I'm calling out your name
(Calling out your name)

Leave now? Whatever for?

Georg looked at Maria like she'd gone completely mad. But she had already turned away and was no longer looking at him. She was staring off into the distance, her eyes narrowed in concern. Quickly turning to follow her gaze, he frowned against the bright sun reflecting off the lake.

Oh God, a storm!

He'd been far too distracted to notice it building and brewing in the distance over the Alps. The increased clouds above them had seemed harmless, he certainly hadn't thought there was a storm coming in behind them. For God's sake! He was supposed to be trained at noticing the subtle changes in weather, the warning signs of worse to come. He'd been far too preoccupied. The breeze, which had been gathering strength, was surely sending the storm straight towards them. There was no time to waste.

Maria was already on her feet, taking charge and calling out for everyone to gather up their things.

The children down near the edge of the lake all turned as one, wondering why there was suddenly a commotion. Liesl was quickly standing and making her way over to help Maria pack what they could into the baskets. Brigitta was already gathering up the skipping ropes.

Georg was on his feet and down by the lake. "Children, there's a storm on the way," he was already kneeling beside Kurt, taking hold of his fishing rod and winding in the line. "Friedrich and Louisa, just leave your rods on the bank. Go and help Fraulein Maria," he glanced across the lake. The rain was still some distance away, but they had to hurry.

"But, Father…" Friedrich began to protest.

"Friedrich, you and Louisa carry what you can and start heading for home with the younger ones," Georg stood up and squeezed Friedrich's shoulder, giving him an encouraging nod. "Liesl!" he called out.

"Yes, Father?" his eldest daughter turned around just as she was closing the lid on the last picnic basket.

"Leave with the others now," he called out. Louisa had already picked up Maria's guitar case, Brigitta had hold of Marta and Gretl's hands, Kurt had the soccer ball under one arm and Liesl and Friedrich each had a picnic basket. "We'll be right behind you," he added noticing Liesl hesitate.

"Will you be alright?" Liesl asked Fraulein Maria. "We can wait for you."

"We'll be fine, Liesl," Maria smiled. "But you need to leave now."

"If you're sure…" she hesitated.

"Certain!" Maria glanced toward the lake as the Captain finished winding up Kurt's rod. "Now hurry, and you'll beat the rain home!" She gave Liesl's arm a reassuring squeeze and watched her turn and follow the other children.

"Liesl!" Georg called out from the edge of the lake. He watched his eldest daughter turn with a questioning look. "Stop at the boatshed if you don't think you'll make it home. We'll meet you there."

Liesl smiled and waved, before quickly glancing over her father's shoulder at the weather across the water. "Don't be too long…" she called out, before turning and catching up with her brothers and sisters.

Maria watched Liesl and the children scurry off down the path towards the villa. Perhaps she should have gone with them, but as she glanced across the lake, she was sure there was time for them to get home safely. The Captain was still reeling in the fishing lines, so she turned her attention to the picnic blanket.

The Captain's coat was on one corner, so she folded it and placed it on the picnic basket the children couldn't carry. Picking up the rug, she gave it a good shake. By the time she had the rug folded, the sounds of the children had disappeared into the distance.

Turning toward the lake, she saw that some of the Alps had almost been swallowed by the dark clouds. A sheet of rain was looming down the mountainside toward the far edge of the lake and the wind was gathering momentum, loosening leaves from the tall oaks and sending them scattering.

Knowing how much they hated storms, she said a quick prayer for the children. From here, it was a leisurely thirty-minute walk home. If the children hurried, they should make it home dry.

Taking the Captain's coat, she wrapped it in the blanket. It was far too warm and humid for him to need it now, especially once they started moving. Holding the folded rug against her, she looked down to the lake, and watched the Captain wind up the last fishing line. She smiled at him as he picked up the rods in one hand and turned towards her. The strong breeze ruffled his hair as he took long strides up the embankment toward her. For a moment, his windblown fringe reminded her of their encounter last night. The last time they were alone.

"We'd better hurry…" she said as much to herself as the Captain. "That storm's coming in fast," she frowned towards the mountains that had now disappeared completely under a blanket of thick, dark cloud. Unless you'd been here earlier, it would be hard to imagine that the majestic Alps even existed on the other side of the lake.

Georg smiled as he came to a stop in front of her. If anyone should understand the moods and unpredictable paths of the mountain storms it would be Maria. He knew she'd grown up in the mountains, but it wasn't until last night that he understood just how tied she was to the Alps. He'd often stare at them across the lake from the terrace without really seeing them. He'd seen them differently today. But then, everything had seemed a little different today.

"Let's get home, Fraulein," he said softly, deciding he liked the sound of that, for some reason. He watched as she bent to pick up the picnic basket. "No, no…" he waved his free hand for her to stop. "I'll take that," he said more gently as her eyes suddenly shot up to meet his.

"I can easily carry it, Captain," she stood up and squared her shoulders.

"I know you can, but let me. Please…" he waited until she nodded and took a step back, before he took a half step and picked up the basket in his free hand. "We're going to have to hurry," he added hearing the first ominous rumble in the distance.

Maria smiled as he held out his hand holding the fishing rods, gesturing for her to take the lead along the rough path. Hugging the blanket to her, she started walking quickly along the uneven track, grateful that she was wearing her sensible black boots. She could hear the Captain close behind her as they picked up speed. Another distant rumble turned her thoughts to the children. If the children kept good pace, they should almost be halfway home by now.

Can you hear me calling
Out your name?

They'd been walking along the track in silence for a while now, both short of breath as they continued their brisk pace. The sun had disappeared underneath the thick blanket of dark cloud some time ago. It seemed more like dusk, rather than the late afternoon. Maria could hear the Captain puffing heavily just behind. Her own breathing was coming hard and fast. The thunder was no longer in the distance, with each new clap louder than last, pushing them faster.

When Maria felt the first drop of rain on her arm, it wasn't one of those gentle raindrops that had you wondering if you'd really felt it, or whether it was all just your imagination. The first drop was big and wet. Followed by another, just as big and just as hard.

"Oh… here it comes!" she called out over her shoulder to the Captain, between mouthfuls of air as more of the enormous raindrops hit the side of her face.

"Keep going… Fraulein…" Georg encouraged behind her. "Can't stop… not now…"

She laughed as she blinked against the big drops of rain that were now coming faster, each one followed more quickly by another, and then another. They seemed to be coming harder as the wind continued gathering strength, swirling through the tops of the trees around them.

They were moving faster, trying to stay ahead of the storm, even though they realised trying to outrun it was futile. Now they would be happy to get to the boatshed without getting soaked. The edge of the storm had caught up to them, before long they'd be swallowed up by it, just like the Alps behind them. As the rain grew heavier, the track was becoming more slippery, with the loose stones threatening to trip them up. Earlier, it had seemed just a harmless, overgrown path, Maria thought grimly to herself. But now, it was becoming treacherous.

"I hope… the children… aren't out in this…" Maria shouted behind her, lifting her eyes from the path for just a moment.

"Fraulein!" Georg called out, as he watched her stumble on a rock and slip to the edge of the path. Managing to pull up before he ran into her, at the same time, he somehow threw out his left arm, keeping her upright amongst a tangle of fishing rods. His arm curled around her waist, holding her steady, pulling her back against him.

"Oh, my!" Maria fell back against the Captain, as she struggled to keep her balance.

"I've got you…" Georg reassured against her hair as the wind blew the rain hard against his back. Not that he noticed the storm bearing down on them. Right at that moment, all he could think of was the feel of Maria's soft body against his. Sitting beside her in the car had been torture, standing behind her in the pantry had been exquisite. But this was something entirely different. All his senses were committing her feel, her scent, her touch to memory. But he was certain his body was never going to forget…

"Oh, Captain…" Maria mumbled, a little surprised to find herself surrounded by the Captain's muscle and strength. She'd always assumed he was strong, had never really given it much thought. But as he pinned her against him, as he stopped her from losing her balance, it was only now that she was realising just how strong he was. She glanced down and noticed the taut muscles in his forearm…

"Are you alright, Fraulein?" Georg asked, as he moved his head sideways and turned to look at her. Already out of breath, he held his breath at the feel of her body push further into his.

"I… I think so…" Maria stammered, having long forgotten all about the rain and storm swirling around them. All she could think about was the Captain's hot breath tickling her ear, her neck. His breathing was heavy, matching the movement of his chest against her back.

"Thank you…" she whispered, suddenly aware of the heat of the Captain's body. Despite their damp clothes, his body felt like it was on fire. The air around them seemed so hot and heavy, and she was sure it wasn't just the humidity. She'd never been this close to a man before. Not really. Certainly not a man holding her against him, not like…

It may have been a clap of thunder, or perhaps he just came to his senses, but suddenly Georg realised that he had his arm around his governess. Whatever it was, he knew they couldn't stand here forever, they needed to keep moving. Georg reluctantly loosened his arm from around her waist, before letting go. But he felt her hesitate. Oh God, did she feel it too?

Feeling the Captain release her, Maria went to move her leg, but something was grabbing at it. Looking down, she realised she'd been caught by a cane from one of the blackberries growing along the edge of the path.

"What's wrong, Fraulein?" Georg asked.

"Oh, nothing…" Maria answered as she bobbed down and quickly prised the prickly stem away. "Just a blackberry," she answered over her shoulder. "Nothing to worry about…" she told him as she began moving along the path, this time taking extra care on the loose stones.

Although, she had to admit, she was finding it a little harder to concentrate now…

You know that I'm falling
And I don't know what to say
I'll speak a little louder
I'll even shout

Glancing behind them, Georg could see that even more of the mountains that would normally be standing guard over the lake had disappeared underneath the black storm clouds. Turning back, Maria was a several steps ahead of him and starting to pick up the pace again. He quickened his steps, trying to catch up to her.

"Fraulein," he called out over the wind. "The boat shed's not far…" his words were cut short by another clap of thunder. Each one was getting louder. Closer.

Relieved to hear that shelter wasn't too far away, Maria had to admit that her bearings had been distorted by the rain. It was really heavy now, and the strong wind was blowing it sideways against the side of her face now that they'd rounded another bend. Squinting against the wind and rain running down her face, it was becoming more difficult to see the path at her feet. At least the path was starting to even out, and was even a little wider. Thankfully, the boatshed was nearby.

She and the children often walked along the paths around the boatshed. Of course, she'd learned her lesson, and these days made sure they kept walking past the boats. Looking forward to finding somewhere dry, she was sure the children would all be huddling at there. Her heart tightened as she thought how frightened they'd be alone in the storm. Hugging the blanket tighter to her chest, she quickened her pace, desperate to get out of the weather and desperate to get to the children.

As she rounded the next bend, a shingled roof appeared amongst the willows on the edge of the lake. "We've made it!" Maria proclaimed triumphantly to the Captain over her shoulder as she increased the length of her steps.

"Careful, Fraulein!" Georg laughed as she called out. He adored her enthusiasm and excitement. Even when they were caught in a storm, she wasn't fazed. It was infectious. Utterly irresistible.

Maria barely heard him above the driving rain and wind, as she rushed towards the old timber shed perched on the edge of the lake. Finally reaching it, she stopped and turned, pressing herself against the wall that faced the path. Sheltered under the eave, she watched the Captain closing the distance between them as the water tracked down her face. But she barely noticed, everything was soaking wet and dripping. Hugging the blanket with one arm, her other hand had found its way to her chest as she tried to catch her breath.

Despite being out of breath, she found herself laughing. Partly out of relief, partly from the exhilaration of being caught out in the rain like a small child, partly from watching the Captain rushing towards her.

Only moments behind her, Georg was soon sheltering under the eave beside her, the door to the shed between them. Putting the picnic basket down on the ground beside him, he leaned back against the wall, his chest heaving rapidly as he tried to fill his lungs. He smiled as Maria stood beside him trying to stop laughing while she caught her breath. He found himself wondering the last time he felt so alive.

Glancing sideways, he noticed Maria was as out of breath as he was. Her eyes had closed, so he took the chance to let his eyes roam down her body. Her wet clothes, clinging to her body, brought back memories of the day he returned from Vienna. Forcing his eyes to her face, he smiled. Her cheeks were flushed, her hair stuck out where the rain hadn't plastered it to her face. Drops of rain trailed down her face, finding a path down her long neck, before disappearing underneath her tight bodice, which was still rising and falling rapidly. God, she looked more beautiful than ever.

With her laughing finally under control and her breathing slowly finding its way back to normal, Maria opened her eyes and turned to the Captain. He looked as drowned and bedraggled as she felt. And probably looked! Glancing down at his chest, it was moving in time to his heavy breathing. She was sure she let out a gasp as she noticed his wet shirt clinging to him, outlining the muscles across his chest and revealing the dark hair that was normally hidden under his shirt… Oh Lord…

She forced her eyes higher noticing that his hair, normally combed perfectly back in place, had taken on a life of its own. His fringe had fallen over his forehead and the rain had started sending it wavy. He was staring at her, his eyes dark and intense. Then he smiled. That half grin of his. Didn't he realise that she'd only just got her breath back? She could barely breathe, let alone think, when he looked at her like that. Everything else around them seemed to slow down as he reached up with his right hand and forced his fringe back, his eyes never leaving hers as they both leaned back against the boatshed wall staring at each other. She noticed the muscles moving in his forearm, reminding her of his strength. How he'd held her to him. The feel of her back against the heat of his chest…

A loud clap of thunder overhead made them both jump.

"The children..." Maria suddenly remembered where they were.

"They'll be inside waiting for us inside," Georg reassured her, nodding toward the door between them. As he opened the door to the boatshed, he loved that the children were never far from her thoughts. "After you," he stood aside and gave an exaggerated sweep of his arm. They both laughed at his gesture. It somehow matched the absurdity of the situation.

Maria walked through the doorway, but stopped immediately. The boatshed was empty. Expecting to be greeted by the noisy excitement of the children, all she could hear was the hollow echo of the heavy rain on the roof. "They're not here!" she exclaimed, turning to the Captain who was standing in the doorway behind her.

"They must be at home…" Georg murmured. He was sure the children would be huddled on the wooden benches waiting for them. Maria was looking sick with worry and the last thing he wanted was to add to it. "If they're not home yet, they won't have far to go."

"Do you think?" Maria looked up at him, her eyes filling with tears and fear.

"I'm sure," Georg smiled calmly, not wanting to think of the children out in the storm. "They had a good head start..." he was trying to convince himself as much as Maria.

"I hope you're right," Maria answered slowly, still not sure. "I should have gone with them…"

"Liesl and Friedrich are responsible, Fraulein," Georg didn't want her feeling guilty, after all, he was the one who'd sent the children home ahead of them. And he knew he was right. His two oldest children were sensible. It came with having to grow up so quickly. "They would have stopped here if there was even a slight chance they wouldn't make it to the villa," he added, her eyes still fearful. Hoping his words would help, he found himself wanting to hold her, to tell her the children were safe, to take away her concerns.

Instead, he held his breath as Maria paused for a moment, weighing up his words.

"You're right, Captain," she finally agreed, forcing herself to believe they were safe and dry, waiting at home for them. She knew she couldn't face any other possibility.

Georg smiled. If he wasn't juggling fishing rods in one hand, and the picnic basket in the other, he would have reached out to her. He loved her concern for the children. He loved that he'd been the one to make her feel better, taking away her fears and concerns. And he loved how adorable she looked, wet and half-drowned with Marta's chain of daisies still clinging around her neck.

"We might as well get comfortable, Fraulein," Georg kicked the door shut behind him as he looked over Maria's shoulder to the open end of the boat shed, then back to her with a shrug. "It looks like we'll be here for a while..."

Maria turned around, just as a loud clap of thunder boomed overhead.

"Oh my!" she jumped, laughing as she turned back to the Captain. The dimly lit boatshed lit up as lightning cracked and flashed nearby.

"It's close now," Georg's eyes shot upwards. "I hope this old thing's waterproof…"

Maria turned away from the Captain and started walking to the end of the timber building. She smiled as she walked past the boat lining one wall, and its identical partner on the opposite wall. Pairs of oars hung above each boat. She heard the Captain's footsteps behind her, and turned when they came to a stop. He was busy putting the fishing rods back in the rack against the wall.

"I'll take you and the children out on the lake one day if you'd like," Georg was busying himself with the rods, but hadn't missed her looking at the boats.

"The children would love that!"

He looked up and returned her smile before she blushed and turned away. Something told him that she'd enjoy it just as much as the children. The thought sent his heart soaring. It would be a chance to erase the memory of him standing on the landing yelling at her like the fool he was.

Maria continued past the boats towards the water at the far end of the shed. Reaching up, she ran her fingers through her hair, shaking out the water that hadn't yet run down her face and the back of her neck. It was much darker outside than it should be, and the rain was teeming down. She smiled, no wonder they were both soaked after being out in that downpour.

She sat down on the timber bench seat that ran along the open end of the shed and wiped the back of her neck with the folded blanket before putting it down beside her. On the outside, it was a little damp from the rain, but it was wool, so wasn't dripping wet, like her. She heard the echo of the Captain's familiar footsteps as he made his way to join her.

Georg stopped beside the bench seat. "Erhm..." he cleared his throat. "May I...?" he motioned to the seat.

"Of course, Captain," Maria smiled up at him. "I think we're going to have to settle in for a while. This won't be blowing over anytime soon."

"I'll defer to your judgement," Georg smiled as he put the picnic basket down on the end of the bench and sat down, the blanket between them.

"I'm not sure you should..." Maria looked grimly out at the heavy rain, then back to the Captain. "It was almost upon us before I even noticed," she answered his frown before turning away.

"At least you gave us some warning, Fraulein," Georg followed her eyes out to the lake. He cringed recalling how he'd been far too preoccupied with her to notice anything else, certainly not a storm rolling in over the Alps.

"Hardly any warning, I'm afraid…" Maria smiled as she turned to him, drops trailing down his face. "Captain, do you want to wipe yourself down with the blanket? It's only a little damp," she pushed the blanket towards him.

"Thank you," Georg said quietly as he picked up the blanket. Unfolding it a little, he was surprised to see part of his coat appear. "Well, what do we have here?" he unfolded the rest of the blanket. "You should put it on, Fraulein," he stood up, draping the blanket over the bench and holding up his coat by the shoulders.

"Oh, Captain, it's yours..." Maria shook her head at him.

"Please don't argue, Fraulein," Georg arched a brow at her playfully, but he was serious. "You're soaked and there's a wind blowing off the lake," he explained. "The longer we sit here, the colder we'll get."

"Well, if you're sure," Maria nodded slowly, realising he was right.

"Certain."

Maria smiled shyly at the Captain and tentatively made her way to her feet. Used to putting on her own coats, she turned and first slid her right arm into the coat and then the left. "Thank you..." she said in a quiet voice as she sat back down. The sleeves were far too long, and although it was a short coat on the Captain, it was far too big for her. But at least it was keeping the wind off her wet clothes, and she had to admit she was feeling warmer already. She was surprised to find that the Captain's coat had his same musky scent.

Satisfied, Georg took a corner of the blanket and rubbed his hair drier before wiping the back of his neck, pushing the blanket down his back, underneath his shirt.

"That feels better…" Georg ran a hand through his unruly hair as he turned and smiled at Maria. "Fraulein, wrap this around your legs…" he passed the blanket to Maria.

"Oh no, Captain!" Maria held up her hand, although only the ends of her fingers peaked out from the end his coat. "Please..." he gave her a look, questioning if she was certain. "Positive, your jacket's warm enough, and you'll need it," she added.

He sat down and wrapped the blanket around his shoulders. It was a large blanket, so he spread one half over his legs. "I'm more than happy to share, Fraulein," he said softly as he spread the other half over her legs.

"Ouch!" Maria flinched as the edge of the blanket fell on her calf.

"Fraulein…" Georg quickly pulled the blanket off her and himself and threw it on the bench. He was crouching on the floor of the boatshed before Maria knew what was happening. "What's wrong with your leg?"

"Oh, I'm sure it's nothing…" Maria was mortified that the Captain was kneeling before her, worrying about her.

"Show me your leg…" he said firmly as he took hold of her ankle.

Maria was thankful she was wearing her sensible black boots. They came up just past her ankles, and she was sure she'd faint if the Captain's hand touched her leg. "It's just a scratch… no need to fuss…"

"Fraulein!" Georg cut off Maria's protests as he looked up and held onto her eyes. "Let me decide if it's just a scratch…" he felt Maria relax a little in his hand. "Please…" he smiled at her.

"I'm sorry, Captain," Maria was sure she hadn't blinked. "I'm just not used to being fussed over…" she whispered.

"Well… In that case, I'll try not to fuss too much," Georg promised, giving her a warm smile. "Just let me take a look."

Maria smiled, and turned her leg in his hand. "I'm sure it's nothing."

"Oh, no…" Georg mumbled to himself.

"What's wrong?" Maria demanded, moving on the bench as she tried to see what Captain was looking at.

"Let me clean it up first," he was already pulling his clean handkerchief out of his pocket. "I'm sorry, this may hurt a little…" The blackberry had torn a hole in her stocking and her leg, wet from the rain, was still bleeding.

Maria held her breath as the Captain's hand moved from her ankle to her calf. Now she found herself wishing her boots weren't so short. Now he was holding onto her, with only her stocking between his fingers and her leg. She tried desperately to think of something else. Anything other than the Captain's strong fingers curled around her leg. She decided she should start reciting Hail Marys. After all, it would be a distraction and she could get her penance over and done with. Surely Sr Berthe could see the merit in that. Hail Mary, full of grace...

"Ouch…!" she winced as his handkerchief touched her broken skin.

"I'm sorry, Fraulein," Georg whispered, stopping as soon as he felt her flinch and looking up at her, his eyes apologetic. She nodded and gave him a thin smile. He turned his attention back to her leg and dabbed it as gently as he could, trying to clean around the edges of the scrape first.

He moved his free hand a little further around her calf, a little higher, so he could hold the hole in her stocking open with his thumb and forefinger. Her stockings were already laddered, but as he held the tear open, he couldn't help noticing the ladder slowly travel further up her leg. He forced himself not to think of it disappearing underneath the skirt of her dirndl, making its way higher up her leg, past her knee...

Swallowing hard, he returned his concentration to the scrape on her leg. "I'm afraid these stockings may be ruined…" he flashed a smile at her, then quickly returned to cleaning up her wound.

"Mine usually don't last long…" Maria blushed, wondering how it was possible for the Captain to have such a tender touch. Earlier she'd been surprised by his strength, but now she was even more surprised by how gentle he could be.

"Fraulein, I can see a prickle from the blackberry…"

"Well, that explains why it hurts so much," Maria answered to the top of the Captain's bobbing head.

"It's best if we remove it now," Georg glanced up. "Can I…?"

Maria nodded at him and wrapped her fingers tightly around the edge of the wooden bench. She looked out over the Captain's head. The rain was still heavy. There'd been no let up since they'd arrived at the boatshed.

Georg moved a little to the side, letting as much of the dull light from outside fall on Maria's leg. He held her leg a little more firmly and concentrated on the tiny thorn. He narrowed his eyes as he carefully took hold of it between his thumb and forefinger, then quickly pulled it out. Holding it up to the light, he smiled. "Got it…" he looked back at Maria, still smiling.

"Thank you, Captain."

"Let me check that there aren't any more," he went back to studying the scratch on her leg. "You were lucky, there only seems to be one," he took his handkerchief off the bench and began to tenderly dab her leg again. Satisfied that he'd cleaned around the wound as best he could, he held his handkerchief against it, hoping to stop the bleeding. "When we get home, I'll ask Frau Schmidt to give you some iodine to put on it. We don't want it getting infected."

"Well, at least now we know where to come blackberry picking," Maria smiled down at the Captain as he looked up at her. He smiled at her, but if she wasn't mistaken, there was also a flash of sadness in his eyes.

"The summer will probably be over by the time they're ripe, Fraulein," Georg answered quietly, the thought of her leaving hitting him harder than he'd imagined. He looked back down at her leg, pulling the handkerchief away a little to see if the scratch had stopped bleeding.

Maria had only been sent to the villa for the summer. But as the days and weeks passed, as autumn loomed, she kept wishing summer didn't have to end, that it could go on forever. She stared at the top of the Captain's head, too saddened by his words. She wished they didn't weigh so heavily in her heart. Instead, she concentrated on his gentle touch as he tended to her leg.

"Fraulein…?" Georg asked, the soft pad of his thumb instinctively moving slowly backwards and forwards over her bare skin, just below the scratch. "I know you explained your reasons for joining the Abbey last night," he pulled the tear in her stocking a little wider, dabbing around the scratch. "Won't you miss this…?" he asked softly as his eyes flew up to find hers.

"This…?"

"Well, not exactly this…" he gave her a thin smile. "I don't mean sitting here wet and cold in an old boatshed with me for company…" he teased, trying to hide how serious he was. "And I know you won't miss my clumsy attempts at first aid…" he arched a brow at her as he gave her an awkward half grin. "But won't you miss days like today?" he asked quietly, holding his breath as he waited for her answer. He couldn't bear the thought of her forever locked behind the walls of the Abbey.

"Captain, I'm going to miss everything about this summer," Maria whispered. She watched the Captain's eyes soften, before she quickly moved her gaze over his head as she felt her cheeks growing warm. "I've loved every moment I've spent at the villa…" somehow the big drops of rain on the grey lake seemed a fitting backdrop. The sadness in her heart was almost overwhelming as she confronted the reality of leaving the villa. It was making its way to her throat, threatening to choke her.

Georg placed his hand on her knee, forcing her eyes back down to his. "We've loved every moment you've been with us," he smiled at her, trying to lift the sadness from her eyes. "The children adore you, Fraulein." He held onto her eyes, wondering how things would be after she left them, but quickly pushed those thoughts away. He couldn't face them. Not right now.

Squeezing her knee gently, he stood up and turned around, facing out towards the lake. Shoving his handkerchief in his pocket, he stood watching the rain. Flexing his fingers, he knew right at that moment what he wanted. But was it what Maria wanted too? He'd have to find out before it was too late.

Sitting down on the bench beside her, he wrapped the blanket around his shoulders and draped one of the edges over her legs.

"Are you warm enough, Fraulein?" he turned to glance at her.

"Yes, thank you, Captain," Maria smiled sideways at him. "But I can't wait to get out of these wet clothes."

"Hmmm…" Georg agreed. "I hate to state the obvious, but it looks like this rain is here to stay."

"I just hope the children are home safe and dry," Maria said softly as her thoughts turned back to them. They were never far from her thoughts.

Georg smiled. "I'm sure they are, Fraulein." He liked hearing Maria call the villa home. Especially now that he knew she hadn't had a real home since she was a small child, since both her parents passed away.

"I hope so…" Maria mumbled quietly to herself.

"They're probably sitting around the kitchen table eating cake and biscuits while they tell Frau Schmidt about their day's adventures," Georg smiled, he could picture them now.

"Do you think?" Maria asked softly.

"You'll see…" Georg gave her a gentle nudge.

"The children loved having you join us today," Maria watched the drops of rain making their little circular patterns on the lake. There were so many, they were really just merging into one. "It meant so much to them…" she added quietly, turning to the Captain.

"I thought it would be much more difficult," he turned to face her.

"I'm glad it wasn't," Maria smiled at him, relieved.

"I think they went easy on me today, Fraulein," Georg admitted, pausing as he looked out to the lake. "Did you say something to them?" he asked quietly, turning back to her.

"No…" Maria shook her head.

"Are you sure?" Georg whispered.

"Positive, Captain," she told him as a tiny smile found its way to her lips. "I think that means it's getting a little easier."

Georg tightened his grip on the edge of the timber bench, resisting the temptation to reach over and place his hand on her knee or his arm around her shoulder. Trying to hold onto her eyes, he glanced down and watched her tiny smile grow. They must look a fine pair. Half drowned. Her in his coat that was far too big, him wrapped in the picnic blanket. The longer they sat in their wet clothes, the more uncomfortable it was. But he didn't care. He would happily sit here with Maria for hours waiting for this rain to blow over.

Something's happening
Happening to me

He turned to her as she stifled a yawn. "Tired, Fraulein?"

"Mmmm…" Maria turned to the Captain, who was sitting much closer to her on the bench seat now that they were sharing the blanket. She could hardly tell him she hadn't slept at all last night. It was now starting to catch up with her. "Tell me a story, Captain," she smiled at him.

"A story?" Georg smiled at her. "I'm a bit out of practice, Fraulein."

Maria laughed at him. "Tell me about the children, when they were younger."

"Oh…"

"That's if you want to…" Maria blushed, wondering what had possessed her. "Please don't if it's too painful… Captain, forget I ever asked…"

"Sshh, Fraulein…" Georg whispered, placing a hand on her knee. "I'd love to tell you about the children," he was suddenly serious. "And Agathe…" he said it before he realised. God, what was he thinking? He'd never spoken about Agathe to anyone. Where would he begin? How could he even try to explain what they had? What she meant to him?

"Captain, I'd love to hear any of your stories from the past," Maria told him. "Just tell me whatever you want to…" she added softly.

"Ehrm…" Georg cleared his throat, looking out to the rain that was still falling heavily. "How about I start at the beginning?" He turned back to her, a little unsure.

"That would be perfect…"

Oh I...
I want to be with you everywhere
Oh I...
I want to be with you everywhere
(Wanna be with you everywhere)

Georg smiled to himself. The rain had eased considerably but was still drumming comfortingly on the shingled roof overhead. He had no idea what the time was. It must be dusk, judging by how much darker it was outside now. The storm had moved away, taking the thunder and lightning with it. But the rain had remained.

He smiled again as he felt Maria move against him. Her breathing had been heavy and steady, a sure sign she'd been in a deep sleep. But now she seemed to be stirring. He looked down as her head lay on his shoulder, his arm around her. He wasn't even sure how they'd ended up here. He was talking. She was listening. They'd laughed. He'd tried hard not to cry. She was tired. He tried to make her comfortable. However it may have happened, he loved the feel of her being so close.

Holding his breath, he watched as her eyes fluttered.

"Oh…" she said it so softly, he wondered if it was his imagination.

"Fraulein…" he whispered, not wanting to frighten her. "I've got you…"

"Captain…?" Maria looked up through heavy eyes.

Thank you everyone for continuing to read and review. As promised, this is the second half of the previous chapter (a little later than originally planned…).

Apologies for losing control of the word count – this chapter probably should have come with a warning! Also, I must confess, I'm not sure if there would have been blackberries growing near the lake. I may have confused the Austrian woods with my Australian bush...

Nothing has changed (sadly), I still don't own TSOM, just having a little lend.

After the horror that's unfolded in our quiet little corner of the world these past days, please more than ever, immerse your souls in love.