I only own the plot. Sorry this has took so long, but I had mocs on and had to study. Hope you like this chapter.


'Good Morning.' Maria said in small voice. 'The children are on there way down Captain.' She walked into the dinning room and seated herself, careful not to look at him. Last night when she had tried to leave, she had attempted to deny what she was feeling. But today she had a clearer head; she could no longer refuse the fact of what her emotions meant.

She was in love with Captain Baron Von Trapp. A man who would never notice a simple Governess, in that way, no matter how much she wished. She had just imagined what she saw while they had danced, and afterwards. How could he want her when he had the Baroness by his side? Comparing her to the Baroness was like comparing a Sparrow with a Golden Eagle.

She was brought out of her thoughts by the entrance of the children.

'Uncle Max, what's that?' Marta asked, pointing to what was in his arms. Maria chanced a look and saw that Herr Detweiler was holding a small bundle in his arms.

'It's a baby boy that was left on the doorstep.' Georg said, looking around at his children. 'He's about two weeks old by my judgement. He was in a basket asleep when Frau Schmitt went to get the paper.' At that moment the baby cried out.

'Oh, the poor little thing.' Maria said as she rushed up and took the boy from Max's arms. God she looked good this morning, and so maternal with that baby in her arms. He knew that she would make a wonderful mother to his children, and the ones that they would have together.

He needed to speak to Elsa, but first he needed to sort this child's future out. Last night when he had read her letter he was so scared that he was going to loose her. Having her in his arms during the dance last night was so right, the same feeling he got now while watching her cooing and cuddling the baby. Oh how he envied that little bundle now pressed so close to her heart.

'Do you know where he came from or whose he is?' She questioned, not lifting her head from the baby. He had now grasped her finger in his tiny fist and was suckling it.

'No.' He said simply. 'But this was found in the basket with him.' He held up the box that had been found.

'I think it's lovely, but Georg won't let me have it.'

'Elsa…'

'Touch that box and I swear I'll scratch your eyes out.' Maria snapped before he finished. He stared at her and noticed how rigid and pale she had become. Her eyes were wide and fixed on the box in his hands.

'Why, you insolate little waif.' Elsa said dangerously quiet. 'Let me tell you something, girl. This is none of your affair, so kindly remove….'

'Elsa!' He shouted, his temper finally snapping. 'Just be quiet.' He put the box down and took the baby from Maria's arms, passing him to Liesl. He took Maria by the elbow and led her to his seat. The moment she was near enough, she grabbed the box and shook it.

'I haven't been able to open it.' He said in a soothing voice.

'It can't be, it just can't be. She couldn't have.' Maria mumbled as she studied the box. She must have found what it was she was looking for, because she froze. One, solitary tear fell down her cheek and she began to shake a little. Georg took the box from her shaking fingers and, laying it on the table, put his arm around her shoulders to comfort her.

He shook his arm away and reached around her neck. She removed a chain from around her neck that held a child sized ring. She pressed the face of the ring to the front of the box and there was a small click. Everyone looked on in wonder as Maria opened the box and removed a note. If it was possible, her face grew paler as she read the note.

Tears were now flowing freely down her face as she finished and dropped the note. Her watery gaze moved around the room, focused on the child in Max's arms and bolted out of the room. Georg started to follow her when Liesl grasped his arm.

'Father,' she said, her eye's fixed on the note. 'Don't you think you better read the note before you go up to her? Then you will have an idea why she is so upset.'

'Good idea Liesl.' He said as he picked up the note and read it.

Dear Maria,

You are no doubt wondering who this little boy is and who he belongs to. Well, he's mine. His name is Joshua and he was born on June 5th at 2.20pm. I give him to your care because I will not be able to take care of him in the next coming months. I have Spinal Cancer and as a consequence am growing weaker by the day. Please don't try to see me, I want you to remember me as I was and not how I am. Look after Joshua for me and tell him I love you.

Your loving sister,

Amy

P.S. I knew you'd be able to open this box. The things inside are a mixture of mine and mother's. Treasure it, and give it to your daughter.

Georg finished reading the letter and looked up. He saw Elsa rummaging through the box. She picked out a ring and placed it on her finger.

'Put that back, Elsa.' He said, so calmly she shivered.

'Georg, these are real diamonds, we can sell them and use the money to send the children to boarding school.' She was talking to herself more that to him. The thought of sending his children away made him feel sick.

'Put Maria's ring back in her box and go and pack. Liesl, ask Franz to ready the car, he is to take the Baroness to the train station in an hour.'

He stood, clasped the Baronesses hand, removed the ring, placed it back in the box with the letter, picked it up and walked out of the room.


R&R pls.