Chapter 1
Georg stomped across the hallway, like a young boy after being denied his desired treat on his return from school. His eldest daughter, Leisl, scurried behind, demanding he slowed down so they could finish their discussion of an urgent matter.
"Oh father, you can no longer deny what has been on your mind; since Frau Schmidt left us, there is nobody here permanently to fill the lonely void in your
life. Brigitta has expressed her worries that you need somebody living in this house with you to keep an eye on you. Father, you must remember that your days of being 30 and a naval Captain at sea have passed and that you are much older now, and more vulnerable, please let us find you a new housekeeper."
Captain Von Trapp offered a deep, painful sigh of acceptance as he acknowledged that his children were indeed right.
"With Gretl leaving for university next month, the need for you to stay in this huge household by yourself makes little sense these days, however we have intercepted your stubborn ideals that we have as much chance getting you to leave for a smaller, more manageable house, as we do attempting to staple water to a tree. I beg of you to consider letting us find you a woman to offer a helping hand here and there." Leisl shared a small, yet concerned smile to her peer. Georg had to admit that he did appreciate how greatly his family cared for his wellbeing, so decided to return her smile with a mischievious grin of his own. A glimmer of hope entered her eyes and consequently sparkled over her features. She followed up her happiness by launching at him, arms and smile as wide as his love for his children, as he embraced the daughter he spent many days wondering how she had become so wise and humble.
"If that seems to be what would make you lovely children of mine happy, then I shall do as you please, however I would largely appreciate a woman who does not remind me of my mother and will not tell me at least three times a day to go and comb my hair!" Georg retaliated sharply to accentuate to Leisl that he still had his pride tightly intact, but she could only let out a small chuckle of delight noting that he was still the same old wonderful father he had always been. Swiftly, Leisl turned on her heel and gracefully strolled out of her father's study to join her other siblings on the veranda. Contrary to his daughter, Georg remained still and firm in his place and just hoped to dear God, that they would chose a woman that he would find tolerable.
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Maria dreamed of what her next adventure would involve, as she stared longingly at the beautiful mountain scenery and the glaze of snow at the peak of each summit. Majestic hues of blues, greens and bright, vibrant colours scattered amongst the frosted surface of the lake, reminding her of one of Monet's most delightful works of art from his memorable garden. She skipped along the thick yellow brick road, her red carpet bag and guitar case in tow, containing some of her most prized possessions. All of a sudden, she came across a grand dark grey gate, but with further inspection realised she had reached her destination. Reaching for the cold, metal handle she pushed the gate open with force as it was much to heavy for her small frame. Instantly she stopped. Looking up, Maria saw a house, wait no, Maria saw a mansion, one that could only be too large for a single elder man as described in the job description. Few words could describe how unbelievably elegant and alluring this building was, never in all her life had she thought she would change her mind on her opinion concerning her thoughts on how housing eradicates the radiant beauty of the Untersberg and Ausrtian landscapes, but there it was. Maria was so overwhelmed by the structure that she had failed to notice the young woman who had appeared by her side.
A gentle hand grazed Maria's shoulder and she turned to look at the woman who had respectfully lured her away from her overpowered thoughts. Upon inspection, she gathered that this must be the woman who sent her the request for her presence in the household, as Maria could see the desperation yet gratefulness in her eyes. Maria placed her hand on top of the other woman's and brought them to rest in the space between them.
"Good morning my dear, my name is Maria Rainer, and you must be the delightful young woman who sent me the request for my assistance."
Leisl happily grinned along before introducing herself also, "Yes good morning indeed Fraulein, my name is Leisl Von Trapp, the eldest of the Von Trapp children, we are so thankful that you have chosen to help us out."
"Oh it is no problem at all, satisfying a family only serves to satisfy me, now how many siblings do you have my dear child?"
"Well I have 2 brothers and please do not be alarmed, but I have a further 4 sisters…" Maria's calm face went to a look of pure fear with her eyes bulging wide as she anticipated the results of this new discovery. With a slight stutter she tried to form her response.
"But..but does that not mean you have seven brothers and sisters, but oh dear God you seem like the age to be settling down with a family and if that is the case, then I dread to think of the amount of grandchildren..!" Throughout her little speech, Leisl had to intervene and hold Maria's arms before they hit her from all the wild swinging and exaggerated hand gestures.
"Fraulein Maria, it is only my brother Friedrich and myself whom have children of our own and only three of us are married and settled down, albeit Brigitta is getting along rather well with that colleague of hers". Leisl watched as the earlier fear drained slightly from her face and the colour of her pink, rosy cheeks rushed back. "Shall we go inside and meet the family before you jump to any rash decisions about whether you may change your mind about accepting this job offer!' Maria looked startled momentarily.
"Oh dear Leisl, I would never decline an adventure before it has even begun, now let us go inside this marvellous house of yours and greet the others, and I do hope that they will like me." Leisl released a hearty laugh before leading the way inside through the front door.