A Christmas Wish Fulfilled
That Christmas Day morning found two people awake before the sky had started to lightened. The Christmas Spirit had filled each one's heart with the joy of human love. A love each had thought was unattainable.
Maria had run away after her encounter with Elsa. And Georg searched high and low for her after Elsa had shared her atheistic views. Neither had known the Christmas Spirit would move among them and fulfill the life they were destined to live.
Those two persons rose from their beds ready to start a new day. Georg dressed in a hurry. Then he hurried to Maria's room. He put his ear close to the door. He could hear Maria.
God, I recall the words of scripture. You so loved the world that you sent your Son so we could have eternal life. You also gave us the ability to love another person. I feel the love of a special person deep within my heart. I feel blessed by his love. We both believe it is your plan for us to live out our lives in Holy Matrimony.
Georg's heart was fuller than full when he lightly tapped on the door. Now in a louder voice he heard.
"He's here! I'm ready to be with him and be kissed by him. I can hardly wait."
Immediately Maria opened the door. "Good morning, my love. Let me fulfill your desire."
Maria knew Georg had heard her outburst, she didn't resist his advances. Georg took her in his arms for that first kiss of many that day. This one and all the others Maria felt all the way to her toes.
Georg felt he loved Maria more this day than he did yesterday. But his mind also held other thoughts. He had never forgotten the words he had with Herr Zeller at the party. And he also remembered what he had told Elsa. He would leave Austria before the Germans took over his beloved country.
Georg also remembered what he had heard when they had gone to the Christkindl Market Place; he had heard men speaking in a German dialect he knew was from the area around Berlin. He had heard them say.
This is going to be easy, so many of these people are already eagerly waiting for the Anschluss to occur.
And Georg had thought. It may happen earlier then it has been reported to occur. He wanted to get out of the country before it happened. Georg knew he would need to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide his family to a place where they could always celebrate Christmas.
His first step had been accomplished when Maria accepted his hand to be married. Georg had already accepted the promise he would make to her at their wedding; to love her fully.
And to fully accept the words of scripture where it says, the two shall become one. Georg knew this also meant to share with Maria everything except a surprise he may plan for her someday.
Georg showered his betrothed with kisses on her jaw line and forehead. Maria almost melted in his arms. He whispered in her ear.
"Let's go see if Katia put fresh coffee in my study. We can sit close on the settee and talk."
"I'd go with you anywhere, my love."
Her response thrilled Georg. They quietly walk to the stairs and down them. Maria received another kiss as they entered his study. They did find fresh coffee and Georg took on the role of a butler as he poured a cup for each of them.
With coffee cups in their hands, they did sit on the settee and took that first sip. "Georg, this is still very hot."
"I know. Sometimes I think Katia has a sixth sense, it's always hot. She seems to know me better than I know myself."
"I think she sees you as man of strength; a man who can command a naval crew and yet be thoughtful and kind. And you are a man who has great love for his family. Those are the same qualities which I love about you."
"And I love the deep faith you have in the Holy Spirit. Maria, the time is coming very soon when we must be like the Holy Family."
"You mean we need to leave Austria before the Germans take over our country?"
"Exactly, I also thought of a plan."
"Tell me."
"Maria, Agathe's parents were from England. They never sold the home they had there. Her brother, Frank moved there many years ago. He and I got along very well. I don't think he'd be the least bit surprised if we showed up at his home.
"England already ousted their Prime Minister who felt the best thing to do was to appease the new leader of Germany, Adolph Hitler, by accepting his takeover of Czechoslovakia. Prime Minister Winston Churchill has an opposite view. This man cannot be allowed to take over all of Europe.
"I'm sure he feels this included the British Isles. He probably knows the Germans wouldn't land an army of Stormtroopers there but would attack them by air. He's certain the Royal Air Force is far superior to the Germans, even with all the new planes they have built.'
"What would you tell the children?"
"That will be easier than you think. They have always wanted to go there. They'll be excited. We can pack a few trunks with extra clothing and some favorite toys; they won't raise any suspicion from the children."
"Not even from Brigitta?"
"I don't think so. She'll be excited to see all the things she's read about."
"And will all the adults come too? I'm sure none of them want to live under German rule."
"Yes, there's no way I would leave them behind. This man Hitler is driven by evil and hate; they would be tortured and killed."
"How awful."
"Better words may be, disgusting, gruesome, repugnant, hateful, horrific or beastly. I know Max and Franz, who once thought having the Germans take over Austria was a good idea, have come to see the truth.
"For Franz, it was the day he drove Elsa to the train station. She ranted the entire way there. He was alarmed when she told him she didn't believe in God. And Max despises war; he would go anywhere to escape it. Besides he may find an opportunity to help in the British Entertainment National Service Association which goes around the country performing for all the people to raise their spirits."
"Darling, there's one thing I want to do before we leave." He paused and turned to look at her. He held both of her hands.
"Maria, I want to get married before we leave. And I don't want our marriage to receive any publicity. Do you think Father Michael would marry us?"
"I'm sure he would. I believe he knows all about you and the danger you will be in when the Anschluss happens. And Georg, I don't need a fancy wedding; I never dreamed of getting married so I have nothing to fulfill. I only wish to marry you and officially become your wife and your children's mother."
"Your words make my heart almost explode because it's over filled with your love."
"I feel the same, my love."
A romantic kiss followed. When they broke away, Georg whispered.
"Let's go into town this morning and ask Father Michael to marry us. I'll ask Isabel and Max to come with us to be our witnesses, neither will be surprised. Yesterday I saw them standing together and talking. I'm sure they both knew I was going to ask you to marry me."
The couples alone time was shattered by seven voices. Brigitta spoke for them. "Father, do you know how happy we are that Fräulein Maria will become our mother?"
"Yes, I believe I do. And your Fräulein is more than ready to do so. Later this morning she and I will go talk to Father Michael. He's a priest Maria knows from the church she attended in the city. Franz will drive us so we can sit together in the back and talk. Frau Schmidt will come too; she may need to buy things at the Apothecary store."
"Father, I want a new mama as soon as possible."
"Your wish, Gretl, is also mine."
And so after breakfast, the couple carried out their plan. Now Isabel had that sixth sense. As Franz drove them away from the villa, she spoke.
"Georg, are you going to ask this priest to marry you today?"
"I thought you might ask this; the answer is yes. And there's more I need to tell you. I'm not waiting for the Anschluss to happen. I want to leave Austria as soon as possible. I plan on taking everyone to England; you know Frank is living at his grandparent's home outside of London."
"Yes I do know and I think it's the perfect place to go. I see we've arrived at the church. Do you want us to go in with you?"
"Yes I do."
And Maria added. "I think Father will know why we are here."
The couple entered the rectory. They were greeted by a receptionist. "Do you need to see Father Michael?"
"Yes, he knows me and may know exactly why we are here."
She left to go to his office. They didn't hear her. "Father, a couple is here to see you. I don't know the young woman's name but I know she worships here. The man with her is Captain von Trapp."
"Send them in, please."
"Good morning, Father. Thank you for seeing us."
"My pleasure, sir. Now what may I do for you?"
Maria answered. "Father, I know you recognize me, not only from seeing me outside the confessional but also among the carolers who sang in Aigen. And I also know you know the man who is with me."
He didn't speak; he nodded and held a broad smile as he heard Georg.
"Father, it's Maria and my desire to be married; I fear the Anschluss might happen sooner than predicted. I already have plans for leaving Austria."
"You may be the first couple to ask to be married without the customary waiting time but I'm sure you won't be the last. I see you brought along your own witnesses. Follow me to the side altar and I will perform the marriage ceremony there."
"Maria and I thank you."
In a matter of a few minutes, the couple had heard the words of introduction and had made their first promise to each other. It was to be faithful to the other for as long as the both shall live.
The priest continued with a few short verses from scripture before the couple took their solemn vow and then heard. "I pronounce you husband and wife."
Father Michael then asked God to bless and preserve them and fill them with God's Grace. And finally he said. "Georg, you may kiss your Bride."
"Thank you Father. Maria, are you ready for your first kiss as a married woman."
"Are you ready for mine as you are now my husband?"
They both chuckled very quietly before the kiss. Even Father applauded along with Franz and Isabel. He then added.
"I will pray for your safe departure and arrival in England. Try to get word to me through the church. Even the Church of England knows how to contact us. All of us know our prayers are all heard by the same God."
"And Father, we'll pray for you and all the priests and ministers of the Christian Churches. We both know the Germans will attempt to keep them from worshiping."
"We also need to pray for our Jewish brethren. I've heard horrible things are happening to the Jews in Germany."
"We will Father. Now Maria and I need to get home and announce to my children that we are married. It was the only gift they wanted this Christmas. They are going to be overjoyed it happened so soon."
The happy couple and their witnesses departed the church. On the way home Franz asked. "How soon are we leaving?"
"As soon as we can; there's no need to wait."
While they were all gone, the children discussed when the wedding would take place. Katia didn't share with them her suspicion.
Franz parked the car in the back. The couple entered the villa through the kitchen. Katia was there and after one look at Georg and Maria she spoke.
"I see you asked the priest to marry you. Your faces and posture are telling."
"I suspected you might know. Where are the children?"
"They've been pacing in the hall. Liesl may suspect you have married."
"Maria, let's not keep them in suspense."
They held hands as they hurried to the hall. Liesl was the first to see them. No newly wed couple can keep a very happy smile from their faces.
"Father, did you and our Fräulein get married?"
"I'm happy to announce, we did."
"Oh my, I thought you may but I wasn't sure."
"Can we call you mama now?"
"Of course you can, Gretl."
"Father, are you going on a honeymoon?"
"Not exactly, Brigitta, we're all going on a trip to London. You older children probably remember that your Uncle Frank moved there several years ago. We'll stay in your grandparent's home there."
"When are we leaving?"
"Very soon, but first I need to buy our train tickets. And we need to take down our Christmas tree. I've seen Frau Schmidt has already been sweeping up the needles it has dropped. And of course we need to pack our belongings."
"While you buy the tickets, Phillip and I take the tree down. Children, we can take the garlands of popcorn and berries outside and put them on another fir tree for the birds to enjoy."
The train station near their home was void of people when Georg arrived there. The ticket agent didn't question him when he bought fifteen tickets to Paris and also their tickets to the coastal town of Calais.
He arrived home to an excited house. The children had absolutely no idea they would never return.
In two days their day of travel had arrived. It was a long trip to Paris. It would take them about ten hours. They had gotten lucky; they had a train car all to themselves. The children sang and played games to pass the time. They also enjoyed eating in the train's dining car.
When they arrived in Paris, they only had a short wait before the train to Calais was ready to board. After a three hour ride, this train had arrived in Calais. Here they rode a ferry across the English Channel to the Port of Dover.
Georg had known it would be very late at night when they arrived. He had planned on staying at one of the hotels in the area. He had no problem finding rooms in a nearby guest house for all fifteen of them.
As many people do when they are in a strange place, everyone woke early. Georg was pleased with the excited talk among the children. He answered their question.
"Yes, as soon as we eat breakfast we can take the bus to your grandparent's home."
He was asked by Brigitta. "Does Uncle Frank know we are coming to his house?"
"No, but I doubt he will be surprised."
After a thirty minute ride, the bus arrived at a large house situated on a large piece of property in the British countryside.
"This is lovely, Georg. It's also very large. Does Frank live here all alone?"
"If you're asking if he's married; he isn't. He's an industrial engineer. He feels he designs better in the quiet the home offers him. He's also able to house visiting engineers."
"So there are enough bedrooms for us."
"More than enough, Maria."
In a few seconds a man exited the house. "Georg, I knew you would get out of Austria before the Anschluss occurred. Welcome."
"Frank, allow me to introduce my wife, Maria."
"Hello Maria, I see you brought Georg's smile back. I know my sister is pleased he finally found the perfect wife and mother for their children."
"You're very kind. But God had his hand in our lives."
"Maria's right, Frank. Sometime we'll tell you how we found our love."
The group relaxed. The adults all knew they were safe. Although, they didn't know their future.
