Chapter 10: I Think I Will
Maria awoke to the sound of music her small bedside alarm played. She looked out her window and saw sunshine, but with the weather the way it was in Austria, one wouldn't be surprised if I rained later in the day.
She and the children were dressed and down to breakfast in record time, much to the satisfaction of the resident naval commander.
Breakfast was on the table by the time Max found his way down to the dining room.
'Good morning, you talented group of people!' He yawned.
Georg shook his head and clicked his tongue, 'Why, Max, half the day's practically gone! Fortunately, we saved you a waffle.'
The children giggled.
'How considerate of you.' Max said dramatically as he took his seat. 'You know children, I heard a marvelous joke the other day in Vienna.'
'Oh, do tell us!' Brigitta pleaded.
Georg gave Max a half-amused-half-warning look.
Max began. 'There were two children by the names of Jane and Michael, and they meet one day on the street. Jane says to Michael, I know a man with a wooden leg. Then Michael says, Really? What's the name of his other leg?'
The children all burst into laughter, even Maria and Georg chuckled a bit.
That was soon interrupted by a cry of pain from Gretl.
'Oh my, Gretl, what happened?' Asked Maria as the five year old ran to her.
'Fredrich bit me!' She said as she tried to hold back the tears.
All eyes turned to Fredrich as he looked up sheepishly... 'We were all laughing so hard, she sort of threw her hand back as I leaned forward, and I guess her finger got caught in my teeth.' He explained.
'Well, it'll all be alright. Gretl, run to the kitchen and have Frau Schmidt grab you a bandage, hmm? Suggested Maria.
'Okay.' She ran off.
'Quite an eventful morning this is!' Georg said, smiling.
'And today shall be the same. Georg, have you told them the plan for today?' Asked Max.
'I thought I'd leave you the honor.' Georg replied.
'You are all coming to help me to find a choir to sing at the festival! You will be my judges.' Max declared.
Gretl came back in just in time to join the excited murmur.
'Oh, that will be delightful, Max! Where will we start?' Asked Maria excitedly.
'Actually, Fräulein, I was hoping you would accompany me today. I have a few errands I need your help with.' Presented Georg.
Liesl and Louisa shared a knowing glance.
'Uh, of course. If I can be of any help.' Maria answered.
'Wonderful! What do you say we leave at... 9:30?' He said as he checked his watch.
'Perfect.' She replied.
IlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlI
Maria had given the baby to Frau Schmidt and changed her clothes into something more suitable by the time she made her way down the stairs. Georg was already at the bottom waiting for her.
'Perfect timing. Franz just pulled the car up.' He smiled and offered her his hand to help her down the last few steps.
She smiled back at him and the started towards the car. 'Maria, you didn't have to change, you looked lovely before.'
She laughed, 'Well, thank you, but the large glob of syrup I got on my dress from breakfast was hardly so lovely!'
He laughed and opened the door of his car for her.
As they drove away from the villa, Maria finally asked, 'So, what are these errands you need my help with?'
'That, my dear fräulein, is a surprise.'
He chuckled when she raised her eyebrows at him.
After several more minutes of pleasant conversation the reached Salzburg's main downtown area. It was an adorable place with everything from chic little clothing shops to petite cafes.
Georg opened his door, went around to help Maria, and offered his arm, making up his mind to treat her just as the lady she was.
Maria blushed as they walked down the street arm in arm.
Soon, a dress in a nearby store window caught her eye. Georg noticed. All of the sudden he started walking in the direction of the store.
'Where are we going?' She asked, confused.
'You know,' he began, 'I never properly thanked you for staying with us.'
Maria's confusion grew as they walked into the very shop she saw that gorgeous dress... Then it dawned on her.
Georg smirked as he saw her sudden realization, and pinkening cheeks.
'I insist you at least try it on.' He demanded as she protested.
'Oh, if you insist.' She smiled lightly.
A few moments later she came out in an elegant, long, olive green dress. It was simple, but beautiful, just like her.
Georg looked up from his newspaper, and his jaw dropped. He truly had not seen such an enchanting sight in years.
'You are getting it.' He told her.
'Captain!'
'Georg.' He corrected.
'Georg, it's the prettiest thing I've ever put on, but I'll never have the chance to wear it, and I can't expect you to buy me this...' She rambled on until he silenced her by placing his finger on his lips.
'Maria, it's the least I can do to repay you for all you've done, and I may be able to find you some place to wear it.' An idea already coming to mind.
After she had back on what she had come in, together Georg and Maria took the dress to the front to pay.
'This one's my favorite.' The store clerk told Maria, 'You're very lucky to have such a thoughtful husband.'
Maria turned red for the third time that day and fumbled about her words.
Georg took the package the clerk was handing them. 'Yes, I suppose I am quite a catch.' He smirked and led Maria from the counter and out the door.
'Georg!' Maria scolded, you let that woman believe we were... Uh...'
'We were what?' He provoked.
'Oh! You know!' She said, exasperated.
Georg chuckled, 'Don't worry yourself, Fräulein, it was just a joke... Kind of.'
'Now, what is that supposed to mean?' She questioned.
Georg smirked, 'Why, don't you think I'm a good catch?'
Maria laughed. 'Ok, ok, point taken. Where to next?'
'This next errand isn't the one I need your help with... It's almost lunch time, what do you say I go take care of this, and you pick a place that looks good?' He proposed.
'Sounds like a plan.' She affirmed.
'Fine, wait outside so I can find you.'
Maria nodded and began to walk around, searching for an establishment to fit her fancy.
It was unusual for her to be able to pick any restaurant she wanted, no matter how expensive or extravagant. She settled, though, for an adorable little cafe with out door seating.
The patio was full, signifying it must be good. She put in the name von Trapp, and when she was told it would be a twenty minute wait, she decided it would be perfect to sit on the large fountain in the sunshine, and wait for Georg.
About fifteen minutes later Georg came back with a somewhat large bag.
'Didn't you find what you were looking for?' Maria asked confusedly.
'Yes.' Was all he said before once again offering his arm to lead her to the resturant.
IlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlIlI
After they had eaten, they once again got in the car. Soon, they found themselves parked near a massive green meadow. The mountains towered above them and the clouds looked as something you could only imagine.
Maria was unsure as to what errand Georg would need her help with here, in the middle of nowhere. Albeit, the most beautiful nowhere she had ever seen.
Georg grabbed the bag out of the trunk and they began to walk along a dirt road.
'What's in the bag? Where are we? Where are we going?' Maria pestered.
Georg laughed and pointed a bit down the road. 'It's right up there.'
Maria bit her lip to keep from asking more questions.
After a few more minutes of walking they were able to see a small stable.
'Are those... Horses?' Asked Maria confusedly.
'Yes, they are.' He answered.
They looked at each other. The massive smile spread across Maria's face filled Georg with more joy than he had felt in a long time.
They walked another minute or two and finally reached the stable.
'Wait here.' He told Maria and retreated to the small bathroom in the back.
When he returned he was dressed in completely proper equestrian attire and handed her the bag.
Maria was surprised and it must have showed on her face.
Georg smirked. 'The errand I had to run... Well, you had to have something to ride in. I asked Liesl for your size, Hope they fit.'
Maria laughed then went to change.
She came back, they signed a few papers, and a young man came out to help them.
'Hello, my name is Daniel. How can I help you today?'
They shook hands. 'Georg von Trapp. Yes, I'm looking to buy a few horses, but we'd like to take them for a ride first.'
Maria gave Georg a shocked look. 'Buy?'
'Yes, I thought the children might enjoy them.' He directed at her. 'Now, I want 2. Which would you recommend?' Georg asked Daniel.
'Who will take care of them?' Maria interrupted.
'I'll hire someone... How about you?' Georg pointed at Daniel.
'Woah.' Laughed Daniel. 'First things first. What price range were you thinking of buying in, Sir?'
'I'll take nothing less than your finest.'
Daniel soon brought out two beautiful thoroughbred horses. A large black one, and a slightly smaller brown one.
Maria was in awe.
Daniel showed them how these horses were trained, and after confirming that Georg was an experienced equestrian, he left them on their own.
Since it was Maria's first time riding, Georg helped her get on the horse and told her what the lady-like way of doing so was.
They were soon out in the open field together, laughing and showing off (mostly Georg). They did that for hours until they came to the foot of the mountain.
'Want to go up a bit?' Georg asked.
Maria nodded enthusiastically.
They rode side by side until they came upon the perfect place to take a rest. It was a small plateau from which you could see most of Salzburg.
As the sun was setting, it was getting cool. Georg tied the horses to a tree and grabbed the jackets Maria had packed.
He handed Maria hers and they sat down just close enough on the moist grass.
'Georg, thank you for bringing me up here today, I've had such a marvelous time.'
He smiled at her. 'It really was my pleasure. You know, I was just thinking, I haven't been riding in over six years! Last time was with Agathe.'
A light smile graced Maria's face. 'She must have been a sensational lady... The children make that quite clear.'
Georg chuckled, 'Yes, through the good parts of them you know didn't come from me!'
'Oh, you know that isn't true.' Laughed Maria. 'Do you think you'll ever marry again?' She asked cautiously.
Georg looked up at her. 'Yes, I think I will.'
Maria looked up at him in slight surprise, then diverted her gaze again. 'Really? I didn't know because, well, Baroness Shraeder and all...'
'She wasn't right.' Georg picked up. 'Yes, I think I'll marry again but when I do she'll have to be someone warm and loving, someone bold and brave, yet innocent and kind. Someone who loves my children, and someone whom I love.' He looked at the woman he did love and was overtaken, 'Someone just like you.'
Maria's head shot up from the blade of grass she was playing with. 'Like me?'
Georg nodded and cupped her cheek in his hand, and their faces came together in one perfect kiss.
When they pulled away, Georg looked into her eyes, 'I love you, Maria.'
She shivered and he brought her into his arms, as he had longed to do for so long.
After a few seconds she stilled. 'Georg, I love you too.'
He looked down at her, smiled and kissed her again. 'Lets go, darling, before it gets too late.'
They got up, hand in hand, and rode back to the stables. Neither of them being able to suppress a smile, all the way back home.