Chapter 1: Rude Awakenings
" Frau Schmidt, are you sure you told Fraulein Maria that breakfast was being served? " said the Captain. " Father, don't you mean Mother? " asked Brigitta having caught the mistake. " Good morning, Children. What's all the fuss about? " said Maria. " Father referred to you as Fraulein Maria again. " said Fredrich. " Your father is allowed to make mistakes from time to time. Now if you will all please excuse me, I am going to get some orange juice from the kitchen and then go back to bed. " said Maria. Having the urge to make sure his wife was all right, Georg got up from the table and proceeded to the kitchen but before entering, heard a glass drop and break.
~ In the kitchen ~
" I seem to be off balance today. " said Maria. " You have been off balance for the past week and a half. I'm sending for Dr.Swanson and I will take no arguments from you about it. Is that clear? " stated Georg. " Quite clear, Captain. " giggled Maria. " Funny, very funny, Maria. " smiled Georg. " Father, Uncle Max is at the door with a surprise. " said Lisel.
~ Out in the Main Entrance of the Villa ~
" Georg, it's be too long. I see you came back to Austria after all. " said Max. " Very good observation, Max. Now what is it that you've done this time. " said Georg. " What makes you assume that I've done anything? " said Max. " Normally when any of my children inform me that your here and you've come with surprise in toe, you've usually done something. So do us a favor and spill it already. " said Georg.. " And as always I never seem to fail you. I do have a surprise for you all. Little `ol me has gotten married. " said Max. " You ? Married ? That is a surprise, Max. Do tell us that you brought the Mrs. Detweiller along. " said Georg. " Oh I did. " said Max. " Hello, Georg. " said Elsa. " You and Elsa ? Married ? " said Georg. " Is there something wrong with that, Georg ? " said Max. " No, Max. Just hard to believe. That's all. " said Georg. " Georg, where is Maria at anyway ? I can understand that the children are out playing on the grounds or something. " said Max. " Max, you've decided to pay another visit. What surprise awaits us now ? " said Maria, ascending from the stairs. " Does that answer your question. " said Georg. " And Elsa, how good to see you again too. " said Maria. " You too, Maria. " Said Elsa. ' Max and Elsa are married, darling. " said Georg. " That's wonderful. " said Maria. " Now see, Geor, your wife is more supportive then you are at times. " said Max. " Do tell me Max, where are you and Elsa staying ? " joked Georg. " Don't even think about answering him, Max. You two will staying with us, of course and he can't object because I'm the one saying so. " said Maria. " Georg, you really do have a charming wife. " said Elsa. " Yes, Georg, you really do, i wish some of her charm would rube off on you though. " said Max.