Asking
It had been a week since the children had started school. Each was very happy in their assigned class. Friedrich would use the school's library to prepare for his cumulative examination. Liesl was unsure what she wanted to do. She played the piano often. That's where Maria and Georg found her.
"Liesl, your Fräulein and I are going for a walk. Are you comfortable being left alone?"
"Of course I am."
She didn't let them see her broad smile. She had a pretty good idea where they were going.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church was only three blocks from their home. They located the Rectory and entered a rather small office where they were greeted by a priest.
"Good day, what brings you to my church?"
"We desire to be married. We had to leave Salzburg before that new leader of Germany invaded Austria."
"And you were afraid you'd be forced into the German navy."
"You know me?"
"Yes Captain, your exploits during the Great War were published in our newspaper. And I'd be pleased to marry you. Fräulein, is this your desire too?"
"Yes Father, Georg's children already treat me as their mother. I believe they would be thrilled if we made it official."
"Okay, I'll announce the Banns of Marriage this Sunday and at daily Mass in Monday and Tuesday. And your wedding can take place at noon on Saturday."
"Maria and I thank you."
"You're very welcomed. And I need to write down the correct spelling of your names."
After each spelled their name for Father, they left the rectory with a smile on their faces and a definite spring to their steps. And Georg told Maria. "Don't be surprised if Liesl suspects we are getting married."
"I won't be."
The couple heard Liesl still playing the piano and singing as well before they opened the front door. They stood silently and listened as she finished the song.
Maria made a comment.
"That's a real talent, Liesl, to sing and play at the same time."
"It's just so natural to do. You must have taken a long walk or did you stop somewhere."
"Now what makes you think we did." Georg asked.
"Because your smiles make your eyes sparkle."
"Do you have a guess?"
"I do. You're going to be married soon."
"You're correct; at noon next Saturday.
"Maria, I know I speak for my brothers and sisters. All of us are very happy you will be our mother."
"And I'm very happy to be marrying your Father. I found the life God had planned for me since my birth."
"Are you going to tell the others?"
"Maybe, you know Brigitta may sense our happiness."
"Yes she probably will. What are you going to wear?"
"It will have to be the dress I have on; I left all the others at the villa."
"Maria, Louisa and I brought all your dresses with us. I think you should wear the dress from the puppet show."
"It's my favorite too, Maria."
She smiled lovingly at Georg. " Okay, I'll wear it on Sunday."
"Now we need to change our very happy smiles before the others come home from school."
They did and not even Brigitta suspected anything extraordinary was planned.
