Accepting and Meeting
"Maria, what brings you to see us."
"Sister Marguerite, I'd like to speak to the Reverend Mother. Do you think she has time to see me?"
"Of course Maria, come with me I know she is in her office."
"Thank you."
Sister Marguerite knocked on her door.
"Enter," they both heard; she went in alone.
"Yes, Sister Marguerite."
"Maria is here, she would like to talk to you."
"Is she alright?"
"Seems to be."
"Show her in."
"You may go in Maria."
"Maria dear, you look so happy; happier than I think I've ever seen you."
"I am happy Reverend Mother. I can't thank you enough for helping me find employment at the dress shop. It's a very busy store; I've had lots of embroidery to do. Hazel's customers really like my work."
"I'm glad for you Maria. Is that a new dress you're wearing?"
"Yes, Hazel needed some extra help out in the store front; she told me I had to make myself another dress. We've also become very good friends; she's a lot like you, very easy to talk with."
"She is a lovely woman. Why do you need to see me?"
"One of her good costumers asked me to help care for his five children this summer. She has encouraged me to do so."
"Do you know the family?"
"I know the father, he's a widower. His oldest daughter and son are going to the University. He told Hazel he wants a woman to almost be like a nanny to the children; especially the youngest girl; she doesn't talk."
"Do you know the family name?"
"Captain von Trapp."
"Yes the Captain."
"You know him."
"I've never met him but I've been told he has had a very difficult time since his wife died. And he recently broke off his engagement."
"Yes, Hazel told me that too. He seems so nice, Reverend Mother. Do you think it would be okay?"
"It's a wonderful opportunity for you Maria. Remember what I told you before; using your gift of caring for children would come later; and I'm sure you'll find a way to sing with them."
"You really think I should accept his request?"
She smiled thinking; God has other plans for Maria.
"Yes, Maria I do."
"Thank you. I can see myself out."
"Good day Maria," she waved as Maria opened her office door and turned to acknowledge her.
Remembering where she was she didn't skip across the courtyard. She only walked hurriedly. When she was outside the gate she twirled around singing: …..Follow every rainbow,
'Till you find your dream.
Georg returned to the store on Friday, right before lunch. Maria was busy with a customer, he waited. When she was finished Maria saw him.
"I have an answer for you Captain. I'd be delighted to help you for the summer."
"Very well, the children get out of school next week. Can you begin on Thursday? That will give you a chance to get to know the children before I leave to take Liesl and Friedrich to the University on Saturday."
"That's fine sir."
"I'll plan on sending a car for you Thursday morning. Where to Fräulein?"
"The Abbey guest house."
They said goodbye; Georg left being most pleased with Maria's decision.
Maria was packed and waiting on the porch of the guest house when Franz drove up.
"Fräulein Maria, I presume."
"Yes."
"Is this all you have?"
"Yes sir."
He took her two small bags and her guitar and placed them in the trunk; then opened the door for her.
"Thank you sir."
It wasn't a long ride. Maria had never been to this part of Salzburg known as Aigen. It was much different from the city; lots of trees and wide open spaces. Franz entered the opened gate and pulled up in front of the villa. Maria gulped; "my goodness such a big house." She whispered.
Franz helped her out of the car and opened the villa door for her. The Captain was waiting for her in the great hall.
"Fräulein, my children are anxious to meet you, come this way." As they walked through the great hall he pointed out several rooms, including the dining room and his study.
They stepped out the backdoor on to a veranda where the children were sitting at a table enjoying a glass of lemonade.
"Children, Fräulein Maria is here."
They stood and formed a formal line, oldest to youngest. "Why don't you introduce yourselves?"
"I'm Liesl; did you really do the embroidery on my dress?"
"Yes Liesl."
"Where did you learn?"
"When I was at the University in Vienna; I did it to earn extra money."
"You, young man must be Friedrich. Has anyone told you that you look a lot like your Father?"
"Yes Fräulein, all the time."
"Are you both looking forward to the University?" They acknowledged her with a nervous smile.
"I'm Louisa; did you do my dress also?" Maria nodded.
"Could you teach me sometime?"
"I'd love to, Louisa."
"Hi, I'm Kurt. Do you play sports?"
"Well I was pretty good at volleyball at one time. What do you play?"
"Volleyball sometimes but mostly soccer."
"And you young lady have a book in your hands, you must read a lot."
"My name is Brigitta, it's fun to imagine yourself in the stories."
"Yes it is Brigitta."
Standing together holding hands were the two youngest girls, Maria smiled at them. But Georg spoke, "Marta's almost seven, she's very shy until she gets to know you, then she'll talk your ear off. And Gretl is five; she doesn't talk. I think it's because Marta never lets her."
"I'll take Fräulein Maria to her room. Why don't you ask Stefan to cut some fresh flowers for the hall tables?"
"Your room is easy to find; it's the first one at the top of the stairs, Maria. I believe you have everything you need, if not you can ask Frau Schmidt the housekeeper; I will introduce you later, she'll be home for lunch. I'll give you time to put away your things, then I'll send Kurt to get you."
"Thank you, Captain."
Maria had never lived in a nice house; she was a farm girl, their homes were very modest and of course she had lived at the Abbey where her room was only furnished with the necessities. It didn't take her long to put away her things.
In a while Kurt came to her opened door. "Fräulein Maria, are you ready to come downstairs?"
"Yes thank you. Well Kurt, you're going to be the only boy now. How are you with that?"
"Fine Fräulein, Brigitta and I are close even though she reads a lot."
"Where are we going Kurt?"
"Father said to bring you outside and we would walk around the gardens."
The Captain spotted Maria, but addressed Marta and Gretl. "Girls, please walk with your Fräulein."
"Girls, may I hold your hands. I wouldn't want to get lost." Marta giggled.
"Why the giggles Marta?"
"You're our Fräulein, you can't get lost."
"I hope I won't," squeezing both of their hands. Friedrich described many of the trees and flowers that were growing in their garden.
"Very good Friedrich."
"Fräulein, please meet Stefan the gardener, he's responsible for our lovely flowers."
"Pleased to meet you, your flowers are beautiful; I love flowers, especially Edelweiss." Stefan tipped his cap in response.
They continued their walk and came upon a walkway that was surrounded on both sides with a high hedge, which eventually opened into a courtyard. The doors opened into a large room with a piano.
"What is this room?"
"This originally was a ballroom, now the children play in here when it is too cold to be outside; and I'm sure you also know about the rainy season."
"Oh yes Captain, I do. I got caught up in the hills one day and got soaked."
"Children you need to get cleaned up for lunch. I'm going to show your Fräulein the rest of the house." The children scampered up the stairs.
"Do you like her?" Liesl asked. All of them smiled and nodded, even Louisa. And Kurt spoke; "I bet she will play with us."
"Maria, the kitchen is down this hall. You're always welcomed to fix tea, coffee or get a snack. Please meet the best cook in the world, Katia."
"Now Captain, why do say that?"
"Because anyone who can fix meals Gretl will eat, has to be marvelous."
"Maria, join me anytime for tea and cookies."
"Thank you for the invitation, Katia."
"Well Maria, you've met everyone except Phillip and Martha; Martha cleans for us, she prefers to live with her family; she comes in three times a week; Phillip is out in the pasture with the cows; he'll be in later after he milks our ladies.
Maria had to laugh. "I presume your ladies have names."
"Yes, Bertha and Princess."
"Princess Captain?"
"I'll tell you sometime," he said with a twinkle in his eye.