Georg watched the scene before him. Zeller had asked Elsa to dance and he watched as she seemed to be enjoying his company. He had to ask himself "is this who I really want to spend the rest of my life with? He knew that she had multiple business dealings with Nazi sympathizers and did not have the same feelings he did in regards to the Nazis taking over Austria but as his wife that would need to stop. Would she be willing to give that all up to be his wife and the mother to his children? The children's mother? He just could not picture her as their mother. But there was someone else that could fill that role easily, someone who already had the love of his children as if she was their mother. Maria

His mind wandered back to the dance he shared with Maria. He looked over to the terrace, where just a short time ago Maria was in his arms. The dance started out innocent enough, as a lesson for Kurt, but as it progressed it became much more. He slowly walked over to the terrace door as he replayed the dance in his mind. When had his feelings towards Maria grown so strong? Was it after the puppet show when he had sung Edelweiss? As he sang the last line of the song he felt drawn to her. With her blue eyes looking straight into his he felt something he had not felt in a long time, not even with Elsa. The only other person to move him that way was Agatha.

"Georg" He heard someone call his name but he was still thinking about the dance. "Georg" he heard it again and turned to see Elsa coming towards him.

"Franz was looking for you. Dinner is about to be served" she said looking at him.

"Ah yes, have you seen Fraulein Maria come back down? She is supposed to join us" he said as he scanned the room looking for her.

"Oh darling, I forgot to tell you, she won't be joining us. I saw her upstairs when I went to powder my nose. She decided that it wasn't a good idea, after all she is one of your staff and it would be highly inappropriate for her to join us"

"Elsa I don't think it is inappropriate for her to join us. In fact it would be a welcome change to have her join us for dinner. At least I would have someone on my side when the discussion turns to the current political climate. Instead I will have to listen to Zeller and his cronies talk about the monster that they believe will make Germany and Austria great again"

"Oh Georg, the thing to do today is to get along with them. If the Nazis take over Austria we must be prepared. Think of your children. What will happen to them if you defy the Nazis? What will happen to me?

"Elsa if the Nazis take over Austria I will not, as you say, get along with them. As for my children I have already made plans to keep them safe. As for you, you will have to decide what is best for you. As for right now I suggest we go to dinner"

Elsa knew she had angered him and decided to drop the conversation. Georg held out his arm and escorted her into the dining room. Dinner conversation was kept light. Zeller was at the other end of the table, thanks to Frau Schmidts instructions.

After dinner was done they went back to dancing. Even though Georg was the perfect host, Elsa could see something had changed in him. As they danced she could tell he was not thinking about her. His eyes kept looking towards the terrace and she knew exactly who he was thinking of. She wondered if Maria was gone by now. After their little talk she knew Maria was upset but Elsa had to do it. If she had any chance with Georg the little governess had to be out of the picture. As she had told Maria, he will forget about her in time. How much time remains to be seen?

Georg was tapped on the shoulder by another guest at the party and he willingly handed Elsa over to him. It gave him a good reason to get some air. He walked to the terrace and went outside. His mind again went to Maria. He couldn't help himself. He had a lot to think about. Does she have any feelings for me? He felt she did, especially tonight, but she was to become a nun, locked away in a convent for the rest of her life. Does she still want that kind of life? He wasn't sure but he had to find out.

Leaving the terrace Georg decided to go check on Maria. Elsa was busy talking to Zeller, a fact that made his stomach turn, so he was able to slip out unnoticed. As he was walking towards the stairs he noticed an envelope on the desk. He immediately recognized the handwriting. Maria.

He quickly opened the letter and scanned the words.

Captain,

I want to thank you for my time here but I regret that I must leave. I miss the abbey and all the sisters too much to stay. Please tell the children goodbye and again thank you.

Maria

Georg couldn't believe she was gone. Maybe it's not too late he thought. He ran to the door and out into the courtyard. His eyes scanned to the left and right hoping beyond hope she had not gone too far. His heart pounded in his chest as he opened the large iron gate to look down the road to see if she was there. Nothing, there was no sight of her.

Maria did not know how far she had walked. She was relieved to see the bus coming down the road. She flagged it down and slowly walked up the stairs. Looking through tear filled eyes she headed towards the back. She placed her guitar on the seat next to her and sat down. The bus started down the path traveling further from the Von Trapp estate and into town. She thought about the events of the last few hours.

The children had been so excited to be going to a party. They had been preparing all week. As she came around the path that led to the terrace, she smiled at the sight of Liesl and Friedrich dancing together.

"Children, you didn't tell me you could dance" she said

"The Von Trapp children can dance" Kurt shouted as they all gathered around her.

The familiar strains of the Laendler filled the air. Kurt asked what kind of dance the guests were doing.

"That's the Laendler, it's an Austrian folk dance" she answered looking into the ballroom.

That's when Kurt asked her to teach him the dance. She initially resisted but her heart melted at the way he pleaded with her to show him.

She started the dance, going slowly explaining to him what to do. He was doing well but had trouble with a certain move. As they continued they both laughed as they realized Kurt's height was the real problem.

She suddenly heard a familiar voice.

"Do allow me" the Captain said as he reached for her hand. She slowly put her hand in his as they began to dance. The Captain knew the dance well and Maria found he was very easy to dance with. The dance progressed to the point where they turned and faced each other, their bodies almost touching. His face was so close to hers that she could feel his breath on her cheek. They both stopped and stared at each other, neither one willing to break the spell that had enveloped them. It wasn't until he heard Elsa's voice and she heard Brigittas that the spell had been broken. Yes Brigitta had been right. Her face was red, but not because of dancing. She was blushing. Her heart was pounding so hard she was sure he had heard it.

She was grateful when the children reminded her of their surprise and followed them out of the terrace area and away from the Captain.

She gathered them into the foyer and had them get into position for their song.

She stepped into the ballroom "Ladies and Gentlemen, the children of Captain Von Trapp wish to say goodnight to you"

She went back into the foyer, blew a good luck kiss to them, and stepped to the side as they began. She watched with pride as they flawlessly performed the song. The song ended and she was glowing with pride as some of the guests complimented her on the performance. She thanked them for their kind words and began to walk towards the stairs when she was interrupted.

"Young lady, you must join us for dinner" she heard Max say. She tried to protest but Max insisted. Even the Captain agreed that she should join them. She reluctantly agreed but wanted to change into something more appropriate.

In the safety of her room she took off the dress she had been wearing and began to look in the wardrobe for something to wear. She heard a knock on her door and was surprised to see the Baroness standing there. While the Baroness said she was there to help her, Maria had an uneasy feeling she was there for another reason.

"I don't think I have anything that is appropriate" she said buttoning up the dress she had been wearing.

The Baroness began to look through the wardrobe "Hmm, why don't you put this on" she had the blue dress she wore the night of the puppet show, "this is the one from the other night, when the Captain couldn't take his eyes off you"

There it was. She knew it. Her intuition had never let her down.

Maria tried to dismiss what the Baroness said, but the Baroness wouldn't stop. The Baroness said he was in love with her and that Maria felt the same. Though Maria denied the accusations with her words her emotions betrayed her. She felt her eyes begin to well up but vowed she would not let them fall, especially in front of the Baroness.

Her head was spinning. She was confused, scared, and just wanted to run back to the place she felt safe.

"I should leave, I mustn't stay here", with that she began to furiously pack her things. She barely heard the Baronesses parting words "I'm sure you'll make a fine nun".

As soon as she heard the door close the tears she had been holding back flowed freely down her cheeks. She looked around the room and found some paper and a pen. She quickly wrote the note to the Captain and placed it in the envelope. She finished packing and headed down the stairs. Looking around she made sure that no one could see her as she left the envelope on the desk, walked to the front door, took one last look and left.

Maria was so deep in thought she had not noticed that the bus had arrived at the station.

"Fraulein, everyone must get off, we are at the station" the driver said as he tapped her on the shoulder.

Maria jumped at the contact and slowly gathered her things. She made the long walk up the stone path leading to the abbey. She rang the bell and waited.

Sister Margareta came to the gate and was surprised to see Maria standing there.

"Maria, what on earth are you doing here so late?" What's happened?

"Sister may I go to my old room, I'm very tired" was all she could manage to say.

Sister Margareta took the guitar from her hand and led her to her room. She could see how distressed Maria was but chose not to question her further. As soon as Maria was settled she would inform the Mother Abbess of her return.

As soon as the door closed Maria began to sob uncontrollably. Her heart was breaking at the thought of never seeing the children or him again. She fell asleep, exhausted from the emotional roller coaster she had experienced.