It was an early afternoon in May when the Captain and Maria were laying together upon a picnic blanket on her mountain, their fingers entwined between them as they watched the clouds float gracefully across the sky. They had been engaged for just six weeks, and were already becoming sick and tired of being watched by the chaperones wherever they went. They were treated as though they were two lovesick teenagers in need of a Governess, not two adults who knew their own minds and were soon to be the Baron and Baroness of Austria. That was why Maria had earlier approached Georg in his study whilst he was writing invitations for their engagement ball in a few weeks time, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind as she suggested they slip away for the day since the children were back at school, and take a picnic up to the mountains to be alone together. Of course he had readily agreed, because now here he was laying next to the beautiful woman who had completely stolen his heart. As they lay in a comfortable silence together, he swiped his thumb gently over her knuckles and felt her smile as she turned her head to face him. 'You know,' He turned his head towards her upon the blanket, a loving sparkle in his eyes as their gazes met. 'This is the first date we've been on together without a chaperone at every corner,' She sighed happily as she shifted a little closer to him and allowed the tips of their noses to graze. 'You really do look so charming today, my love,' He pressed a light kiss to her forehead as her eyes fluttered closed momentarily. Just a little over a week ago he had travelled out of town for a business meeting, and had returned a few days later with presents for the children and some new dresses for Maria, dresses that she knew she would never be lucky enough to have should she not have been sent on her commission eight weeks back. 'Come here, let me kiss you,' She giggled softly as she bit gently on her lower lip and moved closer towards him, her hand finding the solid bulk of his chest as their lips met delicately. His hand cupped her jawline whilst their kisses were slow and innocent, but carefully slid round to protectively cradle the back of her head when he stroked his tongue lightly against her lower lip. She sighed softly against his mouth as he let his tongue part her velvety lips, and their tongues met tenderly whilst their lips caressed over one another's. When they parted gently, he sucked on her bottom lip momentarily before allowing his eyes to slowly flutter open and reveal to him Maria's slightly flustered state. She looked beautiful as her cheeks were flushed and her lips were slightly parted, her chest heaving slowly as her eyelashes fluttered gently whilst her eyes remained closes as she savoured the feeling of his lips upon hers. When her eyes opened once more she blessed him with a beautiful smile that made her soft blue eyes sparkle, and she stroked her thumb carefully against his chest. 'I love you, Maria,' He breathed into her soft golden hair. 'So much,'

'I love you, too,' She breathed as their noses touched and he could feel her warm breath upon his face whilst his hand rested upon her waist. 'I now see why we need chaperones,' She giggled as she left a delicate kiss to his lips. 'I don't think I'd be able to keep my hands off of you if we didn't,' She then began to slowly kiss the side of his neck as she propped herself up on his elbow, a soft groan of satisfaction escaping him when she pushed him slowly onto his back upon the blanket, moving to lay upon him as her lips travelled over the soft warmth of his skin. His eyes were tightly closed as his head went back a little and his hand went immediately to her hair, tangling gently in it as her silken lips roamed.

'Maria?' His voice was husky with longing as he held her in place against his neck, feeling her wet and soft tongue beginning to join her kisses.

'Hmm?' She hummed in reply, her lips vibrating against his neck which elicited a very soft moan from deep within his throat.

'Were you this much trouble at the abbey?' He asked as his arm was wrapped tightly around her lower back, his head to one side.

She pulled away from his neck slowly as a smirk appeared on her lips, her eyes shining lovingly. 'Oh, much more, Sir,' She assured him.

He chuckled as their eyes met and he brought his hand up to trace her jaw, sighing at her natural beauty. 'I don't deserve you, my love,'

'I won't listen to such lies,' She toyed with his collar upon his slightly opened shirt. 'Of course you deserve me. I don't deserve you,'

'Oh look,' He teased with a slight smirk upon his face. 'We're having our first fight as a couple,' She smacked his chest halfheartedly.

'We are not fighting, I am simply-'

'Shh,' He cradled the back of her head and rolled the two of them over so that he was hovered above her, their tongues tangling slowly as her soft giggle vibrated against his lips, making him smile. They parted with a gentle smack before he lay his forehead against hers, looking deeply into her gentle blue irises. 'I won,' He whispered softly, dipping his head to nip the ridge of her ear lightly.

'Hmm, I suppose you did,' She giggled as he moved back to lay next to her, taking her under his arm and bringing her slowly to his chest. She lay her head down gently upon his shoulder as her hand lay upon the soft curls peeking out from the top of his shirt, a soft sigh escaping her. 'Is it always going to be like this?' She asked as she nuzzled her nose against the side of his neck. 'Are we always going to be so madly in love and happy?' He turned his gaze towards her and saw the slight worry in her eyes, knowing it was due to the fact she'd been let down so many times through her life. First by her abusive parents, and then by her abusive uncle.

'Maria, I swear this to you,' He kissed the tip of her nose gently. 'I will devote every waking minute to your happiness,' She pressed her lips to his lingeringly, her hand cupping the side of his neck warmly as their lips caressed before she lay her head beneath his chin and let her eyes fall closed.

'Me too, my darling,' She sighed lovingly, her hand gripping the soft fabric of his shirt. 'Me too,'

A/N: Please Review x