"Would you keep me company while I have dinner?"

Georg waited impatiently for her answer, beginning to feel uncomfortable with her lack of words. He only wanted some company after a day confined in his bed, he thought defensively. It was nothing more than that he assured himself. But maybe he should learn to close his mouth before he said something embarrassing to the governess. He felt irritated at himself.

"Fraulein, at least before you go tell me what happened with Louisa and if you've talked to her," he said in a calm voice, trying to regain the control of the situation.

"Sorry, Captain I was thinking..." She ran a hand through her hair, ruffling it.

Georg stared at her hair. Was it possible that she looked even more adorable now than before? Georg wondered if he was delirious again because of the fever.

"Of course, I have to make sure you eat properly, I need to report it to Frau Schmidt." His governess spoke with a firmness that reminded him of some of the nurses in the military hospital he had once recovered in after being injured. It amused and intrigued him to see her try to take control over him.

Georg took his meal to his desk. He hated to eat in the bed and leave crumbs on the sheets; he blamed his obsession with neat and clean bedclothes to living half a life in a U-boat. As he picked up his fork, he couldn't resist teasing the governess a little, just for fun.

"You have to make sure? What if I'm rebellious and decide not to eat?" He smirked, eating bits of his scrambled eggs. "I am the Captain of this ship, remember that," he added sternly trying to provoke her.

To his delight, she took the bait. "Well, if you are the Captain then I am the Admiral," she retorted, crossing her arms over her chest. "If it's necessary I would make you eat, even if you don't want to."

Georg stopped eating, with his fork halfway to his mouth and the eggs falling on to his plate. The minx! He raised arrogant eyebrows at her, though he was thoroughly enjoying their exchange.

The governess also realized she may have overstepped her boundaries with him and she turned her head, looking intensely at the lamp. Georg couldn't help it and decided to push her a little more.

"And...ah.. how would you make me eat?" He grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"If you don't want to eat it's fine with me, Captain. Remember it's only for your own good, and I'm only here because Frau Schmidt is concerned," the governess retorted, staring at him with fire in her eyes and with her cheeks flushed.

Georg felt his ears burning, she knew how to kill the mood. Internally he was glad though because their conversation was becoming dangerously close to flirtation on his part. He had to be careful, she was under his care and a postulant, and he needed to behave like a proper gentleman, without scaring her with his remarks.

He kept himself busy finishing his eggs, deciding to take the conversation into a safe place and inquiring about his daughter. He listened to his governess as she told him about her encounter with Louisa. He did n't look at her while eating his dessert, concentrating only on her sweet and melodic voice and what she was telling him. When she finished he took his napkin and cleaned his mouth, tossing it in the tray.

"Well, Fraulein..." He got up from his chair and rested his back against the wall. His head was spinning, but he wanted some more time with the governess.

"Louisa has been always independent. When she was little she used to hide when something upset her, and if we found her she wouldn't tell us what had happened to her until she was better. She deals with pain getting angry or shutting herself, and I'm afraid she is like me. "He muttered the last words and cleared his throat before continuing.

"But I'm sure she is better thanks to you. I know my daughter and she has opened to you more than you know."

"She is scared that something might happen to you, Captain. Just as it happened to..."

"Yes, like...like it happened to Agathe," Georg said scratching his ear. Some things still were hard to say out loud, like her name, however this time he had said it without feeling unbearable pain. "It isn't the same, it's just a cold. And I've been much worse, believe me. " He put a hand on his chest, where he knew his scar was.

She was silent for a while and then she changed the subject tentatively.

"Sir," she clasped her hands together, taking some steps towards him. "What do you think about the children singing at the party?"

"What?" Georg snapped, surprised by her words.

"Before you say something, Captain, let me explain my idea to you," she interrupted. "I know what you think about your children singing in public, but it's not the same thing. At your party, there will only be your peers and friends, so it would be private."

Georg closed his eyes and rested his head against the wall, feeling his head beginning to ache again. He placed a hand on his forehead, it was burning. The fever was rising again and he didn't want to argue with her. Between being sick and Fraulein Maria near him with her intoxicating scent he couldn't think properly.

"Alright, I agree. I'll leave it to you then, but, only one song, understood?" Georg said, going to his bed and laying down, managing a brief smile. He really hoped he wouldn't regret his decision. "You are under my command, don't make me regret it, Fraulein. And now I will rest, I think I've got a fever again".

His eyelids were closing little by little, feeling exhausted, and he drifted off to sleep quickly. The last thing he saw was Fraulein Maria taking the sheet and tucking him in, whispering "good night". It felt strangely soothing.

When Georg opened his eyes again the sun was rising. He groaned, trying to turn in the bed, and finding he couldn't with his body tangled in the sheets. The bedclothes were completely drenched with his sweat, and on his forehead lay a cloth, now entirely dry. He tossed it away and ran a hand through his wet and plastered hair, feeling dirty.

Never the best patient, he felt irritable. He hated to be bedridden and so weak, he didn't like to depend on people and the last time he had to it was completely ghastly.

He was determined to do something useful and stretched his sore muscles, moaning, feeling entirely stiff. Georg decided to take a long shower and get rid of his sweat, which helped to ease his discomfort. After drying his hair with the towel, he dressed in his black suit, leaving the jacket off. While he was finishing tying the knot he heard a soft knock, and then Frau Schmidt appeared with a tray with his breakfast. She put the tray in his desk and frowned, looking down at his polished shoes.

"Sir, why are you dressed in your suit? I thought Doctor Meier told you that you should rest." She pressed her lips together, looking at him with motherly concern.

Frau Schmidt had been the housekeeper of the villa since he had been in diapers. She had taken care of all his family and always respected her employers; but more than that, she had always treated him like a son. She rarely said his name, but Frau Schmidt was one of the few people he really respected and listened to. And the look she was giving him was a disapproving one.

"I hate to be so useless. And I don't like to wear pajamas if it isn't time to sleep. I will stay in bed but properly dressed," Georg said, knowing he sounded like a petulant child, although he really didn't care.

It was a lie, of course. If Fraulein Maria returned to his room he had to be presentable, not shirtless like last night, it was a way to restore his façade. His masculine pride was happy to know she was attracted to him. Georg had noticed her dilated pupils, her unintentional stares, and how she gazed his chest last night. He wasn't stupid. However, his sensible part was shouting at him, he needed to keep his decorum and remember himself, again, that she was a postulant and wanted to be in God's service.

Georg entered his ensuite and brushed his hair, noticing his flushed cheeks in the mirror. He still didn't feel well enough and his muscles protested with every move, but he was determined to do something better than just rest in his bed. He touched his forehead, it was cold. He had improved a little.

When he walked again into his bedroom, Frau Schmidt was still there, with her arms on her hips, waiting for him.

"Well, Captain, have some breakfast and then lie in your bed, I can bring some books if you want." She stayed there patiently, waiting for an order.

"Hmp...Bring me "I Canti", please, it's on my desk. I think that will suffice, " he muttered, picking his fork and eating his breakfast.

Georg didn't finish all his breakfast but at least he had managed to eat some sausages and drink his dark coffee. After an hour he lay down on his bed, reading "I Canti". He was engrossed in the Italian book when a knock broke his concentration.

When the door opened a flash of golden hair caught his attention, and he realized it was Fraulein Maria. He closed his book and adjusted his tie knot, crossing his arms around his chest.

"Hello, Captain," she said, crossing the bedroom until she was next to the window. She seemed nervous, although he couldn't guess why "How are you?"

"I'm fine. The fever has gone down, for now. Probably in a couple of hours it will return. Until then...I'm making myself useful, refreshing my Italian." He pointed out his book and then cocked his head. "Did you want something, Fraulein?"

"I was wondering if the children could visit you, Captain"

"Absolutely not!" Georg snapped, with an angry look. "I don't feel well enough and I don't want my children picking up this nasty cold."

"Sir, you said your fever has gone down. The children could come here just for a few minutes and then go. It won't harm them and they will feel better if they see you..."

"Fraulein" Georg interrupted, not caring if he sounded cross. "No, no, and no," he emphasised.

"If you don't want anyone catching your cold, then you should have told me that yesterday because I was here, I could have picked it up." Gone was the timid and nervous governess. She was upset and furious, looking at him defiantly.

"Your children are worried about you, you should know that, Captain."

Damn, why did every conversation with her end like this? Although he loved teasing her, everything they said turned into an argument ever since the rainstorm. He felt guilty because the truth was that last night he didn't even think about his cold when she was here. It was as if he only could focus on the governess, forgetting where he was or what he should do. Of course, he didn't want her to be sick. Last night he should have done what a sensible man would have done: ask her to leave.

However, this time she was right, and he decided, for once, to agree with her. Georg scratched his cheek, embarrassed by his behavior and his outburst. He didn't want to look at her and see her disapproving glance.

"Alright, Fraulein Maria, bring my children," Georg said softly, staring at the post of the bed as it was the most interesting thing in the world.

Suddenly he was alone again, and he picked his book, trying to read something and failing miserably, replaying the conversation in his head. Then he heard his children voices, chatting and even shouting, with Fraulein Maria trying to hush them. The door opened and Gretl ran to his bed and threw herself on top of him.

"Papa, are you alright?" She said, putting her little hand on his cheek, looking at him intensely.

"Yes, schatzi, I'm fine" He kissed his hair and put her down on the floor, hugging her and Marta and ruffling Kurt's hair. "Why don't you tell me what you've been doing without me?"

Between the incessant chatting of his brood, he scanned the room, hoping to catch those big blue eyes and apologize. However, she wasn't there and he felt a pang of disappointment. Damn his stubbornness, damn his temperament, and damn everything!

Georg enjoyed spending time with his children, listening to everyone and even playing a bit with the little ones. He promised to play some chess with Friedrich and told Louisa he would ride a horse with her another day. He took extra care in being tender with them, trying to lift their spirits. While he was telling Kurt a war story, he started to sneeze repeatedly, and he shivered.

"Children, it's time to leave your father and let him rest" A melodic voice rang in the background, and his brood left the room after kissing him on the cheek.

He was alone with Fraulein Maria and he approached her, stopping when his feet were near hers. She seemed engrossed with his tie knot, and he decided to break the spell.

"Fraulein..."

"Captain..." she said at the same time, and a nervous laugh escaped from her lips.

"Tell me, Fraulein..." He said in a low voice, mesmerized by her face and forgetting all his inner promises.

"I wanted to apologize, Captain. I know you only wanted to protect your children, and all my words came out too harshly. Sometimes I'm far too outspoken. Please, forgive me." She raised her eyes to his and gave him a little smile.

Georg had a strange feeling of deja vu, and he returned her smile, shaking his head.

"Don't worry Fraulein. I'm afraid it's my fault too. We should forget this, what do you think? Let's make a truce...another one. But this time we will try to maintain it." He extended his hand, in the spirit of making peace.

Fraulein Maria looked doubtful at first, but then she extended her hand too and clasped his. It was the first time he had touched her for more than a second, and it was electric. Her hand was soft, it was better than his dreams, he didn't want to release her. Unintentionally he slowly slid his thumb on the back of her hand just to touch her silken skin a little more. But then, horrified, he realized what he was doing and dropped her hand abruptly and cleared his throat.

Her cheeks were red from the unexpected touch and she said hastily "I'm glad everything's sorted. I'll...I'll let you rest, sir" She took a step back, moving away from him. She smiled a little and before he could say anything she was gone.

Well, that improved...a little, he thought, frustrated, and returned to his bed.


Maria was still annoyed with the Captain and that hadn't improved despite his agreement to see his children. She blamed it on her lack of sleep. Last night she had tossed and turned in her bed, completely restless, incapable of falling asleep. An image of the Captain smiling at her so sweetly lingered on her mind, making it impossible to rest.

She knew he was sick, she had to be indulgent. And she probably was angrier with herself than with him, after all it wasn't his fault, he hadn't done anything wrong. She should control her tongue and think before speaking, instead of snapping at the Captain. However, when he teased her his words got under her skin easily and she hated to blush in front of him.

Maria had sent the children to visit the Captain, and she decided to stay away for a while. Walking around the bedrooms she found Bärbel, a young maid who loved to gossip. Bärbel always told her everything even if she didn't ask, and today was no exception. Maria wasn't fond of gossips, she wasn't interested, and normally she nodded to be polite, but a word picked her interest.

"...But now he has the children. When he was sick two years ago..."

"Two years ago? I thought the last time he was sick was at war" She frowned, confused.

"No, no, no, Maria...He was sick two years ago, a stomach virus or something like that" she said in a low voice. "And the children thought he was in Vienna, it was a lie, of course. I think he was a little obsessed, he didn't want to pass on his illness to them because of what happened to his wife. The Captain was in his bedroom for two days, and when he was well, he took the train to Vienna." She looked around, checking no one was listening.

"Oh...I have to go, Bärbel" Maria murmured, more to herself, walking down the hallway.

Maria felt awful. She had made a mess of everything, and she needed to apologize to the Captain. She had been insensitive, she had forgotten how sickness affected his moods, she had snapped at him when she shouldn't, and she had implicitly told him that he didn't care about her health.

She opened a little the door of his bedroom and without making noise, watched the Captain with his children. It was obvious that he had almost restored the relationship with his brood. They were clinging to him and the Captain was giving them all his attention. It was a beautiful picture; he was an attentive and caring father who only needed a push in the right direction.

When he sneezed she knew the children had to leave. Maria waited until they were alone, thinking about how to apologize to him. She wasn't brave enough to look at him, so she decided the most interesting thing in the world was his dark blue tie. A color which, in her opinion, suited him.

The conversation went quite well, though when he extended his hand she felt more nervous than she thought possible. When they clasped hands, she got goosebumps. She always thought his skin would be smooth, being an aristocrat, however, it was a little rough.

Suddenly his thumb was drawing circles on her skin and she made the mistake of looking into his eyes. She couldn't move nor breathe, not even blink. The blue depths of his eyes held her transfixed, and they were both suspended in a spell. Then suddenly, he dropped her hand as if she had burned him. Confused, she took a step backward, needing some air. Before the Captain said anything, she had flown to the schoolroom, looking for the children.

That afternoon she gave the children some spare time after working all day on the song. She left the children alone, trying to find her book in the hall when a muffled voice made her stop. She was next to the Captain's study, with the door ajar. Maria wasn't nosy, though there was an inner part of her that was quite curious. He was talking with Baroness Schraeder on the telephone.

"I'm fine Elsa, don't worry...It's just a cold...Yes, now I'm a little feverish but I have taken an aspirin...When will you return?... Perfect...Me too..." The last thing was said in such a tender voice that Maria felt her heart sink.

She couldn't listen to the rest of the conversation, feeling a knife twisting inside her. Her feet moved away from his study before someone found her eavesdropping. She went to the hall, picked up her book and clutched it on her chest, trying to catch her breath. What was happening to her? Her thoughts were in turmoil.

She decided to push her thoughts aside and went upstairs to get the children prepared for dinner. Maria was glad the Captain wouldn't join them, she needed some space without him near her.

After having dinner, she let the children play a little before going to bed. Friedrich, Brigitta, and Kurt were engrossed in a chess game, and Liesl and Louisa were reading. Marta and Gretl were coaxing Maria to read a story to them. While she was deciding which one to tell them, a shout startled her.

"Silly! Why did you do that? Now we have lost!" Kurt shouted at Brigitta.

"I am not silly! You are silly, we would have lost, anyway! Look!" She pointed the chess board, crossing her arms around her chest, angrily.

"Kurt, you don't know how to play chess..." Louisa snorted, laughing at him. "Friedrich always beats you".

"I am learning!" he replied, glaring at her. Then he said sullenly to Brigitta, "You aren't always the smartest one."

"Kurt, shut up!" Friedrich replied, standing up from his chair.

"That's enough," Maria said in a firm voice. "I think it's time to go to bed. You should learn to respect each other, it's not good to taunt anyone. No one here is silly, or more intelligent than the others, remember that."

The four seemed ashamed of their outburst and they mumbled some apologies to each other as they left the room. Liesl followed, wanting to read alone. Afterwards, Maria went to each bedroom to check on them and then entered the nursey, finding it empty. Maria frowned, wondering where were the little ones were. Suddenly the door opened, with Marta and Gretl giggling and running to their beds.

"Where were you?"

"We wanted to give papa a goodnight kiss," Marta said, giving her a toothy smile.

"Yes Fraulein, his cheeks aren't red anymore." Gretl lay down on her bed, waiting for Maria to tuck her in.

Maria smiled at them tenderly."I'm glad your father is better. Now sleep, you're quite tired" Maria touched Marta's nose and the little girl giggled again, with her eyes half closed.

Maria kissed their foreheads and left the nursery, closing the door. She sighed and decided to have a cup of tea before going to sleep. It had been a long day. Of course, she didn't expect the children to always behave perfectly, they each had different characters, after all. However, this time it wasn't the children who worried her. It was herself.

With her hot mug of tea, she sat down in one of the couches, looking through the window at the moon, and sipping her tea. After an eventful day, she had to be honest with herself. If she analyzed everything, she could easily reach the conclusion it wasn't only an attraction that she felt for the Captain. Maybe it was something more. Maybe she liked him.

Maria chewed her lip and crossed the hall, deciding to go to her bedroom, when she heard a thud. Narrowing her eyes in the dark, she tried to identify where the sound came from until she found the Captain with a hand on his head.

"Captain?"


Thank you very much to everyone (again) who has reviewed, favorited, and followed this story. And if you see some mistakes, sorry again! English is not my native language.

Special thanks to bloomandgrow, you rock!

I don't own TSOM.