The children went upstairs to their rooms until dinner. Georg turned to go to his study and gave Maria a wink, signaling her to follow him. She gently pushed the door shut behind her. She turned around to see that Georg was mere inches away from her. His lips crashed down on hers and she found herself trapped between him and the door, not that she was complaining. His scent engulfed her and she indulged in it. She loved his scent, his taste, his looks... she loved everything about him. Most of all, she loved his heart. That day she arrived she would've never guessed this man could love so much, let alone love her. Their lips parted for air and Georg led her to the small couch by his desk. She sat snuggled up to him in silence until he spoke.
"Oh my love..." He turned to face her and she propped herself up a bit higher. She rubbed his back soothingly as he began to tell her about the lunch.
"After I had told her, she stormed out. That I expected. But to spread rumors? It makes me so upset. I don't want anything untrue spread about my family. It's not me I'm so concerned for, it's you and the children."
"Oh Georg..." She gave a sympathetic smile and pecked him on the lips.
"I'm upset about it too darling. Surely once they see us together some will realize those nasty things can't be true. And really, I'm only worried about it if it's damaging your reputation or the children's."
She could tell Georg was still upset and worried, and she didn't blame him, but she decided to change the subject for now. They lingered in silence for a bit and she kissed him on the cheek.
"When do you want to tell the children, Georg? I don't think I can go on much longer like this!" Georg's serious expression turned to a bright smile.
"I know my love, neither can I. I want to be with you as much as I can." He grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"How about right after dinner?" Maria's face lit up more than before.
"Now then, let's go get freshened up for dinner." They walked out of the study and unclasped their hands to go their separate ways. Georg knew he soon could give Maria her engagement ring. He felt it suited her perfectly. The diamond was surrounded by small sapphires. 'The same color as her beautiful eyes...' He headed down the stairs, smiling at how his family would now be complete.
Maria decided to put on her soft blue dress; she could tell that Georg liked it. He kept stealing glances at her throughout the meal, which he thought were discreet, but Max and Liesl noticed them. As they finished their meal, Georg stood to get their attention.
"Max, children, if you would go sit in the drawing room, I have some news to share." Some of the children had curious looks, but followed their uncle Max into the room. Georg took Maria's hands and smiled.
"Are you ready darling?" She nodded her head and he have her a quick kiss before they walked into the room.
"Children, you won't be needing a governess anymore."
"Father, please don't make Fräulein Maria leave!" Exclaimed Marta, who was usually very quiet, had proven to have quite an attachment to Maria.
"I didn't say she was leaving did I?" The children, except Liesl, had confused looks on their faces.
"But father, you said we won't need a governess any m-" Brigitta started but then she realized what was going on and smiled.
"Father, you're marrying Fräulein Maria aren't you?" Exclamations from the children were heard as he grabbed Maria's hand. "I knew it!" Piped in Liesl. Maria gazed at Georg with a bright smile. Then gasps and "aww"s from the elder girls were heard as Georg bent down on one knee.
"Maria, I know I've already asked this question, but will you marry me? And this time, I have a proper ring to go with it."
"The answer is always yes Georg." He slipped the ring on to her finger and she gasped in admiration.
"It's so beautiful!"
"Not as beautiful as you darling." He winked at her and gave her a kiss.
"Well, what are you waiting for, welcome your new mother!" He grinned as the children all ran to Maria, almost knocking her down by giving her a huge hug. Marta came up to Georg and tugged on his sleeve, and he knelt down beside her.
"Yes sweetheart?"
"Will you and Fräulein Maria, I mean Mother," she glanced at Maria with a small smile. "Sing for us?
"Shall we? Please hand me my guitar." Maria had only heard him sing once, when he joined in with the children that day of their argument, something she would never forget. He decided to sing one of his favorite songs, Edelweiss.
"Edelweiss, edelweiss, every morning you greet me..." As he sang Maria was mesmerized by him, then jolted out of her dreamy state when he motioned for her to join him the second time through. Their voices harmonized very nicely, and the children were delighted.
"Alright children, time for bed now." They all went upstairs and Maria and Georg tucked the younger girls in. They allowed the older children to stay up later. Brigitta and Louisa went to Liesl's room and they were chatting when Maria and Georg came in.
"Goodnight girls, don't stay up too late."
"Goodnight father, goodnight mother." Replied the girls, and both adults smiled. As they were walking down the stairs, Max came up to them.
"Care for a nightcap Max?"
"Just came to say goodnight to you both. Congratulations darling." He said kissing Maria on the cheek. He gave an unsubtle wink and went to his room. Georg chuckled and turned to Maria.
"Care to take a walk?"
"I'd love to." He led her out by the lake and they held each other as they gazed at the stars.