Franz didn't like Maria. He never did. She was too loud, too vocal about her thoughts, and too ordinary to be part of the aristocratic family he had served for decades. But the captain had been smitten by her. And although no wedding plans have been discussed, he was almost sure it was going to happen soon.
December had arrived and as expected, the children had been particularly noisy this evening, excited about their first Christmas with Maria. Franz rolled his eyes and went back to the garage to get the car prepared.
The captain said that he needed the car and will be out with Maria until late that evening. He checked on the vehicle one more time before retiring to his room.
At around before midnight, Franz heard the car drive in. He initially got out of bed to meet them at the door but thought better of it. He had seen them more than once, kissing under the moonlight or slow dancing to their own humming in the gazebo. He didn't want to intrude. He lay back down and closed his eyes.
He had just fallen asleep when a muffled crash coming from the hall made him open his eyes in surprise. He got up quickly and picked up his torch. He crept downstairs silently, without turning on the lights.
As he neared the hall, he heard voices whispering in the dark. They were inside the sitting room. He flattened himself against the corridor and moved closer to the door.
"Shhh, you'll wake them up," one voice said.
The other one giggled and replied, "Sorry! It's just way too dark! Maybe we should turn a lamp on?"
"No, Maria. Someone might see the light under the door. We can't have the children barging in on us now, can we?" the voice replied.
Franz heaved a sigh of relief. It was just the captain and Maria. He was about to go back upstairs when he heard Maria say, "Oh my! Georg, I... I didn't realize it's quite uh, big. Are you sure it will fit?"
Franz stopped in his tracks, not believing his ears. Curiosity got the better of him so he stayed put.
"Don't worry, my love. It's usually tight at the start, but I'm sure it will be a perfect fit. We'll do it carefully, darling," Georg assured her soothingly.
Franz' eyes were wide open now. He knew something like this would happen. How very inappropriate!
"I'll put it in now, Maria. Guide me, alright?"
The next thing Franz heard was the captain grunting and breathing heavily. Suddenly, Maria cried out, "Yes!"
Franz couldn't stand it any longer. He barged into the room and turned the lights on.
Two pairs of blue eyes blinked back at him in the harsh lights.
Franz stood there in shock as he took in the scene before him.
"Ca...captain, Fraulein... I'm sorry. I thought I heard... uh... intruders. Franz stammered in embarrassment.
Georg smiled at the old butler. "It's okay Franz. Sorry we were loud."
Maria giggled.
"Well captain, if you don't need my help, I shall go back to bed now." Franz was trained to not show emotions. But this time, he couldn't stop his ears from turning red.
"Goodnight, Franz," Maria called out to him as Franz closed the door.
Georg and Maria stepped back to admire their work. The Christmas tree was now standing proud, fitting perfectly inside its block, just as Georg predicted it would.