Summary

In Chapter 14, “The Army of the Silver Firs,” although Delphine did not have children, her relationship with Markus dulled her maternal longings. When he enlisted and “left on the bus to Fort Snelling,” Delphine knew “she’d have to take unusual measures to ensure her sanity” (342).

Over the course of the following months, Delphine “became one of the town’s most stable and respected women” (343). Marrying Fidelis had granted her status. Their love was not heated, but reliable and stable. While walking in the cemetery one day, Delphine considered all of her heart’s continued longings.

Meanwhile, war broke out across Europe. Not long after Emil and Erich joined in Germany, Emil was killed when he “stepped on a mine” (347). Erich was then captured by American soldiers. He kept himself alive by telling them he was “born in North Dakota” (348). Though he did...