Captain von Trapp despised parties. The concept of pretending to enjoy himself in the company of gossiping socialites was simply not something that peaked his interest. Yet, when the subject was brought up, he had agreed with only a moments hesitation. It was because of Elsa's insisting, he told himself. It was because of how thrilled the children had been when the idea was mentioned. The way they had pleaded with him with such enthusiasm. It was not because of a certain little governess who had tried unsuccessfully to hide the way her eyes lit up at the mention of the word party. It was not because he was suddenly very curious about the way she might look in a formal dress. And, it was certainly not because he was still reeling from the look she had given him when he had sung to her. To the children. He quickly corrected himself.

After the children had retired - taking their governess along with them - Georg was left alone with Elsa and Max. He was vaguely aware of the conversation going on between his two guests although he couldn't exactly say he was paying attention, his mind was elsewhere, upstairs, in fact. Fraulein Maria was probably reading a story to his younger children right at that moment. A few nights ago Brigitta had left one of her beloved books on the terrace. He knew she would worry if it was not returned to her so he decided he would take it to her room. When he had reached the nursery, the sight inside made him grin. The children were sprawled out on their beds and at the center of it all, asleep, with a story book resting across her stomach was Fraulein Maria. Not wanting to disturb the scene, he had decided to return the book later, and retreated into his study.

"Georg!" The Baroness' elegant voice snapped him out of his trance.

"Yes, darling?"

"We were just discussing what a wonderful influence your little Fraulein has been on the family." Max's eyebrows rose, as if trying to detect how his statement had affected the Captain.

Georg shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Yes, I suppose the children have enjoyed her being here." He gave Max one of his signature stares, as if to say "enough" and slowly made his way over to his brandy cabinet.

"Well Georg, I have to say she's certainly brought a bit of magic back into the villa." Max practically purred, clearly missing the hint.

"Mmm."

Baroness Shraeder cleared her throat. "Well, I'm afraid I've over-exerted myself today darlings and I should probably follow the children's example and head up to my room." She stood up, smoothed a non-existent wrinkle out of her skirt, gave a chaste parting kiss to The Captain, and exited the room.

Georg tried to pretend he wasn't relieved. He was about to pour himself another glass of brandy when he paused, unsure of which brand he would prefer.

"Can't decide, hmm, Georg?" The Captain turned, surprised to find Max standing almost directly behind him. He wondered how he hadn't heard him move.

"I should consider purchasing a bell to hang around your neck, Max." Georg glared at his long term friend.

Max let out a chuckle. "Well, Georg, maybe I can help you decide. This one," he paused, pointing at a bottle of brandy, "is your old favorite. Helped you through a lot of hard times if I remember correctly." Max glanced up at his friend.

"This one, however," Max continued, shifting his gaze to the second bottle of brandy, "is new. Exciting. Charming. Delicious?" He said the last word almost questioningly.

Georg was well aware his guest was no longer talking about the brandy, and he was certainly not amused with the direction in which the conversation was going. "That is quite enough Max." He hissed.

"Just trying to help, old friend," He shrugged, turning towards the door, "and I suggest you choose quickly and correctly Georg. We wouldn't want any unnecessary trouble, now would we?" Max didn't wait for his friend's reply. He simply left the room, leaving behind a very agitated former sea captain.

The next morning, breakfast was anything but serene. The children were buzzing with excitement in anticipation of the party.

"When will we get to pick out our dresses father?" Marta asked, her eyes gleaming.

"Well, Marta, I'm not sure," The Captain set his drink down, and turned towards his fourth daughter, " the party will likely take a few months to prepare, so, it seems like we have a little while to wait."

A chorous of disapproving murmers filled the room.

"Months! But why, Father?" Louisa's voice rose above the others. She looked visably disappointed.

"Parties take time to prepare darling. There are lots of things to get in order." The Captain stood. "Uh, Fraulein?"

"Yes, Captain?" She looked towards him innocently, her eyes seeming to ask "what have I done now?"

"I need to speak with you." He nodded towards the door.

Maria was sure she hadn't done anything wrong. Even still, as she stood and made her way towards The Captain's study, she couldn't help the feeling of dread that was seeping in. Her mind flicked back to the time she had been caught wearing curlers by Sister Berthe. She felt as though she was back in the Reverened Mother's office, waiting to have her hair cut off.

The sound of a door closing brought her back to reality.

"Please," The Captain motioned to a chair in front of his desk, "sit."

"H-Have I done something wrong, Sir?" Maria couldn't help asking.

The Captain let out a laugh, "I don't know, Fraulein. Is there something I should be aware of?" He sat down in the chair across from her.

"Well, I hope not." She smiled. There was so much of a difference in his demeanor now compared to when she first met him. He was much easier to talk to.

"No Frauline, you are not in trouble." He reassured her. "Although I would like to talk about the party."

"Yes?"

"The children will need some clothes. I was hoping you'd be able to take them into town. It doesn't have to be today, of course, though I would like it to be soon, if possible."

"Yes, of course. I could do it tomorrow, if that's alright?"

"Fine, fine. And, you will of course be needing something for -"

They were interrupted by a shrill screech coming from outside.

"What on Earth was that?" Maria jumped from her seat and quickly moved towards the window.

Outside, standing a few yards away from the lake, was Baroness Shraeder. She was covered from head to toe in water, and she looked absolutely enraged.

Maria tried -unsuccessfully- to surpress a laugh.

"What is it?" The Captain looked at her curiously.

"Uhm, I think the Baroness might have gone for a swim." She turned to look towards the window again, when she felt a hand rest on the small of her back.

The Captain gave a hearty chuckle. "Now there's something I thought I'd never see."

Maria felt a blush rise into her face. He was clearly unaware of the hand he had unconsiously placed on her back, but Maria could hardly focus on anything else.

She took a step towards the door. After what seemed like forever - although it was likely only a few seconds - the Captain seemed to realize what he had done.

She heard his sharp intake of breath as he practically yanked his hand away, choosing to run it through his hair, in an attempt to keep things casual.

"Well, um, yes I suppose that's all, Fraulein," he began his walk towards the door, "I suppose I'd better check on Elsa."

She watched as his figure disappeared down the hall and she was left alone in his study. Steadying herself from their encounter, she rushed out of the room and began her search for the children.