More Problems in England

Disclaimer: I don't own The Sound of Music.

Guest: Thank you very much for your honest review. You are correct about when the Queen Elizabeth was built, and I should not have implied any of the Whiteheads' friends rode it previously. I have fixed that conversation a little. However, some of the other reviewers are also correct when they say that the Queen Elizabeth's maiden voyage in March of 1940 included a spy mission. That was the reference Georg was referring.

Georg spent most of his days for the next week desperately trying to find a suitable ship for his family on to travel to America. But he had yet to find anything. And it felt as if the Nazis were getting closer and closer. How long until they were on top of everyone he loved again?

"Georg, it will be all right," Maria's voice broke through his thoughts one night as they climbed into bed.

He didn't answer, even as her warm hands caressed his back. How could it possibly be all right with his family in danger? It was as if a dark cloud of worry surrounded him.

"I know you're working hard to find us a suitable ship," Maria's voice cut through his dark thoughts again. "And you won't quit until you find one." He felt her lips land on his neck, making him tinkle, but the dark cloud was still there.

Maria sighed. "Georg," she whispered, sounding exasperated. Then she gave a little yodel. *

The sound immediately caused all his blood to go between his legs, as it always did. "Maria," he whispered. The dark cloud faded. He threw her on the bed and kissed her deeply.

She looked at him with a delightful mischievous smirk and gave another yodel. Georg pulled her light blue nightgown off her in record time, squeezing her burdocks as he did so. "Darling you know what that sound does to me," he warned as his lips attacked her neck.

"That was the idea," she giggled as he felt her hands in her hair.

The dark cloud disappeared completely, and Georg's mind was only on his Maria and how she made him feel.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Still, the dark clouds covered him a lot during the day. There had to be a ship bound for America that could keep his family safe. But where?

Many dinners, Georg paid no attention to his children when they tried to discuss their activities, or even give him a smile. Once, Fredrick had tried to ask him a question and all he did was scowl. Maria told him under no uncertain circumstances that he shouldn't take his anger and fear out on his children again.

She was right, of course. Agathe would be angry, too.

So, Georg did his best to make it up to the children again.

He smiled at Louisa when she let their family listen to her play the violin. The noise played right into his heart. "You sound just like your mother," he said when see finished playing.

"Exactly like Agathe," Sir Edward agreed, smiling as well.

"Yes," Lady Whitehead nodded, glancing at Maria for a moment. Georg wondered if his mother – in – law still believed Maria was offended by Agathe.

Of course, Maria simply hugged Louisa. "I'm glad you are learning the music that your first mother played."

He also picked up Gretl and Marta for bear hugs. Their sweet innocence filled his nostrils, and their laughter touched his heart. As his Maria had once told him, "the little ones just want to be loved."

And every night Maria would let Georg hold Rosemary for a few moments. She was so tiny and precious. Her wisps of blonde hair were as beautiful as Maria's.

He had to protect them. All of them.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Georg couldn't decide whether England was safer now, with Churchill as Prime Minister, or more dangerous, as Hitler had just invaded France and the Netherlands. It was far too clos for his comfort. Still, at least Churchill had more inner strength than Chamberlain.

Still, how had it come to this?

That blasted party that the Whiteheads' insisted on attending was tonight. And as their family was still in England, he and Maria were going. Of course. And Liesl. How had he agreed to allow his daughter to attend the party?

" – And I do believe this navy-blue dress is perfect for the occasion," Liesl said excitedly, as they drove to the party. Georg's heart increased more than it already was. The navy-blue dress was beautiful on his daughter, and just as important, it made her look patriotic. Horrifying images of young military officers eager to see his daughter up close danced through his mind.

"Yes," said Lady Whitehead, like there was nothing wrong with Liesl's excitement or the situation. "Although I do wish we were able to purchase you a new dress, but they are so difficult to find since the war began."

The dark cloud threatened to cover him again, and Georg reached blindly for Maria's hand. "Why did I agree to this, again?" he whispered.

"Because there is no reason not to do so," Maria whispered back. "Liesl has been to a few of these parties before. Remember, she is a young lady now. Besides, you know nothing is going to happen to her if all of us are there to watch over her."

Georg sighed. He knew that, but he didn't have to like it.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

He felt himself tense even more as they all entered the Fosters' ballroom. As he suspected, dozens of young military officers were already here. Royal Navy men. Army. Air force. Everything he could imagine all in full dress.

And Liesl seemed just as eager to see them, as her blue eyes grew larger by the minute. Georg instinctively reached out to pull his daughter back outside, but immediately stopped. Maria was right. Liesl was a young lady. And her family would watch her.

Squeezing Maria's hand, he then turned to gaze at her instead. She looked gorgeous in her red gown. It showed off her figure and brought out the red highlights in her hair. But why wasn't she smiling? "Maria what's wrong?" he asked softly.

Maria sighed. "I know I shouldn't worry, but I can't stop thinking about Rosemary. Do you really think Louisa and Brigitta can care for her properly?"

First mother worries. Of course. Agathe had them as well. Georg knew it showed how much they cared. "Darling it's only natural that you are worried about our youngest girl, but I'm certain she is fine. Louisa and Brigitta have had plenty of experience carrying for their siblings in the past."

Maria sighed and pushed herself closer to his side. "I know that. I just…" She shook her head.

Georg decided a distraction may be in order. "Have I told you how great you look in that dress?" he asked, placing his hands lightly on her hips.

Maria giggled. "I believe you mentioned it earlier, but you are welcome to do so again."

Georg felt his grin widen. "In that case, the dress is beautiful on you, darling."

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Piano, violin, and cello music filled the ballroom with "God Save the King," as everyone saluted the British flag. Georg desperately tried to keep himself from thinking about his own national anthem and his own flag. It didn't exist anymore, so what did it matter?

Nevertheless, he held on to Maria's arm a bit tighter.

When the anthem finished, several British officers spoke of how ready they were to march off to war and defeat Herr Hitler. Georg sighed as everyone cheered. Why couldn't his Austria have been just as determined, instead of welcoming the man with open arms? The dark cloud threatened once again.

It doesn't matter he reminded himself again, forcing those thoughts away and looking straight ahead. Yet, somehow Maria's soft hand touched him despite himself. The dark cloud faded.

Finally, the dancing music began, and the dark cloud disappeared. "Dance with me, you beautiful woman," he said to Maria, admiring her in the red dress again. "I'm so lucky to have you with me," he added, looking straight into her blue eyes. For some reason, she was still a bit unsure of herself in places like this.

Maria giggled a little and happily let him lead her to the dance floor.

It always felt amazing to have her in his arms, twirling around as if they were the only two people in existence. Of course, the British would not play their landler, but the waltz was almost as good. It certainly allowed him to hold her close. And Georg loved that soft look in her eyes.

But who was that young blond man in a full-dress navy uniform dancing with Liesl? The dark cloud began to fall again. They both appeared to be having too much fun, smiling at each other as they moved in time with the music. What ideas might the boy have about Liesl? And what if he was actually a Nazi spy?

Georg's eyes met the boys' until the he looked scared to death.

Good.

"Georg," Maria said gently, "why don't we have something to drink?"

He nodded and led her to food section, picking a white wine for Maria and a glass of champagne for himself, all the while continuing to stare at the boy paying too much attention to Liesl.

"I know this is difficult for you, but I truly don't think you need to worry about Liesl becoming involved with any of the boys here," Maria whispered to him as she sipped her wine.

Georg stared at her blankly. "Of course, I need to worry!" he whispered, offended that she would dismiss his feelings so easily. "That boy, or any of the boys here…" He shook his head. "I know what goes on in their heads, Maria."

"Yes, but Liesl isn't interested in finding a boy to court her right now," Maria whispered back. "She's enjoying dancing with them, but she's holding them all at arm's length. Her experience with Rolfe made her a bit wary of them." Her words, and her breath, tingled on the back of his neck.

"Do you really think so?" Georg asked, wondering whether he should feel guilty for hoping such a thing was true.

"She told me so," Maria said firmly. He stared at her lips, which were decorated with drops of white wine that he wished he could kiss. "Besides, Sir Edward is watching Liesl as close as you are."

Georg's eyes suddenly noticed his father – in – law. He appeared to be deep in conversation with someone, but Sir Edward's eyes never left Liesl. The dark cloud lifted. His daughter may be all right. They may struggle to respect each other, but Georg and Sir Edward both loved the children and believed in protecting them.

"Perhaps you are correct," Georg said with a sigh as he took another sip of champagne.

Maria's eyes widened. "Did I just hear you say I was correct?" she grinned.

Georg chuckled. "I don't know. Did you?"

Still, as Liesl chose a new partner, he stared at the new young man as well. Maria made these events bearable, but scarring those boys was quite amusing.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOOO

Two days after the Fosters' Ball, Georg told Maria he'd booked their family a spot on the Circassia next week. "I can't find any problems with that ship," he told her as they laid in bed. "And Hitler is growing closer and closer." His eyes grew distant, like they always did when he was frightened. "We really need to leave."

Maria sighed. She still wished they could wait until the children finished their school term. But she understood her husband's worry. Especially considering how close the Nazis came to attacking them in Austria. Her mind flashed back to the night in graveyard, trying desperately to protect the children and keep them calm. And then the moment where her Georg had almost been shot.

Wrapping her arms around his waist as tightly as she could, Maria said, "You're right."

Georg's eyes blinked a little at those words, but he didn't tease her as he usually would when she admitted he was right.

He needed a distraction again. So, Maria looked into his eyes and yodeled.

Georg's eyes darkened and he covered his mouth with hers.

OOOOOOOOOO

The rest of the family reacted to Georg's news about how Maria expected them to do so. Sir Edward screamed that his grandchildren couldn't leave, and that Georg would obviously change his mind again. Brigitta grumbled and scowled behind her father's back because she wouldn't be able to finish school. At least Maria was able to prevent her and Louisa from playing more tricks. Liesl, the peacemaker, attempted to explain to her Gromi why it was so necessary that they leave and helped comfort Marta about traveling to a new place.

"We'll ride on a big ship, Marta," Liesl told her younger sister, spreading her arms as far as they could go. "Just like the models Father used have displayed in Salzburg."

Marta nodded, but she still looked nervous.

"And your father and I, along with all your siblings, will be there with you," Maria reminded her. "We'll all work together, just like we did when we left Austria. And now that you're older, you can help with Rosemary, too." Maria tickled her baby's arms a bit, and her usually serious baby managed a smile. "Rosemary is going to need her big sister, Marta to help show her how brave she can be."

Marta smiled and sat up a little straighter. "I can do that, Mother."

OOOOOOOOOOO

Maria needed the Lord, now more than ever. She was extremely grateful Gretl was able to celebrate her First Communion before they left. It would be a day filled with the Lord.

"I love the ruffles on my dress, Mother," Gretl said as Maria pulled the girl's new dress over her head. It was white and covered with little ruffles, so it was perfect for Gretl.

Maria smiled and hugged her. "Then you should thank your Gromi and Grompi for providing you with such a nice First Communion Dress."

Gretl nodded, her smile becoming wider. "I will. Will you do my hair, Mother?"

"Of course. This is your special day."

OOOOOOOOOOO

Maria and Gretl walked downstairs, both moving with a little bounce from excitement. Everyone else was already waiting, including little Rosemary. "Oh dear. Are we late again?" Maria asked, as she picked up her baby from Liesl.

Georg nodded, but he didn't tease her about it as he normally would. Instead he had that terrible vacant look in his eyes that showed he was still scared of what was to become of their family. Maria allowed her arm to brush against his and he gave her a small smile.

But Brigitta still tried to ignore her father on the way to the church and scowled at him behind his back. Kurt complained again that he was too hungry to go to Mass, and Louisa seemed to be arguing with Friedrich.

Maria took a deep breath and prayed a psalm that had been in her heart often, her voice becoming louder and louder as she continued.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear?
The Lord is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?

When evildoers come of at me to devour my flesh

These my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me, my heart does not fear;

Though war be waged against me; even then do I trust. **

Friedrich and Louisa finally calmed down, and Brigitta even recited the end of the psalm with Maria. Gretl played with the ruffles on her dress again.

Maria couldn't wait to see Gretl receive Communion for the first time. She knew it would be just as inspiring as when she watched Brigitta and Marta receive. ***

*Georg becoming aroused by Maria's yodeling was an idea I originally got from another SoM author, inforacommittee. It is also referenced in my stories: "Broody Captains and Yodeling Women," chapter 11 of "Love Past and Present" and "Socks for the von Trapps."

**Psalm 27: 1 – 3. St. Joesph ed.

*** I have a one shot about Brigitta and Marta's First Communion, if you are interested in reading that. The story also covers a bit more of the religious aspect of the sacrament.