The Signet Ring

    The Signet Ring

Suzanne Marsh

1893

Marta, send Nicholas to the library; I will meet him there, in ten minutes?’

“As you wish Baron von Hoog.”

Marta, Johannes Von Hoog’s housekeeper watched as Johannes; pulled the signet ring from his pinky on his left hand, the ring had been passed down from first born to first born. Nicholas would inherit the Schloss, and wine business. Johannes had purchased a lieutenancy commission for Mathias, whom had been charged with desertion. Mathias had been hiding in the Schloss for several months. Johannes signed, Mathias was his second son, something of a spare. His hopes were on Nicholas, the Schloss, the wineries, and vineyards had to remain in the hands of the Von Hoog family.

Nicholas, met his father in the library:

“Nicholas, it is time I gave this to you, take this signet ring, treasure it, as I have and seven

generations before me. You are inheriting the Schloss, the wineries and vineyards. We

have been successful winemakers for over one hundred years.”

Nicholas, took the ring reluctantly, putting it on his pinky of his left hand where it would remain until he gave it to his son. Nicholas, actually wanted to go to America, make his own way in the world. He could never trust Mathias, to care for the wineries and vineyards, so he decided that until his father died, he would stay here in Germany.

1895

Marta, as was her custom knocked on Johannes’ door to announce breakfast. When Johannes did not respond to her knock, she went to summon Nicholas. Nicholas, trotted after her, amazed at how quickly the old woman could move. He entered his father’s bedroom, strode over to the bed:

“Quickly, Marta, summon Doctor Weitz, I think papa has died.”

Marta, flew down the stairs to summon a Heinz, the factor of the estate. He quickly saddled his horse and galloped to the Schloss Weitz. Together returned to Schloss Von Hoog. The doctor upon entering the room, went over to the bed, putting his fingers on the baron’s neck to check for a pulse:

“I am afraid Nicholas; it is too late. Your papa is died, I am truly sorry.”

Nicholas’ eyes welled up with tears, he knew he was going to have to locate Mathias, wherever he might be at this moment. Nicholas also made his decision; he would put the wineries and vineyards in the capable hands of his cousin Manfred. Manfred would then send him money every month from the profits. He would also make sure Mathias did not get his hands on any money. Now that he had settled what he intended to do he felt as if he were finally free to leave Germany and go to the United States.

His baggage and steamer trucks packed, Nicholas, walked through the Schloss one last time before he left. Manfred, noticed him standing forlornly into the library:

“Nick, you don’t have to leave.”

“Manfred, I want to make it on my own in America. I will send you an address, when

I am settled. I don’t think Mathias, will cause any problems, but if he does; just

let me know.”

The two cousins shook hands. Nick, his first thoughts were: ‘I am finally free.’ He took the train from Tier to Breman where he boarded the SS Normannia; two weeks later he arrived in New York City. He made his way to Michigan where he settled. He met a beautiful German girl, Katherine who he married. Life was good until a letter arrived.

1898

The writing looked familiar as Nick opened the letter, Manfred was in a panic:

Dear Nick,

Mathias, is in jail. He became belligerent with his Captain. The Captain put him on

report. As the incident went up the chain of command, he was found guilty of insubordination. He escaped prison and is being pursued by the army. If they do find him here, they will confiscate the Schloss, and hang your brother. Come quickly.

Manfred

Nicholas stared incredulously at the piece of paper in his hand. The thought of leaving Katherine was something he just simply could not do. He strode into their bedroom:

“Katherine, I must return to the Deutschland, my brother Mathias is in grave trouble.

I can’t take you with me since I am going by ship, the first one I can get out of

New York City. My love, I wish to send you home to your parents while I am gone.”

Katherine, was a very stubborn woman:

“I will be fine right here Nicholas. I don’t want to go home to my mama and papa.

I am not afraid to be alone. Please honor my wish dearest.”

Nicholas knew when he was beaten:

“Katherine, if that is what you wish. I can have Amy Reihl stay with you. I should

only be gone two months at the outside most.”

The following morning, Nicholas left on the train for New York City. There he found passage on the SS Elbe. Two weeks later he was on a train heading for Tier. When he arrived, he found Manfred coming down the great staircase:

“Nicholas, I am glad to see you. Mathias is cowering in the cold barren passage, Uncle

Johannes should us all those years ago.”

“Manfred, I had to leave my wife, she is pregnant with our first born, to come here.

I am going to take Mathias back to the United States with me. From there we will

to our separate ways. You will stay on here and run the vineyards and wineries.”

“Nicholas, are you sure that is what you wish to do?”

“Yes, Manfred, someday I hope you can come to visit America.”

“Who knows, perhaps someday. In the meantime I will continue to send you your

share of the profits each month.”

That being said, Nicholas headed toward the hidden passageway. He pulled the lever revealing the interior. He held a torch high as he sought Mathias:

“Well, brother Nicholas, I see you have come to my rescue.”

“You’re drunk.”

“Yes, and most likely to remain so, at least for now. It is damn cold in here.”

“Tonight, we leave for America. I have book passage on the SS Elbe, the ship I

came home on. I will take you to Michigan and from there you are on your own.”

Mathias was furious:

“What about my share of papa’s inheritance?”

“Sorry, Mathias, but I spent it coming here to save you from execution.”

Mathias had no choice. At midnight, they snuck out of the Schloss, arriving at Hamburg, a very busy port, to board the ship.

Mathias was so very angry. When they arrived back in America, Mathias, once again demanded his share of the inheritance:

“One more time I want what is mine Nick, I can’t not have money.”

“Well, that is the case Mathias, when I came over to the Deutch land, I made myself

abundantly clear. I used you half to get you out of the Deutchland. That is all

I can or will do. You are on your own.”

Nick, then decided to change the spelling of the Von Hoog’s last name to simply Hoog. Mathias continued to use the Von Hoog name. The brothers never spoke again to each other.