The Storm Sister (The Seven Sisters #2) (48 page)

Anna sipped her coffee, using the moment to gather her thoughts before she spoke. Although in truth, she had rehearsed her words a hundred times.

‘Herr Bayer, I am honoured and gratified by your proposal—’

‘Then I am happy!’ he announced with a broad smile.

‘Yes, but, having thought about it, I feel I must refuse.’

Anna watched the expression on his face alter, his eyes narrowing. ‘May I ask why?’

‘Because I feel I could not be what you need in a wife.’

‘What on earth do you mean by that?’

‘That I am not domestically oriented to run a house, or educated enough to entertain your guests or—’

‘Anna.’ Herr Bayer’s face softened at her words and Anna realised she had stupidly used the wrong approach. ‘It is typically sweet and modest of you to say such things to
me, but you must realise that none of that matters. Your talent more than makes up for all the qualities you lack, and your youth and innocence is one of the reasons you endear yourself to me.
Please, my dear young lady, there is no need to be humble or feel you are not worthy. I have grown very fond of you indeed. As for the cooking – why, that’s what I have Frøken
Olsdatter for!’

There was a silence as Anna struggled to think what other reasons she could give.

‘Herr Bayer—’

‘Anna, I have told you, please, call me Franz.’

‘Franz, whatever you say, even though I am flattered by your proposal, I am sad to say that I cannot accept it. And that is that.’

‘Is there someone else?’

She shivered involuntarily at the sudden sharp tone of his question. ‘No, I . . .’

‘Anna, before you continue further, you must know that even though I may have been away from Christiania for the past few weeks, I have my spies. If you are refusing my proposal for the
sake of that handsome cad who plays violin in the orchestra, then I would caution you against it. Not just as a man who loves you and wishes to provide you with all you have ever dreamt of, but as
your advisor and guide to a world that you are currently still too naive to understand.’

Anna said nothing, but realised her shock was written all over her features.

‘So!’ Herr Bayer slapped his solid thighs. ‘That is it. It seems I am competing for your affections with a penniless, no-good bounder in the orchestra. I knew it,’ he
said as he threw back his head and laughed. ‘I do apologise, but Anna, tonight you show me the true extent of your innocence.’

‘Forgive me, but yes, we
are
in love!’ The fact that he was laughing at her, belittling what she and Jens shared, made Anna’s temper rise. ‘And whether you
approve or not, it is the truth,’ she said, rising to her feet. ‘Under the circumstances, I think it’s best I leave. I wish to thank you for all you have done for me and given me.
And I am sorry if my refusal has not been to your liking.’

As she began to move swiftly to the door, he caught up with her in two large strides to pull her back. ‘Wait, Anna, let us not part like this. Please, I beg you, sit down and we will talk.
You have always trusted me before and I would like to show you the error of your ways. I know this man; I understand who he is and the enchantment he has put you under. I do not blame you in any
way. You are so innocent, and yes, you believe you are in love. Whether you now accept or reject my proposal is of no consequence. This man will break your heart and destroy you, as he has
destroyed many other women before.’

‘No, you don’t know him . . .’ Anna wrung her hands in despair, tears of frustration pouring down her cheeks.

‘Now, now, try to keep calm. You are becoming hysterical. Please, let us sit down together and talk.’

Anna’s energy drained from her and she allowed him to lead her back to a chair.

‘My dear,’ Herr Bayer began gently, ‘you must be aware of the previous relationships Herr Halvorsen has conducted with other women.’

‘Yes, I am.’

‘Jorid Skrovset in the chorus was so heartbroken that she has refused to return to the theatre. And the great Madame Hansson herself was thrown into such a state of distress after Herr
Halvorsen had his way with her that she has gone abroad to recover. Which is why you are currently playing her role in the Christiania Theatre.’

‘Sir, I know for a fact from Jens that—’

‘Forgive me, but you know nothing of this man, Anna,’ he interrupted. ‘I accept I am not your father nor, sadly at present, your intended, and therefore have little sway over
your decisions. But I will tell you now, because I care for you so deeply, that Jens Halvorsen is nothing but trouble. He will crush you, Anna, as he has crushed every woman who has had the
misfortune to be lured into his trap. He is a weak man, and his weakness is women and carousing. I fear for you, I really do, and have done so ever since I first heard of this . . .
liaison.’

‘When did you hear?’ Anna whispered, not able to look at him.

‘Weeks ago. And I should warn you that all at the theatre are aware of it. And yes, it was this discovery that prompted my proposal, simply because I want to save you and your talent from
yourself. Know that if you go to him, he will desert you for another soon enough. And I simply cannot bear the thought of you throwing everything away for a selfish Casanova, after all we have
worked for together.’

Anna remained silent as Herr Bayer poured himself another brandy.

‘As you do not answer me, I will tell you what I think we should do. If you are intent on being with this man, then simply because I could not bear to watch the inevitable dramatic
denouement, I agree that you should leave the apartment immediately. And then go with him to Leipzig after the run of
Peer Gynt
has come to an end.’ He saw the astounded expression
on Anna’s face and continued. ‘If you decide this is really what you wish to do, then I will give you the wages you have earned at the theatre and send you on your way. If, however,
what I have said to you has some resonance in its honesty, and you are prepared to give Herr Halvorsen up and marry me after I have finished a suitable period of mourning for my mother, then
please, stay here. There is no need to rush – all I need is an intention. Please, Anna, I beg you, think very carefully about your decision. For it is one that will change your life, for
better or for worse.’

‘If you knew all this, then why did you not say before?’ she asked in a small voice. ‘Surely you knew that I would refuse you?’

‘Simply because I blame myself for what has happened. I was not here in Christiania to protect you from him. Now that I’m back, I can tell you that I
will
protect you. But
only on the condition that you banish Jens Halvorsen from your life immediately. If you were rejecting me for a different suitor, perhaps I could accept it with grace. But in this case, I cannot,
because I know he will destroy you.’

‘I love him,’ she said again, pointlessly.

‘I know you think you do, and I understand how hard it will be for you to accept what I’ve demanded. But one day I hope you will come to see that I am acting in your best interests.
Now, I think it is time that we both retired. I have had a gruelling few weeks and find myself very weary.’ Taking her hand in his, he kissed it. ‘Goodnight, Anna, sleep
well.’

The next evening, Anna was glad to arrive at the theatre, where everything was comfortingly the same as it had always been. She had not slept a wink last night, torn between
her head and her heart. A lot of what Herr Bayer had said was true, especially to the outsider. She herself had had similar thoughts about Jens, so she couldn’t blame anyone else for doing
the same. And of course everyone would tell her to marry Herr Bayer, not a penniless musician. It was the sensible decision.

However, none of this rational thinking solved the dilemma, because no matter which way she turned, the thought of giving up Jens Halvorsen forever was simply untenable.

And at least, she thought, as she left her dressing room to walk to the stage, she would see Jens in a few minutes, looking up at her with love and support from the orchestra pit. She’d
already written him a note saying they must meet tonight after the performance and she’d summon Rude to deliver it in the first interval. When the play began, Anna tried to still her racing
heart and calm herself. As she walked onstage and spoke her first lines, she surreptitiously cast her eyes down to find his.

In panic, she saw Jens wasn’t there. Instead, an elderly elfin-sized man was sitting in his chair.

At the end of Act One, dizzy from fear, she came offstage and immediately summoned Rude to her dressing room.

‘Hello, Frøken Anna. How are you?’

‘I am well,’ Anna lied. ‘Do you know where Herr Halvorsen is? I saw tonight that he isn’t playing.’

‘Really? Well, for the first time, you’ve told me something I didn’t already know. Shall I go and find out?’

‘If you would.’

‘Right, it might take me a while, so I’ll see you in the next interval.’

Anna went through the second act in an agony of despair, and when Rude appeared in her dressing room as promised, she thought she might faint with tension at what he might tell her.

‘The answer is that no one knows. Perhaps he’s sick, Frøken Anna. But the fact is that he isn’t here.’

She went through the rest of the performance in a daze. As soon as the cast had taken their last bows, Anna dressed hurriedly, then left the theatre and climbed into the carriage, directing the
driver to take her to Jens’ apartment. When they arrived outside his building, she stepped out, calling over her shoulder to the driver to wait for her, before running inside and up the
stairs. Breathing heavily, she knocked loudly on the door until she heard the sound of footsteps approaching.

The door opened and she saw Jens. She collapsed into his arms with relief. ‘Thank God, thank God. I—’

‘Anna.’ He drew her inside and put an arm around her shivering shoulder as he led her into the drawing room.

‘Where were you? I thought that you’d gone . . . I . . .’

‘Anna, please, try to calm yourself. Let me explain.’ Jens guided her to the settle and sat down next to her. ‘I arrived as usual at the theatre, to be told by Johan Hennum
that my services in the orchestra were no longer required. They had found another flautist and violinist to replace me with immediate effect. I asked him if this arrangement was temporary and he
told me that it wasn’t. He paid my wages in full and sent me on my way. Anna, I swear to you, I have absolutely no idea why I was dismissed.’

‘I do. Oh good Lord . . .’ Anna put her head in her hands. ‘For a change, Jens, this has little to do with your behaviour, and everything to do with mine. Last night, I told
Herr Bayer I could not marry him. Then he told me he knew all about us! He said that I was only welcome to continue to stay with him if I’d denounce you immediately. And if I wasn’t
prepared to do that, then I must leave the apartment.’

‘Oh Lord,’ Jens sighed, understanding. ‘So the next thing we know, I am asked to leave the Christiania orchestra. He probably told Hennum and Josephson I was a bad influence
and distracting their new little star.’

‘Forgive me, Jens. I didn’t believe Herr Bayer was capable of such a thing.’

‘I did, and told you so,’ Jens muttered. ‘Well, at least I now know the reason for my swift exit.’

‘What will you do?’

‘As a matter of fact, I’ve just been packing.’

‘To go where?’ Anna was horrified.

‘To Leipzig, of course. One way or another, it’s obvious there is no future for me here. I decided I should leave as soon as possible.’

‘I see.’ Anna cast her eyes down, concentrating on not allowing herself to cry at this news.

‘I was going to write to you tonight and leave the letter at the stage door.’

‘You swear you were? Or are you just saying that and were simply going to disappear without saying a word?’

‘Anna,
min kjære
, come here.’ Jens took her in his arms and stroked her back tenderly. ‘I know this has been a very difficult time for you, but I myself have
only had a few hours since Hennum ended my employment. Of course I was going to tell you where I was. Why on earth wouldn’t I? It was I who asked you to come with me, remember?’

‘Yes, yes . . . You’re right.’ Anna wiped her tears away. ‘I am overwrought. And so angry that you’ve been punished for what I’ve done.’

‘Well, don’t be. You know I had planned to go anyway, it’s just happened a little sooner than I expected. Was Herr Bayer very angry with you, my love?’

‘No, he wasn’t angry at all. He said he didn’t want me to ruin my life by being with you, and that he wished me not to see you again for my own good.’

‘Which is why I was booted unceremoniously out of the pit so that you couldn’t. What will you do?’

‘Herr Bayer has given me a day to think about it. How
dare
he interfere in my life and yours like this!’

‘We are in a state, the two of us,’ he sighed. ‘Well, I am leaving tomorrow – the term at the Conservatory only began two weeks ago, so I won’t have missed much.
And if you want to, you can join me in Leipzig when the run of
Peer Gynt
is finished.’

‘Jens, after what they have done to you, I could never bring myself to return to the theatre!’ Anna shuddered. ‘I will come with you immediately.’

Jens looked at her in surprise. ‘Are you sure that’s sensible, Anna? If you walk out before the play is over, you will never again be able to work at the Christiania Theatre. Your
name will be as black as mine.’

‘And nor would I want to work there again,’ she retorted, her eyes glittering with indignation. ‘I refuse to let people, whoever they are and however important and rich, behave
as if they own me.’

Jens chuckled at her fierce expression. ‘Beneath that sweet exterior of yours you really are quite the firebrand, aren’t you?’

‘I have been brought up to know right from wrong, and I know that what they have done to you is very, very wrong.’

‘Yes, it is, my love, but sadly, there’s little we can do about it. Really, Anna, I caution you: however angry you are, please think carefully about coming with me tomorrow. I would
hate to be the reason for the ruination of your career. And know’ – he hushed her as she opened her mouth to speak – ‘I do not say this because I don’t wish you to
come. I am simply concerned that we will board the ferry to Hamburg tomorrow, and then take the overnight train to Leipzig without even knowing where we will lay our heads once we arrive. Or
whether they will even accept me at the Conservatory.’