The Rose of De Haas

Chapter 9: The Londo Party

Right after forty days of the birth of the Rose De Haas, tonight the De Haas family home is crowded with Dutch people from various circles.

Starting from fellow business people like the head of the family, the, government and military officials and staff working in production all came to attend De Haas's first child birth welcoming party at the De Haas family home tonight.

The music accompanies the magnificent party, the beautiful decorations also further beautify the De Haas family home.

Everyone seems to be chatting with each other, discussing business or about their respective jobs.

Mr. De Haas also seemed busy chatting with his business colleagues, while Mrs De Haas who was near the door of the house was the lips of the Dutch mistress who was of pure European blood.

"Did Mrs De Jaeger not see? The mother of Mr. De Haas's son turned out to be a native," whispered Lady Van Kessel in a sharp tone, glancing at the graceful Madame De Haas in a light blue party dress.

Madame De Jaeger raised her left eyebrow, looking at Madame De Haas with a reproachful look.

"I also attended their wedding, although she was beautiful still Mr. De Haas should not have married that woman."

Mrs Van Hoffman also chimed in with a satirical tone. "yes, we just have to wait for when the woman will be dumped by Mr. De Haas. he was simply not worthy to accompany such a great man as Mr. De Haas."

Sarinah, the poor woman who was the subject of the vile gossip of the Dutch Lady, could hear everything they said very clearly. But he chose to be quiet, even though the husband always asked Sarinah to fight when people insulted him.

Although she is now Madame De Haas, Sarinah is still Sarinah, an innocent village woman. Even though he is now living a life of wealth, he still chooses to be simple.

Not infrequently, the kindness of Mrs De Haas who likes to help the poor indigenous people get appreciation from other natives but get strong condemnation from the Dutch people around her.

"Mrs De Haas, you shouldn't listen to their evil words" said Mrs Van Ross kindly, leading Mrs De Haas away from those who say bad things to her.

Mrs Van Ross is famous for her attitude that is different from the other Dutch maids, she always treats everyone well including the natives.

Madam De Haas just smiled, looking at her son who was playing with his fingers while walking in the direction where Mrs Van Ross was leading her.

"What a mistake I've made, Mrs Van Ross. They always looked down on me like trash" Madame De Haas replied upon arrival at the banquet table.

Although not a native, Mrs Van Ross understands how Mrs De Haas feels at the moment. The woman knew very well, what to go through poor Sarinah.

Getting a Dutch husband is not a guarantee that his life will be much better, but despite all that Sarinah still feels grateful for having a husband who always treats her well.

Although her husband gave high social status with abundant property, the Dutch people certainly did not want to immediately respect Madam De Haas who was an indigenous.

"They have always been, Mrs De Haas. But for me looking down on others is not a commendable behavior. Even if there is not much, there are still people who behave like me," Mrs Van Ross said softly, bringing Mrs De Haas to sit down.

The festive feast did not feel at all special to Sarinah, the Madame De Haas.

She felt empty, no one noticed her whereabouts other than her husband and Mrs Van Ross.

Other Dutch people will treat themselves well when they are in need of help, the rest of the people are reluctant even just to greet him.

It's sad, but this is the reality of life.

"Meneer and Mevrouw beg your attention for a moment" Mr. De Haas' voice interrupted, drawing the attention of all the eyes in the room.

Those who had heard Mr. De Haas' voice began to approach, curious as to what the host would say.

Mr. De Haas approached his wife who was chatting with Mrs Van Ross, again attracting the attention of everyone.

"Everyone, listen to me. She is my wife whom you should call Miss De Haas, while the child in her arms is our daughter Rose De Haas."

The stern words of Mr. De Haas made the room instantly silent. Those Londo people did not expect to hear such a sentence from Mr. De Haas' mouth straight away.

"What's? Called Rose? Isn't that a big deal?" mister Van Kessel.

"Why don't you give a better name to your son? At least if his mother was a disgusting native then he should have a good name," Mr. De Jaeger said scathingly, making Sarinah's heart ache.

Why should he suffer like this in his own country? Living in a colonized country is very painful, making the poor young woman unable to hold back her tears.

Sarinah rushed into her room, carrying with her the crying child without thinking about what was on the minds of the people in the room.

Seeing that, Mr. De Haas's face turned crimson as his blood bubbled furiously. Of course he did not accept his wife being so vilified.

"Where does your abundant wealth come from if not from the hard work of those natives whose wages you even pay as you please, Mr De Jaeger? You shouldn't have said such a thing!" reply Mr. De Haas is no less sharp.

"If my wife is not the European woman you call the noblest woman, but she is the woman behind the success of all my business behind this. Can your wife do financial bookkeeping like my wife? Not necessarily," Mr. De Haas added.

The man was already too angry to be able to control himself until some other Dutch Master began to distance Mr. De Jaeger from him before the act of violence.

"De Jaeger's wife's husband is outrageous. They kept on vilifying your wife from earlier, "sissed Mr. Van Ross, pulling Mr. De Haas' arm away from the crowd who were now beginning to gossip on a new topic.

"Peter Van Ross, please tell everyone that the party is over."

"Good, Sir."

The fate of Sarinah and her son.

Even when Rose was a baby, she had to get into trouble.

"Rose, no matter what happens I won't change your name, son," muttered Mr. De Haas as he walked down the hallway of his house to his room.