"Gretl please come and eat your lunch." Frau Schmidt told the youngest von Trapp. Gretl was looking out of the window with her nose pushed up to the glass.
"When will they be here?" Gretl asked without moving. Frau Schmidt walked toward her and put a hand on Gretl's small back.
"The telegram said that they would arrive in the afternoon. Please come down to have some lunch and before you know it they will be home." Frau Schmidt said trying to cheer her up little.
The Captain and Maria had been away for a month. The housekeeper had seen all the children longing to have their parents back home. Both Gretl and Marta had the most difficult time with them being away for that amount of time. Yes, they did have Max and even their aunt Hede visited for a week but there is nothing more important to a child than their parents, and they were coming home today!
Gretl took a deep breath and withdrew her face from the window. Before she walked out of the room she took one last peek to see if the car had driven through the gate.
During lunch the children chatted about the activities of that day. School would start next Monday and all of them were excited to return. Each child had different reasons. A few loved the challenge that school would bring again, others couldn't wait to meet up with their friends and the younger ones were excited to learn new things.
No one heard the car nor heard someone enter the house.
As Georg and Maria walked down the corridor, they could hear the chatter from their children. Maria wanted to follow the noise but before she could continue Georg took her by the arm and pulled her toward his chest. He saw the puzzled look on his wife's face. Cupping her cheeks he gave her a very passionate kiss. Maria didn't know where this suddenly came from but of course couldn't resist his kisses. When he deepened the kiss she willingly opened her mouth to give him more access. Their hands started exploring the other's body. Georg pulled back being aware of their surroundings. He saw her swollen lips and gently brushed his thumb along them.
"I love you." He said. Maria cupped his cheek and gave him a small kiss. When she pulled back she said, "I love you too."
"Okay, let's go back to the madness." Georg sighed knowing perfectly well their honeymoon would be over once the children wanted their attention.
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It had only been a few days since they had returned from their trip to Paris. Before Georg and Maria knew it they had settled into a new schedule with getting the children ready for school, organization of the house that Maria took upon her with Frau Schmidt's guidance and Georg was resuming his research for the Navy. Then there was arranging play-dates and sports the children needed to attend.
Georg had been sitting at his desk organizing and opening his mail when he discovered the invitation for the Salzburg Festival which was always held at the end of September. The invitation included a dinner. Neither Maria not Georg had been overly excited to attend but both knew they had to make a public appearance now and then, so they agreed to be present at this event.
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Maria stood in front of her closet taking a dress of the bar but immediately hung it back again. She repeated the same movement over and over until there were a few she'd tried on but had hung them back in the closet again. It wasn't long, before there wasn't anything left to take out.
Maria let herself fall down on the bed putting one hand over her eyes letting out a frustrated sigh. She heard the bedroom door open and then the click of the lock. Pushing herself up on her elbows she saw her husband walking toward her.
Georg sat down beside her. "Taking a nap?" He asked with a wicked smile.
Maria sat up completely. "I wish, I was looking over my wardrobe but I don't own a traditional dress. The invitation said it would be required to wear one." Maria explained what she had been doing.
Georg had only listened with half an ear. He had noticed Maria was only wearing her undergarments.
Maria started to talk about Liesl, how she would love to go with them to the festival, asking him if he would at least consider it.
Georg's hand had travelled to the back of her neck, caressing the soft skin. He felt the tension in her body. Georg wasn't paying any attention to what Maria was saying. "Can we talk about this is the morning?" He had moved behind her and started kissing her shoulder, moving slowly from one to the other while his hands were caressing her arms.
Maria felt the tension slowly disappear by his touch. The things she wanted to say weren't necessary any longer. Maria turned her head so she could make clear to Georg that she needed a proper kiss. His hand guided her lips to his. Maria let herself fall back again on the mattress taking her husband with her. Their kisses were heated and Maria needed to get closer, so she started to slide the house-jacket off his shoulders. Georg helped her by freeing his arms. The garment hit the floor. Maria quickly made work of opening the buttons on his shirt. Thunder rumbled in the sky followed by flashed of lightning. The lovers didn't let it distract them.
Suddenly they heard the doorknob, someone was trying to get it open. "Mother?" A scared Marta tried the knob again.
Getting up quickly Maria walked toward the door but before she opened it she looked back at the bed seeing if her husband was decent. When she saw him walk toward the bathroom, with a disappointed look, she opened the door.
"What is the matter Marta?" Maria let her in and the little girl hugged her mother tightly.
"Are you afraid again?" Maria pulled the girl back a little so she could look in her eyes. Marta nodded and hugged Maria again when another strike of thunder hit. Maria knew Marta had missed them when they'd been away on their honeymoon.
Crouching down to be at eyelevel with her Maria gave her a kiss. "May I stay with you for a little while?" Marta asked. Maria saw the pleading look and said, "Just a little while, you will have to return to your own bed." Marta jumped on the bed telling her mother she understood that she couldn't stay all night.
Georg came out of the bedroom dressed in his nightwear and seeing his daughter lying in the middle of their bed. "What is this?" He said with a displeased look.
Marta looked up to Maria, she had told her it was all right for Marta to stay in her parent's bed a little while. Maria stroked the little girls hair, trying to comfort her and tell her it everything would be all right.
Then Maria walked to her husband, "Just for a little while, she missed us while we were away." Maria whispered hoping Marta couldn't hear their conversation.
"She has her own bed." Georg said a bit irritated.
"I know darling, just a few minutes and then we'll have all night for us." Maria hoped to reassure him. "I'll be right back." Maria kissed his cheek and walked to the bathroom to get ready for the night.
"Marta you know you can't stay here the whole night." Georg spoke when Maria had closed the door from the bathroom.
"I know father, mother told me I could stay for a little while longer." Georg looked at the ceiling trying to hide his frustration. "Well, young lady only a few minutes," he told his daughter.
The three of them snuggled in bed and Georg started to tell a bedtime story. Before he could reach the end of the story he heard the deep breathing of both girls. Picking Marta up from the bed he carried her back to her own room. When Georg returned he kissed his wife hoping to wake her so they could pick up again where they stopped when Marta interrupted them. But Maria was already in deep sleep. He crawled in bed with a deep sigh.
0000
"Darling?" Maria knocked softly at Georg's study door. Knowing he had been busy catching up with his work and she didn't want to interrupt him. The children had been in school and Maria just went looking for a dress in town, she was anxious to show her husband her knew purchase.
"Come in, come in." Georg' s voice came from inside.
He got up from his desk, walking toward his wife. "Hello." They said in union. They walked closer toward each other and kissed, it deepened quickly. Georg noticed the dressing bag Maria was holding over her arm because it constricted him from getting closer to his loved one.
"You found something." Georg pulled back.
"Oh yes." Maria had almost forgotten all about it because of their kiss.
"Show me." Georg gestured toward the couch. Maria took the lead but walked to his desk. Georg took a seat at the couch. Resting his left arm on the back of while crossing his right leg over his left. He looked at his wife rustling some of his papers aside before she lay down the object. He chuckled a bit.
Maria turned to look at him giving him a smile. "I don't want to get them on the floor like before the wedding." Maria's cheeks blushed at the remembrance of that moment.
"No we wouldn't want that." He gave his wife a wicked wink.
Maria returned to her task, laying the bag across the desk carefully while bending slightly over the desk to reach the top of the zipper.
Georg looked at the sight before him. He knew she wasn't doing it on purpose but her stretching forward gave him a nice look of her long legs. Yes the fabric of her dress covered them but he knew all too well what was underneath it. Letting his eyes wander up he felt himself getting a bit aroused. They hadn't had a true intimate moment since the first night they gotten home from their honeymoon. He was feeling the effect of it. Georg had to restrain himself from getting up at that moment.
Maria opened the bag slowly because she didn't want to get the fabric caught in the zipper. She had been thinking of their heated kisses a few days before the wedding. They hadn't had a moment alone because of all the chaperones and the children running around.
When Maria came to ask Georg something one evening they had noticed no one was around and they had taken advantage of the situation. Maria had taken the lead to feel close to him so she started kissing him with such passion. Georg hadn't known what gotten in her that moment but copied her movements. Having the need for one another they pushed their bodies closer. Maria had pushed him subconsciously toward his desk; the passion in their kiss was igniting a desire in both of them.
Maria needed to feel him, by taking of his jacket she tossed it over the desk but it fell of it while taking some papers with it along the way. Both heard the thud of the jacket and looked at the fallen object. Maria sprung back putting her hands on her flushed cheeks.
"I'm sorry." Maria looked at her fiancé who was only giving her a big smile. He had been resting at the edge of his desk for support. Standing up he was close again to Maria. Putting his hands on hers he cupped her face closer to his. "Never apologize for your romantic enthusiasm. You can interrupt me like that any time." He gave her a soft kiss on her lips. "I can't wait until we're married." He said when he pulled back.
Maria came back to her senses when she heard a groan coming from her husband. "Everything alright?" She looked back at him again seeing the known look on his face. Maybe he had been thinking the same.
"Yes, show me the dress." Georg smiled.
Maria pulled both side of the bag to the side and got the hanger out of the small gap at the top. Lifting it up she admired it again. It was the first dress she tried on and she had fallen in love with it like she had with her wedding dress. Maria turned around to her husband holding up the garment in front of her.
The first thing Georg saw was her radiant face. It didn't matter what she wore as long as she had this happy smile he knew she would look stunning.
Uncrossing his legs he stood up to admire the dress. "You bought a dirndl. I'm sure it will look lovely on you." Georg touched the bodice, noticing the low cut and the strings in front that would have to be pulled tight. Tracing his fingers along the edge of the neckline he felt the soft material. Maria noticed his movements.
"I have to wear a blouse, it reaches under my chest." Maria's cheeks flushed a bit. Why was this embarrassing to talk about? She wondered. Maybe because she'd seen the look on Georg's face. "I can't wait to see this on you." He admitted.
Maria turned around to put the dirndl back in the bag when Georg noticed another piece of clothing in it. "Is that my shirt?" He looked puzzled.
Maria was putting the hanger back in the gap and while she zipped the bag up she told him she had taken his shirt to match her dirndl. "I thought the colour looked familiar." He said.
"I just wanted us to match." Maria put her hands on his shoulders. "Match made in heaven." He smiled while he put his hands on her hips.
Maria smiled up at him while slowly letting her fingers travel to his hairline. Her hands began to play with the soft hair while she felt his hands caress her lower back.
Their faces inched closer together while their breathing was getting faster. Georg couldn't hold back longer and put his lips on hers. His mouth was so warm, the caress of his lips made her tremble with anticipation. He tasted tentatively with his tongue, and Maria opened her mouth with a low moan.
Her hands came down to his front letting them roam over his collar-bone, up to his shoulders so she could push his jacket down.
Georg let go of her body while he still continued the kiss. He had felt what Maria's intentions were and wanted to help her. Soon his jacket fell to the floor this time not taking the papers with it.
Before he knew it Maria was opening his tie while Georg let his hands wander up her back again trying to figure out where the opening of this dress was. He hadn't seen it before, so he didn't have the chance to inspect it thoroughly, yet.
"Maria." He mumbled between kisses, which she answered with a low moan. "Shall we take this upstairs?" For what Georg had in mind, they would need a more comfortable and private space.
Maria kissed him again passionately before she stepped back, pulling at the loosened tie making him follow her. She laughed at the face he made. Maria loved to shock her husband now and then. She had discovered on their honeymoon that he didn't mind it when she took the lead.
Entering the grand hall Maria let go of the tie and took his hand instead. Both looked around to see if no one was around. Georg was now the one to pull Maria's hand, leading her to the stairs. Almost running up the steps they suddenly heard a voice calling them.
"Ah, there you are! Georg I need to speak to you." Max called out to his friend.
"Max can this wait until later?" Georg tried; Maria saw the frustration in his face. "Maria and I have something we need to do." He pointed out, making Maria blush a deep red. She was grateful to be at the top of the stairs so Max couldn't see the shocked look in her face.
"Well, Frau Schmidt wanted me to tell you that lunch is ready also. We wouldn't want to waste the delicious food." Max told them.
"We'll join you in a minute." Maria said.
Max nodded and walked in the direction of the terrace where lunch would be served.
Maria looked at her husband. His free hand roamed through his hair, like he always did when he was frustrated. She guided his face toward hers making him look at her, "We'll have some alone time tonight, when the children retired to bed, I promise." Maria kissed his cheek and made her was down the steps. Georg frowned; his plans had been opposed, again.
1 day before the festival.
Maria opened her eyes slowly when she felt the movement of Georg's hand on her hip. She snuggled closer to him, letting him continue this little adventure of his hands.
Georg had noticed the change of breathing in his wife and knew she was awake. When he felt her back closer to his front he smiled. Nuzzling his mouth near her ear he whispered, "Good morning." While his hand travelled to her stomach. "Sorry I came late to bed last night, I had to finish the recommendations for this new submarine. They were long overdue." His hand was still caressing the thin fabric on her stomach.
Maria turned around so she could face him, his hands never leaving her body. Maria stroked a few strands of hair from his face, loving the tussled morning look on her husband.
"I'm sorry I fell asleep." Maria gave him a shy smile. "We have some catching up to do since we've returned from our honeymoon 3 weeks ago." Georg explained.
Maria only nodded while letting her hand travel down to his bare shoulder letting it roam over his back. This action made Georg shiver. Guiding his hand to her face he pulled her close. His lips touched her lips softly at first. When he heard her moan he was willing to deepen the kiss. Maria pulled his upper body closer to hers, feeling the need for more skin contact. Georg's hand started it's way south again and started lifting up her nightgown slowly. The warmth of their hands on each other's body was igniting a familiar feeling. Georg pushed Maria slightly into the mattress, letting his body press on hers. Maria could feel his arousal and it heightened her need for him even more.
"I need you." Georg growled kissing his way down to her neck pulling the strap a bit down so he had more access to her upper body. He saw her deep breathing which made him feel even more aroused. His lips caressed the swelling breast through the fabric while Maria's hands ran through his hair, guiding his face where she needed him the most.
"I need you too." Maria gasped between her deep breathing.
Georg was about to lift her gown from her body when they heard a knock on the door. Letting go of a deep growl he put his index finger on her mouth to silence her. He wasn't going to let someone interrupt their morning lovemaking.
The knock became louder. Maria's widened with a smile at Georg's disappointed face.
"Mother?" Came a voice from the other side of the door. Georg still held his finger on her mouth signalling with his eyes to keep quiet.
"Mother? You promised me you would have one last look at my essay this morning."
Georg withdrew his hand and let his body fall down slightly on Maria's in defeat.
"I'm sorry," Maria whispered apologetic, "I did promise her."
"I'll be right with you Brigitta." Maria raised her voice a bit so their daughter could hear her.
"Thank you." The couple heard from behind the door.
Georg rolled of off his wife letting his whole body sink into the mattress while grabbing a pillow and putting it on his face.
Maria pulled away the pillow, "Don't be mad, we'll make up for it tonight." She kissed him tenderly and walked toward the bathroom to get ready for the day.
"You're saying that for the last few days." Georg muttered beneath his breath so she couldn't hear.
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"Mother?" Did you ask father?" Liesl was helping her mother putting away the toys the children didn't put in the boxes.
"Sorry what did you say, honey?" Maria was in deep thought. Her husband had been acting strange the last couple of days but she couldn't put a finger on the reason for it.
Liesl didn't know if she should ask again, not wanting to be too forward. However she decided to ask anyway. "Do you think father would let me join you to the festival?" Liesl asked.
"Oh dear, I almost forgot." Maria put her hand on her head. "I did ask him a few weeks back but somehow the conversation was cut short and I haven't talked to him about it since. I'm sorry, I will talk to him tonight, I promise." Maria cupped her eldest daughters cheek. Telling her she would do her best to convince him. Both women continued the cleaning before they headed down for dinner.
Maria just finished tucking in the little ones and checked on the older children telling them that they had to turn out the lights in half an hour. All children agreed with their mother but Maria was sure one or two would go over time but it didn't matter that much because it was Friday and tomorrow wouldn't be a school day.
Maria saw her husband in the sitting room talking to Max about the submarine project both had been working on. The men were sipping a glass of whiskey. Georg had his back against the open door but Max saw enter.
"May I poor you a glass of something, Maria?" Max asked politely. Georg turned his head towards his wife.
"Just a glass of water please. I had to much dessert." Maria smiled.
"I'll get it Max." Georg walked past Maria giving her a small kiss on the cheek walking toward the drink cabinet. When he returned he heard them speak about the festival tomorrow.
"I'll meet you there, I have a few engagements I have to take care of first." Georg handed his wife the glass of water, when she accepted he put his empty hand on the small of her back.
"Darling, before I forget I wanted to ask you something. Would it be alright if Liesl joined us tomorrow?" Maria looked at her husband; she felt his hand drop from her back. Seeing him tense Maria knew this wasn't a good sign.
"Absolutely not!" Georg didn't hide his opinion.
"But darling please, just this once." Maria almost begged him.
Georg gave her a stern look. "Maria I'm not taking my sixteen year old to this festival."
Maria looked at Max for some help, the only thing he did was throw his hands in the air and made a quick exit out of the room.
"Could you explain me why you are against it?" Maria put her hand on her hips while putting her glass down on the table. Georg had turned his back to her.
He could hear the tapping of Maria's foot when he didn't answer immediately. Taking a deep breath he turned to face her. "She's too young." He started when Maria held up her hand.
"I think we had this conversation a while back already, she is becoming a young woman. What harm would it do to let her come with us?"
"Maria, I just don't think she is ready for this kind of engagements." Georg tried to explain.
"We are there with her. I hadn't been to a formal event before I met you. I had you to guide me through it. Liesl has both of us. I just can't see what is so wrong with this!" Maria tried to make her point more clearly.
Georg put his glass down next to Maria's. There was no way Liesl would join them.
"This is my decision and mine alone!" He raised his voice slightly.
Maria looked at him in shock.
"So I don't have a say in this? We can't even discuss a matter about our children. So you have the final say?" Maria raised her voice. "You know what Georg, why don't you attend the festival on your own and have all the fun you want!"
The tears had sprung in her eyes. He couldn't look at her, knowing she was right. But how could he tell her his real reason? Would she think he was being unfair to want to have her to himself for the night?
Seeing that her husband had nothing more to say, Maria walked out of the room letting her tears fall down her cheeks.
"Maria!" Georg yelled after her but he was too late, she ran off and he didn't see where to.
Georg hadn't meant it this way; he wanted to scream out his frustration but held it in because of the household. How was he going to fix this?
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Maria let the water fall on her face, the warm feeling was making her skin tingle. She hoped it would reach and warm her heart also, but Maria knew it wouldn't really make her feel better inside. Only one thing could, Georg. Somehow they had avoided each other al day. Not knowing if it was done on purpose or that they did it not being aware of it.
The day started with Gretl running in to their room at 6am telling her parents she was done sleeping. Georg only growled at the little one interrupting their sleep, pulled his blanket closer and went back to sleep.
Rubbing her eyes Maria slowly got out of bed, Maria looked at her husband and wondered what time he came to bed. The last time Maria looked at the clock it had been almost two and Georg wasn't lying beside her.
Maria hadn't gotten much sleep either. After their disagreement she ran outside, needing the fresh air. She had walked toward the gazebo trying to get her head straight. Somehow it didn't give her the reassurance she'd hoped for so she decided to retire to their bedroom. Once in bed she tried to block out all the thoughts and feelings running through her body. Nothing worked and her night had been filled with unpleasant dreams.
Maria had put on her robe and walked down the stairs to the kitchen, trying to keep Gretl quiet so she wouldn't wake the rest of the household. Maria needed coffee and lots of it.
Breakfast had been difficult. Somehow the children all needed their parent's attention. One after the other kept asking questions. Maria and Georg didn't have time to speak with each other.
Louisa had noticed her father's grumpiness and Brigitta had seen Maria snap at her brothers and sisters now and then, which Maria had never done before. There was something going on but they couldn't put their finger on what.
The hours of the day were going by. One by one the children took over the bad mood of their parents. Usually they would have a small disagreement but usually they would resolve it themselves. But now they came running with the tiniest little thing, complaining about a sibling. And with seven children it meant a lot of nagging.
Liesl had come to her mother after lunch and approached her. "Mother, is there something wrong? "Is it because I wanted to go to the Festival?" The eldest asked.
Maria looked at the young girl, Maria had know she wasn't a child anymore, and coming up to her and asking this showed Maria she was right. Maria smiled at Liesl cupping her right cheek.
"Don't worry dear, there is nothing wrong, just a small disagreement but nothing for you to worry about." Maria tried to reassure her.
Liesl tried to smile but hated seeing her parents like this. "I should have never asked if I could go with you." Liesl blinked with her eyes.
"Please Liesl, this has nothing to do with you, it's something your Father and I don't see eye to eye to. Don't worry darling. We'll talk it out soon. I'm just sorry that I couldn't convince your Father to let you attend the festival with us." Maria kissed the girls cheek. Liesl knew when her father had an opinion about something he wouldn't change it quickly.
"Go join your siblings." Maria watched her walk off hoping she told the truth and all of this will be over soon.
Maria didn't have much time, but she was happy to retreat to her room and get ready for the Festival. This meant Georg and Maria would attend dinner in Salzburg and not at home.
Frau Schmidt was seated with the children during their dinner when Maria withdrew herself from the family; she hadn't seen Georg all afternoon.
The water cascaded down Maria's body, not giving her the effect she wanted so she turned off the tap. Just one hour before they would leave.
After she was dressed in the proper undergarments, she dried her hair while looking at her reflexion in the mirror. It wasn't the woman she hoped she saw looking back at her. How could last night and this day change her complexion so fast. Shaking her head she left the reflection to what it was and walked to the closet. Taking out the bag containing her Dirndl. Laying it carefully on the bed, hoping this night would be over rather sooner then later.
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When Georg had gone to bed late last night he did give her a kiss on her forehead. Promising her it would be all right and they would talk, Maria had roused a bit but hadn't woken. During the day Georg tried to find Maria, knowing they need to talk. Somehow he couldn't find her or she had been busy with the children.
It seemed that with the growing of the day the children had picked up some kind of tension between their parents. The last few weeks they had seen them in embraces and sharing kisses when they could. Now there was nothing.
This annoying attitude of his children toward each other didn't do wonders to his mood either.
Georg came down the stairs looking around the hall. All dressed up in his traditional Austrian attire. When he went to wash up before changing his attire there was no sign of his wife.
When he reached the last step he saw Franz approach. "Where is Maria?" Georg questioned his butler.
"The Baroness is already in the car, Captain." Franz looked at his employer with a questionable look, not understanding why the Captain wouldn't know where his wife was.
Georg took the lead to the door. "This is going to be a long night." He sighed out of frustration.