Goodbye and Hello

The next morning found Georg pacing in his study. He was waiting for Elsa to make an appearance. She surprised him slightly, when shortly after ten that morning, she found him there.

"Good morning, darling."

"Good morning, Elsa, let's go out on the veranda. Max took the children into town. Katia will bring your favorite breakfast foods out there."

"That's nice, just the two of us." Georg smiled politely.

Since he hadn't eaten much at breakfast with the children, he enjoyed a small pastry and a cup of coffee while Elsa ate. They exchanged some small talk. Elsa changed the subject when she commented.

"The ball and dinner were lovely, Georg, I thank you. I know you really weren't excited to arrange it."

"True Elsa, I've never been much for parties, especially when some of the guests approve of Germany annexing Austria."

"It won't be that bad – it's just another government running the show."

Georg couldn't believe his ears. He barked back. "Is that what you really believe?"

"Yes, and besides we won't be here very much. There's a whole world for us to see."

"And what about my children?" He asked with utter disdain in his voice.

"Now Georg, you know all of them should be boarding schools."

Georg tried to calm himself before speaking; inside he was boiling. "Thank you for sharing your ideas. You have helped me make up my mind. I fought bravely for Austria. I will not live in a country which doesn't believe in everyone's right to live free.

"And my children will not be placed in boarding schools. They've had enough trauma in the lives. They're motherless, Elsa."

"Georg, how is it you've changed so dramatically?"

"I've had my eyes opened. My children need me. Elsa, I was wrong to lead you on believing I enjoyed your way of life. I don't, it's a simple as that. We don't belong together."

"I see. Then you'll probably never marry again. I doubt there's a woman alive who would play second fiddle to seven children."

Georg didn't respond in words. He glared at Elsa with fire in his eyes. She understood the conversation was finished. Elsa chose to leave with her head held high.

"Tell Franz, I'll be ready in an hour. I hold no animosity. I hope you enjoy your children."

"I plan to, Elsa." Georg clicked his heels and did an about-face and departed.

He waited until Franz had pulled away before he climbed the front stairs. He took a deep breath and knocked, and immediately said. "It's me Maria."

"Come in Captain."

"Maria, Elsa just left. Max is still in town with the children. It's only us in the house."

"I'm sorry, sir."

"There's no reason to be sorry. It was you who kicked me in the pants and told me what no one else would. I'm forever grateful. Maria, I want us to get to know one another. May I court you?"

Maria felt her face becoming warmer and warmer. Her hands immediately covered her cheeks. "You really want to court me?"

"I do and I know seven children who will be thrilled. You know they saw us dancing. Brigitta may have been the only one to speak but the older children all recognized our emotions. The little girls desperately want a woman in their lives whom they can call mother."

"How are we going to be able to court with them all around us, all the time?"

"Don't you worry. I'll find a way. Maria, are you hungry?"

"Not really but I would like some tea."

"You know when we go down together all the servants will know; so will Frau Schmidt and Katia."

"I'm alright with it. I also think Frau Schmidt will be especially happy."

"Why?"

"I remember a comment she made the night she brought me the material for my dresses. She talked about you going to Vienna to see the Baroness. She told me you and she might marry before the summer was over. I responded how nice it would be; the children would have a mother again. Her body language told me she didn't think Elsa would be a good mother."

"She was correct, Maria. Elsa thinks all of them belong in boarding schools. She also thinks Germany taking over Austria is a good idea."

"Oh dear, how could she think that way?"

"Maria, I'm afraid there are a lot of people who feel the same. They know nothing of Hitler's intentions."

"Come on; let's get you some tea before you faint on me."

"Now what makes you think I might faint?"

"Because you've had nothing to eat since lunch yesterday."

As they walked towards the stairs, they heard. "Is there something you want to share, Georg?"

"Yes Isabel, Maria and I are courting."

"Halleluiah, the children will be thrilled."

"My words too, Isabel."

"Maria, I laugh every time I remember your first day with us. You didn't scream and walk out when you found the frog in your pocket."

"No I didn't. I'm not scared of them only surprised one was in my pocket. Georg, did you know about the pinecone on my chair."

"No, but I suspected that was what you sat on. The children did it once or twice before. The governesses promptly left the villa. Your reaction was charming. But then your teacher psychology prepared you to turn the tables on them. Something told me you may one day use that technique on me. And later I learned I was correct."

"I don't know if it was anything I learned at the university. After you told me I was the twelfth governess you hired to care for them and after your children gave me all kinds of suggestions to aggravate you, I suppose I unknowingly decided to use another approach to reprimand them. I really never expected the reaction I got."

Isabel was listening and smiling. "It must have worked, Maria. I never thought I would see the day when they would accept a governess so readily. But how in the world are you two going to be able to court?"

"I told Maria, I'd find a way. Max may have to earn his keep."

"Maria, you can wait on the veranda. I'll go speak to Katia."

"This is a surprise, Georg."

"My life is different now. You may have other surprises."

"Yes, I heard Elsa returned to Vienna."

"And Max is in town with the children. I might as well enjoy the peace and quiet until they return."

"They've been gone since morning. Did you know they would have lunch in town?"

"I suspected and no telling what other goodies Max has bought them to eat. Can you please bring some tea and something for Maria to eat before lunch is ready; it's been awhile since she ate anything."

"So that's your surprise. I see the twinkle in your eyes has returned. I'm happy for you."

"Thank you, Katia."

Georg joined Maria. He found her looking out towards the lake. He stood beside her. "Are you thinking about taking a rowboat ride, Maria?"

"No Captain." Maria answered rather plainly.

"Maria, if we're courting, don't you think you should use my given name?"

Maria smiled as she turned to look at him. "Of course I should, Georg."

"Much better, I still can't believe my sailor children all stood up at the same time. I suppose they were following the skipper of the boat."

"They were genuinely happy to see their father."

"And I had blinders on, I couldn't see their happiness. I'm so grateful you taught them to sing. Maria, I'll never forget that day."

"And I'd still be kissing the floor had Sister Bertha heard me yell at you."

"Was that your punishment for speaking when you shouldn't?"

"Yes, Georg and also for singing in the Abbey."

"Maria, are you sad you will not be returning to the Abbey?"

"No Georg, I accepted your offer to court me. You see, as a postulant you're taught to examine your life and try to discern if you are following God's plan for you or what you think you want.

"I think the Reverend knew I would need lots of time to find His plan for me. When I came to the Abbey, I had only recently returned to the Church. I had been led astray by the atheists.

"When I left the church after my absolution, I was so full of the Holy Spirit – a car hitting me and knocking me to the ground didn't hurt me – I was only dazed."

"Your faith is great, Maria. I wasn't raised Catholic but Mother insisted my brother and I went to church. Even the Lutheran Church has sacraments. We both had our First Communion and later Confirmation. We've both read the Bible from Genesis to Revelations several times."

"Pardon Georg, I have your tea and I brought a plate full of cookies. And Maria you better prepare yourself for when the children learn their father is courting you. They're apt to climb all over you."

"I'm prepared Katia. Georg knows our love is mutual."

Finally the couple sat and enjoyed their tea time. Georg sat quietly as Maria quickly ate three of the cookies. "I knew you were famished."

"You sound like Kurt. He's used that word a few times."

"Yes, I know. He's always eaten well; even as a toddler."

Georg wasn't familiar with the cookies Katia had brought out. He decided to try one. After a bite, he asked. "Maria, do you know what gives these cookies their distinct flavor."

"I do Georg. It's a spice with a strange name, Cream of Tartar. I believe it's an acid which when blended with Baking Soda causes the cookies to rise and also gives their distinct flavor. Katia baked them a couple of times while you were gone. The children like them too."

Georg ate another one. "Maria, you're going to make me a lover of cookies."

"I don't know why I like cookies. The only other dessert I really like is chocolate cake."

The cookies didn't spoil either's appetite. They both enjoyed the lunch Katia had prepared for them.

Their conversation that afternoon was like any couple beginning a relationship. "I must ask you. When did you get the idea for using the curtains to make clothes for the children?"

"After you closed my door that night, I was really mad at you. I kerplunked on the chair and brooded. I must have remembered the drapes were going to be replaced. Then it came to me that I could use the material to make play clothes for them."

"I must admit I thought their outfits were quite creative. Didn't Isabel say anything to you?"

"No, but I'm sure she wanted to. I'm sure hearing the children have so much fun was a pleasant surprise. She probably hadn't heard them laugh in a long time."

"Where did you go?"

"Lots of places, Georg. We went on a picnic to a plateau on the side of a mountain; another day we rode bicycles. And we sang a lot. They didn't wear their play clothes every time went out. I discovered they each had a wardrobe full of clothes.

"On one occasion we walked on the path above Winkler's Café. It was on one of the benches there when I finished teaching them how to use the notes they had learned could be used to make actual songs. I was and still am amazed at how easy it was for them to learn them."

"I've told you before, I'm glad you did. I think back to my time in Vienna. I almost cringe when I remember all the glittering parties I attended with Elsa. I don't know why I pretended to enjoy myself."

"You were being polite. Listen Georg."

A/N: I'd like to thank all those who left a review including the guest reviewer. I'm not sure what you were expecting. I'm glad you continued to read and liked what you read. I hope you have read this chapter and like it too.