Prologue-The Very Beginning
The Austro-Hungarian Empire was the home of a man by the name of August Trapp. He married the lovely Hedwig Wepler. Together they had three children, a girl named Hede (Hedwig) and two boys, Georg and Werner.
August was a distinguished naval officer who had been knighted and earned the right to use "von" before his last name. Sadly, August died when his children were quite young. Hedwig raised her children on a small widow's pension. She made sure they received a proper education.
At fourteen Georg von Trapp followed in his father's footsteps; he entered the naval academy. He excelled. After graduation he sailed the world before his assignment to an armored cruiser. Even at his young age he became a decorated naval officer. He held a fascination for submarines and was transferred to one of the early models.
Georg was sent to observe in a factory owned by Robert Whitehead which made torpedoes. It was during that time he met his future wife, Whitehead's daughter, Agathe. Two years later they were married. His marital bless was shattered when his beloved mother died the next year. He was doubly saddened that she didn't live to see his first child.
Georg was also blessed. Agathe understood his love for the navy. She endured his time away from the family when he was called to command a submarine during the Great War. During the crew's frequent leave time, she birthed four children. Again Georg was saddened by a death. His brother Werner was one of the early casualties of the Great War.
Although Georg had done valiant deeds for which he received the highest award; the Austrian-Hungarian Empire lost the war and its navy. Georg was despondent for weeks. Eventually, he found his happiness with his wife and five children and the two girls who were born during this time.
Before the last reached her second Birthday that happiness was destroyed. Georg's beloved wife died in his arms. She had nursed their children back to health following an illness known as Scarlet Fever. She could not save herself. His grief overwhelmed him.
He tried to comfort himself by moving from the house in which she died. It took three years before he had made the decision to buy property in a community on the outskirts of Salzburg, known as Aigen.
He had been encouraged by several of his former navy crew who had moved there recently. What none of them had evaluated was this area's close proximity to the German border. Neither did any of them know too much about this man named Hitler.
In a matter of months that all changed.
The Warning
It was the late days of spring when the family moved into their new home. The new home was like a breath of fresh air for Georg. His heart would always hold the love of his life but he had found a way to move on. He focused on his children; they were now his love.
Georg didn't know it; his presence in Aigen had already made it across the border to a vacation home for Hitler and his officers. It was located on a high plateau on one of the mountains in the German Alps.
His soldiers frequented the local establishments in Salzburg; getting very drunk and rowdy in the process. Beer, wine or hard liquor was known to loosen the tongues of even those sworn to secrecy. These men were no exception.
Austria still had a secret police; there was a detail stationed in Salzburg. They were always present around the local establishments. They overheard a comment by one. "He doesn't know he's made it so easy for us."
And they heard a reply. "He thinks his medal for bravery will protect him."
One of the Austrian Secret Police was very intuitive. He knew exactly of whom they were speaking. James Lewis knew Georg was a wanted man. He had to assess the best way notify him. He had no idea how much time he had. And he knew he couldn't be seen going to his villa. For now, he confided in no one.
James went by the villa at dusk one evening. His task became even more difficult. He could hear the children's laughter, and his friend's voice, "your turn Marta." It broke his heart that he had such terrible news for Georg. He went home to think of a plan.
The next evening James entered the property from a path which was hidden by a canopy of tree branches. He came upon a glass structure, a garden gazebo. Luck was his side. He heard a familiar voice. "The children are happy Agathe. And I will try and fulfill my promise to find them a mother."
James always carried his boatswain's whistle with him; he had used it recently to scare off a pack of wild dogs. He sounded a short tweet; a sound he was sure Georg would recognize. And he did. "Okay, which one of you has come to visit?"
James quietly showed his face. "James, what are you doing snooping around my villa? Are you here on a mission or only to say hello?"
"I wish it was the later."
He saw Georg's body stiffen; his eyes glared at him. He had no voice.
"I'll be blunt; that German leader named Hitler has you in his crosshairs." James had gotten his attention.
Georg barked at him. "How so?"
"None of us realized what his plans were. He's sent his soldiers to recruit Austrians for his Army of Stormtroopers. They are living here, in secret. He's going to annex Austria, Georg.
"I walk around the city and I hear his supporters talk among themselves. Georg, I hate to shatter your happiness; I heard you having a good time with your children the other night. You're one of their main targets. You must send your children somewhere far away. And you must do it secret. And then you must leave."
"My gut told me something was brewing. I believe I saw some of them watching the road the day we took a bike ride. I suppose the safest place is in London at the Whitehead's residence. One of his children lives there. Now, how do I get them there?"
"My idea is to have your house staff help you. Your proximity to the train station is ideal. You don't need to travel across town to the main station."
"That's true. Even they will be shocked at the news."
"I'm sure that once the initial shock wears off, they will be more than willing to help. I don't think any of them would be happy living in a German occupied country."
"Yes, I know that too. Still, it will be difficult to tell them. And I have no idea what to tell the children. They are so perceptive, especially Brigitta. She seems to be able to read my mind."
Georg sat on the bench and buried his head in his hands. "I must be cursed. Why do these terrible things continue to happen to me?"
"Don't think that way my friend. Perhaps a blessing will come one day. Maybe you should confide in Isabel. She's been with the children for years."
"How much time do I have?"
"That I can't answer."
"I'll speak to Isabel as soon as I can."
James patted Georg on his shoulder. "She'll help you. I'm sure."
Georg watched him walk into the dark and disappear. He took a deep breath and plodded his way back to the villa. He wasn't sure how to begin a conversation with her or the others, Katia the cook or the two men who cared for the villa, Stefan and Phillip.
Early the next morning, Isabel knocked on the shut but not closed door of Georg's study. Her touch opened it part way.
He saw her. "You're up early this morning. Did the children wake you?"
"No sir, my mind did. Stefan had a car follow him into town yesterday morning. And I felt like eyes were on me and the children when we walked to visit the horses in the afternoon. Both bothered me."
"Please shut the door and sit down."
"Isabel, do you realize how close Salzburg is to the German border?"
"I know it's not far. I've heard another dialect of German being spoken in the shopping district."
"Did you notice if it was mostly from men?"
"As a matter of fact I did see a lot of men recently. Are they Germans, Georg?"
"They are. And they have a mission."
"You know something; tell me."
"They're here to convince the people they would happier if they were a part of Germany. And to recruit men to their army; they already have many members. They stay hidden by not wearing uniforms."
"None of this sounds at all good."
"It isn't, Isabel. They know I'm living here. I've been warned to leave before they can make their move."
Now it was Isabel's turn to hide her face in her hands; she was hiding her wet eyes.
"I know how you feel. I felt cursed. I need your help to get the children to London."
"That far away, Georg. What's going to happen?"
"I'm sure annexing Austria is only the beginning. The Germans want a large empire. We should be safe in London."
"Is there a plan?"
"Yes, my contact is well informed. He knows my large family boarding a train would draw their attention. I will need you and the others to leave at varied times. I must travel alone. It's the only way to ensure their safety."
"They're not going to be happy about leaving you behind."
"Yes I know."
"I'll volunteer to take Marta and Gretl. Can we use our train station?"
"Yes, their goodbyes will need to be here at the villa. I'll walk with you to the beginning of the pasture."
"I assume one of your naval officers is helping you."
"Yes, he's buying all the tickets."
"And you will have a good excuse why you're not coming with them."
"Hopefully, I'll think of one."
Isabel left him to go see about the children.
Georg had heard the urgency in James' voice. He thought of a story to tell his children. He joined them for breakfast on the veranda. He made some small talk before he told them about London.
"This is a wonderful time of the year to make a trip to London. It's a fascinating city. So many people are traveling there I couldn't get enough tickets to take the same train.
"The best part is; I invited Frau Schmidt, Katia, Stefan and Phillip to come too. We have a free place to stay. Your Uncle Frank is living in his parent's old home. Are you excited?"
"Very much Papa, I speak for the others. We love to see new places."
"I'm glad, Friedrich. Frau Schmidt will be the first to leave. And Marta and Gretl you get to be with her." They giggled; they had no idea what was happening. Even Brigitta had been convinced it was a fun trip.
After breakfast, the children ran off to explore the still new grounds. Then they did their reading. Georg took the opportunity to talk to the others. He found Katia in the kitchen finishing the breakfast dishes.
"Any more coffee, Katia?"
"Now, you know I always have more coffee. Sit down; I'll pour you a cup."
"Thank you." Georg watched her finish the dishes.
"Get a cup for yourself and sit with me."
Katia was very happy with her employer's newly found happiness. She had no inkling of any trouble brewing. Georg was not happy about the news he had to tell her. He did his best to soften the news.
"Isabel spoke to me earlier. She mentioned the men she had seen in town. Did you know a car followed Stefan on his way to deliver the extra eggs?"
"I knew about all the men but not the later. Does all this add up to something?"
"It does, Katia. Salzburg has many men who simply walk over the close border with Germany. They've been sent by the new leader in Germany. He wants to build an empire; Austria is to be his first prize."
"This doesn't sound good at all."
"It's not, it gets worse Katia. This leader Hitler wants me."
"Oh no, that can't happen. You must get out of Austria."
"Not just me, all of us. I'm sending you and the others with the children to London. The children's grandmother's original home."
"Will we be safe there?"
"As safe as we can be, it's the only choice."
"What about the villa?"
"Don't worry about it. Bury the perishable food. Pack as much as you can comfortably carry in one suitcase. Isabel will leave first with Marta and Gretl."
"I feel like a ton of bricks hit me. This is awful. I know I must keep my feelings from the children. I suppose, now you need to tell the guys."
"I do. Let me find them."
Both Stefan and Phillip weren't as shocked as the ladies. They had had those eerie feelings they couldn't explain.
James found Georg that evening. "How'd it go?"
"Surprisingly well."
"Here are all the tickets. Make sure the adults have all their papers and those for the children. I doubt they will need them."
"Yes, I will double check with them when I give them the tickets. Will I see you again?"
"I'm sure we will speak before you leave. Georg, I know you are worried. It's not everyday you send your children hundreds of miles away. Believe me; they will have watchful eyes on them the entire trip."
"Thanks for the reminder. I'll wait here until you disappear."
Trying not to worry is a difficult task for anyone. Georg was no different. He like the other adults maintained a pleasant affect around the children. It had helped. The children were very excited. They trusted their Papa.
The next day, on the afternoon train Isabel and the girls left. In the morning it was Friedrich, Brigitta and Phillip. On the evening train the next day was Liesl, Louisa and Katia. The following morning Kurt and Stefan left. His salutation to Georg that morning was, "Be safe."
A/N: Many of the ideas for this story came from a book written by the eldest daughter, Agathe. Its title, Memories Before and After The Sound of Music, makes one leery about reading it. She did write it because she didn't like the way her papa was portrayed in the movie. It is so much more. The book ends with her acceptance of the movie.
Another not known book I used was written by Georg himself. To the Last Salute, his memories as an Austrian U-Boat commander. One of his grandchildren had it translated. She wrote an inspiring introduction. It explains why the Austrian flag hung in the great hall.
Also, there is no butler, no Franz in this story.