Georg and I, Georg it seems strange to call him that, told the children of our plans to marry. They were very happy or so it seemed. It must have seemed strange to some of them having their governess marry their father. The younger ones were overjoyed. They had not known their real mother and I guess I was the closest thing they had to one.
It was decided that we were to be married at Nonberg abbey. Georg took me into town to be fitted for my wedding gown. He knew the woman who owned the shop and instructed her to help me with whatever I wanted. She showed me many designs, none of which I liked. She then asked what I wanted. I explained that I wanted something simple, not too extravagant.
" My dear you are marrying a Baron and you must learn to act and dress as a Baroness" she says as I look at more designs.
Two hours pass and I am exhausted. We finally decide on a dress as well as dresses for the girls. She then asks about my trousseau. I look at her not quite knowing what she means.
"My dear, you need something for the wedding night, it is tradition" she says looking at me rather puzzled.
"Oh, I won't need any of that. I don't plan on having any children with the Baron so that will not be an issue"
" My dear has anyone explained to you what it means to be married. The wedding night and all that it entails is part of being married. Did no one explain this to you , perhaps your mother" she says holding onto my arms.
" My mother died when I was very young. I went to join the convent when I was twenty. I don't think you understand. I plan on returning to the convent once the children are grown. I plan on giving myself only to God and no one else"
" Does the Baron know of your intentions?
" I think he does. Just the other day he was discussing where we would go on our honeymoon. I told him it wasn't necessary to go anywhere. Come to think of it he just smiled and patted my hand. I assumed he knows"
" My dear I hope you are right. Even so I will make you something suitable" she says as she takes my measurements.
The days quickly pass as I spend more time with Georg. We go on outings with the children, take long walks on the grounds of the villa. He talks about his time during the war and the u-boats he commanded. We talk about his first wife and what she was like. I found myself fascinated by him and the stories he tells.
The time of the wedding draws nearer and I become more concerned. Am I up to the task of being a Baroness? Will I be everything that he expects me to be? He explains that we will be invited to parties and maybe even have a party of our own. How will I be able to talk with the aristocracy ? I am but a simple mountain girl. I know nothing of the outside world. I have never been to Paris, Vienna, or Italy. I speak only German where Georg speaks English, French, Italian and even Chinese. He assures me that I will be fine. He tells me to just be myself. Even his children know English.
The time comes for me to leave for the abbey. It is the day before our wedding. Georg drives me into town and walks me to the gates of the abbey.
"Goodbye my dear until tomorrow" he says as he gently kisses me on the cheek. I smile at him surprised by the warmth I feel from a simple kiss. I go into the abbey and greet the Reverend Mother. She brings me to a room. It is much larger than my old one. It even has a mirror. I look at myself trying to convince myself that I can do this, after all it is only temporary. Or so I thought.