A/N: Thank you all for the response! I'm leaving you with a big chapter because it'll be a while before I can update again. Exam results are tomorrow and then I go away the next for a few days! I will try and update whenever I can but I thought this would be a nice place to leave it until I do.

Nine: First Dates

That Wednesday evening, Maria found herself walking through the abbey corridors, gazing intently at the structure of its walls and the use of grey stone, all the while reciting her words to the Reverend Mother. She had decided to speak with the Reverend Mother just this afternoon after the Captain had left. He had left her mind in rapture, and although she was adamant she would go and meet him for coffee on Saturday, Maria also wanted advice. The Reverend Mother may not have been the ideal candidate to speak to about her growing feelings for a man once her employer, but her wisdom and guidance always seemed to surpass expectation, and Maria had learned to rely on her words completely.

Maria also wanted to speak with the Reverend Mother about Adda, now that she had spoken to her about her own past. Although some may believe that it would be breaching the confidence of the nine–year–old, Maria firmly believed that the Reverend Mother should know, although she would ask if the matters could be kept between themselves. The thought of gossip flying around, and also the growing threat of a German invasion, played on her mind, especially after seeing that man, Herr Zeller, at the villa the night of the grand, luxurious party.

Maria shuddered just at the thought of him.

Arriving at the door to the Reverend Mother's office, bringing her thoughts to a pleasant end, she knocked on the door, waiting to be called.

A few seconds later and Maria heard that she was being called to enter. "Ave."

Maria turned the door knob and stepped into the room, closing the thick, oak door behind her. Anytime she had entered this room, the grandeur yet simplicity of the room had given her comfort, just the thought that she was safe within its confinements. She let her eyes rise to rest upon the old woman behind her desk, although she had stood when Maria had entered the room.

"Ah, my daughter," the Reverend Mother greeted her as Maria walked across and kissed her hand, as was custom. The older woman then looked across at her clock. "I was expecting you a while ago, I hoped you hadn't forgotten."

"No, of course not," insisted Maria softly, taking her seat opposite to the Reverend Mother. "The girls were a little restless before they went to sleep."

The Reverend Mother nodded, understanding. She knew that Maria always waited until all of the girls were asleep in the evening before coming to visit her. As the older woman scanned Maria's appearance though, she noticed a different kind of look in her eyes. Almost reminiscent of that when she had mentioned the Captain's name in their previous conversations, and with the knowledge that he had visited earlier, she merely waited patiently for Maria to bring him into their conversation.

"Tell me," the Reverend Mother therefore began. "What did you want to speak with me about, my child? I hope you are all well."

Maria opened her mouth to reassure her. "Oh yes, perfectly fine. Wonderful, in fact."

"Oh?" The Reverend Mother smiled, much like the time she had done similar in their conversation just before sending Maria to the Von Trapps as a governess.

Maria nodded, smiling back. "Yes… Adda has spoken a lot more over these past days." Maria paused, contemplating how to approach the topic, although the smile still stuck on her face. "And the atmosphere has certainly improved for everyone. Just today she spoke in front of everyone."

"That certainly is good news."

Maria nodded again.

The Reverend Mother sensed that Maria was holding something back, and therefore began to prompt more of their conversation lightly. Bringing her hands together, she straightened her posture and ensured that she was neither leaning forward or back, hoping it would create a more neutral ground that would reassure Maria. "And has she spoken about her…"

The Reverend Mother trailed off, but the silence did not last for long. It seemed that Maria was not particularly cautious about approaching this topic, but was merely finding the right words.

Maria looked up, making firm eye contact with the older woman.

"She told me that she used to live in Germany, although that it evident through her accent," Maria explained. "Her mother sent her here some time ago, how long ago I am yet to learn. But from what she has mentioned to me, it seems that her life would have been under threat had she stayed there…" Maria trailed off, looking up at the Reverend Mother and hoping she would begin to understand the direction this was heading.

It seemed that was not the case, for the Reverend Mother still watched her expectantly.

So Maria began to explain to the Reverend Mother all about the necklace Adda had on her person, and how the little girl had explained to her about her father and mother and the bad men as she referred to them as. The Reverend Mother began to understand her words clearly, and nodded at her knowingly and sympathetically.

"But please, I ask if we could keep this between ourselves. What with the–"

The Reverend Mother interrupted her. "Of course, I understand."

A silence passed between them for a moment. The Reverend Mother was beginning to think that Maria was attempting to steer onto the subject of Captain Von Trapp, but in fact the younger woman was still worrying about Adda and her future.

Maria spoke up first. "Reverend Mother, Adda will be allowed to stay here, won't she? Just because she is of a different religion to ours does not mean she should be thrown onto the streets, and I could never live with myself if we–"

"Maria," called the Reverend Mother softly. Although when the young woman continued to rant, seemingly all in her own world, the Reverend Mother raised her voice and her hand. "Maria!"

Maria snapped her head up.

"The Sisters here at Nonnberg Abbey take vows of charity, and that is what we do at the orphanage – that is why we decided all those years ago, to take in those girls. We provide an education, we provide comfort, we provide reassurance. We provide them with an incite into the word of God, but as well as that, we also provide for all those that God has created in his image, no matter their beliefs. Adda may not have those same beliefs, but she is still a child in need of help, and we shall give her that."

Once the Reverend Mother had finished, Maria wiped one, single tear from her cheek. She knew the Reverend Mother was a kind, understanding woman, but this had surpassed even her expectations. Perhaps she had been foolish to think that Adda would not be accepted, it seemed she had been. She began thinking to herself, reprimanding herself for believing that the Reverend Mother would not have been the kind and understanding woman she always had been.

Maria nodded mutely as a response.

Another few minutes of silence passed between the two women in the room, and as Maria realised that their conversation surrounding Adda had ended, she realised that now she must ask about Saturday, and going to meet Captain Von Trapp. Her cheeks began to flush as she remembered earlier that afternoon, and more so the inquisitive glances and looks from all of the girls once he had left.

"There is something else on your mind, my daughter."

Maria swallowed nervously, aware that she would have to speak what was on her mind now.

"Captain Von Trapp came to see us all earlier," Maria began, suddenly finding an intense interest in her hands. "He also invited me to… He asked if I would have coffee with him, this Saturday."

Oh, this was extremely hard to say! Maria stumbled on most of her words, and she was dreading that her incoherent babbling would be asked to be repeated.

But the Reverend Mother had understood everything, and smiled slightly.

"And will you go?"

Maria looked up at the Reverend Mother, her eyes softening as she saw the kind, tender and understanding look across the older woman's face. She responded truthfully, "I want to."

"Then go," the Reverend Mother responded softly. "I trust one of the Sisters can keep an eye on the girls for the day."

Maria sighed in relief, because that had been one of her main worries. Now it all seemed real. Now it was all going to happen, and since Captain Von Trapp was no longer engaged to Baroness Schrader, her conscience definitely felt better. There were times during the summer when the two of them had spent time together alone, and although it was under the category of something concerning the children, she would still feel awkward and conscientious when they returned and Baroness Schrader was there. The tone of their conversations would often leave her thinking if this type of thing was normal, and also the way he smiled – that half smile she had grown to love on his lips.

Maria sighed, and it was only when she did that she noticed the Reverend Mother was speaking to her.

"… will be able to take care of the girls, I'm sure if you ask her she will be delighted."

Not being able to stop herself, she asked, "Who?"

The Reverend Mother looked at her knowingly, aware that she had caught Maria in one of her daydreams. Maria blushed furiously under her knowing gaze, but the older woman spared Maria further embarrassment and simply replied. "Sister Sophia."

Maria nodded mutely, and then smiled shyly.

"Go and find her tomorrow," the Reverend Mother ordered softly. "For now, I think you need your sleep."

However, as much as Maria did not sit well with the idea of prolonging this conversation, she felt the urge to. After all, there was one thought constantly playing around her mind that refused to disappear.

"But," Maria started, and watched for the Reverend Mother's changing expression. "If I did go to see the Captain… My job here, my life, what would I–"

Maria had worried about these things. After all, she was going to visit the Captain on Saturday for coffee, and surely that would not abode well for a postulant practicing to become a nun, even if said postulant was currently not really a postulant and instead working as a school teacher. But besides all that, she had to know. She needed to know where she stood in this situation, and whether seeing Captain Von Trapp on Saturday would result in her having to leave Nonnberg Abbey.

"My daughter," the Reverend Mother began kindly. "As I told you before, the Sisters take a vow of charity…" As Maria opened her mouth to argue, presumably to insist that she did not want their charity, the Reverend Mother held up her hand, professing her desire to continue. "And that charity, in my own opinion, means not just to look after the poor, but to guide people into following the right path in life."

The look she gave Maria told the younger woman that she fit in the latter category and not the former.

"If I might be as so bold as to say," the Reverend Mother continued. "You are confused, Maria." The use of her first name only caused Maria to look up and hold their gaze. "You do not know, at this moment in time, which path you will take in life. You know you will not be a nun, but the thought of anything else still scares you."

Although the words that left the lips of the Reverend Mother hurt, Maria knew they described the truth. The truth that she was too frightened to admit to herself. The dream of becoming a nun, Maria knew, had faded a long time ago, and clinging to that one remaining strand would not have brought her to any resolution.

But before Maria could speak herself, the Reverend Mother continued.

"You may stay here, for as long as you need, teach the girls," the old woman offered her. "Look for your life, Maria, and once you have found it, you'll know."

The Reverend Mother was also silently telling her continue seeing Captain Von Trapp as much as she wished, and when their eyes caught and this thought travelled between them, Maria turned away and blushed. The two shared more words for a period of time, before each bid the other good night and Maria returned to the school house.


The next few days passed torturously slowly for Maria, Saturday just sitting there from its position at the end of the week, taunting her and seemingly gloating. As Maria sat behind her desk and looked at the calendar, she counted the days left until she would be seeing Captain Von Trapp again. The girls all crossed the days off as they passed – most of them eagerly anticipating birthdays and Christmas – so now, Maria could evidently see that it was Friday.

One night left to go.

Maria sighed and, looking out across the classroom, noticed that all the girls were constantly looking up from their work to watch her curiously.

"What?" Maria droned to them all in a mocking, warning voice.

"We were just wondering, Frau Maria," began Joanna, turning to some of the other girls and sharing conspiring glances.

"Wondering what, Jo?"

"Well…" Joanna began again, now looking to her classmates for the reassurance. It was not like this had just been her thought, she silently told them all with the look in her eyes.

Helga came to the rescue. "We were just wondering what you'd wear tomorrow…"

Smiles seemed to light up all of the children's faces, and Maria's did the same for a moment until it turned upside down into the complete opposite. Realisation suddenly struck her and, groaning, she threw her head into her hands.

"What is it, Frau Maria?" Theresa asked worriedly.

"Frau Maria?" Isabel and Adda also asked her simultaneously.

Maria looked up at them all, a look of desperation in her eyes.

"I have nothing to wear," Maria announced quietly, but loud enough for them all to hear.

Oh, this was just perfect. Maria thought to herself, creating a conversation of her own in her head. The second time the Captain has seen her since that night in his study: the first she had been clad in her postulant attire, and the second time…

"But you have that grey dress!"

Sophia spoke up from her desk.

Yes, Maria thought dryly, the one that Captain Von Trapp and each of his seven children called ugly. Each of them had told her, nicely, that they hoped never to see that dress again.

Looking up at all of the children again, Maria realised that she would have to explain.

"I wore that on my first day," she began her explanation. "But none of them liked it. It was the dress even the poor did not want."

Maria heard Eva laugh to herself, and she shot her head up and narrowed her eyes at the girl, but in a mocking manner. Her lips soon twitched into a smile.

"Could none of our dresses fit you?" asked Sophia again.

"I doubt it," Maria offered by ways of response.

"Not even mine?" Eva offered. She was the oldest of the children, and the nearest size to Maria.

But Maria shook her head sadly, knowing that Eva was at least two sizes smaller than her.

Maria and her expressing that she had no other clothes suitable did not stop the girls from looking through her wardrobe later that afternoon. But they all soon found that their Frau Maria had been right in her judgement, the contents of her wardrobe only amounted to: another postulant robe, her white cotton nightgown, a dressing gown, the despicable grey dress and a short, thick winter coat.

"Well, it'll have to be the dress!" Helga announced dramatically, pulling it out of the wardrobe and dropping it down on the bed.

"Careful!" screeched Theresa. "You'll put creases in it!"

"At this rate it'll be an improvement," Eva added, causing the older girls and Maria to laugh.

Maria happily pulled Eva into her side, wrapping her arm around her shoulder. Maria then continued to watch as all of the girls attempted to style the dress differently, with the hope of eventually finding a new, desirable look. Alas, to no avail!

"Well, it seems I'll just have to make do. It's either that or this," she gestured to her postulant robe, and in response she received ten shakes of the head and ten negative murmurs.

Maria chuckled lightly to herself, before eventually announced that it was time to prepare dinner.


Maria tossed and turned that night. She rolled from one side to the other, attempting to find a comfortable position that would allow her the sleep she needed for the day ahead tomorrow. Her eyes found themselves resting upon the pile of letters on her chest of drawers, the ones that were all from the Captain.

Subconsciously, she smiled at them all. Maria then brought her fingers to her lips, tracing them as she imagined once again the way his felt as they brushed across them. The sweet sensations that had ran through her body whenever their skin brushed together, whenever he took her hand, whenever he kissed her…

Although Maria knew that the Captain liked her in a way perhaps more than friendship required, deep down she knew that, no matter what happened between them, he would never be able to return the great love that she felt for him. It was an incomprehensible truth. But at this moment, as she stared lovingly at the letters and recalled the sensation of his lips, she decided that she would accept all that happened between them, and would learn to appreciate all that the two would share.

If anything at all was going to happen.

Maria reminded herself of that. Soon, she found herself drifting off into a comfortable sleep, the thought of tomorrow whirling around her mind leaving her content.


Georg tossed and turned that night. He rolled from one side to the other, attempting to find a comfortable position that would allow him the sleep he needed for the day ahead tomorrow. His eyes found themselves resting upon the pile of letters on his bedside table, the ones he had brought in from his study, the ones that were all from Maria.

Subconsciously, he smiled at them all. Georg then brought his fingers to his lips, tracing them as he imagined once again the way hers felt as they brushed across them. The sweet sensations that had ran through his body whenever their skin brushed together, whenever she took his hand, whenever she kissed him…

Although Georg knew that Maria liked him in a way perhaps more than friendship required, deep down he knew that, no matter what happened between them, she would probably never be able to return the love that he felt for her. It was an incomprehensible truth. But at this moment, as he stared lovingly at the letters and recalled the sensation of her lips, he decided that he would accept all that happened between them, and would learn to appreciate all that the two would share.

He would not scare her away with proclamations of love, since he felt she would be unable to return them. To him, his age mattered. He was a retired naval hero, widowed with seven children, and had once been a distant father for years until she turned everything around. How could someone so perfect love him in return? He felt it was impossible.

Soon, he found himself drifting off into a comfortable sleep, all thoughts and worries washing away as the thought of tomorrow whirling around his mind left him content.


Maria stood nervously at the water fountain that afternoon, listening to the nearby church chimes as it struck three o'clock. It had been arranged between them that the pair would meet here at this time, however if anything were to arise one would ring the other to break the arrangement. Sighing loudly, and wringing her hands together, Maria kept her eyes fixed on the pavement ahead of her, waiting for him to appear.

She was stood in her dress. The only dress that had been deemed suitable by the rest of the girls. Smoothing it absently with her hands, she then proceeded to lock them once more, her nerves getting the better of her.

If the Captain wanted to see her once again, then that surely meant he liked her in a way. He would not arrange to meet her for a coffee in the middle of Salzburg if he did not. Their friendship had grew during her time at the villa, the conversations they held would stray from topics considered proper. They would talk about their families, albeit briefly since Maria's past still brought up unwanted memories and from the reaction she had noticed from the Captain, him too. The two would also speak about their interests, the children, a conversation had even developed about the seven deadly sins, one that still caused Maria to blush ferociously.

Suddenly she was pulled from her reverie by a tap on her shoulder.

Maria turned instantly.

"Hallo, Fraulein."

She was greeted with his playful voice, and the smile that seemed a permanent fixture on his lips.

"Hallo," she responded nervously, smiling hesitantly at him and unconsciously smoothing her dress again.

Maria noticed the Captain glance down at the dress.

"Before you say anything, I had nothing else."

Georg merely laughed at her statement.

Wordlessly, he then nodded in the direction she assumed the two were heading, and she followed beside him.

"Sorry I was a little late," the Captain apologised, breaking the comfortable silence. "The children were in high protest, they wanted to come and see you too."

"Oh," Maria found herself saying. Something inside her also began to stir in the knowledge that he had wanted to be alone with her. Well, as far as alone could be in a Salzburg café.

"I told them we had some private matters to discuss," he reasoned. When Maria turned her head to study his expression, she saw a playful gleam across his eyes and smile.

"And what would those be?" Maria responded, trying to keep up the playful tone between them. This was what she had missed after leaving the villa most, just the need for a casual conversation that left her comfortable. It was the conversation that she needed.

Maria shared his smile.

Georg clicked his tongue, causing Maria to laugh a little. It was evident that he had nothing specific to speak with her about.

"Hmm, let's see," Maria began, folding her hands together in front of her as they walked more and more into the centre of Salzburg. She found that playing along with this little wrath of deceit was fun. "Christmas?"

"Oh, not you too," moaned the Captain light–heartedly.

Maria laughed at him. "It's not too far away now."

"It's two months away," argued the Captain.

"It will come around quicker than you think."

Georg sighed. "I guess so. It will certainly be different this year."

Maria noticed the tone of his voice, the solemn and sombre stance it had taken. She suddenly realised that he was referring to the previous Christmases at the Von Trapp villa since his wife had died, and her heart leapt for him. Deciding to offer him some comfort but not put a prolonged negative mood to their conversation and the afternoon ahead, she spoke.

"You'll enjoy it this year."

The compassion in her voice touched Georg. Turning his head, their eyes met and he smiled gratefully at her. Their brief moment soon turned into a few more moments staring into each other's eyes, but Georg shook himself out of it. He had decided earlier that any public displays of affection would be unsuitable today, and he did not want to tarnish her reputation in any way.

So, nodding his head to the left, he spoke up, "We're here."

Maria shook herself too as he spoke, and unknowingly had almost been thinking the same as Georg. She would feel uncomfortable if he was to kiss her again in the middle of the street. Averting her eyes from his figure, she looked around to where he was motioning to.

Her eyes fell upon a quaint café with seats and tables outside and in. Foliage was lining and growing from the rustic stone walls of the café, and covered the doorway in an arch shape. There were also various potted plants scattered around the outside of the café, making the scene a delight to the eye. Maria remembered seeing this particular café on a lot of her outings in Salzburg when she was by herself, with the Von Trapp children and with the girls, but for some reason had never decided to enter.

"Oh, it's lovely," she breathed.

Georg smiled at her response. "Inside or out?"

Maria turned to him, smiling. "Where would you like to sit?"

"It's up to you."

Maria contemplated for a moment, looking up at the late October sky a few times, before making her decision. It did help that a sudden draught of wind had blown in their direction, causing her to almost shiver in just her dress.

"Inside."

Georg nodded at her decision and held out his arm for her to enter before him.

"Ever the gentleman," she smiled at him as she passed, causing him to smirk.

Maria loved this atmosphere between them – the one that had been shared in their letters, and the one that had also been present back at the villa. She was often fascinated with the Captain's wit and sense of humour and the way their conversations could run from one subject to another in the space of seconds.

As Georg held the door open for her, Maria stepped through and was instantly hit with the aroma of the café. It was a lovely smell: freshly brewed coffee and fresh, delicious pastry. Maria closed her eyes absently, inhaling more of the scent that surrounded her.

She only opened her eyes when a hand was placed on the small of her back. Flinging her eyes open, she found herself staring at the Captain who was now stood beside her and looking for a place for them to sit.

"How about over there?" he pointed to one table beside the wall.

Now Maria took in all of the sights of the café – it was just as lovely as the outside. The walls were of grey stone, like the abbey walls Maria thought, but plant pots had been fitted onto the walls in places, and bright, colourful flowers brought the room life and colour. The lighting in the room was bright enough to see clearly, although it was slightly dimmed, almost to add to the rustic feel of the place.

"Maria?"

The sound of his voice calling her name caused Maria to pull her eyes away from the walls and around to him.

"I asked if that table was all right," he laughed, continuing to point in that direction.

Maria laughed softly to herself and bit her lip nervously. "Oh, yes."

Georg smiled at her response, and the changing colour of her cheeks. Silently, he led her across to the table and, ever the gentleman still, pulled out her chair before she could sit down. After he took his seat on the other side of the table, facing her, she thanked him.

"Thank you," she smiled softly. "This place really is lovely."

"It is," Georg smiled. "I always used to find Agathe in here whenever we came into Salzburg. She always used to lose me whenever we came shopping, although I always thought that was tactical. When Liesl was older she would love it here, too."

Although the smile on Georg's face beheld hints of sadness, there was also a look there that told Maria he no longer feared speaking about his late wife. The pain might still be there, but the wounds had begun to close and he no longer felt uncomfortable talking about her.

"I was going to ask if Liesl had been here," Maria smiled. "It seems like a place she would love. I might have to bring her again myself."

Maria did not realise the implication of her words until she had spoken them. Her hands covered her mouth as she realised that it may seem as though she is fitting into the role that Agathe used to play.

Georg noticed her reaction, and seemed to read her mind. He stopped her from speaking what he assumed would be an unnecessary apology.

"She would love that," he insisted, reaching across absently to take hold of her hand. "Trust me."

The reassurance in his eyes, and also his words, would not let Maria doubt him for a moment. She smiled at him, and only then did she realise that his hand was still atop of hers, his thumb caressing her knuckles. Maria wanted to copy his actions.

"What can we get for you, sir, madame?"

Their hands instantly drew apart, although it was clear from the looks in their eyes that the loss of contact was a disappointment.

Georg looked around at the young waitress and smiled, despite the fact that his mind was telling her to work on her untimely interruptions. "Good morning, fraulein."

"Good afternoon, sir," she smiled. "Have you decided what to order?"

Georg, who had momentarily forgotten about ordering their food and drink, turned to pick up one of the menus, and saw that Maria had already done so. He watched her only momentarily before he looked down at the list of foods and drinks.

It did not take Georg long to decide. He had been here once before, and the decision he had made then, he decided would be sufficient for this visit too.

"A großer Brauner (1) and a Weichselstrudel (2), I think please," Georg smiled at the waitress and handed back the menu. Then he looked across at his company, smiling as he saw her face still buried in the menu. "Maria?"

Maria looked up from the menu and smiled at him, before placing it down and turning to the waitress herself.

"Could I have a Einspänner (3), please, and also Apfelstrudel?"

The waitress smiled back at her. "Of course, madame." She wrote it all down on her pad of paper and then picked up Maria's menu. "Will that be everything?"

"Yes, thank you," Georg smiled, watching as she left before turning to Maria. "Sweet tooth?" He smiled at her, referring to her choice.

Maria looked away sheepishly for a moment, but then turned back to him. "I could say the same about you, Captain."

Georg laughed at her, and nodded in defeat.

"Well, the children will be in uproar if I told them you had Apfelstrudel!" Georg exclaimed, and Maria laughed knowingly.

"We did manage to persuade cook to make it for dessert a few times…"

"When was that?" Georg asked curiously, not remembering the last time he had eaten the dessert.

Maria hesitated for a moment before responding. "You were away in Vienna."

"Ah," Georg responded. "I shall have to speak to cook later on. I think it's about time I tried it again."

Maria smiled fondly over at him. She was thankful that he had not tensed at all when she had mentioned him being away, aware that the time she mentioned was one where he was still the shadow of the man he was now.

"Why was Apfelstrudel in your song?" Georg asked, narrowing his eyes a little dramatically, causing Maria to smile, and leaning forward across the table.

"Well," Maria smiled, beginning her story. "My mother and I used to make it together when she was still alive. We always used to leave it in the oven just that little bit longer so it would be crisp." Maria was surprised herself at how easy she found it was to talk about her mother. It was still a painful subject, but somehow speaking to the Captain about it all was actually quite comfortable, perhaps because he had just spoken about his losses too. "I guess it's just trying to hold onto those memories, the happy ones, the mess we would make with the flour…"

Maria laughed, and Georg joined in as he imagined her covered in flour.

"I can imagine," he commented. "I did hear from Marta about a similar incident in the kitchen."

Maria smiled widely at the memory. "The little ones wanted to make a cake," she recalled. "It was for Marta's birthday, and she insisted she must join in, despite it being hers."

Georg smiled as he heard Maria recall the particular memory. He would have felt extremely guilty when he heard about his daughter's seventh birthday that he had missed while in Vienna, but once he had been home and reconciled with his children, Maria had organised another party for them all to celebrate, as belated as it was.

"You are wonderful with them," he commented.

Maria's head tilted to one side, looking at him peculiarly. "So are you." Georg looked at her and smiled, but failed to say another word for another moment, leaving Maria to let their conversation proceed. "What was that about?"

Georg looked up slowly. "Oh, nothing really. Just–"

"Don't do it," Maria ordered.

Georg widened his eyes at her tone, not understanding.

"Don't start saying it was all thanks to you and you would never have reconnected with them if it wasn't for you, because you know I don't believe it."

"Maria…" he began to argue her statement.

Maria could not help but feel ecstatic every time she heard him say her name without the Fraulein in front of it, but for now decided that defending her argument was much more important. "I thought we'd come to an agreement about this, you know that you–"

"Yes, we did," Georg interrupted her, not wanting to have this disagreement now. He was always cautious about this matter, because it had been his deepest regret and mistake, and it had also been the most painful three years of his life.

Georg smiled at Maria, reassuring her that he was ending this conversation and accepting her statement. Maria smiled back.

"So, tell me about Adda," Georg suggested.

Georg watched as Maria's eyes lit up at the mention of her name, as she did whenever the other girls were mentioned, and he eased himself into his chair as Maria began to explain to him everything she had discovered.

Maria knew that Georg was safe to speak with. Never would he betray her confidence, and that only made her speech easier. She started with speaking about the recurrent nightmares that Adda had suffered, and how eventually she had spoken a few words to her. Maria mentioned the distinct German accent to Georg again, aware that she had written about this in their letters but deciding to just start from the beginning. Maria then began to speak about the day in Salzburg when Adda had almost been hit, and then that night when she had suffered a horrid nightmare and could not fall back to sleep.

When she started to reveal to him all that Adda had begun to tell her that night, Georg sighed sadly. Like Maria, he was also aware of the situation for Jewish people in Germany, and his heart tightened as he began to think of the situation Adda's mother must have been in to send her child away – to send her to safety.

"I can't imagine," Georg muttered to himself, although loud enough for Maria to hear, bringing to an end her monologue.

"I understand now why she found it so difficult to open up."

Georg looked up at Maria now. "She chose the right person."

Maria was touched by the comment, and smiled softly. "Thank you."

Georg smiled back at her, and a moment of silence passed between them where neither knew what to say.

Eventually, Maria broke the silence. "I missed you," she admitted quietly, but just loud enough for Georg to hear. Her admission caused him to look up and widen his eyes, never having expected to hear her say that. "I missed this," she continued, gesturing to their conversations that seemed to flow easily.

Georg smiled knowingly, and was about to respond with a physical action when his hand was forced to withdraw as their food and drink was placed before them.

Once the waitress had disappeared, Georg stole a quick glance across at Maria who was already leaning down and inhaling the scent of her Apfelstrudel.

"It tastes better, Fraulein," he teased her.

Maria took one more inhale and then looked up, her eyes shining. She smiled once more at him before taking her finger and gathering some of the whipped cream from the top of her Einspänner.

Georg shook his head at her actions, but could not help but smile too.

Maria proceeded to taste some of the whipped cream, and then turned to her knife and fork to cut up the Apfelstrudel. The first bite caused her to sigh out loud in delight, and the sound almost caused Georg to drop his own fork.

After Maria had taken two more bites, she looked up at him, his eyes still on her. "Do you want some?" she offered without thinking, and blushed as she witnessed his surprised reaction.

"Go on then," Georg smiled, expecting her to hand him her own fork, or to ask him for his.

But instead Maria gathered some of the delicious dessert on her own fork and held it out for his mouth, meaning for him to take it from her. Surprised, but more than willing to accept, Georg leant across the table and closed his mouth around the fork and dessert she was holding for him. He attempted to prolong the moment for as long as possible, but eventually he had to pull away.

"Well?" Maria asked him, taking more of the whipped cream from her coffee.

"Just as I remember."


Their time together passed much too quickly for either of their liking that afternoon. A glance at the nearby clock told the two of them that it was approaching four o'clock, to which both of them almost gasped in surprise. It had not felt like two hours had passed.

Georg summoned for the waitress again to fetch their bill, and once she had gone, also stopped Maria from reaching into her pocket. He held up his hand after calling her name, and the stern expression on his face told Maria that he would not have accepted it any other way.

After Georg had paid the waitress and handed her a tip, he escorted Maria out of the café and into the late afternoon air. The two were surprised it had not turned more cold whilst they were inside the café.

"Well, which way are you–" Maria began to ask, motioning both left and right.

"I'm parked by the fountain," Georg explained.

Maria smiled at his answer, content for now to walk with him for a while. They started a casual, carefree conversation again as they walked.

"What will you tell the children?" Maria asked him absently, swinging her left arm up and down a little. Her right arm remained still, as it was close beside the Captain.

"Hm," he clicked his tongue. "That Fraulein Maria had the most delicious Apfelstrudel and I asked her to save some for you all. But she didn't, and ate it all herself in spite."

Maria gasped and slapped his arm. "Don't!"

Georg began to laugh heartily. "I won't."

"Good."

Georg laughed again at her blunt response.

"I know the children wouldn't believe that, even if I did tell them."

"I know. They could never believe that their favourite governess could do such a thing."

She turned to him and they shared in their laughter as she also winked casually at him.

The two continued to walk in the direction of the fountain, talking and laughing with each other. Suddenly, Georg stopped and patted the side of a black car. "Well, this is me."

Maria smiled slightly and nodded.

"Would you like a lift back to the abbey?" he offered.

"Oh no, it's all right." As Maria noticed the Captain about to argue, she silenced him. "No really, I could do with a walk, and it's really not far."

Beaten, Georg could only nod.

Silence reigned around them for quite a while, as both waited for the other to speak or do something. Georg wanted to kiss her again, and Maria wanted the same. But the many people walking past them near the fountain on the pavements caused them to think twice about that.

Maria stood beside him, biting her lip and anticipating his next actions.

"Well, perhaps I should go," he announced.

Maria nodded. "Me too."

Cautiously, Georg took a step forward and surprised Maria. Gently he took her hand and lifted it to his lips. He placed a small kiss on her knuckles, all the while looking up into her eyes.

Her eyes were shining at the act, and her cheeks, she assumed, were transforming into a shade of bright red. She smiled down at him from his slightly bent position, and felt a sense of loss when he released her hand.

"I'll see you later," Georg smiled before forcing himself to turn away from her and get in the car.

Maria waited until he had started to drive away, and then she began to walk back, smiling to herself as she went, her hand clutched close to her heart.


As soon as Maria had arrived back at the schoolhouse, she decided to head straight to her bedroom. It was almost half past five now – she had spent some time outside beforehand, feeling the wind brush against her skin as she recalled the events of that day – and the thing she wanted most was to shower and get changed. In her dreamy state, she failed to realise that there was hardly a sound to be heard in the schoolhouse, which was most unusual considering the ten girls that lived there.

Therefore, opening the door to her bedroom, she was understandably shocked to see all ten girls sat on her bed. Maria almost gasped, but managed to stifle it. Just as Maria was about to ask them all what they were doing on her bed, a series of questions hit her.

"What was it like?"

"Did he like your dress?"

"Did you hold hands?"

"Did he kiss you like Mr. Rochester did Jane Eyre?"

"What did you do?"

"Did he bring you home?"

"Will you see him again?"

Confused by all of the questions at once, Maria held up her hands.

"Girls!" she raised her voice at them all. "One at a time!"

Maria was soon pulled onto the bed with the rest of them all. Being forced to answer all of their questions, she searched for a pillow to hide behind at times. As Eva decided to ask if he had kissed her, Maria hid further behind her pillow, and from this most of the girls could deduce that he had. As all of them squealed in delight for their Frau Maria, they also decided to start jumping on her from all angles. Maria let out a loud laugh at their actions, and even tried to wrap her arms around a few of the girls, content and sure that this had been one of the happiest days of her life.


A/N: (1) A großer Brauner is a double Mokka with milk. (2) Weichselstrudel is strudel filled with sour cherry. (3) Einspänner a double Mokka topped with whipped cream.

I hope you liked it!