The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy

Author:Sarah Freethy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Published: 2023-10-26T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

When Richard returned the following morning to say goodbye, he found Bettina painting.

‘I couldn’t sleep, so I got up early to start work.’

She was sketching out another landscape – a lone swallow careening over a water meadow. The columns of a classical temple stood starkly white against the canvas. Richard recognized the scene from their Dessau days.

‘Is that the Georgium Gartenreich?’

‘Well spotted. You should try picking up a brush again some time. It might do you good; I feel like you need somewhere to escape.’

They sat at the kitchen table; Bettina momentarily lost in thought.

‘What you talked about last night had quite an impact on me.’

‘How so?’

‘I have spent weeks worrying about Max, terrified for him and me. There have been times when I could barely function; it’s eaten me up, but I’ve been unable to do a single thing to help him.’

‘It must be awful.’

‘It is but I’m sick of feeling sorry for myself, especially given that you have been out there, doing your bit.’

‘Hardly.’

‘I know you, Richard. I have no doubt you’ve underplayed the risks involved in what you’re doing. I admire you for your stand and I intend to do the same.’

A flicker of concern.

‘And just how do you propose to do that?’

She looked him straight in the eye.

‘I met someone recently and I think he’s just the sort of person that should be – how did you put it? – cultivated. He’s quite high up in the SS, a liaison with the Reich Culture Chamber.’

Richard frowned. ‘I’m not sure that’s a good idea.’

‘He’s the one who introduced me to Hildebrand Gurlitt and various others. Just the sort of people you require.’

‘I don’t want to get you involved in this, Betti. It’s a messy business. Dangerous.’

Bettina’s jaw set with determination.

‘I can’t do much for Max, except wait, but would you have me do nothing at all? I need to be of use. I don’t propose doing anything riskier than keeping my eyes and ears open, but you said you were trying to gain access to the upper echelons in Munich; well I have that and we shouldn’t let it go to waste.’

Her eyes flashed.

‘I need to do this, Richard. I have to – for Max and me.’

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