Evelyn arrived at “The Scholar’s Brew” with plenty of time to spare before her 11:30 meeting with Dr. Adler. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation coursing through her veins, as the prospect of unraveling one particularly important moment of her family’s past grew ever closer. Stepping into the cozy café, she was greeted by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft murmur of hushed conversations between fellow patrons.

The café was an eclectic blend of modern design and rustic charm, with exposed brick walls adorned with shelves of antique books and contemporary art. Sturdy wooden tables and plush armchairs were scattered throughout the space, inviting visitors to linger over their steaming cups of coffee and engage in quiet contemplation or spirited debate. In one corner, a small stage boasted a well-worn grand piano, hinting at the live music and poetry readings that graced the café during the evenings.

Evelyn secured a table near the window, offering her a clear view of the entrance and the comings and goings of the patrons. She settled into a comfortable armchair, her mind racing with the potential outcomes of her impending conversation with Dr. Adler. She had only seen him once before, during his captivating lecture at the University of Maryland, but his distinctive appearance had made a lasting impression on her.

Dr. Adler was a tall, slender man with a neatly trimmed beard that gave him an air of distinguished sophistication. His eyes were a striking shade of blue, reminiscent of the clear skies over the European countryside of which he so passionately spoke. His silver hair was swept back from his forehead, adding to his distinguished appearance. Evelyn knew she would recognize him the moment he walked through the door.

As she waited, she glanced around the café, taking in the variety of people who had gathered within its warm embrace. There were students hunched over their laptops, their fingers tapping away at the keys as they worked diligently on their latest essays and research papers. Professors and academics gathered around tables, engaged in animated discussions about the latest breakthroughs in their respective fields. And in a quiet corner, a young couple shared a pot of tea, their faces lit up with the glow of new love.

Evelyn couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging in this sanctuary of learning and camaraderie. The café seemed to embody the very essence of her passion for history, and she hoped it would serve as a fitting backdrop for her conversation with Dr. Adler. She wondered what he would make of her family’s connection to pre-WWI Europe and whether he could shed any light on one particular secret that had eluded her.

She busied herself by sipping a glass of ice water and perusing the café’s menu, which boasted an array of tempting sandwiches, soups and salads, all named after famous literary figures and historical events. The Shakespearean Spinach Salad and The Great Gatsby Grilled Cheese were a couple of alliterative menu items that momentarily pulled her attention away from the primary reason for arranging this meeting.

Evelyn hoped Dr. Adler might be able to shed some more certainty on the circumstances that drew Archduke Franz Ferdinand to Sarajevo on the fateful day of June 28, 1914. If she were to decide that time travel was an appropriate way to right the wrongs that befell her family, that would be the logical place and time to intercede.

Was Evelyn’s great-great-great-grandfather there for a romantic anniversary getaway with his wife, Sophie? Or was he there for a military-related reason? Or was it both? Or neither? All the stories she had heard and read were contradicted by other credible sources. There was no clear truth that she was aware of, and she needed to understand this as clearly as possible before making any final decisions.

When the clock struck 11:30, she felt a flutter of excitement in her chest, and her eyes darted to the door. Right on time, Dr. Adler stepped into the café, his gaze scanning the room as he searched for the woman who had so captivated his curiosity with her intriguing email.

Evelyn raised her hand in greeting, her heart pounding in her chest as the eminent historian made his way towards her table. Dr. Adler’s face broke into a warm smile as he approached, his eyes bright with curiosity and warmth.

“Miss Roth, I presume?” he asked, extending his hand in greeting. “I’m Victor Adler. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person.”

Evelyn shook his hand firmly, feeling a rush of excitement. “Yes, that’s me. It’s great to meet you too, Dr. Adler. I really enjoyed your lecture. It was quite enlightening.”

Dr. Adler smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“Thank you, I’m glad you found it informative. I always strive to make history engaging for my audience.”

As Dr. Adler settled into an armchair adjacent to Evelyn, she looked around the cozy cafe, taking in the smell of coffee and the soft hum of conversation. Dr. Adler seemed at home here, and she felt a wave of relief that she had chosen the right place for their meeting.

“I’ve always enjoyed coming to The Scholar’s Brew,” Dr. Adler said, leaning back in his chair and crossing his legs. “It’s the perfect place for thoughtful discussions and, of course, a good cup of coffee.”

Evelyn nodded, feeling a sense of calm wash over her.

“I can see why. It’s got a certain charm to it.”

“So, what is it about the Austro-Hungarian Empire that particularly interests you? I know you mentioned your family’s connection in your email,” Dr. Adler asked, his eyes fixed on Evelyn.

Evelyn hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with thoughts of the time-travel device, which, despite being in a safe-deposit box, felt exposed.

“Well, my great-great-great-grandfather played a significant role during that time, and I’ve been trying to piece together his story,” she said. “Your expertise in the era could help shed some light on the events he was involved in.”

Dr. Adler leaned forward, intrigued.

“That’s fascinating. It’s not often that I meet someone with such a direct link to that period. I’m eager to learn more about your family’s history and share any insights I may have.”

Evelyn smiled, feeling a sense of relief that Dr. Adler seemed genuinely interested in helping her.

“I appreciate that, Dr. Adler. I have a feeling this conversation will be both enlightening and enriching for both of us.” She paused, feeling a rumble in her stomach. “Are you hungry? I could use something to eat.”

Dr. Adler nodded, looking at the menu.

“I recommend The Capote Croissant sandwich. It’s my favorite.”

Evelyn perused the menu, and then smiled.

“That sounds perfect. I’ll have one too.”

She felt a sense of calm wash over her as they continued to engage in chit-chat about the Austro-Hungarian Empire in general and their shared interest in history. For the moment, she pushed thoughts of the time-travel device to the back of her mind, content to enjoy the conversation with Dr. Adler.

As Evelyn and Dr. Adler chatted, a young college student, clad in a white apron, approached their table with a smile.

“Hi, my name is Sarah and I’ll be your server today. Can I get you something to drink?”

Evelyn asked for a cappuccino, and Dr. Adler requested a black coffee. Sarah scribbled down their orders on a small notepad and asked if they were ready to order food as well, and they both ordered The Capote Croissant – which, according to the menu, was a “scrumptious sandwich featuring thinly sliced honey-roasted ham, creamy brie cheese and fresh arugula, all nestled within a buttery, flaky croissant.”

Sarah jotted down their orders and flashed them a friendly smile.

“Great, I’ll get those started for you. Let me know if you need anything else.”

“So, you have me very intrigued, Miss Roth,” Dr. Adler said. “May I ask the name of your great-great-great-grandfather?”

“Please, call me Evelyn,” she replied. “He was someone you will be familiar with, considering your background. I’m related to Franz Ferdinand.”

Dr. Adler’s eyes widened, momentarily frozen as the revelation struck him. The coffee cup, poised near his lips, trembled slightly as his hand and arm reacted to the unexpected news. In the space of a heartbeat, his thoughts raced, cascading over one another in excitement. The woman sitting across from him at lunch, he realized, might just hold the key to unraveling a long-standing mystery in his own family’s history, one that was deeply entwined with the very same era and setting they had been discussing.

“My goodness,” Dr. Adler replied. “Evelyn, this is truly extraordinary! To think that you are a direct descendant of Archduke Franz Ferdinand himself,” he exclaimed, his words tumbling out as his enthusiasm swelled. “Your family’s history must be a treasure trove of untold stories and insights.”

Evelyn, pleased by his reaction, couldn’t help but smile.

“Yes, it’s been fascinating to learn about my ancestry and the role my family played in that tumultuous time.”

Dr. Adler leaned in, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

“I can only imagine the wealth of knowledge that you might have access to – not only about Franz Ferdinand’s life but also about the complex political landscape of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. I’d love to hear more about your family’s experiences and any unique perspectives they might have had on the events leading up to World War I.”

Evelyn nodded, eager to share her family’s story with someone who shared her passion for history.

“I’ve been able to uncover a bit through letters, diaries and other documents passed down through the generations. I’d be happy to share some of these with you, Dr. Adler.”

As they delved further into the conversation, the two historians found themselves engrossed in a fascinating exchange of ideas and insights, each learning from the other and deepening their understanding of the era that had captivated them both.

They chatted more while eating the Capote Croissants, and Evelyn, remembering she had a very specific time-sensitive mission at the root of this wonderful meeting, spoke in a cheerful yet determined tone.

“Dr. Adler, I’ve done a lot of research on that time period, as I know you have,” she said. “There’s one important point that I haven’t been able to verify for certain that I hope maybe you can help me with.”

“I’ll be happy to tell you what I can,” Dr. Adler replied.

“I know that you know that Franz Ferdinand and his wife, my great-great-grandmother Sophie, went to Sarajevo just before he was murdered there,” Evelyn said. Her lunch companion took note of the word choice, murdered, instead of assassinated. The latter is the word used to describe the slaying of a political leader. Murdered is a word used by someone more personally affected than most others would be.

“What I’ve been unable to confirm for certain,” Evelyn continued, “is why they went to Sarajevo that day. There are conflicting reports about maybe it was for a romantic wedding anniversary observation, or other reports say he went to perform an inspection of the Austro-Hungarian army stationed in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Do you know anything for sure about that visit?”

Dr. Adler thoughtfully considered Evelyn’s inquiry, sipping his coffee as he weighed his response.

“Well, Evelyn, the historical accounts do indeed offer differing perspectives on the purpose of their visit to Sarajevo,” he began. “However, most historians tend to agree that the primary reason for the trip was an official one: Franz Ferdinand was indeed there to inspect the Austro-Hungarian troops stationed in Bosnia-Herzegovina.”

He paused for a moment, his eyes searching the distance as if to retrieve the memories of the past.

“That being said, it’s also true that the visit coincided with their wedding anniversary, which has led to some speculation that they may have intended to celebrate their union while in Sarajevo. Unfortunately, as is often the case with historical events, it can be difficult to determine the exact motives with complete certainty.”

Dr. Adler turned his gaze back to Evelyn, his expression sympathetic.

“I understand how important it must be for you to uncover the truth about your ancestors’ lives, and I wish I could provide a more definitive answer. But the reality is that history, particularly when it comes to personal motivations and emotions, can sometimes remain shrouded in mystery.”

Evelyn was saddened that Dr. Adler couldn’t give her any finality to the unanswered question.

“My parents, mostly my mother, have told me many stories about the family that have been passed down through the generations,” she said. “She told me when I was young that Franz and Sophie were there to celebrate their anniversary, and how unfair and cruel it was that he was murdered while there for that occasion.”

Dr. Adler wondered how many other stories Evelyn’s mom had passed to her daughter.

“I have something rather interesting to share with you,” Dr. Adler said to Evelyn. “You know that I am named after Victor Adler, a socialist Austrian politician who played a significant role in that tumultuous period. That’s because I, too, have a family bloodline to that time period.”

Evelyn’s eyes widened, indicating her curiosity and attentiveness.

“Victor Adler was my great-great-grandfather,” Dr. Adler told Evelyn.

Evelyn’s eyebrows slightly raised, and her lips formed a slight smile.

“I knew we had similar interests,” she said, “but not THIS similar. If you would have asked me the one thing I was not expecting to learn during our lunch, this would probably have been it. I guess we’re historical kin. Very, very few people have backgrounds like us.”

“That was why I was anxious to see you today after reading your email,” Dr. Adler said. “We needed to meet and share our backgrounds and experiences.”

“I know the name Victor Adler, but I’ll be honest, I don’t really know much about him,” Evelyn admitted. “What can you tell me about him?”

Dr. Adler leaned in, enthusiasm evident in his voice as he spoke.

“Victor Adler, my great-great-grandfather, was a key figure in the Austrian political landscape during the early 1900s. He was the founder of the Social Democratic Workers’ Party and tirelessly advocated for workers’ rights and social reforms. He was committed to promoting a more equal and just society, often clashing with conservative forces who sought to maintain the status quo. His work and the party he founded laid the groundwork for many of the social policies and protections that citizens of Austria enjoy today.”

“Wow, he sounds terrific,” Evelyn said. “He sounds like someone who was committed to the greater good for people. You must be proud.”

“I am, indeed,” Dr. Adler replied. “Like your situation, there is a point of what could be significant historical significance regarding Victor Adler that I’ve been unable to confirm or verify. Maybe you can help?”

“As I said, I really haven’t focused much on him in my research,” Evelyn said.

“Well, maybe there’s something your mother or father shared with you that might ring a bell when I share this story with you,” Dr. Adler replied. “Just before Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, Victor Adler might have attempted to establish a channel of communication between the Austrian government and a rival power in an effort to avert World War I, which was looming. The meeting could have centered on discussing possible concessions or agreements to maintain the fragile peace in Europe. All I have is, like you, some family stories. Did you ever hear anything about this?”

“Wow, no,” Evelyn said. “Again, he sounds like a great guy who wanted the greater good. But, no, I’m sorry, I don’t recall ever hearing anything about that.”

“It was a bit of a long shot,” Dr. Adler said. “It’s something that, if true, could have made a big, big difference in how Europe was decimated in the early 20th century. Nothing we can do about it now, but it would have been nice to know that my great-great-grandfather made that attempt, at probably a step or two above his pay grade, so to speak.”

Maybe there is something we can do about it now, Evelyn thought.

“I have a class at 1:30, so I need to head over there to get ready,” Dr. Adler said. “Evelyn, it was wonderful to meet you. I feel like we have the basis for a long-lasting friendship. We’re two people who really have very few people still alive to talk with about key issues in their family history, from both a historical and personal perspective.”

“I agree with you on all counts. Let’s keep in touch and do this again sometime soon,” Evelyn said, knowing that “soon” could soon become a very relative and variable term, at least in her life. “I’d like to learn more about Victor Adler and his work.”

“Sounds good. Great to meet you, and have a great rest of your day,” Dr. Adler said, knowing that he intentionally left out some of the details of his ancestor’s work and activities.

As a leader in the socialist movement, Adler consistently opposed the monarchy’s policies and fought for social reforms and greater rights for workers. His advocacy helped to fuel discontent and unrest among the population.

Adler’s push for a more democratic and equal society also contributed to the larger political atmosphere and social changes happening across Europe at the time, which ultimately led to the downfall of various monarchies, including the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In the aftermath of World War I and the dissolution of the empire, Adler played a significant role in the establishment of the First Austrian Republic, demonstrating his commitment to creating a new political order.

When Dr. Adler realized that Evelyn was a direct descendant of the monarchy bloodline, he recognized that the lunch meeting may not go so well if Evelyn learned then that the great-great-grandfather of the person sitting across from her played a key role in the end of her family’s monarchy, eventually leading to them being exiled from Austria.

“Auf Wiedersehen,” he said as he departed, winking to express he was pretty sure Evelyn knew that meant goodbye in Austrian German.

Evelyn watched Dr. Adler leave, her mind racing with thoughts and possibilities. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to be uncovered, and the meeting with Dr. Adler only intensified her need for answers. As she gathered her belongings and prepared to leave, she paused for a moment, her eyes narrowing with determination.

“I have a feeling there’s much more to our shared history than either of us realize, Dr. Adler,” she said, mostly to herself. “And I’m going to find out what that is, no matter what it takes.”

With that, Evelyn stood up and walked out of the cafe, her steps resolute and purposeful. She knew that she was about to embark on a journey that could change everything she thought she knew about her family’s past and her own future. The decision to dive headfirst into the unknown weighed heavily on her, but she also felt a sense of exhilaration, as if her entire life had been leading up to this moment.