A/N: Thank you so much for all the response. I hope you all like this chapter too.
Seven: Letters
A couple of days passed, and since Maria had been so focused on Adda, she had completely forgotten about the letter sent from Captain Von Trapp. The little girl still hardly spoke a word to Maria, but the small touches and longings to be in her embrace, and the small smiles shared, caused Maria to find hope for the future and further discussions. Maria could see that Adda was still cautious about speaking with her about matters concerning her past, and had learnt to be grateful that Adda even smiled at her or greeted her in the morning – but only when the two were alone.
Maria was teaching that morning, another lesson of mathematics, when suddenly she realised that the letter was still unopened. Looking out across the classroom, she saw the ten expectant faces of her students, so she managed to muster an activity to keep them all occupied.
Maria cleared her throat. "Right girls, I want you to do all of these problems on the sheet. If you get stuck with any, just put your hand up and ask."
Maria had initially wanted to leave the sheet until the end of the morning lesson, but now she decided that it could prove to be a necessary excuse. Instantly walking over to all of their desks, she handed each of the children a sheet of mathematics problems and explained to them all that she expected them to be solved in their work books.
Maria received a series of nods and agreements in response.
With that, Maria promptly left the classroom and headed towards her own bedroom. It took a minute at most, and once she had collected the unopened letter, Maria turned around and returned to the classroom.
Some of the girls, upon her return, were discussing something between themselves. From what she could hear, despite that most of her attention seemed to be focused on the letter in her right hand, the conversations were not about mathematics. "Eva, Helga," she addressed them in a warning voice, but one that had no traces of anger. "Get on with your work, please."
The two girls complied with their teacher, and Maria weaved around the desks and went to sit at her own. It took her a few moments to build up the courage to open the letter, but eventually she did. Unfolding the piece of paper, a fairly long letter was revealed, although it did not fill more than a page.
Taking one last glance up at the girls to check all were still doing their work, she looked back down and began reading the letter once satisfied.
Maria,
I write to you, in the hope that you will join us all for dinner sometime over the next week. All of the children have been asking if I can invite you, and now it seems as though their persistence is starting to wear. Not that I do not want you to come, but after what you said in your letter, I thought it best to leave this as long as possible. But the truth is, the children miss you. Liesl says that their visits are satisfactory, but I know that they dearly miss your presence in the house, as do the rest of us here. Frau Schmidt has asked after you a few times and I believe she has the intention of writing to you in the upcoming weeks.
I hope you are happy in your new position – the children have told me that the role suits you entirely. Although the children would undoubtedly be overjoyed if you came during the week, I wholly understand if you are too busy with the school, and I'm sure the children would too – perhaps with a bit of persuasion…
Maria laughed to herself at his final comment. She would have thought, in any other situation, that his comment was merely guilt tripping her into accepting his invitation, but as she recalled one of their conversations back at the villa, she knew that was not the case. It was a clear, summer night when the pair had decided to take a stroll around the lake, and the Captain had laughed when he had mentioned the stubbornness of his children that particular day, and how he had needed to persuade them with wise words to keep them from complaining further. He had allowed Maria to have the day to herself, and she had spent her day off at the abbey. The children had, at first, been rather solemn to hear their beloved governess would not be with them today, but the Captain had told them she deserved this time to herself.
Maria continued to read the remainder of the letter.
… I'm sure you will remember previous occasions where that has been the case.
Maria smiled knowingly, aware that she had been right in her judgement.
I hope to see you soon, Fraulein, and I also look forward to receiving your response. I hope you are well, and will continue to be so. My best wishes, Georg Von Trapp.
Maria was left in awe at his signature – the use of no formal title, no Captain but simply his name. And even when he had addressed her, he used only her name. He had used the term Fraulein within the letter, but even in her last few weeks at the villa, the term had become more of a… a mocking, teasing, endearing title. Captain Von Trapp and she had become friendlier in those weeks; their conversations would become less of the type an employer and employee should share, but more of those between two close friends.
Maria smiled to herself as she let her eyes wander across the letter again, delicately brushing it with her finger as she imagined the pen in his hand and him writing it for her.
Then she began to take in the words, the dinner she had been invited to. As her mind began to wander to the next few days she realised, with some sadness, that she would not be able to join them because of her commitments here. Not that she regretted her commitments here, but the thought of being able to go back to the villa, even for one night, would have been an incredibly joyous one.
"Frau Maria?"
The sound of her name being called pulled Maria from her reverie, her eyes lifting to settle upon the speaker. It was Sophia who had spoken.
"Who is that letter from?"
It was Sophia again who spoke, but Maria could see that at least three of the other girls were wide-eyed and anticipating her answer – Katharina was almost on the edge of her seat, and Helga was leaning across the table, all the more to hear better. Only Isabel and Christina were still working on their problem sheet, pensive looks across their faces as they tackled the harder problems.
"You're all being far too nosey," Maria used in response, turning her head away and blushing.
"Your cheeks are all red!"
"Why are you blushing?"
Maria heard Joanna and Eva speaking simultaneously.
"That's enough," Maria commented, shying away from their inquisitive gazes.
"But, Frau Maria–"
Helga was about to continue with the interrogation before Maria interrupted her with a stern glance. "That is enough," Maria announced once again, accentuating each word she said.
Maria had then bent her head down to one of the lower drawers of her desk, looking for some paper she could respond to the Captain with. It was only when her face disappeared that the girls all turned to one another, sharing conspiring glances, and vowing that they would find out who had sent that letter to Frau Maria.
Maria was still contemplating her words to the Captain later that night when the children had been sent to bed. So far, none of the girls had woken in the night requiring her assistance, and from the noiseless room she could determine that all of them were asleep.
She chewed her pen, looking down at the letter in her lap. Maria had picked up a book to rest against, and was now sat in bed with a pen in her hand, attempting to form a justifiable response. So far, she had written:
Captain,
I'd like to thank you for your letter, and very much so for the invitation. However, as you assumed, I shall be unable to attend. The girls do keep me on my toes, but it is in fact a pleasure to be with them. To be around ten children who are so full of life is definitely a nice contrast to that I would have experienced if I had taken my vows…
This is where Maria had stopped as she had contemplated her next movements. Should she have revealed so much? Did that last sentence, in any way, profess her desires not to become a nun? After all, that had been the main reason she had given him for her leaving…
Maria had continued with the general formalities of letter writing.
I would also like to take this opportunity to ask if you are well – the children have been rather brief in their responses when I ask about you. I also hope that you and the Baroness are happy together.
It took an extreme amount of courage for Maria to write that down. She could not even prevent a tear slipping down her cheek and onto the sheet of paper as she did.
I look forward to hearing from you all soon. Best wishes, Maria.
She was careful to sign the letter as he had done, before she folded the paper, placed it in an envelope and wrote the necessary information on the front. Maria would post it tomorrow, she decided, and then wait for a response…
11th October 1937
Captain Von Trapp to Maria
Maria,
I only realised when I was going to send your letter, that I do not know your surname. Therefore I had to ask the children to deliver it to you after school, so I hope this has arrived safely. Thank you for your letter, and although you had to decline the invitation, I do understand.
I am quite certain that the girls do keep you on your toes – I know for certain that mine certainly did during those weeks. I can just imagine you boisterously running to those mountains of yours with the girls, and the desperate look on – who was it – Sister Berthe's face? I'm certain you told me that it was she who made you kiss the floor after having a disagreement.
Thank you for your concern, although I must say that the Baroness is no longer with us. I am surprised the children had not mentioned it to you. She left only days after the party, after we realised our relationship would not work.
I understand it may not be considered proper to be telling you this, but you had to know.
My best wishes to you and all of the children.
Georg Von Trapp.
14th October 1937
Maria to Captain Von Trapp
Captain,
It was nice to hear from you again, and for your peace of mind, my surname is Rainer. The children did deliver this letter safely, although I should admit that it took Kurt almost leaving through the door for him to remember he had it in his pocket. He still seems to be an admirable spirit, and always manages to find himself an apple when he visits – not that I mind, of course, but it's nice to see that some things never change, from Kurt's healthy appetite to Gretl and her stubbornness. I'm sure that crossing her arms and puffing out her cheeks is a trait she will never lose, and many a man will concede to its powers.
I must admit, Sister Berthe has caught us coming back from the mountain on many an occasion, and her reaction has been exactly as you describe. But although she still has the authority to do so, she does not have me kissing the floor, much to my delight.
Oh, I am truly sorry to hear about you and the Baroness. Are you feeling all right? I should hate to think of you upset; although I'm sure the children keep your spirits up plenty of the time. I barely have a moment to feel sad with the girls all around me, and I find there is always a reason to smile.
Thank you for your wishes. I passed them onto the children – they seemed pleased with themselves, perhaps all of them were beginning to wonder who was sending me all of these letters. Eva especially, the oldest girl, had a smug smile on her face when I gave her Captain Von Trapp's regards. Oh, and while I remember, one of the girls Joanna (who always seems to remind me of Brigitta) has asked me to ask what your favourite book is – she always seems to have her head in one of them.
I look forward to hearing from you again, and I would very much like if you sent your next letter with the children again – it is always a delight to see them. My best wishes.
Maria.
16th October 1937
Captain Von Trapp to Maria
Maria Rainer,
I must thank you for relieving my ranging mind. Ah, the children have most certainly not changed at all! Kurt is still as you describe of course and I do have to agree about Gretl. It always makes reprimanding her all the more difficult, especially when you have to look her in the eye. I guess it is just too hard to resist the pleading eyes of my baby girl.
Louisa still climbs trees, Friedrich is becoming more a man every day and I find myself extremely proud of him when I see how he is with his brother and sisters. Brigitta is still relieving me of my bookcase, I tend to find most of my books under her bed.
Liesl still seems to be falling head and shoulders for that telegram boy – I'm sure you know all about it, I know she talks to you. I'm happy that she does, and feels comfortable doing so – she has missed that figure in her life, the one she can confide in.
Only Marta seems to be changing, but not in a negative manner at all. She seems to be coming more and more out of her shell, and just the other day she raised her voice over seven other voices in the dining room to be heard. It was a proud moment indeed.
Ah, it seems that my memory has served me well. But as for your concerns about the Baroness, please believe that I am most definitely all right. As I discovered, there is a difference between loving someone and being in love with someone, and I believe Elsa and I were the former.
I am glad to hear that my regards were taken so well. Joanna does seem to sound very much like Brigitta, and please tell her that I could narrow down my favourites to three or four, but choosing one would ultimately be impossible. As for you, what is your favourite? I noticed you would read back at the villa often (and saying the Holy Bible would be cheating, Fraulein).
I sincerely hope that you and all the girls are well.
Georg Von Trapp.
18th October 1937
Maria to Captain Von Trapp
Captain,
That was an extremely quick response! I was not expecting another letter from you so soon, so you can imagine my surprise when Kurt pulled it out of his pocket. Our mail man seems to be growing quite suited to this role; he is much more efficient nowadays.
You are right with your suspicions, Liesl does speak to me. Although I would ask you not to ask me for information concerning Liesl with that matter, for I feel as though I would betraying her confidence, and I firmly believe that if you approached her with it, she would speak to you. I hope you understand my reasons, I do not want it to seem as though I am being purposefully reluctant.
To hear about Marta is marvellous! She seems to show these signs also when she comes to visit here, and these new steps certainly are pleasing. She tells me that she has made quite a few new friends at school this past week, so that can only be proof of her progress.
I told Joanna about your predicament, however she still pursues a list from you. Apparently just three would suffice, and she said it in such a tone that I darest not argue. The rest of the children are indeed well, thank you for asking. Eva and Helga are evolving into typical girls of their age – their mood can change within seconds, I'm sure you understand what I mean. The youngest girls remind me very much of Marta and Gretl, even though they are more Brigitta's age. Isabel, Christina and Isabel all seem to want to spend their time playing with dolls, or pretend games which require me as a visitor to their tea party – I am dreading the moment they read Alice in Wonderland because I can just imagine one of them in the role of the Mad Hatter! Chaos will ensue, I am sure. Only Adda is the quietest, but she has been ever since I have arrived.
My favourite book? You have me stumped, Captain. If you cannot name a favourite, then nor can I.
I'm sorry I must cut this letter short. It seems my presence is needed out in the garden and at least two of the girls are shouting me, Theresa and Katharina I think! My best wishes to you all, and I look forward to hearing from you again.
Maria.
19th October 1937
Captain Von Trapp to Maria
Maria,
Sending fast letter responses is my forte, Fraulein, especially since I seem to be sitting around the villa lately without very much to do. I feel almost dependent on the children too; they are the ones that tell me how you are, so I feel I must write these.
I wholly understand what you mean about Liesl, only I wish I knew how to start that conversation.
Indeed, Marta has also revealed her new friends to me! From the shy, little girl I starved of my love for so many years, it is wonderful to see such a change in her. It is wonderful to see such changes in all of the children, and that is all down to you. Thank you, Maria. I don't think words could ever come close to describing the gratitude I feel towards you. You brought so much back into my life and home – the children, music, love. The list could go on.
Ah, it seems I am to be forced into revealing my favourites, then! But so will you, Fraulein. I require a list of three from you since I will give you one. Let me think, three of my favourites would have to be: Moby Dick, A Tale of Two Cities and another of Mr. Dickens' fine work, David Copperfield. I hope that will suit Joanna just fine.
Is your youngest girl all right? I know I have little reason to pry, but from the way you mentioned her you seem to have some worries – or that may just be my inclination. I hope to hear from you again soon. My best wishes again to you all.
Georg Von Trapp.
22nd October 1937
Maria to Captain Von Trapp
Captain,
I apologise for the time this has taken me. I would usually write my letters at night once the girls are asleep, I barely find the time during the day unless I set them an essay to do (and trust me, that option is not popular amongst any of them), but recently Adda has been having more nightmares. I find they are a usual occurrence now, but since she speaks so little still I have never found out what they are about. As for your last question, I don't know about Adda. She speaks to me more often than she used to, but even that is still little. It's almost as though she is hiding something.
Could I ask for your opinion? I discovered that Adda has a distinct German accent. What do you think of that? I have my suspicions, but since she has still not spoken to me I try not to come to any conclusions yet.
Anyhow, you said you were dependent on the children. Why not come and see me yourself? I know for a fact that Joanna would love to meet you, especially since she learned of your favourite books. She had read only one of them before, so she has decided that as soon as she has saved enough money she will go and purchase the other two!
As for me, a choice of three books is difficult. There was a book my father always used to read me when I was young, and I remember it all clearly, but regrettably have never discovered the title. The book was lost and forgotten once I went to live with my aunt and uncle. The other two, however, would have to be these: Shakespeare's sonnets and also The Secret Garden.
And as for your thanks, you know that it was not just me responsible. You allowed yourself to open back up to your children, and you never stopped loving them, so in the end it was simple. I just pushed you in the right direction, and we can settle with that.
The girls are all becoming very persistent at seeing our letters – all of them wonder what we could be speaking about that requires a new response every two days or so. They all send you their regards too.
Maria.
Maria had not lied when she had told Georg that Adda had still been having nightmares. Just last night she had woken, crying, and did not fall back to sleep for another two hours at least. Maria had held her, after taking the little girl into her own bedroom, until she had fallen asleep. Adda still spoke to Maria, even though her words were simple and few. But these steps were still encouraging, almost as though she was testing the waters before she plunged right in.
Another few days passed, and in that time Maria had not received another response from the Captain. It did not concern her that much, she knew he would eventually become busy, after all he was a rich, upper class gentleman.
Adda woke again that night, but after Maria brought her back into her own bedroom, the little girl began to speak more than she had before.
"When will my bad dreams stop?"
"It depends," offered Maria. "If you talk about them, I could try and help to stop them."
Adda seemed to contemplate this offer for a few moments, and just when Maria was giving up on any form of response, she began to speak.
"I dream of mama... and papa... back in Germany," Adda started. She sat with her legs crossed on the bed, Maria just to her side. Maria's hand was on her back throughout, almost giving her the strength and reassurance to continue. "When papa died, mama sent me to come and live here... She hid me on the train, and told me not to get off until it stopped. She gave me a watch, and said when the small hand got to nine it would be safe..."
Adda paused, and brought something out of her pocket. Her fingers closed around the object, so Maria could not see what it was just yet.
"I dreamt about the bad men that took papa away... and I dreamt they would come and take me away too."
As Adda revealed the object in the palm of her hand, Maria did not have to ask who these men were. She knew the situation back in Germany, even if only briefly, and she assumed that Adda's father had been one of those that opposed their new political party.
The silver necklace in Adda's palm had an engraving in the centre. It was an oval shaped pendant on a chain, and in the centre of that the Tree of Life, which Maria knew to be a Jewish symbol. Maria sighed heavily to herself, suddenly learning to realise Adda and her situation.
"Mama told me never to show this to anyone, she said people might take me away."Adda looked up at Maria, almost for reassurance. Maria gave her that.
"I will not let anyone take you away." Maria strengthened her hold on Adda, pulling the child into her side and letting her own head fall to rest atop of hers. "I promise, I won't let anyone take you."
A/N: I understand these letters may seem quite playful in their tone, but I wanted to show hints of how their friendship used to be back at the villa, and how easy it is for them to forget in the moment... Anyway, please let me know what you thought, good or bad!
