A/N: Thanks to everyone who has stayed with me to Chapter 2. These first few chapters were originally posted several years ago. I took them down, edited, and have now completed the story.

Some of the pairings of this fanfiction may initially seem unorthodox. I ask that you please stick with me, as in the end people end up where they should be. It's a long ride to get there, but the ends are worth the means.

Enjoy!

Chapter 2

"Ave Maria
Mater Dei
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Ora pro nobis
Ora, ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Nunc et in hora mortis
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Ave Maria"

The final chords of the Schubert's classic rang through the cathedral, resonating between the dark wooden pews of Nonneberg Abbey. Maria's high G-note rang clearly off the statues of the apostles as she sang the perfect fifth to the choir's B-flat. As first soprano and choir chair, the young postulant had taken some liberties with the work of the great musician, adding flairs of harmony interweaving amongst the melodic line. None of the other members of the choir ever complained of these, often spontaneous, embellishments and with each performance Maria's confidence and creativity grew. In the history of Nonneberg Abbey, Maria was both the youngest person to ever sing lead vocals and the only postulant to ever be given the position of choir leader, a status traditionally reserved for those who have taken their vows. Among both the members of the convent and their parishioners, Maria's musical abilities were admired and appreciated.

The final note hung in the air lightened by the stained-glass windows that had lit the sanctuary for centuries causing the young soprano to still in the moment to absorb the energy of the sound waves. This was her personal connection with God. Regardless of the teachings of the Mistress of postulants about the 'proper' way to connect with Jesus and obey God's wishes through silent prayer, it was at moments like these, when the room was filled with God's most wondrous creation, the gift of music, that Maria truly felt the connection with a higher being that had driven her to choose a life of devotion.

As the air cleared, the shuffling of the other choir members brought Maria back and she gave her head a slight shake to clear her thoughts.

"We're out of time for today. Thank you all for a wonderful practice, I will see you at mass tomorrow morning." Maria announced, allowing the sisters to return to their chambers to prepare for supper.

As the singers filtered out, Maria began to pack up the sheet music when the voice of the Reverend Mother interrupted her. As per tradition, Maria hurried to the Reverend Mother's side, knelt, and kissed the woman's hand.

"Good evening Reverend Mother" she smiled at the elderly lady for whom she had complete respect and trust

"Good evening Maria. How was practice?" The Reverend Mother returned the young postulant's smile.

"Productive. I was worried after last practice the new song selection may be too great a challenge, but we are working hard and I'm sure, well hope…and pray…that tomorrow's service will reflect this" Maria stumbled slightly, trying to maintain the humility that was emphasized in her lessons.

"I hope you don't mind, I was listening to your rehearsal. I am very impressed by the changes I have seen and heard since you assumed leadership" the Reverend Mother agreed with Maria's assessment.

The compliment was well deserved—since Maria assumed the role of first soprano followed by music director and most recently choir chair associated with the responsibility for the choir as an entirety, the quality of the music had changed dramatically, shifting from a mediocre of sisters who met to sing the same hymns week after week into a group of dedicated women with a structured practice environment and a wide repertoire of material. Word had spread through Salzburg of the choir's musical abilities, and as a result the number of parishioners at Sunday mass continued to grow, pleasing all members of the convent.

"Thank you Reverend Mother" Maria replied, modestly lowering her gaze.

"Have prepared something special for tomorrow's service?" the Reverend Mother continued cautiously, not wanting to excite the young postulant with a history of exclaiming or shouting before listening.

"We have been practicing Schubert's outstanding Ave Maria to end tomorrow's Palm Sunday mass" Maria responded with a question in her voice. The Reverend Mother was normally not concerned with the choir's musical selections. "Forgive me Mother, but why do you ask?

"This morning I received a telegram that concerns you and the choir." The Reverend Mother quietly handed the postulant the small piece of white paper she had read over twenty times that day

To: the Reverend Mother of Nonnberg Abbey

From: Maxim Detweiler

I have been informed on multiple occasions of the immense talent of your choir, particularly your first soprano STOP I will be in Salzburg Sunday April 10th and after mass I would appreciate a short meeting with your choir director to discuss future directions STOP Cordially, Maxim Detweiler

Maria re-read the letter quickly.

"Reverend Mother, pardon my ignorance, but who is Maxim Detweiler?" she questioned, wondering why a man would require a telegram RSVP to attend their mass and why it had the elderly nun in such a state of excitement.

"My child, Maxim Detweiler is the most prominent music producer in Austria.

"Music producer? For what?" Maria wondered aloud. Despite her passion for music, she remained ignorant of the people involved in in the 'music world'. She could recognize every Beethoven, Bach, and Brahm's melody within the first stanza, a talent she had been developing since childhood; however, was unaware of the faces and names of the music industry as it was not something she was permitted to keep in touch with. Minimizing the music in her life was a constant challenge for the Maria as she daily found herself humming in the hallways and singing as she performed her daily chores.

"Each year Herr Detweiler chooses one choral group or soloist, trains with them, then enters them into music festivals across the country. Word has it he is extremely particular in his selection; however, it is said that with his support the opportunities are vast and the prospects bright."

"And he wants us?" Maria felt like her mind had frozen, too daunted to consider the full spectrum of opportunities this small piece of paper may bring.

"This telegram suggests he may be considering us" the Reverend Mother warned, not wanting the girl to get ahead of herself.

"But a choir of nuns?" Maria asked, "Why is it that you suspect this Herr Detweiler might consider us?

"I cannot be certain of his plans. I dare to pray that the resources of Herr Detweiler may aid our small convent to further spread the word of the Lord. This morning I spoke to the directors of both the Saint Ignatius and the Klopfman choirs of their involvement with Herr Detweiler. They spoke of a dramatic increase in parishioners at mass and awareness of their convent within the general population. The Saint Ignatius choir won third place at the Salzburg Music Festival two years ago under the guidance of Herr Detweiler's firm, though they had no contact with the man himself, and with their winnings they bought a gift for each of the children in their local orphanage."

Maria's eyes widened at the mention of the music festival. When she was young each August she would sit outside of the amphitheater during the afternoon dress rehearsals prior to the evening performances and listen to the acts. It had been her first true exposure to the works of the great musicians—Beethoven, Mozart Tchaikovsky, Debussy. She used to run home and tell her parents that one day she would be dressed up in a fancy dress and sing on the stage.

"It sounds like a wonderful opportunity." Maria commented, trying in vain to contain her excitement. "What can I do to prepare?"

"I imagine Herr Detweiler will come and speak with you after mass – I will speak with Sister Berthe to excuse you from any plans she may have for the postulants. Until then you should probably save your voice for tomorrow's mass. I suggest 12 hours of silent reverence."

"Um…while I appreciate your concern, Reverend Mother, I don't wish to make a promise I may not be able to keep. Silence reflection is a challenge and 12 hours is a long time. Perhaps 12 minutes?"

"My child, even that would be a miracle of God."

"Let us go now in peace to love and to serve the Lord."

"Thanks be to God." The parishioners responded, cueing the final choral song of the mass.

As the now familiar opening chords of Schubert filled the chapel, Maria could no longer contain the smile that had been pulling on her face throughout the entire mass, her exhaustion completely forgotten. Maria, under the Reverend Mother's guidance, had not informed the choir of the service's special guest, not wanting to increase the sisters' anxiety any more than necessary. In order to hide her personal anxiety, Maria had left dinner early and, to her relief, had been granted entry to the music room where she spent the remainder of the evening perfecting her counter-melody line for the numerous hymns throughout the mass. The worrying had been for nothing, however, as the choir had been in impeccable form all morning.

Normally at this point of the mass parishioners would file out of the church as the choir sang the closing hymn; however, it had become custom since Maria's assumption of the choir chair for all members of the congregation to remain seated through the, what could only be called, performance until the completion of the song.

As the choir sang, Maria's eyes scanned the crowd, as they had been the entire mass, trying to ascertain who the mysterious Herr Detweiler could be. Based on his extensive credentials Maria searched for a elderly gentleman, and based on the fortune reputed to be at his disposal, a well-dressed man with an air of snobbery to his nature. Four particular gentlemen stood out in the crowd, each dressed impeccably in suits of the current style, greying hair, and a with a well-dressed lady on their arms. Maria hoped the priest's sermon would not be a topic of discussion at her next lesson, as she had not heard to a word as her mind was too occupied with controlling the tremor of her hands. Once the music had started, however, her nerves were at rest and she allowed all the joy she had been containing for the past 12 hours at the Reverend Mother's news spill from her in song.

All too soon for Maria the song came to its conclusion, leaving the high-spirited soprano craving the rush and sense of well-being and completion that only music seemed to fill within her. With music rushing around her like snowflakes on a windy day, her body and soul were filled with the indescribably sense of being alive. She could not have asked for a more cleaner, more spirited performance from her singers.

The applause from the congregation was deafening, despite general church protocol that does not require any praise for the musical selections, and the people began to file out of the chapel. One by one the four men that Maria had singled out left with their lovely wives in tow, none approaching the alter where Maria waited.

An overwhelming sensation of failure shocked Maria—the choir had obviously not performed to the standards required by the famous music producer, and as a result he opted to not waste his time speaking to the choir's director. The church now empty, the choir filed out towards the dining hall for breakfast none the wiser. As her eyes raked over the pews for any stragglers, Maria's chest ached as she realized for the first time how much she had been looking forward to meeting the man who had worked miracles for so many singers. If nothing else, she wished to hear his opinion and suggestions for improvement.

A tap on her shoulder caused Maria to turn slowly to face the Reverend Mother; however, to her dismay, instead of a pair of grey eyes filled with years of wisdom and patience, two brown shining orbits overfilling with excitement and mischief met her glittering blue sapphires.

"Sister Maria?" he asked hesitantly, not able to fully take in the beauty of the soprano he had been so closely watching from afar throughout the entire service.

"Herr Detweiler?" Maria asked, equally surprised at the image of the young man with dark hair dressed casually standing before her. He could not be more than twenty years older than her.

"I apologize – I had to step out to return a phone call from a highly impatient friend. It is wonderful to meet you—congratulations on an outstanding performance."

Maria blushed slightly at the complement. "Thank you." She responded plainly, still having a difficult time accepting the identity of the man before her.

"I am very much impressed. Do you have some time to discuss your performance…I mean the choir's performance? The Reverend Mother has told me you were expecting me; however, if you have somewhere you need to be, I'd be happy to arrange to come by at another time. I would very much like to speak to you about your choir…" he stumbled on his words, still astonished that a woman with a face and voice like those of Maria would ever choose to enter a convent.

"Now would be fine." Maria quickly assured him, neglecting to mention breakfast. Her stomach was too full of butterflies to even contemplate food. "There is an room just down the hall that will be free…the Reverend Mother keeps the sanctuary open for silent prayer all day Sundays" Not one to remain dumbfounded for long, Maria quickly assumed control of the conversation, determined that the meeting would occur under her terms.

It is my choir, and things will happen the way that I want it! The ever-forthright Maria thought to herself as she led Maxim towards a small office hidden in a corner near the gardens. The last time she had been in the office was when she was being interviewed as a prospective postulant, and she swallowed a lump in her throat as she entered the small space filled with comfortable chairs, bookshelves, and a fireplace.

"So what happens now?" Maria asked, quickly getting down to business, as she quickly took a seat by the open window, signaling Herr Detweiler, who had remained standing in the doorway, to close the door and take the seat as well. The cool spring breeze calmed the burning in her cheeks and the smell of the mountain air settled her nerves.

"Now…" Maxim started, trying to hide his smile at the young girl's frankness as he sat "…we talk. I'm sure you have expectations, as I certainly do, and hopefully by the end of this meeting we'll agree to terms that are suitable to both parties."

"Terms? Then you want to promote our choir?" Maria gasped, unable to control her excitement but determined to make this official right off the start. Unbelievable. She thought to herself. And here I thought we'd spend hours with me defending the choir and offering reasons why he should accept us, after which he would say he has to think about it, and probably never contact us again.

"Sister, if I may be so bold, from the moment I heard your voice in the opening hymn my decision was made."

"Herr Detweiler, I am only a postulant, and won't be a sister until I take my vows. Please call me Maria"

"Then I insist that you call me Maxim."

"Oh but Herr—"

"Fair is fair. In this partnership we are equals, Maria." Maxim smiled at the blonde's wariness—it was a trait not often conveyed by the socialites of Vienna who believed very strongly that the world owed them everything they could want.

"Very well. Thank you….Maxim" Maria gave a small smile, uncomfortable with the familiarity with which she was conversing with this stranger.

"So let us begin" Maxim began, trying to distract himself from the piercing blue eyes unwaveringly gazing at him with anticipation and nervousness. "I'm sure you must have many questions for me; however, I'm afraid this will have to be just a quick meeting. For today, I was hoping to officially meet you, express my intentions for the choir, and hopefully arrange a time when we can sit down and discuss details. I do have a couple minutes, however, if you have any immediate questions." He held her gaze for a moment longer, until he felt overwhelmed by the intensity and glanced out at the gardens where the sisters were planting seeds.

Only one question came to Maria's mind, fuzzy from the excitement of the day.

"Why us?"

"You have an incredible voice Maria. I-I mean the entire choir is well balanced, highly skilled and obviously dedicated to the art based on the multiple harmonies you have added to the music, but…well, with your talent the judges would be deaf and blind fools not to award you every prize in the country. It amazes me that you haven't already been signed by three or four agents".

"Thank you." Maria beamed with pride, and then realizing how vain she must look, she quickly shifted her gaze to the floor. "I mean…I…"

"No- accept the compliment. You deserve it. Now down to business—as you were singing I began thinking a great deal about another song I heard a long time ago, called Amor di mi Alma. It's an Italian song, gorgeous, and judges adore it. Normally I don't like to discuss song selection until I develop a better idea of the choir's abilities and tone; however, I must admit I am very curious to hear your rendition."

"I'd be happy to have my choir prepare a selection for you" Maria agreed, surprised at how quickly events were transpiring.

"I apologize, I was unclear. While this is a choral piece, there is a challenging solo line that is the heart of the song and must be very strong. I would be very interested in seeing how it would sound with a voice as brilliant as yours. I would like to start by working with you individually to solidify the part before we introduce it to the choir. Does this seem like an acceptable starting point? Naturally it would also give us the opportunity to discuss more about the work that lies ahead."

"Whatever you think will work best" Maria consented.

"Wonderful. I'm afraid I'm due at an old friend's home shortly, and I am determined to prove him wrong and show up on time, especially after he called my secretary to remind her this morning. Are you busy tomorrow evening? I will have the music sent over this evening for you to look over. In the meantime, I will drop off paperwork with your Reverend Mother before I leave for her to look over first, so if you could read through it it this evening and make a list of any questions, I would be most obliged. I am sorry to put you on the spot like this and rush everything but…"

Maria smiled. "That's quite alright. I'd be happy to work with you tomorrow evening. I'll have to check with the Reverend Mother, but I'm sure she'd be willing to grant me leave from Vespers if it will benefit the choir"

"I will speak to her on my way out. I do apologize for the short visit, I had completely forgotten about my previous engagement and he does not tolerate tardiness, and high pitched whistles hurt my ears. " Maxim grinned back at her, delighted to hear the enthusiasm in her voice

Despite the last comment making no sense to Maria, she restrained herself from asking.

"It was a true pleasure meeting you…Maxim. Thank you so much for everything and I look forward to seeing you at 19h00 tomorrow."

"Please trust me when I say the pleasure was entirely my own Maria. You have amazed me in many ways today, a rare feat I am ashamed to admit, and for that I thank you."

The couple stood awkwardly facing each other for a moment, neither sure how to end the brief meeting. Herr Detweiller noticed the look of unease in Maria's face, and quickly inclined in head and swept out of the room, leaving behind a flustered postulant with no idea what just happened.