The Case of the Illegitimate Child

In Vysoká Libeň, prosperity was enjoyed by the family of the innkeeper Valeš. A good profit was yielded by the inn to them, and the reputation of wealthy and honorable citizens was enjoyed by them in the area. However, a ticking time bomb was hidden beneath the surface of this idyll. An affair was started by the daughter Marta with a bank clerk named Hořčík, by whom she was subsequently impregnated. Out of fear of her strict father, by whom not the slightest suspicion of his daughter’s romance was held, a cover-up maneuver was devised by Marta and her mother (the 51-year-old Valešová). Under the pretext of a visit, a trip to her relatives was taken by Marta so that the pregnancy could be hidden from the neighborhood and especially from her father. In Prague on Lützowova Street, a healthy little daughter was brought into the world by her at the place of the midwife Blažková (more about midwives can be read in the previous article). Nevertheless, the unwanted newborn was promptly entrusted by her into the care of the merchant Nesměráková for 400 crowns a month, and a return home was made by her as if nothing had ever happened.

Soon, the life of the family was entered by a new man – the 32-year-old school administrator Podubský. A difficult life had been experienced by him. Insanity was suffered by his wife, and she was ended up in a lunatic asylum. Out of grief, Valeš’s inn began to be visited by the divorced teacher, where Marta was met by him. Her transgression and the secret child were well known to him; furthermore, visits were made to her by him even during her pregnancy. However, the foreign child was, as is said, a thorn in his side. A considerable amount of money was cost by it, which had to be secretly gathered by Marta’s mother merely so that nothing would be discovered by her husband. Moreover, a marriage and the prospect of a decent dowry were craved by Podubský, which could be lost by Marta if her secret were to be revealed.

One day, fateful words were spoken. “An end to all the troubles would be brought if the child died,” it was complained by the old Valešová to her future son-in-law. When agreement was expressed by Podubský, it was further added by her: “Let such a woman be found by you, to whom the child would be given into care, but so that it would be cared for in such a way that it dies.” At the end of August, a trip to Prague was taken by Podubský, and the midwife Fránová was visited by him on Wenceslas Square. He was presented by himself as the father of the illegitimate child, and it was bluntly asked by him how it could be arranged so that the child would be removed from the world. It was insisted upon by him that a death certificate must be held in his hand within a month. Fright was experienced by Fránová, and the immediate denunciation of the man was desired by her. However, it was known to her that a witness would be needed. Therefore, interest was feigned, and a promise was made by her that the matter would be arranged through the merchant Hybšová from Bráník. For the murder, a reward was offered to them by Podubský – 1000 crowns for Hybšová and 500 crowns for Fránová. At the beginning of September, the unsuspecting daughter was picked up from Nesměráková by Podubský and was handed over by him into the hands of both women. “Let it be made short with the child,” it was muttered by him to Hybšová. However, at that moment, the carefully thought-out plan for murder began to be collapsed like a house of cards. Foul play was suspected by Nesměráková, by whom the little girl had been cared for and loved. Thus, the police were contacted by her with apprehension. The exact same action was taken by Hybšová, by whom a rush was immediately made with the child in her arms to the gendarmerie warrant officer Zeman. Everything was described to him by her, and the life of the child was saved.

Justice was struck quickly. Valešová and Podubský were arrested and accused of the crime of instigation to premeditated murder. While guilt was tenaciously denied by the school administrator in front of the court, he was dragged down by the confession of the old Valešová. Thus, the pursuit of a clean slate, social prestige, and money was turned into a dark family drama. While a safe haven in a foundling hospital was found for little Martička, an unexpected finale was being approached in the courtroom. A heavy decision was faced by the jury. Seven jurors were firmly convinced of the guilt of both defendants. However, a 2/3 majority, i.e., a minimum of 8 votes, was required for a guilty verdict to be reached. Yet, that single decisive vote was missing. Consequently, nothing else was left to the senate under the leadership of Chairman Helzigl, according to the law, than for an acquitting verdict to be pronounced, and their punishment was escaped by Valešová and Podubský.

A story is possessed by every family. Is yours known to you? Some family trees are filled with heroism and love, while carefully concealed dramas, which were not allowed to be spoken about for entire generations, are hidden by others. Who were your ancestors? Were they respected burghers, brave soldiers, hardworking craftsmen and farmers, or actors in forgotten historical events and thrilling court trials? Let your ancestors not be allowed to fall into oblivion, and let the fascinating roots of your own blood be discovered. Who knows what a gripping novel is waited to be revealed precisely within your family? An individual free consultation can be arranged through my web assistant or the contact form at www.rodokmeny-schneider.cz .