The dinner hour had become a wonderful time for the family; full of chatter and laughter. Tonight was no different. As everyone gathered, Maria noticed Louisa and Brigitta. "Why are you both staring at Liesl?"

"Don't you see it Mother?"

"See what?"

"The dreamy look."

"You mean the way your mother always looks at me girls?"

Now the girls blushed, they knew that was true but didn't want to embarrass their mother.

"That's alright girls. I don't mind my affection for your father being compared to dreamy. My dream is real. Your father told me that once. Do you remember, dear?"

"Yes I did," pulling Maria to him for a simple kiss.

Maria winked at Georg, "don't you have something to tell Liesl?"

"Do you Father? Tell me please."

"You can attend Steve's recital. Your Mother and I just haven't figured out the logistics."

"Logistics?"

"Liesl, that means who is going with you," Brigitta informed her sister.

"Brigitta's right Liesl, you can't go alone."

"I think your Mother should go with you. But she says I should since I played the piano at one time. It's your choice. Neither will be offended if they are not chosen."

"Are you sure Father?"

"Then it's settled, your Mother will accompany you."

"How formal is the recital? Maria asked.

"I don't know, I'll ask Steve on Tuesday."

Steve met Liesl soon after she and the others had come home from school. He, like most young people of the day rode a bicycle. "Hi Liesl, I can't stay long, I need to see your Father."

"I can tell you Steve." His grin barely contained his face.

"My mother will come with me; I was told I couldn't come alone."

"That's right Liesl; I wouldn't want you to be there alone either."

"Steve, is this a formal affair?"

"No Liesl, it isn't formal. It's a school recital."

"I'm so excited. Steve, how many pieces do you play?"

"We each have three, even with the ten of us it should take no more than two hours. There's a reception after, I hope you can stay."

"I'm sure we can."

"Who's bringing you and your mother to the hall?"

"Probably Franz, Father promised the others he would do something with them."

"Friedrich, where's Liesl?

"She and Steve are outside talking, Mother." After giving all the others a hug; and listening to their stories about school, Maria went outside.

"Friedrich told me you were here Steve. Are you coming in?"

"Does the Captain need to see me?"

"No, I'm sure Liesl already told you."

"She did Baroness."

Maria smiled as she spoke to him. "Steve, I'm not a formal person. I really don't like being called Baroness. Several of the children's friends call me Frau Maria. Would you be comfortable addressing me that way?"

"If that's what you want."

"I do."

"Then Frau Maria it is."

"See you Sunday Steve, I'll let you two say goodbye."

"I wish I could stay longer, but I must get home. I have some academic studying to do." Hopping on his bike, "see you Sunday," he rode away. Liesl watched him until he disappeared down the lane.

Liesl may have been only seventeen, eighteen in a couple of months, but she knew this was the boy she would marry. Steve wasn't really officially courting her, but she knew. She wondered if her Father would share any first memories about courting her mama. She found him alone in his study. "Father, can I talk to you?"

"Sure Liesl, should I get your mother?"

"No, I just wanted to ask you a question."

"Okay."

"Did you court Mama?"

"Yes, Liesl I did."

"Did it take you very long to discover you were in love and wanted to marry her?"

"No, it didn't take me long. Her parents made sure she took her time, she was young; about your age when we first met."

"I thought that was true, I suppose I should take my time."

"Liesl, did Steve say something?" His voice had a tone of apprehension. Liesl noticed his wrinkled brow and the concerned look on his face.

Her response came quickly. "No, no, not at all, something inside me tells me he's the one."

Georg took a deep breath and gave her a half-smile. "Don't worry Father; we're not even officially courting."

"Well that's good to hear, remember what the vows say."

"I'll be sure Father. I promise."

Liesl knew her father would not keep this conversation to himself; he would share it with her mother.

"Well Maria, Liesl told me today that Steve's the one."

"Really! And…."

"She knows it will be awhile – they're not officially courting."

"She said that?"

"Hummmn"

"Then what's courting?"

They looked at each other and broke out in giggles. "Georg, this is so much fun."

"So you say. Were you surprised Liesl picked you to go to the recital?"

"In a way, yes; I thought she might want to spend time with you. You've never mentioned if you have ever done anything just with her, I thought it might be a good opportunity for both of you."

"That may be true; but I think she needs some mother and daughter time; that's been lacking far too long."

"Thank you, sweetheart, it is nice to know she wanted to be with me," embracing him and sharing a few loving kisses.

"Save me some kisses for later, dear."

"Oh, I will."

Maria wanted to talk to Liesl before she went to bed. Finding her bedroom door partially opened, "Liesl may I come in?"

"Of course Mother."

"I came to tell you how much I'm looking forward to our time together. You've come a long way since you told me, 'I don't need a governess.'" They laughed and shared a hug.

"You were pretty then but now you have a mature beauty. Tell me, what is it you like about Steve?"

Getting that dreamy look again, "it's hard to put into words. He's so polite and nice. He knows what he wants to do. It's so easy to like him."

"How much do you like him?"

Father told you. Maria smiled, "of course he did. Your father and I share everything, except surprises. So, he really is the one?"

Liesl blushed slightly as she slipped into her nightgown, "yes, mother deep inside I know."

"That's wonderful; he seems to be a fine young man. Have you decided what you will wear to the recital?"

"Yes, the dress from the puppet show, it's my favorite, and you mother?"

"One of my new suits, probably the brown-mustard yellow one."

"You know Mother; Steve's friends aren't going to believe you are my mother."

"Yes, they will probably think we are sisters. Does my age bother you?"

"No, not at all, you are my mother and my older sister all in one person."

"Thank you, Liesl. Will his parents be there?"

"I'm not sure, he never told me."

"Goodnight, Liesl."

"Goodnight, Mother."