Author's Note
I'm fully aware that the logistics in this story are completely off – but just go with it, please. Haha. More reviews, please?
Chapter 7
Georg told Maria, Max, and the children that he had to step out for a while, but he would return by dinnertime. He didn't elaborate about his outing, only that it wouldn't take long. He was securing a house for rent in the town, and buying a ring for Maria.
Their new house was going to be much smaller than what he'd lived in for the past almost twenty years. There would be five bedrooms, on two floors, a kitchen, a living room, and an office. No ballroom, no courtyard, no garden or gazebo, and no grand foyer. No butler, cook, our housekeeper. Just their family. He doubted they'd ever have a guest other than Max, but when they did, they would have to set up a bed in the living room or office. No grand parties with guests staying overnight. He was most definitely glad that he and Maria would be sharing a room once they moved in, and that he didn't have to worry about finding a house with an extra bedroom for a governess. There was a decent sized backyard where the children could play. He was grateful that the children would be about to spend time outside.
There was only one jeweler in town, and Georg was thankful that there was one at all. This town was much smaller than Salzburg. He picked out a simple yet beautiful ring for Maria – a silver band with an elegant, small diamond. He knew she'd love any ring she received, and she didn't expect one at all. Georg was sure that Maria had never owned a piece of fine jewelry before, and he was delighted that he'd be the one to give her something beautiful that she deserved.
"Tell me, where is the church in this town?" he asked the jeweler. "My family is new here and we need a place to go tomorrow morning."
"Just two blocks away, and it's a very nice church. I'm sure your family will be very pleased with it."
"Thank you, sir. I'll be sure to check it out."
"Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"As a matter of fact, yes. I need to buy wedding bands."
The jeweler smiled. "Of course." He brought out a selection of bands and Georg picked out a pair – silver – to match Maria's ring.
"May I offer congratulations on your engagement and upcoming marriage, sir," the jeweler said, handing him the bag with his purchases.
"Thank you very much."
~*~
Georg followed the jeweler's directions, and investigated the small chapel. He had been right; it was a very nice church, and small. Services were at eleven each Sunday morning. Georg admired the stained glass windows and was sure that Maria would love this place. He also laughed to himself…as Maria had no idea what he was planning for the next morning.
He sat in the pew in the back to pray. Dear God, I am grateful that You brought us here safely. I only pray that You bless our lives with happiness and health, and that You make this war end quickly. Please bless my marriage to Maria. She deserves all the happiness in the world, and I love her very much. Please do not be disappointed in her because she left the abbey. My family needs her. Amen.
"My son, what can I do for you?" The priest had appeared in front of him. He looked quite surprised that there was a new strange man praying in his church.
"I just needed to find a church. I needed to pray."
"Well, you certainly are welcome here. You're new to this town, aren't you?" The priest sat next to him.
"Yes, my family escaped from Austria yesterday. We intend to stay here at least until the war is over. I'm Captain Georg Von Trapp."
"I am pleased to meet you. Welcome to our community."
"Thank you," Georg said. "There was one other thing. I see that you have a service tomorrow morning at eleven. Would it be too short notice to schedule a small wedding immediately before it? At ten, perhaps?"
"A wedding?" the priest asked.
"A small one – just my children, a close friend, my fiancée and myself, and you and God as our witnesses. We don't need much. I just bought our rings. I just don't think I can wait any longer to marry her. We've been through so much already, and I just want to be a family, and be with her."
"I would be glad to help you. But you seem to be a wealthy man – and this seems like such a small wedding..."
"Size doesn't matter. I'm just happy to be safe, alive, and with her. All that matters is my family. She would be happy with anything, I'm sure. She's not like other women. "
The priest cocked his head.
Georg took a breath, knowing that his story would be long. "My first wife passed away a few years ago and left me with our seven children. I thought I would never find happiness again. I hired governesses to take care of my children while I could shut myself away to deal with pain. Then this woman came along, a postulant actually, and she changed everything. For the first time, she understood my children and she understood the pain. All the other governesses couldn't handle the children, but she loved them. She brought music and joy back into our lives. She has the most angelic and beautiful voice in the world. She wasn't like all other women I'd known. She found joy in the simplest things, like music and laughter. She wasn't used to grand things, and I found it charming and sweet.
"I'm not sure exactly when I fell in love with her. Before she came to us, I was starting to come out of my shell again, and was actually engaged to another woman. But this governess stole my heart. We danced at a party and I think I let too many feelings show, so she ran away. I got called to join the German forces, but couldn't. I knew I had to escape Austria. My fiancée wouldn't come with us, and I'm glad, because I kept thinking of her. I asked her to come with us, knowing that one day I'd want to tell her how I feel. We've been through so much to get here, but we're alive and safe. I feel like I've been with her for so long already, and I've loved her for so long. I just want to marry her and start our life together."
The priest's eyes were wide at such a story. "You're lucky to have found such a person. I would be glad to marry you both tomorrow. Ten is fine."
Georg thanked the priest, and returned to the inn.
