Friends
Disclaimers: I don't own the Sound of Music. Also, the flashbacks and format for them isn't really mine. It comes from watching (and reading) so much OUAT.
I apologize for the extremely long wait for those of you that have already read the first two chapters. As I say in my profile, if I ever decide to abandon a story, I will tell you. Otherwise, assume I'm still writing it, no matter how long it takes for me to update.
This chapter is dedicated to someone whose questions and discussions about this story has helped keep me interested in writing it for the past nine months. (And also assuring me that I am capable of writing Georg properly.) Merry Christmas and you know who you are. :)
It only took Maria a few minutes to mail the letter to the Reverend Mother. Afterwards, she eagerly joined the search to find Kurt. Louisa and Marta had decided to help search for their brother as well. The four of them were having so much fun, Maria wasn't even sure they were looking that hard at this point.
Marta lifted the curtain in the drawing room. "He's not there, either!"
Maria chuckled. So did Louisa. If Kurt had been behind the curtain, they would have all seen him sooner.
The Captain shook his head. "No, Marta, it's obvious he's not behind the curtain." To Maria's delight, he picked the girl up. "Where else do you think we should look next?"
"Upstairs," Marta replied automatically. Her face shown with even more happiness that her father had asked her opinion. Maria loved seeing that.
They four of them searched several different rooms upstairs. Suddenly, Kurt came running out of Louisa and Brigitta's bedroom. "Is it time for lunch yet? I'm so hungry."
Everyone laughed. Of course Kurt's stomach would give him away in the end. Still, how could they have guested he would be hiding in one of the girls' bedrooms? Usually the boy avoided his sisters' rooms as much as possible.
Kurt grinned. "So I won? Again? I knew hiding under Lousia's bed was a good idea!"
"Yes, you won," Louisa grumbled. "But I'll find something else to outdo you soon!" she added in a determined voice.
Marta nodded a little more pleasantly. Both of the girls left the room.
The Captain shook his head. "Yes, but I could have found you eventually. You gave yourself away, son."
Maria shook her head a little as Kurt's face fell slightly. Apparently, even though the Captain had been impressed with his son's hiding ability, he wasn't willing to admit defeat. She would praise the boy herself, but she knew it would mean more coming from his father. She gave the Captain a reproachful look. The same one she'd given him earlier today when the Captain had tried to avoid asking permission to marry her.
The Captain nodded. "But I was impressed that you were such a good hider. You have the instinct of a u – boat man."
Kurt beamed, looking more proud than if he'd been handed a metal.
Maria smiled at her Captain. Sometimes he still needed a little prompting, but she didn't mind. She was happy to help.
The Captain looked at his watch. "Actually, I think you are correct, Kurt. It is lunch time."
Kurt made a dash to the dining room.
As the children disappeared, the Captain picked up Maria's hand and kissed it. "Thank you. I'm afraid I almost let my ego get the better of me. I should be proud of my son. I am proud of him. But still… thinking anyone is better than me is…" He shook his head.
"The important thing is that you correct your mistakes. Kurt knows you're proud of him."
The Captain nodded. "Let's go to lunch."
The cook had made soup for lunch, and it was delicious. Franz seemed to be a particularly horrible mood as his scowl was worse than normal. Maria ignored him. The children and her fiancé were much more important.
"Can we go outside after lunch, Fraulein Maria?" Gretl asked as she sipped her soup.
"I think it's still raining, dear," Maria replied, patting the girl's hand in apology. For a second, she glanced longingly at the backyard. She wished they could go outdoors today, too.
"Can't we just put on rain coats, though? It's gets boring, staying inside all day all the time," Louisa protested.
"It's still too messy," the Captain replied, glancing at the windows for a second. The rain was still coming down.
"But Father –"
"Come on –"
"Pleassseee – "
Maria hated to break their hearts. The children knew how to get to her with their pleading puppy eyes. She desperately wanted to say "yes." But she knew playing outside in the rain wasn't a good idea. "No, children. It's wet outside, and I don't want you to get sick. Gretl, you've barely recovered from your cold after the rowboat tipped over."
The Captain mouthed "thank you," to her as the children focused on their lunches again. Maria felt a warmness in her chest, thinking how nice it was to take care of his children together.
After lunch, the Marta and Gretl dragged Maria upstairs to play dolls with them. For little girls they could be surprisingly strong when they wished to be. Still Maria didn't mind, thinking she owed them because she hadn't let them go outside. But as they reached the top of the stairs, they ran into Frau Schmidt, who seemed to be finishing up some dusting.
"Frau Schmidt, did you hear that Fraulein Maria is going to marry Father?" Gretl asked excitedly.
"Then she'll be our Mother and live with us forever and ever. Right Fraulein Maria?" Marta added. Both of them gave her pleading eyes again. Fortunately this was a request Maria had no problem answering.
"Of course, Marta," Maria smiled at both of them. "Forever."
Frau Schmidt nodded. "I heard about that, yes." The woman looked uncertainty at Maria. "Congratulations, ma'am. I'm sure you'll all be very happy." Then she picked up her feather duster again. "I'll get back to my dusting right away, of course." And with that, the housekeeper disappeared faster than a jack rabbit.
Maria thought about the exchange as she began playing with Marta and Gretl. Frau Schmidt had always been quite friendly with her. Usually the older woman called her "Maria." Now suddenly she was "ma'am?" And Fra Schmidt seemed uncomfortable around her. Probably because Maria was no longer an employee. Was this another aspect of marrying her Captain? Being treated differently by people? She didn't feel any different. Why did she have to be treated differently?
XXXXXXXXXXX
OOOOOOOO
Georg slammed the phone down, grunting as he did so. He should have known the newspaper editor would have that kind of reaction to his engagement. He did know, actually. But still. "You're marrying who?" the editor had asked him.
"I'm marrying a delightful young woman named Maria Rainer," Georg had replied, firmly.
"But Sir…I'm afraid I don't understand…I thought…I mean I've never heard of her."
"I don't see why that's any business of yours. I'm sure you'll hear wonderful things about her soon enough. Especially considering you're going to put the announcement in tomorrow's newspaper."
"Yes, of course, Sir. It's just…I never thought I'd hear the day when a decorated Captain would wed…well, we all thought you would be marrying Baroness Elsa Schraeder."
"Elsa and I have parted ways," Georg replied, with and edge. What was this man trying to say about Maria? "Miss Rainer and I are much more suited for each other."
"If you say so, Sir," the editor replied, sounding uncertain. Just before he hung up the telephone, Georg thought he heard the editor mutter. "I wonder how long this will last…" but he couldn't be sure.
Georg took several deep breaths to compose himself. He didn't want to scare his children. Especially not after all the work he'd done so they wouldn't fear him any longer. But hearing that man talk about Maria that way…Georg hated it. Really hated it. Maria may not be a baroness yet, but that didn't matter. The idea that she wasn't good enough for him was ridiculous. Unfortunately, he had a feeling many people would have something negative to say about this engagement. It was a good thing he was used to controlling his emotions.
Yes, it was a fact that many people in Salsburg wouldn't approve of Maria and Georg's engagement. Purchasing a wedding ring for himself would help a little, but plenty of people would still gossip before they were married. Somehow, Georg would have to protect Maria and the children from such hurtful words. Perhaps he would simply travel with them any time they left the Villa?
And Max, of course. Max would stay here, as a chaperone again. That would help, too. Hopefully. Where was he, anyway? Shouldn't he have taken care of Elsa by now?
A couple of minutes later, Georg heard someone at the door. It was almost as if he had summoned Max simply by thinking about him. He left the study just as Franz grumbled that Herr Detweiler had returned. Georg tried to move through the house quickly, hoping to talk to him before the children did. What if Max didn't approve of his decision to marry Maria, either? After all, Elsa had been almost a sister to the impresario in the few years he'd know her. Besides, Max had been gone a long time. Georg needed to make sure. He had to protect his children from any negative attitudes.
Unfortunately, he'd forgotten how fast Louisa was when she wanted to be. "Hi, Uncle Max" Georg heard his daughter greet him.
With her long legs, Liesl easily followed right behind her sister. Georg saw Max's thin mustache and mischievous smile greet his oldest daughters. "Do you know Father and Fraulein Maria are going to be married?" Liesl asked brightly.
Georg gave Max his death glare, hoping to make the other man realize the consequences for not responding appropriately.
But he shouldn't have worried. Max laughed and replied, "That doesn't surprise me at all. It sounds like a wonderful plan."
Georg met his friend's eyes and they grinned at each other as the children ran off again. "What took you so long, anyway? I thought you'd be back as soon as possible so you could take advantage of my home and my cook again!" he teased his friend. Still, Georg was a little interested in where Max had been all night and all afternoon.
Max shrugged. "Elsa missed the last train last night so we had to wait until morning."
Georg nodded. Of course Max should be concerned about Elsa as well. "Will she be all right?" Despite how happy he was with Maria, Georg felt bad for Elsa. He treated the woman horribly in the last couple of days.
"Of course. She said everything would be better when she returned home. I could see her looking better as soon as she climbed on the train, actually," Max told him in a serious voice. Although Georg was aware that he wasn't always as truthful as Georg was with some things, he also knew Max would never lie about Elsa's well – being. Georg let the relief wash over him that Elsa would recover soon.
"Meanwhile, I think staying here gets better and better all the time," Max continued in his usual more cheerful manner. "It's certainly happier. I'm glad you finally made it official, Georg. Maria is perfect for you and your family." He slapped his hand on Georg's back.
Georg couldn't believe he'd doubted Max's loyalty, even for a second. Max had known Georg far longer than he'd known Elsa, despite their close platonic friendship. Furthermore, there was a reason why Max Detweiler was the best friend he'd ever had.
Georg had been courting Agathe for about a year when he was finally able to propose. She accepted, of course, and happily began preparing for their wedding in England. Meanwhile, Georg prepared for their live together in Austria.
Unfortunately, most of his friends didn't seem to agree with his choice of a bride. For some it was because Agathe was British. For others it was because they'd hoped Georg would marry one of their relatives. A couple of men were disappointed he planned to marry at all, because they would have less time to go gallivanting.
But when Georg told a man who he'd once served as his lieutenant during the war for a short time, the man congratulated him for his wedding and his choice of bride. That man was Max Detweiler. "Agathe sounds perfect for you, Georg. A proper lady, but a risk – taker, too, right?"
Georg smiled and nodded. It was so nice to hear one of his friends approve. But then, why should this surprise him? Max was one of the most loyal crew members he'd ever had. Georg even tolerated it when the man referred to him by his first name. And since the man was more concerned with having a good time than anything else, of course he wished Georg to be as happy as possible.
"Then I'm sure you'll be very happy. Perhaps you could invite me over for dinner sometime after you're married? Then we could still see each other occasionally. If you're not too busy, of course." Max laughed at that, his innuendo obvious by the look on his face. Max must have seen Georg and Agathe together at some point.
Georg nodded. He could think of some reasons they might be quite busy after he and Agathe were married, but maybe they could invite Max over about once a year? He certainly deserved more consideration than any of his other friends, who didn't care how happy Georg was with Agathe. Speaking of which… "Max how would you like to be my best man?"
OOOOOOOOOOO
After Georg and Agathe were married they were indeed busy a lot. Still, they found time for friends and often hosted parties, as of course most of his friends accepted Agathe's gentle spirit and ladylike manner. But none of their friends visited more than Max, and he was always welcome. After all, Max was a true friend. He visited them so often, in fact, that the children took to calling him "Uncle Max."
OOOOOOOOOOOO
When it was time for dinner, Max, was already sitting down, looking right at home. The rest of the children happily greeted their uncle.
"It's good to have you back, Uncle Max," Friedrich commented.
"Definitely. I wasn't sure you'd come back, now that the Baroness is gone," Brigitta commented.
"Now Brigitta, you don't really think I stayed here just because Elsa was here, do you?" Max asked her.
Brigitta shrugged. "Well, isn't the Baroness one of your best friends?" she asked. Georg looked at her, a bit surprised that one of his children was aware how good friends Max and Elsa were. Of course Maria had told him that Brigitta "noticed everything." Naturally, Maria had been correct about that.
"Well, I have a much better reason for staying here: the food is amazing!" Max laughed, joking as always. Everyone else joined in. It was nice to have something to laugh about, instead of that tense atmosphere from last night's dinner.
"No, actually I came back because your father needs me here again, and he is my best friend." Max glanced in Georg's direction as he said this. It was nice that Max knew he would be needed as a chaperone again, without being asked. Not that it took much for Max to agree to stay here, but still. Georg could really depend on Max when he needed to.
Maria came down the stairs with Marta and Gretl. They were a couple of minutes late again, but when Georg looked at Marta and Gretl's freshly braided hair and the big smiles on all of their faces, he decided it didn't matter. "Hi Uncle Max!" Gretl greeted him, her five - year old body launching at her uncle like a missile to give him a big hug. "Do you know Fraulein Maria is going to be our mother, and we get to keep her forever?"
Max chuckled and returned Gretl's hug. "I heard about that, yes." Then he looked up at Maria and grinned. "Congratulations, Maria."
Maria smiled back. "Thank you, Herr Detweiler."
Georg and Max shook their heads at the same time at that. "Maria, I've never been one for formalities. I'd much prefer it if you called me 'Max.' Besides, you're no longer an employee."
Maria nodded, looking a little uncertain. She was uncomfortable with her new role, Georg realized. Perhaps that was why she called him "Captain" this morning? Such a contrast to the woman who was so self – confident about taking care of the children. He hoped he could ease her mind soon enough. He squeezed Maria's hand, hoping to reassure her. She smiled back at him gratefully, and they all sat down. Georg wouldn't mind teaching Maria about society rules, just the same as she taught him about his children.
"So do you know when the wedding will be?" Liesl asked after they'd said grace and began eating.
"Soon," Georg replied firmly.
All the children nodded in agreement at that. "Speaking of the wedding, can I presume I'll be the best man again?" Max asked, with his eyes twinkling.
It was so like Max to ask a question like that! Fortunately, Georg had only one answer. "I guess you'll do," he joked. "Of course you'll be my best man! Who else is there?"
"Who are you going to ask, Fraulein Maria?" Brigitta asked, sounding a little confused.
Max nodded eagerly. "Yes! I'd love to know more about this wedding. Who will be coming, who else will be in the wedding party, and all of that!"
Maria looked uncomfortable again, and Max wasn't helping. Georg shot his friend a look and shook his head. It occurred to Georg she probably didn't know anyone suitable for the task. Her closest friends were the nuns, after all. "You've got plenty of time to think about it, Maria," he told her. Perhaps Georg should introduce her to some of the women in his class who he thought would have a positive attitude about her?
But to his surprise, Maria looked at him and shook his head. "No, I think I know who I would like to have with me. Liesl, how would you like to be my maid of honor?"
Liesl jumped up from her seat, her brown hair bouncing a little as she did so. Then she threw her arms around Maria. "Oh, thank you, Fraulein Maria, I'd love to!"
Georg was surprised. He'd never considered asking Liesl, but he supposed she was old enough. Liesl was sixteen, after all. She isn't a child anymore, he remembered Maria telling him again. Maria was correct. They needed to start treating Liesl like the young lady she was. "I think that sounds like a fine idea," he agreed.
After Liesl returned to her seat, Georg looked at his other children's faces, trying to make sure they weren't feeling left out.
"Is that all right with the rest of you?" Maria asked, too. Georg loved how she immediately became concerned about the other children.
"Don't worry about me," Louisa replied right away. "I'm glad you're going to be married, but I don't need to wear a long gown to celebrate the occasion."
Kurt and Friedrich shrugged.
"Can I wear a long gown to celebrate the occasion?" Gretl asked eagerly, showing her puppy eyes for the second time that day.
Georg and Maria looked each other and chuckled at that. Suddenly Georg realized there was a way for Gretl to do just that. "How would you like to be a flower girl for the wedding?" he asked his youngest daughter.
Gretl's eyes lit up. "Oh, yes Father! Please!"
"Of course, Gretl. And Marta and Brigitta could be flower girls with you."
"I'd love to!" Marta agreed, much louder than she usually did.
But Brigitta shook her head in disinterest, her brown braid flopping from side to side as her head moved. "Father I'm ten years old. That's too old to be a flower girl."
Georg looked at her in surprise. Was Brigitta really that old? He supposed in some ways, he still thought of Brigitta as the six year old she was when Agathe died. "You're correct, Brigitta. Sometimes I forget."
As they continued their dinner, talking about the wedding and Max making them laugh, Georg thought about Maria again. It was too bad she didn't have anyone to give her away. Walking down the aisle by herself…would she be overwhelmed? After all, Maria already seemed a little overwhelmed by her change in status. Could Georg find someone to walk her down so she wouldn't be so alone?
He tried to think of some of his friends he might ask, but none of them really fit. Even Max, for all his loyalty and approval of Maria, didn't sound right. Max would have enough to worry about as the best man, anyway. Then Georg's eyes suddenly fell on his older son. "He wants to be a man, but there's no one to show him how!" Maria had told him earlier this summer. Georg needed to start treating Friedrich like he was a man. A young man, but still with more respect and responsibility than before. "Friedrich, how would you like to 'give Maria away' at the wedding?"
Friedrich looked at his father in shock for a second before he sat high in his chair. "I would…like that very much. As long as she agrees, of course."
"I would love that, Friedrich. After all, your father asked you and your brothers and sisters permission for us to be married. I think it would be very fitting for you to give me away." She gave Georg a look of approval and love as she said that.
It was nice that everyone hear was looking forward to the wedding.
I am a bit more confident about writing these characters than the first time I posted this story, but I still really need some help, especially considering this is unbetaed.
Some of you have probably heard my policy on reviews, but for those who have not, I really need honest reviews, especially for a multi – chapter story. Tell me what you have questions about, what you don't like, and what needs editing, please.
Speaking of reviews, I really don't know how many of you that gave reviews last time are still interested but just in case, here's some responses.
Guest: I'm glad you like the story. I will remove the note on the POV/Time changes in the beginning, but I will continue to put them in all my chapters, as I do that just as much for myself as I do for the readers. As for the ANs, it's ironic that one of the reasons I prefer public responses is so I can discuss the chapter/story with guests such as yourself. However, as I said before, if you don't like the ANs, don't read them.
BlossomsofEdelweiss: Glad you like the flashbacks and the Captain playing with his children, because there are going to be a lot of flashbacks and family moments in this story.
Augieannie: I'm glad you think my writing is good, although feel free to tell me if there's anything I need to fix, do more of, or do less of.
I'm glad you like the rings scene, although that doesn't really surprise me. : ) Personally, my favorite SOM scenes are the "family scenes" where Maria and Georg show their love for each other and the children, so I'm going to show a fair amount of those. However, I am aware that many of the readers prefer the "just couple" moments, so I'm going to try to do a balance between the two. (And of course many scenes, like the one with the rings, are more suited for "just Maria and Georg" anyway.)
