Maria began to pack frantically. Could the Baroness have been telling her the truth? Did the Captain really love her back, or was she just saying it because she knew the situation was already problematic? He couldn't love her. He wasn't supposed to love her and she wasn't supposed to love him. Maria didn't want to leave, the children meant far too much to her, but if she stayed she knew she would be in the way. She was merely the governess and a soon-to-be nun, and he was practically engaged to Baroness Schraeder. The children would have a new mother, she was no longer of use to them.
After several more minutes, Maria was ready. All that was left of her was the beautiful, light blue chiffon dress hanging in her wardrobe. She finished writing a quick note addressed to the Captain and headed down the hall and stairs to the foyer.
The main course had been served and the seat next to Max was still empty; there was still no sign of Fräulein Maria. It wasn't the fact that she was late that bothered him, because he knew she was late to almost everything, something that he began to find quite endearing about her. It was how late she was that bothered him. What also made him feel uncomfortable was how sickly sweet Elsa was acting. Something didn't feel right to Georg, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Clad in the same dress and hat she wore when she first arrived, Maria left the Von Trapp villa. Maria placed a small envelope in front of a vase in the foyer and with another sigh she turn towards the door and was gone.
After dessert had finished, everyone slowly made their way back to the ballroom; Fräulein Maria was still nowhere to be seen. He realised that there probably was a reasonable explanation for her absence. He didn't really acknowledge if she wanted to attend or not. After this thought he began to feel less concerned about the whereabouts of the young woman.
Georg was the last to depart from the dining area. He too was on his way back to the ballroom until he was stopped by his housemaid, Frau Schmidt.
"Good evening, Sir. I don't mean to interrupt you, but I found this propped up against one of the vases near the main entrance."
Georg gratefully accepted the small envelope from the elderly woman. He slowly continued his journey to the ballroom until he noticed a faint pink lipstick print beside his name on the front of the envelope.
Dearest Captain,
By the time you have found this note, I will be on my way to the abbey.
The elegantly written note was smudged in some places from, what appeared to be, fresh tears. Georg began to feel sick. His biggest fear had been confirmed.
I apologise for leaving so abruptly, but I miss the abbey all too much right now.
After tonight, the children will have a new mother and I will no longer be of assistance. I wish your family all the happiness in the world because you deserve it. I will miss you all terribly and will continue to pray for you.
Yours cordially,
Maria
Georg couldn't believe it. She was gone.