dinner party given to honor another wealthy neighbor and immediately knew she was the one for him. As soon as it was proper, he asked her to accompany him to a musical concert and tea being held in the home of a prominent American merchant family.

Consuelo was sixteen and had all the beautiful features of the women in her family who came from the Castile region of Spain. She had luminescent peach-colored skin, auburn-blond hair, and sparkling brown eyes; and Herbert was at once captivated by her vivacious personality and grace. She was aware of the suitors that her parents had already selected for her and thought them clumsy, dull, and ugly. Although Herbert was older than her other suitors, he was much handsomer, more mature, and very wealthy.

Soon after their meeting he made a visit to her home, which was a large picturesque hacienda-style mansion near Mission San Gabriel, located a little south and east of Pasadena. Her parents were very formal in their social reactions.

During the week that followed, he sent a special messenger to her home with an invitation to a ball of such social importance that Consuelo’s parents allowed her to attend the event. She was delighted with the way Herbert danced the Viennese waltzes, and she promised him that soon she would demonstrate some of the art of Spanish contra dancing. After several other similar events, they attended the California Governor’s Ball, held in Los Angeles every other year. At the ball, Herbert escorted her to a small anteroom and asked her to marry him. With charm and delight, she did not hesitate to accept his proposal.

He then ceremoniously paid Consuelo’s parents a proper visit with the purpose of asking permission to marry their daughter. They gave him no indication they would provide him with a prompt answer. However, Herbert and Consuelo continued to attend balls and social engagements, always with an alert family chaperone lingering close by. Finally, Herbert received a formal message from Consuelo’s parents. They communicated that she must wait three years before any marriage.

Herbert and Consuelo waited six months and were married by a priest in a simple ceremony in a small chapel near where the Santa Anita racetrack is located today. The ceremony was witnessed by a few members of Consuelo’s family. Later, the von Bambergs entertained their friends with a lavish postnuptial ball.

The following year, Xavia Charlotte von Bamberg was born at home, and several rooms were furnished to become the nursery, which included a small apartment for Xavia’s English nanny.

During her first years of growing up, Xavia never wanted for anything. But although she had many toys, she had no playmates. As soon as she was four years old, she had tutors to teach her to read both Spanish and English. When she was five, she began her study of the piano with a talented music maestro. In 1913, she accompanied her parents on the Grand Tour of Europe, which turned out to be fortunate timing as World War I would start the following year.

While on their excursion, Papa von Bamberg proudly included an extended riverboat journey on the Rhine River so the family could often debark and visit the villages and hamlets of his childhood. When they visited Paris, they were ensconced in a houseboat on the River Seine, and they often used a horse and carriage with a guide who could point out special sites. The family enjoyed lunch almost every day in the outdoor restaurants of the Bois de Boulogne, and Herbert and Consuelo were entertained by Parisian friends in the evenings.

Papa von Bamberg had arranged for a sojourn at a villa in the countryside of Tuscany, and they visited Florence several times specifically to visit the art museums. Looking at paintings and sculpture was particularly memorable for Xavia, and when she and her parents were in Florence, she decided to linger in front of Michelangelo’s David, the magnificent sculpture of the Hebrew King as a young shepherd. When the other members of the tour group left the exhibit area, she purposely chose to stand in front of David. It was so emphatically carved, and she never forgot the beauty of the nude depiction.

When the von Bambergs returned home, they decided that Xavia should have a dog for companionship. Papa von Bamberg insisted it be a medium-sized male poodle, and he named him Fritz. It soon became Xavia’s duty alone to care for Fritz. She took him for a long walk every day, and one of the household staff took him out for a short walk each evening.

The companionship of Fritz and the responsibility of taking care of him were very good for Xavia. She was quite sheltered and protected at home, so it helped her understand the needs of others. To say she was self-centered would be incorrect, but she rarely interacted with anyone of her own age. Nevertheless, she had an outgoing disposition, liked to talk to people, and at an early age quickly learned the importance of the members of the large household staff who surrounded her.

The largest mansion in the area at that time was two blocks away and was occupied by Saul and Miriam Sonderson. Their only common interest was their son, Hal. During the week he attended a private high school in San Fernando Valley. It was not widely known, but Saul and his wife Miriam lived very separate lives from one another. She occupied the entire second floor of the mansion, and Saul lived on the first floor in his own apartment that included an office. Hal was given a small bedroom and a bath on the first floor, and he later had his own entrance to the mansion.

Saul owned a motion-picture studio, and in 1915 he moved it to an area north of where it had been located. This area was known as Hollywood, and it was both a residential and commercial community where other motion-picture studios were already established. Saul wanted to expand his studio into a complex. In addition to soundstages, he added a large reception area, as well as many dressing rooms and extra offices. He also allowed space for a vast storehouse of outdoor photographic equipment.

By the summer of 1914, Europe was at war. The von Bambergs had canceled their planned trip and spent the summer at Lake Arrowhead in the mountains that lie north and a little east of Los Angeles. They rented a house there in order to take Fritz with them. Of course, he had his own doghouse and stayed outside.

Xavia literally blossomed during those summer months. She learned to play tennis, and she spent hours horseback riding with new acquaintances. She also tried out for small roles in a junior theatre that was part of the summer recreation program for the Lake Arrowhead Region. She became slimmer, and her figure was now decidedly female and proportioned like a Greek statue of a petite goddess. She enjoyed the attention of boys her age, but since she was forbidden to accept an invitation for a single date with any male, she simply progressed in the art of flirting.

The von Bambergs returned home in mid-September just in time for their social season, and Xavia began her rigorous regime of studies in languages and history with tutors, as well as her lessons in piano. She also swam regularly at the beach and tennis club near Hermosa Beach.

Xavia resumed her daily four o’clock walks with Fritz, and she always walked at least five blocks to a small park. There she would sit on a bench and enjoy a piece of fruit that she had carefully tucked into a small bag that held treats for Fritz.

Saul had recently decided to walk more for exercise, and he soon acquired a Shetland sheepdog to accompany him on his walks. He had seen Xavia when she took Fritz out every day for a walk, and now he noticed how much she had changed from a somewhat plain little girl into a lithe, graceful young lady who enjoyed talking to her to dog as if he were a person. She did not pay attention to anyone else, and Saul would often hear her coaxing Fritz to do a trick or two. She always headed toward a particular little park nestled between two streets in a delightful wooded area in their neighborhood. At the end of the park there was a wooden bench and a street lantern.

Xavia had seen Saul once, but she had not paid much attention to him until he acquired his dog. One day he doffed his cap as he saw her walking on the other side of the street. She raised her hand slightly and gave him a polite wave.

The next day they exchanged greetings, and Saul noticed that she quickly entered a small cul-de-sac so he decided to venture into the area himself. The closer he came to where Xavia and Fritz were cavorting, the more intrigued he became; he knew he wanted to become acquainted with her. She finally sat on the bench in the park there, and seeing that she was alone he walked toward her. From a distance she still looked like a child, but as soon as he was near he could see that she was really a young woman and beginning to be a beauty. She smiled at him.

Good morning. It is a beautiful day, she said in a well-modulated voice.

Fritz just loves it here. We come every day so he can have a real romp.

She preferred the attentions of older men and this handsome man wore expensive gloves and what she recognized as an Austrian loden jacket.

Do you come here every day? Saul asked, and then he felt he needed to introduce himself.

I am Saul Sonderson and this is my dog, Bella.

I am Xavia von Bamberg and this is Fritz, she answered. We come here almost every day.

Then we shall try to come here also, Saul replied, looking down at Bella, who wagged her tail.

Do you attend school nearby? Saul asked.

No, not exactly. I have had many tutors since I was four years old. I have even more tutors now. I am hoping to go to a finishing school in Pasadena next year.

Then I am speaking to a very well-educated young lady, answered Saul.

You make me blush, sir, she replied. Do you live close by?

Quite near, but I am away much of the time working at my small studio that makes motion pictures. We produce about five pictures every year. He paused and noticed she was looking at him with great interest.

We are expanding and I am hoping to produce a musical next year.

Oh that sounds exciting! Is your studio near here? Xavia asked.

My studio is now located in the area known as Hollywood. It is not far from those mountains, he said as he motioned toward the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.

I don’t know that area, she answered. Her long curly hair bobbed up and down a little as she turned to look off in the direction of the foothills.

It will be a good place for my business. Other picture studios are there, and I know that motion pictures will grow into a large industry.

How do you get from here to a place so far away? she asked.

Oh, it’s not that far and I have an automobile to drive there. I am planning to build a separate bungalow on the studio property, and then I can stay there overnight if necessary. Sometimes we have very long days of filming. He could not stop talking.

Your business sounds interesting and exciting, Xavia repeated as she flashed Saul a smile that made him tremble. He smiled back at her.

You are an enthusiastic young lady, he said, And I mean it as a compliment. So many of the pretty girls pout and frown when they should just smile as you have done.

I don’t know many young girls, she answered, but I have been brought up to have good manners and be agreeable, especially when speaking to an adult.

That is refreshing, Saul answered. I am glad there are young ladies in Los Angeles who are taught to be gracious.

Xavia blushed and saw that he was even more interested. Do you have any children? she asked.

I have a young son and that is all. He stopped there but realized he wanted to carry on their conversation as long as he could so asked, Have you traveled much?

Yes, she replied. And I love to talk about places that are far away. My parents took me with them on a long trip to Europe once.

Did you like it?

Oh yes. And I am particularly fond of a place called Florence. In Italy they call it ‘Firenze.’ Have you been there?

Yes, I have, answered Saul, and he felt more optimistic about the conversation. What did you like best in Florence? The food? he asked.

Oh the food was lovely and so tasty. My parents hired an Italian cook after we came home.

Was there anything else that was special for you? he asked, wishing to stay with her longer.

Xavia became more animated. Oh yes! I enjoyed the museums. And I particularly liked the statues.

Really! That is rather different. Usually ladies like paintings of cupids and angels and the beautiful Madonnas.

I suppose so, but I have seen pictures of those paintings in a book. I’d never seen anything like the statues, she further explained. They were so beautiful.

Would you like to sculpt yourself? Saul asked, his interest increasing with her every word.

Oh no! It would be a messy job and it takes forever to learn. I was just so amazed at the smoothness of the marble and the statues of people who were wearing no clothes. She paused and looked down at Fritz.

Then you must have spent a long time looking at them, Saul continued. Which one was your favorite? Or were there so many you could not make up your mind?

Oh, I found my favorite one almost right away, she said emphatically—and then stopped abruptly.

And which one was your favorite? Saul queried.

I don’t usually tell people, she continued, because they wouldn’t understand.

Is it a famous one?

The guide said it was the most famous statue in the whole collection, and he said it was one of the most important statues in the whole museum.

Then maybe I have seen it. Do you think I have seen it?

Oh I am sure that you have. It was very large and it was done by a famous artist, but I can’t say his name as it is an Italian name and I have not studied Italian yet.

Is it a sculpture by a man named Michelangelo? Saul asked.

Yes, I think that was the name the guide used, and I remember that name because it was just one word, not a first name and last name.

And why did that particular statue stay in your memory so long? Saul asked.

Because it was a statue of a famous man in the Holy Scriptures, and he was not wearing any clothes.

Oh, those statues are called ‘nudes’ and it is quite usual that marble sculptures of figures are made without clothes. Why are you interested in that particular one?

Because the sculpture, as you called it, is so very, very big and all the parts of it are big.

And that interested you?

Oh yes. I have never seen a man undressed, and… Xavia stopped and started to blush.

Saul was now sure he knew what she meant. She had seen the larger-than-life sculpture of David before she had ever seen a man undressed. He wondered what he should say next.

What about the other sculptures? Were there any others that especially interested you? he asked.

Not that much, she readily replied. And I have been puzzled ever since about why such a famous sculptor decided to make his statue so large and why he did not cover the body with a proper robe.

That is a good question, Saul replied. The sculpture is the work of a very famous artist and I guess that must be the way he wanted to depict David as a young man. Saul stopped. And you liked that sculpture?

Oh yes. Very much, and I don’t know why because I have always known that King David was a shepherd boy before he became a great king. I guess it’s because the famous statue shows him as an actual young man.

So no others caught your eye? Saul asked as he began to worry that he really had quizzed her too far.

"Not really, Mr. Saul! David was so powerful and real that I still think about it to this day. Now I can begin to understand why men are so different from women."

You are a modern woman, Miss Xavia, and you have an eye for the masterpiece of a true genius in art. I applaud you and I am sorry if I questioned you too much, but I have never spoken with a young woman who seems so interested in art and life. I would like to know you better.

Saul surprised himself as he did not usually discuss art with young ladies, but he wanted to be honest and encourage the conversation with this young girl who was so enchantingly beautiful, unique, and desirable—and would soon be considered a woman.

During the pause in conversation Xavia rose from the bench.

I walk Fritz here every day about this time, and we play ball in this little park. Please come here again and we can talk some more, she suggested with a little toss of her head as she gave him a simple brief smile that held meaning.

In that moment, Saul felt that his whole life had changed. He had been obsessed with building his new motion picture studio. And he was also trying to oversee the reconstruction of the family mansion to accommodate himself, his antagonistic and indifferent wife, and their bombastic son. Now he felt he had a future to look forward to.

He smiled at Xavia again as she said, I like to meet new people.

Saul drew in his breath and gazed at Xavia as she stood quietly smiling back at him. She looked like a young Aphrodite in her long, sheer white voile dress. When she moved, the folds of the fabric seemed to dance around her and he could see her trim ankles. He was so transformed by the possibility of seeing her again that he wondered if he could fall in love with this exuberant and yet cultured young woman.

I have enjoyed meeting you, he replied. I will make a point of coming this way when I go walking with Bella. And I would like to see you again. The doctors say it will do my health much good if I take more walks.

Saul bowed to Xavia before he and Bella strolled away from the cul-de-sac. He turned once and waved. Xavia waved back, then turned to walk home with Fritz. Although they headed in separate directions, they both knew that something important had happened—and Saul knew that it might affect his life forever. When he found his life could be so invigorated, he decided on a new path for his picture studio and he formed a new life for himself.

Saul and Xavia became fast friends, and he saw something in her that he recognized as star quality in the world of pictures. He asked her parent’s permission for her to visit the studio for a screen test and arranged for the studio chauffeur to transport Xavia to Stellar Productions. Her governess accompanied her as a chaperone, and her parents were impressed with Saul’s success in the film industry.

A true romance developed between the young woman with star quality and the admiring picture producer. In the ensuing years, this might have been considered a scandal; it was but a brief interlude, however, in the happenings of Hollywood in that era.

CHAPTER ONE

Palo Alto, California, 1965—A Monday morning early in March

Ted and Excy Wallace were in their living room when the phone rang. Ted answered the telephone on the desk, and after a short conversation he laid the phone on its cradle and announced to Excy, The verdict is in. Arson has been proven. There’s been a good settlement and we can even start rebuilding right away.

Excy immediately ran to Ted and gave him a big hug.

The previous Halloween just before midnight, all the buildings for their Shakespearean Theatre and Learning Centre had burned to the ground. It was more than a major disappointment. For years, the Wallaces had been teaching acting and staging of Shakespearean and Elizabethan drama. They planned to celebrate the opening of their new centre with a festive civic event for the entire community.

That’s great! exclaimed Excy. I’m so glad we can start rebuilding immediately. But can we still go to Hollywood to see Hal next week? He’s already found good scriptwriters and I know he’ll pay us well to do our part. We could sure use the money right now.

About that, dear, Ted said and paused a bit. I may have to go down to LA right away. We’ve found a backer who’ll employ our actors in summer stock, and I want to tie down the deal as soon as possible.

Oh, I’m so glad. I don’t want to borrow more money from your mother. She’s had a lot to adjust to this year. She likes living in Carmel Valley but I know she misses her life in Los Angeles.

If I leave for LA this morning, I’ll be back as soon as possible to sign papers for the insurance people, Ted replied.

Good. I’ll call Aunt Tillie and tell her you’ll be staying at her house tonight. Last week when I told her we might be in LA soon, her voice perked up and she even suggested places we could go out for dinner. She’s been so lonely since Paul died.

I don’t want to bother Aunt Tillie with this short trip. She doesn’t live near where I have to go. You know how spread out everything is in LA.

Is time that essential? Excy asked.

Yes. There’s a time limit on the offer.

That sounds odd.

The major backer for the summer theater has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Then by all means you should go this morning so you can be back to sign the insurance settlement papers right away, Excy agreed.

I knew you would understand, Ted said, and he looked more relaxed. I’ll make a phone call to firm up the offer right now.

I’ll call Tillie and tell her we’re coming next week instead, said Excy.

Wait until we know the dates for sure, honey, Ted answered, and he hurried to the French doors on the side porch because he heard someone call his name.

Don’t be alarmed, Mr. Wallace. It might be good news, said the familiar voice of the Western Union messenger.

Excy arose from the couch and came forward saying, I’m expecting something from Hal about seeing him next week.

It’s for me, Excy, Ted answered.

Is it about the court settlement? she called.

No dear. It’s about renting an outdoor theater this summer, and it’s part of the deal I’m working on.

I was hoping it wasn’t a telegram from Irene. She always attaches strings to whatever she wants to do for us, Excy said.

It’ll be OK this time. She says it’s purely a business deal—and you know she has some of the best business contacts in LA. Ted had known Irene deVere for nearly thirty years. They met when he took a course she was teaching at Pasadena City College.

A few minutes later they heard a knock at the front door. Excy answered the door this time.

Sorry, Mrs. Wallace. I forgot that I had something for you, too.

Thank you, Peter. I’m glad you discovered it so soon. After tipping him, she quickly crossed the room.

Ted was engrossed in reading his telegram but looked up and smiled. So you have something too, he commented and continued reading his telegram.

Excy slid a letter knife along the top of her envelope with extra vigor as she thought about Irene and her schemes to have Ted come to visit her.

As Ted left the room, she read Hal Sonderson’s telegram about his plans for them. He had decided to call his latest movie That Flapper Girl, and it was to be about Hollywood in the 1920s.

When Ted returned to the room, Excy pointed to the telegram.

Hal still wants me to play a role in this new film.

Ted came to where she was sitting and put his hands softly on her shoulders.

Are you up to that much involvement with the project? I’ve noticed that sometimes even talking about your mother can upset you.

Oh, it’s OK for me to act in the movie, she reassured him. When I’m involved in acting, I’m in another world. It might even help me understand her better.

What else did Hal say? Ted asked.

He’s lined up some of the best scriptwriters in Hollywood. He wants to meet with us first and then we can get started in three weeks.

That’s great! All the more reason we should be in Los Angeles this summer.

Where would we live if we stayed all summer? Excy asked.

The Fowler’s lease on the Larchmont house will be up in May. They’re moving to Nantucket. So we can stay in our own house. At least for awhile.

Are we really going to have a chance to rent the Greek Theatre? Excy asked.

Maybe not for the whole season, but for the next few months, and that will give our actors some summer jobs. Also, Ted suddenly stopped before continuing, Cybil wants to act on the stage of the Greek Theatre.

Who’s Cybil?

She’s Irene’s niece from Chicago. She is living with her now.

Then Irene is included in this deal?

Well… yes, drawled Ted. At least for now, and I think it will all fit together.

I guess it’s OK, stammered Excy. As long as I’m included in all of it.

Of course you are included, Ted promised with emphasis. I’ll go down to LA today and get the deal started. Then we can tie it all up next week when we’re both down there together. I’ll go and pack an overnight bag and be on my way.

Can I call Aunt Tillie and tell her about it now? Excy asked.

Of course! I know she’s like a mom to you.

When Tillie heard the news she was delighted. The two of you should stay as long as you want to. Now tell me about Mattie and Kris. Tillie had always been close to Mattie, who was Ted and Excy’s oldest child. She had taken care of Mattie when she was growing up in LA during World War II, before the young family moved to Palo Alto.

They are both so excited. She’s just a month away from delivery, answered Excy. But if we take the job assignment from Hal, I may not be in Palo Alto when the baby comes.

Then count on me to help. What about the insurance settlement? asked Tillie.

We don’t know much yet, but since the fire was caused by an explosion, it was found to be too sophisticated to be some teenage prank. It was deliberately planned and set by people who knew what they were doing. It’s still a mystery, but we’re getting a pretty good settlement. In the meantime, Ted wants to keep our actors working and that’s why he contacted Irene to help us rent or lease the Greek Theatre for the summer.

So Irene is still lurking around?

Ted is always scarce on details when he does business with her, but evidently she still has a lot of good contacts in the theater world.

Then he’ll probably stay at her mansion in Holmby Hills.

Do you think so? asked Excy.

Does a dog have fleas? Tillie stated with finality.

Well it has to be a quick trip because he is needed here in Palo Alto before we return to LA for a longer visit with Hal.

Tell him he has to take me to dinner tonight or tomorrow night. I’ll keep track of him, Tillie replied.

Ted walked back into the living room so Excy soon handed him the phone. Here he is now, she said.

Yes, Auntie, of course I’ll see you, but going to dinner with you might have to wait until next week when we both stay with you. This is just a quick trip.

Within a half hour Ted was on his way to Los Angeles. As soon as Excy waved him a goodbye she knew she would intermittently worry about anything that involved Irene until he returned home.

CHAPTER TWO

The telephone rang and Excy dreaded answering it but was immediately cheerful when she heard Mattie’s voice.

Mom, what are you doing today?

Good question. Dad just left for LA and I’d love to take you to lunch.

Good answer. No place fancy. I’m bummed out by the way I look.

You’ll be fine, flower child. You never liked to get dressed up.

Especially now that I weigh one hundred forty pounds and it’s still a month before I’m due.

We can always go to a drive-in, honey, Excy suggested.

No, I want to go the Creamery and have their tuna salad sandwich and a root beer float. Both for old time’s sake! Mattie said with emphasis.

Then that’s what we’ll do and I’ll pick you up about 11:30, Excy finished.

When she hung up the phone, she was happier than she had been in many months. It had been such a relief to hear the good news from the insurance company. With the arson suit settled in their favor, they could rebuild the Shakespeare Centre.

When Excy picked up her daughter she told her more about the good news. It will take a lot of effort to rebuild, but at least we already know how to do it.

Maybe Dad won’t have to accept any more of Irene’s help.

That’s what I’m hoping, Excy continued.

They arrived at the Creamery and sat in their favorite booth. The place had been in Palo Alto for years and all the old-timers ate there.

What’s up with you and Dad, anyway? Mattie asked.

That awful fire has just caused a lot of tension. And ever since then, we haven’t been living the happy life we planned but at least now we’ll have money to rebuild.

So why is Dad going down to LA so suddenly?

He’s concerned about our actors. He promised them jobs for the summer. He’s always wanted to bring the troupe to act at the Greek Theatre, and now he thinks there’s a chance he can do that.

How did this possibility come about? Mattie asked.

I don’t exactly know how it happened, but he received a telegram this morning and learned that we could rent the Theatre in August and September. He was practically out the door and on his way to Los Angeles before I knew it.

Then that’s good news. I’m so happy for you two. Dad always tells me that my dreams will come true if I do something positive to make them happen.

That’s right, dear, Excy said. Of course, we’re already supposed to go to LA next week on a different matter. Hal wants us for his new project at Stellar Productions. Even though we don’t have to worry about money for rebuilding now, your dad and I could use more money for other things. Such as the crib we promised you.

We won’t need it at first. And our apartment is so small, we don’t have room for it anyway.

The crib can stay at our house until you need it, and if we end up staying in LA for a whole year, maybe you can live here in our Cowper Street house. At least until you find a bigger place for your expanded family.

That’s too generous, Mom. Let’s take one step at a time.

OK, but I want us to buy you a crib of your choice.

Let’s do it together when Dad comes home, Mattie replied.

They chatted about other things, such as Aunt Annie’s big interest in the women’s golf team at the country club, and how Nana was doing in Carmel Valley.

Are you sure you don’t want to go look for a crib after lunch? Excy asked.

I’m too sleepy now and need my nap, Mattie laughed, and Excy was cheered by her daughter’s good nature.

OK, it can wait, she said and drove Mattie home.

CHAPTER THREE

When Excy arrived home she heard the telephone ringing. She ran to pick it up.

Where have you been? came Annie’s excited voice. I have something important to tell you!

Annie Wallace Branner, I was taking my daughter to lunch. What is so important? Excy shot back at her sister-in-law. They had been friends since junior high school, and she was used to Annie’s often overenthusiastic approach to life.

Where is Ted? Annie asked.

He left for LA this morning, and instead of moping around here, I called Mattie. We had lunch together and I just dropped her off at their little place because she was sleepy. The baby’s due soon, you know.

Yeah, I almost missed all the fun of that when Mary Alyce was living in Scotland, but dear Baxter told me to go be with her no matter what it cost, and it was worth every penny—or farthing.

I’ve decided that if the baby comes when we’re in LA, I’ll do anything to get back to Palo Alto to be with her. And I will, answered Excy.

I’m glad you’re so happy, but brace yourself because what I have to say is a story of another nature.

What’s going on now? Excy sighed.

I don’t even know where to start because it is so preposterous and awful.

Just jump in and tell me.

Are you aware that Irene deVere has told people that she plans to marry our Ted? And that includes the Hollywood gossip mongers!

Well she couldn’t have thought of a more stupid thing to say, Excy immediately replied. When and how is all this going to happen?

Oh, she is very definite. She says they will be married when the annulment to his marriage has been granted—and that might be next month!

On what planet? Excy half laughed.

Do you know anything about it?

No, nothing. All I know is that Ted is going to LA to wrap up a deal to lease the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park.

Is this a new idea? Annie asked.

We’ve dreamed of this for a long time but we’ve been too busy here to stage performances so far away.

So you approve of all this?

What do mean?

The annulment of your marriage so Ted can marry Irene! said Annie.

I have never heard anything about it.

Honestly?

I know nothing about what you have just said.

Say that again, please, drawled Annie.

What you have said is preposterous. Irene has always tried to break up our marriage by digging up bad things about me, but she herself has told everyone that she does not want to marry anybody because she likes to live a freewheeling life.

Forget that, said Annie quickly. Think about anything Ted has said that could mean he would go for an annulment.

Absolutely nothing! But he did receive a telegram from Irene early this morning. He told me it was about the possibility of leasing an outdoor theater. Our Shakespearean actors will have no place to act this summer because of our fire. We have trained them and know they are among the best in the country, and we want to help them through this downtime caused by the fire. Ted told me his trip is strictly a business deal.

So that’s what he said?

Annie, everything happened so fast after he received the telegram that I can’t tell you details. He decided to go to LA and he said it would be only for one night. He’ll stop briefly in Carmel Valley to see Mother on his way home. That’s it.

No it isn’t. Let me tell you more, Annie used a very determined voice.

You must know a lot more than I do, then. So tell me, Excy answered with exasperation.

There is gossip going around in the Junior League. It’s about the fact that Ted and Irene are waiting for the final annulment papers of your marriage so he can marry her.

How idiotic! Excy exclaimed. That’s impossible. We had a perfectly legal marriage. You, above all people, know that! It was 1938, and you and your mother attended our marriage ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in London.

Irene’s antics had been going on for so long that Excy was more annoyed than anything else. She was accustomed to the way Irene lived in her own reality, one made possible by great wealth. And it wasn’t real to most people.

Of course I know, said Annie quickly. We were the official witnesses."

What else do you know? Where exactly did you hear what you just told me? Excy asked.

I heard it in the women’s locker room at our golf club. The word is going around that Irene hired one of the most thorough and competent detective agencies in the world and they have found information that substantiated the rumors about your marriage. At the time you and Ted were married in England, all those types of records at the embassy were being put in archives. When the Germans started bombing London, it seems that many of the embassy archives were moved to secret places around the city, and many records from the years of 1939 to 1945 were lost. Apparently, your wedding license was among them. It does not exist.

Doesn’t she think that Ted and I would have kept our marriage license, as well as copies of it?

I don’t think she cares because she bullies her way through so many things by bribery and promises of money.

Why would she want to have Ted get an annulment?

Because of her illness she wants to get married right away, and it would take too long for Ted to get a divorce. She says that Ted has agreed to it, and that he even gave her a ring that belonged to our mother. Irene has even booked a cruise through the Panama Canal for their honeymoon, Annie added, the anger in voice turning to sadness.

It’s all trash. Ted can’t cope with someone like Irene, said Excy. He is such an optimistic person and he believes only in recognizing the best in other people. Irene thinks she can bully her way through anything by evoking pity from others—and she has the money to make things happen her way. She probably offered him all kinds of favors and then pleaded despair for her health. He always wants to help people, particularly when they are ill.

So that’s what you think is going on?

I believe that Ted is driving down to LA because Irene said she could arrange to lease the Greek Theatre for this summer. She put a short time limit to her offer and wanted Ted to come immediately. That’s all I know.

"Then what are we going to do?’

Annie, what you heard is just gossip, said Excy emphatically. Gossip surrounds Irene and she does wild things. Remember what I told you she did years ago during the big war? Ted was sent to a special intelligence school on the east coast, and Mattie was a tiny baby then so I stayed home in LA while he was there. Irene flew to the base where Ted was stationed and tried to start up something between them. Ted sidetracked her by introducing her to a brigadier general who ended up falling for her in a heavy way and they had a torrid affair. It was so hot and heavy that she and the general took an unauthorized trip to Cuba and he was court-martialed because of it. Her next extramarital conquest was a general who was even higher in command—and she got away with that one.

So I’m not telling you anything new when I tell you about Irene, Annie replied.

No, not really. I know her reputation for having an active sex life. And everyone knows she inherited a sizable fortune from her brother. She’s been a darling of the press ever since, with her picture always in the social pages of the LA Times giving big sums of money to many causes.

Excy, we can’t waste any more time. We have to get to the core of this thing, answered Annie.

Honey, this annulment thing is so preposterous that you might become the laughing stock of your club.

Okay. I’ll drop it until I talk to Baxter, said Annie. She thought about how much her dear husband knew about the law, being a municipal judge. He was a very smart man, and Annie was confident he would know what Excy and Ted should do.

And don’t you say a word to anyone either. I just can’t stand by and let anything bad happen to you and my brother! Annie said with finality.

You’re making me cry, Annie! Excy exclaimed. And you’re so right about talking to Baxter. I guess we really might need some legal advice.

You can count on us, honey, Annie said sympathetically. But please don’t even mention Baxter’s name to Ted for now. Discretion is so important in his position as a judge; it’s much different than when he was lawyer.

Don’t worry. I won’t say a word to anyone. Bye dear, Excy sniffed as she hung up the phone.

CHAPTER FOUR

After her conversation with Excy, Annie called her mother. Mary Beth Wallace, a dowager from Los Angeles, had recently moved to Carmel Valley and was living a quiet life in a residential living community. She had spent her adult life actively chairing many organizations and social clubs, as well as being the hostess at many occasions for her late banker husband, Robert.

She was from an Anglo-California family that went back at least five generations, and she accepted civic duties with good humor and a certain grace that made her popular. Now she was ready to pursue a quieter life in a semi-rural atmosphere.

Mary Beth’s daughter, Annie, had met Excy O’Brian in 1934, when they were both trying out for glee club in junior high school. Excy had a checkered childhood. She had been raised mostly by a nanny when she was very young, but she was orphaned at ten, when her mother, a famous film star, died. After living in several foster homes, she was assigned to a permanent residence. This turned out to be a sometime arrangement for men who wanted to have bedroom dates. It had been Mary Beth Wallace who rescued Excy from this dangerous living situation. Excy then went to live with Mary Beth’s sister, Tillie, who became her legal guardian. In those earlier times, Excy sang and danced in several movies and continued to have career connections with Hal Sonderson, a family friend from Hollywood who owned an independent movie studio.

Mary Beth was now a widow and still the backbone of the family. She often settled family difficulties with her wisdom or money—and because she also had a good sense of humor and patience, she was usually successful.

Now, waiting for Mary Beth to pick up the phone, Annie felt her concern grow about her brother and sister-in-law and the interfering Irene.

Mother we have to do something for Ted and Excy, she started in her usual direct way. It concerns their marriage. Do you know anything about what’s going on with Ted?

He called and said he would stop by to see me, maybe tomorrow in the late afternoon, Mary Beth replied. I invited him to spend the night but he said he wasn’t quite sure about that.

We need to get a hold of him somehow, Annie said, her anxiety growing.

He’s driving down now. Maybe he’ll stay with Tillie, and I can reach him there tonight, Mary Beth continued.

No, I don’t think he’s planning to stay with Aunt Tillie tonight—and we need to reach him as soon as possible! Maybe she can track him down for me when he gets to LA. I need to verify some gossip right away!

You sound hysterical, dear. Let me call Tillie and tell her how important it is to reach Ted. What exactly is the gossip?

Ted may be involved in something stupid, Annie answered. I think Irene is pulling the wool over his eyes, and it has to be stopped.

I don’t like to interfere in private lives, Mary Beth countered.

It has to do with his marriage and his life with Excy and their family. That’s all I can tell you now.

Then I suppose it concerns me. You must tell me more.

Okay. But I don’t really know much, just that there is already some hint about Irene’s upcoming marriage to Ted written up in one of the Hollywood gossip rags.

Where did you hear this information? Mary Beth queried.

From my friends at the golf club.

And you believe everything you hear there?

Annie ignored the comment. Mother, we can do something about this situation. Irene thinks she is about to die and wants to marry Ted now. She has learned that Ted can get an annulment of his marriage to Excy because many of the records at the U.S. Embassy were destroyed when London was bombed during the war. She is spreading this story around.

That is preposterous and ridiculous! Mary Beth exclaimed.

That’s why you need to talk to Ted right away before he does something foolish or signs ANYTHING. Irene is supposedly helping him find a theater space to lease for the summer. And he’s so desperate to find something for his acting troupe during the restoration that he’s likely to sign whatever she puts in front of him. Knowing Irene, it could have all kinds of strings attached.

Have you spoken to Baxter about this, dear?

Not yet, but I will tonight. I thought you might be talking to Ted today, though, and I’m hoping you can find out if there’s any truth behind this whole thing.

I’ll do what I can, and I will call Tillie. Maybe she knows something.

"Please