‘No, I’m not unduly worried but, given your history, it’s important you go home and have bed rest. Lie on your left side. Drink plenty of water and reduce your salt intake.’
‘Is that all? How do I know if the baby is all right?’
‘If you prefer we can admit you into the clinic in the antenatal ward.’
‘I need to speak to my husband,’ said Frau Müller. She looked up at Clara with tears in her eyes. ‘I can’t let anything happen to this baby. I can’t.’
‘We will do everything we can to make sure your baby is safe. It is early days though.’
‘Oh, you’re frightening me now.’
Clara rested her hand on Frau Müller’s shoulder. ‘There’s nothing to be frightened about,’ she said gently. ‘We will monitor you closely. As I’m recommending bed rest for a few days, I’m happy to come and visit you at home if you wish. Or you can be admitted into the clinic.’
She waited while Frau Müller considered her options. Finally, the German woman spoke. ‘I think I would prefer to be at home for as long as possible.’
Clara nodded. ‘I can make the arrangements so that someone calls in every afternoon.’
‘Will it be you coming out to visit me?’
‘I would have to speak to my superior,’ said Clara. She didn’t want to say she hadn’t yet been authorised to undertake house calls.
‘I can speak to them if that helps,’ said Frau Müller. She hesitated and frowned as if considering something. ‘I appreciate it may be difficult for you to travel around the city, but I think, given the circumstances, I could arrange for a letter of authority to be granted. My husband could assist with the recommendation.’
‘That would certainly help,’ conceded Clara. ‘Again, it would need to be discussed with my superior.’
‘I’ll speak to my husband tonight and have him make the arrangements and speak to Doktor Weber. They are acquainted with each other, which is one of the reasons I was drawn to the clinic rather than the hospital.’
‘If between now and then you feel any worse, you must call the clinic immediately,’ said Clara. She fixed the woman in front of her with a questioning gaze.
‘I will. I promise,’ said Frau Müller. She looked down at her stomach and moved her hand up and down in a comforting gesture. When she spoke her voice was so quiet Clara could only just hear her. ‘I don’t think I could cope if something bad were to happen again.’
‘I promise, you are in the best care,’ said Clara. ‘I personally will do whatever I can to ensure your little one arrives safely into this world.’
‘Danke schön,’ whispered Frau Müller. She reached for a handkerchief from her coat pocket and dabbed at her eyes. ‘Do you have any children?’
Clara was taken aback by the direct question. It wasn’t something she was used to from her patients. The question also ignited an ache in her chest. ‘No. I don’t,’ she replied. And then because Frau Müller appeared to be waiting for something more, she added, ‘I’m very happy helping pregnant women and their unborn and newborn babies. It brings me great joy.’ That was at least true and an answer that skirted around the painful truth that she and Friedrich had not been blessed with children of their own.
Frau Müller studied her again, this time the fear was replaced by what Clara could only describe as an understanding. The woman was far more perceptive than Clara had given her credit for.
‘Sometimes, I think women who help bring babies into the world have the biggest hearts of all,’ she said. ‘It takes a special kind of courage to pour yourself into another’s joy day after day.’ Her blue eyes softened as she looked directly at Clara. ‘You have made me feel safe today, Frau Bergmann. Something I didn’t feel in my previous pregnancies. I know I can trust you. If you are the one who can visit me at home, I think we will both benefit.’
* * *
After Frau Müller had left, Clara was needed in the antenatal department again and although she was busy with other women, she couldn’t stop thinking about Frau Müller specifically asking for her to attend. She felt flattered and hoped that Frau Lange would approve the request.
By the time the end of her shift came, Clara had her answer. Frau Lange had sought her out just as she was heading to the staffroom to collect her cape and bag.
‘Ah, Frau Bergmann,’ she said. ‘I’ve just been speaking with Doktor Weber. He’s had a telephone call from Herr Müller.’ Frau Lange smiled at her. ‘It seems you’ve made a very good impression. Not that I am surprised. Herr Müller has requested you personally attend his wife every afternoon at their home address.’
‘Will that be from tomorrow?’ asked Clara.
‘Yes. A travel pass has been arranged so if you are questioned by anyone you can provide them with a copy along with your other papers.’
‘Thank you.’ Clara left the clinic with a mix of pride, excitement and a touch of caution. She pushed the latter to the back of her mind, reminding herself why she loved her job so much. At least Frau Müller was friendly and seemingly not concerned about Clara being British.
She was lost in thought as she made her way towards the tramline and jumped in surprise when she felt a hand on her arm as a man began to walk alongside her. ‘Just keep walking,’ he said. Clara tried to pull away, but the man held tightly onto her. She looked at him and realised it was the same man who had followed her off the tram several weeks ago.
‘Who are you? What do you want?’ she stammered. Was this it? Was she being abducted off the street in broad daylight? She scanned the road, expecting to see a military vehicle or a police car idling on the side, waiting to whisk her away to heaven knows where. How would Friedrich know what had happened to her? Thoughts crashed through her mind and her feet stumbled on the cobbles.
