The next morning, Georg again woke with the sun; a habit held over from his days in the navy. He stared up at the ceiling, willing himself to fall back to sleep. After a few minutes, he realized the futility of that, and got out of bed.
He dressed and moved quietly through the house until he found the kitchen. Hanne and Elsa's cook, Hans, were sitting at the table. Both were startled at the sight of the Captain, and Hanne quickly jumped up. "Is there something I can get for you, sir? I'm sorry, I didn't realize anyone was up at this early hour."
"No, no, please. Don't be concerned. I was just interested in some coffee." Hanne quickly got him a cup, and poured him a cup of the strong brew. He took it, prepared it to his liking—cream, no sugar-and left the kitchen, heading once again to the terrace. As he passed the hall table, he picked up the morning newspaper.
Outside, the air was fresh and cool, and the dew still lingered on the many potted plants placed strategically around the space. Georg strolled amongst the greenery and the sculpture, admiring the eye Elsa had for color and placement. As always, he was impressed with how the area expressed her sense of style, just as did the rest of the house, and her wardbrobe. Elsa was a practiced socialite, which was one of the reasons why Georg was content to keep her company. When she entered a room, she took the reins, which afforded him the opportunity to step back and choose carefully those with whom he would converse. The political climate recently had become especially charged, and one never knew who sided with the enemy. He returned to the small table, sat down, and read through the news of the day.
After some bit of time, he shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck thoughtfully. So much bad news, so much turmoil in the world. Deliberately he turned his thoughts to other things, things over which he had control. First was to have a talk with Elsa regarding her thoughts about his children. Was she ready, or even interested, in becoming the instant mother to a family of seven? He had to admit he was clueless about it; she rarely mentioned the children, often seeming to forget he even had them. Yet, in her telegram had reminded Georg that she had yet to meet them, and they her, and she wished to do so before they returned to school in September. The contrast puzzled him.
Then there was the issue of the children themselves, which he was reluctant to discuss with Elsa. Why had he not heard anything from home? Were his children suddenly paragons of good behavior? Somehow he doubted that. It seemed far more likely that they boys and Louisa had used their knot-tying skills on the governess and the rest of the staff, and were now running rampant throughout the entire house. The mental picture of the lively little governess with her hands tied behind her back gave a tingle down his spine. He tossed away the thought; but the sensation lingered.
He glanced at his watch, and realized that by this hour, the staff would be available to take his call. Breakfast would be over, the children would be engaged in their studies, and he could find out what in the world was going on at 53 Aigen.
Leaving his now empty cup on the table, the Captain turned back, heading to Elsa's office, where he could place the call. He sat in the red silk upholstered armchair and picked up the phone. Frau Schmidt answered.
"Ah, Frau Schmidt, this is the Captain. I was, ah, just wondering how everything is, since I've not heard any word since my departure."
"Captain, everything is running quite smoothly, so I saw no reason to disturb you."
"And the children? The children are behaving?"
"Yes, Captain, the children do everything Fraulein Maria asks of them."
"What about the governess? Is she following the schedule? The children are not tormenting her too badly, are they?"
"Not at all, Captain. They seem to be quite taken with her and follow her direction quite well."
"I must say, that is quite a surprise. You know I had some reservations about Fraulein Maria having enough discipline for the job."
"Yes, sir."
"Is there anything else that requires my attention, then?"
"No, sir. Tell me, sir, when should we expect you to return? I would like to have the rooms prepared for the guests' arrival."
"Sometime next week, I'd imagine, Frau Schmidt. I will call before then to let you know which day."
"Thank you, sir. Enjoy your time in Vienna."
Georg placed the handset back on the receiver. He was quite surprised at the report that the children were responding well to the newest governess. He was even more surprised to hear that the young fraulein had apparently come around and was up to the task she'd been sent to do.
Just then, Elsa appeared in the doorway. She was looking as elegant and impeccably put together as always; hair just-so, flawless makeup, and beautifully tailored clothing that hugged every curve. Georg was indeed grateful that such a lovely woman had decided to keep company with him. So very many women had thrown themselves his way in the years since he'd become a widower; but none had interested him until Elsa. She was content to allow him his space, his dark moods, and the intense privacy inside the wall he'd built around himself. Or, more precisely, his heart. Elsa knew his heart would always belong to Agathe. And she didn't ask for more.
"Darling, up with the sun again, I suppose? We'll have to find some way of tiring you out so that you can sleep later in the mornings." She gave him a sly, suggestive smile, which he found himself returning. "You do look a bit distressed. Are you feeling all right?"
He smiled again at her concern. "Yes, darling, I feel just fine. I was just finishing a call to Salzburg."
"Did you receive a call from home? Is anything amiss?"
"No, no, no, I was simply surprised I'd not gotten a call yet. Thing are apparently, ah, under control with the new governess." Elsa saw a flicker of something cross his face, but couldn't identify it. He continued, "She didn't seem the type to be disciplined enough to carry out the duties I'd given her." Georg pursed his lips, again falling deep in thought.
"Well, darling, didn't you say she was a nun? Why ever would you doubt her discipline? That is a calling that requires it."
"Almost a nun, not quite. But I suppose you're right, just deciding to make that her life should allow me to believe she up to the task, and it seems from Frau Schmidt's report she is doing just fine." But why? Why did she want that life? He just sensed it wasn't where she should be. Never mind that, it isn't your place to question her vocation, Georg.
"Regardless, there is something I wanted to ask you, Elsa." Her eyes lit up, and he knew he'd phrased that badly, "Rather, there is something I think we need to discuss. Georg saw her face fall ever so slightly.
"What is it,darling? You sound so serious." She hesitated, and seemed to hold her breath.
"Nothing terrible, sweetheart. I just, well, I know you haven't yet met the children, and I was wondering how you felt about meeting them? I've been coming here frequently, and they are curious about you."
"Darling, we've become so much closer over the past several months, and I think that it is time I met them, and they met me. I'm sure we'll get along famously."
"My children can be quite a handful, and I know you aren't in the habit of keeping company with children."
"Oh, darling, not to worry. I'm sure everything will work out just fine. Now, if all is well back in Salzburg, why don't we head out for some shopping, and then have lunch at that little cafe that Katia told us about last night? She said the food is delighful, and the atmosphere quite romantic." Elsa reached out to stroke his arm, and Georg turned to face her.
"Of course, Elsa. I assume Max will enjoy a nice, romantic cafe with the two of us," he chuckled.
As always, Max arrived in the room as if on cue."Max will do no such thing, my cousin. You two are on your own if you are out in public. I have some appointments to audition some musical groups for the festival today. However, I will be joining you for dinner at the von Kempner's this evening." At that, he turned and made his way to the front door. "I'll see you two later on, for cocktails."
Elsa and Georg shared a glance, and both smiled. He held out his arm to Elsa, who took it as they, too, walked to the door.