The Puzzle Pieces Meet
Clarice and Maria had boarded the SS Paris. She wasn't as large as the children's ship. It carried about a thousand passengers. This ship had some interesting details; the porthole windows were square rather than round. It was as opulent as the other ship. It was decorated in fine Parisian fashion.
And the stewards had quarters near their assigned cabins. Lionel was housed near-by. He observed them from a distance.
Their luggage had been brought to a well-furnished stateroom with twin beds. As soon as they had freshened up, a steward took them topside to see the ship leave the dock. It was dusk and getting darker by the minute. They could tell they were moving; the shore lights got further and further away.
"It's finally sunk in Clarice. We're on our way to America, my new home."
"A country, where you and the von Trapp family can live without looking over your shoulder."
"I assume the children are already there. And I pray the submarine gets there safely."
"I'm sure they are. And I have no doubt, the submarine will travel safely. Let's have some dinner."
Their steward took them to one of the many dining rooms. "Ladies, your cabin is directly down this passageway. Enjoy your meal." After an enjoyable meal, they easily found it.
They both woke early the next morning. They had breakfast in their room. Then they went exploring. Stewards were all around to help give directions. They found the ship had multiple theaters. They were looking at all the marques. "Do you like music, Maria?"
"Very much, Clarice, Austria has music of all kinds, old folk songs, religious compositions and many others. Do you see something you want to attend?"
"The operetta, The Count of Luxembourg, sounds interesting."
"Yes, it does."
The two were not disappointed. The operetta opened with a chorus in the style of fine Austrian music. The characters were introduced; the Grand Duke of Russia was hopelessly infatuated with an opera singer, Angèle Didier. He couldn't marry her because she has no royal title. The Grand Duke offered the Count of Luxembourg a large sum of money if he would marry her. Being penniless he agreed. He also agreed to divorce her in three months. Angèle would now hold the title of Countess.
At the ceremony the Count and Angèle hid behind a screen; neither saw the other. When their hands touched to receive rings, something magical happened. There was this instant attraction.
The Grand Duke believed he could now marry her. The czar of Russia has other ideas. He insisted the Grand Duke marry a Russian Princess.
In the second act, Angèle and the Count met face to face and fell in love; neither realized they were already married and they believed their romance was hopeless. Soon they learned the truth and the operetta had a happy ending.
Clarice and Maria stood with the audience and applauded until their hands hurt. "I wasn't sure there would be a happy ending. Society's rules are so wrong; Joseph and I are a perfect example."
Maria didn't share her thoughts. Maybe there's hope for me. She couldn't hide her dreamy-eyed look from Clarice. Inwardly Clarice smiled.
That was just the first of many shows; they saw many plays, heard several choirs perform and even a puppet show. Maria shared with Clarice the puppet show of the Lonely Goatherd.
"I couldn't believe how quickly the children learned to yodel, sing and work all the puppets. The two youngest girls helped with the scenery. The captain really enjoyed it. I don't think the Baroness did; she was put out with all my talents. I think that was the beginning of him beginning to wonder if he wanted to marry her."
"At least you know he sent her away and he didn't become husband number four."
"I still find that incredible. Shall we go watch the sunset before the next performance?"
It was while they were waiting for the sun to set that Maria asked her about Father Pierre.
"Is he your son?"
"Yes, he's always doing things to help; we've spoken many times about the evil in the world."
"He was very nice. I was so glad to have a travel companion."
"I know he was glad to help."
They soon saw a beautiful sunset. It lived up to its billing. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly beautiful at sea. They would have one more full day before they docked in New York City.
Robert and Catherine wanted to surprise the children. The day had arrived. Robert told them. "Children, Catherine and I need to run an errand in New York City."
"Will you be home by dinner time, Mr. Robert?"
"Don't worry, Kurt. You won't miss a meal."
"We're going to be here." Eleanor told him. "You won't starve."
"I like Mr. Robert's cooking."
Robert and Catherine held their laugh until the drove away. "They know you are the cook in the family; the young lad is growing, Robert."
"I know; I was just like him. If mom wasn't around, my brother and I were on our own; so I learned to cook."
"I think in another life, you were a chef. It shouldn't take us long; we know where we need to go."
This ship also had several hundred children on board. Many of them had been transported in the laundry truck to safety.
Catherine easily recognized the Queen. "Hello, your Majesty, welcome to America, I'm Catherine and this gentleman is my husband, Robert."
"Hello to you both, this young lady is Maria."
"Hello Maria, there are seven children at the house very anxious to see you. We didn't tell them about our errand here in New York City."
"How are they?"
"Just fine, we've been having a great time. They've been entertaining us with their singing."
Robert was listening. "Come on then, let's get you to our house. Kurt is worried about dinner."
"You know about his bottom-less pit."
"He's eaten everything I've fixed, Maria."
"I can't wait to see all of them."
Robert didn't expect them to be standing in the street. Maria spotted Kurt. Robert barely had the car stopped when Maria opened the door. She went running to them.
"I knew it. Fräulein Maria is here."
They rushed to her; almost knocked her to the ground. "I'm so happy to see you. How are you?" She touched each one. "I have someone for you to meet."
Clarice had stepped out of the car. "Children, this is my good friend Clarice. She's a queen."
"Are you really, madam?"
"Yes, children, I'm Queen of a small country called Genovia. My husband is helping your father."
"Brigitta, why are you looking at me, and the Queen and then to Catherine?"
"I see a resemblance; are you related to them, Fräulein Maria?"
"We don't know; but others have noticed too. You know it's said, everyone has a double in the world; I guess we have a triple."
Robert broke up the laughter. "Let's get inside. You two ladies have the third bedroom upstairs; it has twin beds."
"That's fine; all I need is a place to lay my head and sleep."
"It's fine with me too," Maria told him. "Clarice and I shared a cabin on the ship."
Friedrich asked. "Does anyone know when Father will get here?"
"Clarice and I know he's on his way; it shouldn't be too long." Neither wanted to share how he would arrive.
Maria saw the two couples; she recognized them. "I saw you at the captain's party."
Liesl spoke up. "Fräulein Maria, allow me to introduce you. She gave a formal introduction. Both couples spoke. "I'm Harold, my wife Eleanor;" "and I'm Ralph and this is my wife Audrey. Did you have a good trip?"
"I speak for Clarice; we had a great time."
They freshened up and Robert rang the dinner bell; a simple meal of hot dogs and hamburgers and salad.
When they weren't outside playing games, Maria directed their conversation to tell her about their ship. One rainy afternoon they showed Maria their journals from Paris.
Gretl sat down beside her. "Look at mine, Fräulein Maria."
"Gretl, your letters are perfect."
"Louisa helped me spell my words."
"Who's the clown?"
"We don't know; he juggled for us."
"Better than me I'm sure. Do you remember our trip to the market?"
"I didn't catch the tomato you tossed to me." Gretl said with a turned down smile.
"Tomatoes are hard to catch. And I tossed only two back and forth. What did he juggle?"
"Batons and balls, and he never dropped a one." Gretl happily told her.
"It's still raining, children."
Catherine heard Maria. "We have many games you can play."
For the remainder of the day, they played cards or board games. Maria and Clarice knew Georg could arrive any day now.
This was pre-World War Two; Germany's war right now was more political than military. It had no vessels in this part of the Atlantic. The submarine had traveled most of the way on the surface of the water; it could go much faster. Its location was no secret from the United States Navy. Ships had their eye on them since they were in the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The men knew they were getting close to America. Joseph announced. "We have an escort, Georg. Come take a look."
Georg peered through the lens of the periscope; he did a three-sixty turn. He saw numerous battleships and even an aircraft carrier. All were flying the flag of the United States. He could also see hatches of several submarines.
"I guess we are not going to come into port unnoticed, gentlemen."
"Didn't you expect it, Georg?"
"Maybe one or two vessels, but not all this; I couldn't even count them."
Georg made a decision to open the hatch. He stood so he could be seen and waived. The vessels gave him a naval horn salute.
One ship was close; its captain had a bullhorn. "Ahoy, is that you von Trapp?"
Georg waived with both hands. "A hundred miles due east captain, the base is prepared to meet you. Go ahead and open her engines."
He secured the hatch and Werner let her fly. It approached its highest speed, about thirty knots. Georg continued to use the periscope. "Land ahead Werner; slow her down."
In another few minutes they were in radio contact with the base; Sidney relayed the directions. "Straight as she blows; the dock awaits."
Georg came out of the hatch; followed by Hugo and Max. They could clearly see their greeting party. A grandstand held maybe a hundred persons; it was all decked out in red, white and blue banners. They could hear the band playing. And they could see all the photographers.
The ship's engines were cut; her forward movement took her to the dock. Hugo walked on the deck to take hold of the rope thrown to tie around the docking pegs. Men on the dock pulled her close and secured it. They were ready to deboard. Georg was given the privilege to be the first to step on American soil.
Flash bulbs flashed incessantly; they were given a hero's welcome. The ceremony continued in front of the grandstand. Georg was overwhelmed. He knew this submarine was extremely valuable to the United States; it would be months before the navy learned all her secrets.
The ceremony was over. "Let's get you to your quarters. After you get refreshed, we will have a quick meal. I know you have some people to meet, Captain." They heard from an American officer.
"Yes, I do. How far away are they?"
"Not far at all, it's about a thirty minute car ride."
The men didn't take long. Georg was the first to be ready. "Let's go, no need to keep them waiting."
Their transportation was a small bus; everyone went with Georg. Only the three defectors were left at the base. They were already sharing their knowledge with the American naval officers. His arrival would be a surprise. Robert knew, but he was an accessory to the surprise.
The bus driver wasted no time; he knew exactly where he was going. In less than thirty minutes they were in the town of Arlington. And then the house was before them. Georg could hear his children's voices as he walked up the walkway; many people can make noise even if they are trying to be quiet. Georg rang the bell.
He heard a voice. "Friedrich, why don't you see who's at the door?"
"Sure, Mr. Robert."
Georg almost held his breath; his smile couldn't have been larger. The door opened. He had never heard Friedrich be so loud. He shouted. "It's Father, everyone! Come see!"
Georg immediately hugged him; the others were screaming. "Father, Father, you're here." He hugged each of his children. And then he looked up.
"Hello, Maria."
"Hello, Captain."
"You don't need to address me as captain. I have a name, Maria."
"Yes, you do, Georg. I'm so glad to see you."
"Same for me, Maria." Neither could break their gaze; it was as strong as the night of their dance.
Clarice was standing next to Catherine. "I knew it."
"Knew what, Clarice?"
"They're in love; but they haven't had an opportunity to express it. Maria gave me a lot of hints. Now I know for sure."
"I believe you; she has gotten dreamy-eyed when answering the children's questions about him."
Georg was the first to blink. "I brought along someone for you to see."
He stepped aside. Maria saw him and ran. "Karl, I wasn't sure where we would meet again. Everyone, this is my brother, Karl. He helped get all of us here." She was hanging on his arm.
"Step aside Karl; I have a wife to kiss."
"She's waiting, Joseph."
Maria, smiled as she watched the two embrace and kiss. She also stepped aside while Max and Franz entered. They children ganged up on them. Georg spoke to the Ebersols and Bittingers; he thanked them multiple times.
"Now you know we were more than happy to help; besides, we would have been on their hit list eventually."
"Probably so, Harold."
Robert and Catherine were taking in the scene. Max was talking with them both. "I hope this hasn't been too much of an inconvenience, Catherine."
"I must say, it was quite a surprise when Robert told me. Seeing all this happiness, assures me it was all worth it."
Georg had been close enough to hear her. "I add my thanks to you both. I'll take my clan off your hands. Your government is trying to decide the best place to locate us. For now, they have given us temporary housing on base."
"Where ever it is, please don't lose contact with Robert and me. Your children have become part of our family."
"Catherine, I know my children will never forget you. You've become their adopted aunt and uncle."
Robert got everyone's attention. "We can continue this party at the banquet room at the hotel. A bus will be here shortly to transport everyone."
And they did. Maria lost track of how many times she told the story of Karl being her half-brother. Karl also told them about his adventure at sea. The British government had put him on a British Battleship. In international waters, he was transferred to an American vessel. He had arrived two days before the submarine.
He also asked the children. "Did you see a clown in Paris?"
Yes, how did you know?" Brigitta asked.
"I know," Friedrich answered. "It was you, Karl."
"I was also the painter the day before; I wanted to be sure you left Paris safely. Then I caught up with your father's group."
"Father, can I write a book? Our stories would make an intriguing novel."
"To publish, Brigitta?"
"Maybe someday, for now it's for fun." They shared smiles.
Robert brought the evening to a close. The bus returned them to the house. That night would be the last night everyone would sleep at the Woodward's home. Georg and the others found a place to crash for the night. For Georg, it was in the middle of all his children, on the floor with them.
He woke first. A nightlight gave off enough light for him to find his way without stepping on his children. Friedrich was also awake. He did what he did every morning; obtain the newspaper from the holder next to the front door.
He opened it and stared at it with his mouth open. He spoke up, "Hey everyone, wake up, Father's picture is in the paper. And listen to this. 'The distinguished Austrian Naval Captain, Georg von Trapp arrived in New London aboard the pride of the German Navy, a submarine with the code U-550. Her secrets will help the United States quickly design better submarines.'"
"Father, did you steal the submarine?"
"My words exactly, Gretl."
"You knew, Fräulein Maria?"
"Yes, I helped."
"How? Tell us, please."
"I will." Clarice answered. "You see, I have a granddaughter who will one day be the next Queen of Genovia. Your Fräulein pretended to be her."
"That's right children; I wore a fancy ball gown and even a real tiara."
"So, you were part of the diversion at the Town Hall in Bremen."
"Yes, Georg I was. But I didn't know it until it was all over and was told. Did you know a defector disabled the engines on all the other ships?"
"I did, Maria. We had three defectors on the submarine."
"How nice, now I have more ideas for my novel."
"So your father and I will be in your story, Brigitta."
Robert broke Maria and Georg's gaze. "Our breakfast has arrived."
Breakfast food was furnished by a local restaurant. Tears and thank yous were abundant as the children said goodbye. "We'll write to you, we promise."
"Thank you, Liesl, Robert and I will keep in touch."
A bus was waiting to take them to the base. They would occupy several homes on base, while they waited for their father's orders. The navy base was growing. There were several recently built small homes available to them.
None of them were large enough for Georg's family. The children were divided up. The Ebersols had Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa and Kurt living with them. The Bittinger's had Brigitta, Marta, Gretl; Maria also stayed with them. The men lived in the officers' quarters.
Georg learned soon; they would be there only another two days. He was being assign to the Department of the Navy; their office was in Washington, the capital of the nation. It was in its own city, the District of Columbia.
A home across the Potomac River, in Arlington Virginia was waiting for them.
A/N: The United States did capture the U-550. On board were codebooks. Specialists were able to understand it. The US submarines now had a precise way of locating German submarines; in addition they were able to stay away from known U-boats locations, greatly inhibiting the effectiveness of German submarine patrols.