Georg looked up blankly at his cousin. "Oh, ah, I'm sorry, Max, I was just, ah..."
"Preparing your proposal to Elsa? I do know you're a very appropriate match, and she is quite interested in becoming Baroness von Trapp. Though obviously she would never tell you that herself. That's what I'm here for," Max chuckled at his own cleverness. Georg said nothing, yet squirmed uncomfortably in his chair, and reached up to run his fingers through his hair.
"So sorry to have flustered you, old man. What the devil is wrong with you? Isn't that why we're all going back to Salzburg tomorrow? So she can meet the children before you make things official?" Max finally pulled out the chair opposite the captain and sat down, beckoning the waitress to bring him a drink, and to refill Georg's.
"Yes, yes, that's exactly why we're going. I just want to make sure that everything goes according to plan. I was, ah, just thinking about calling when we get back. I tried this morning but the lines were out, there was apparently a storm last night." He glanced at the book of poems that Max had set on he table, then picked it up and tucked it into his jacket pocket.
"I'm not sure that Elsa will appreciate Goethe quite the way you do. I believe she'd prefer a verse from Rilke." Max could tell that something was not quite right, but was at a loss as to what was troubling his cousin and best friend. "Georg, Elsa cares for you very much. I do hope you take that seriously."
"You can trust that I do, Max. I am very fond of Elsa, and it is very important to me that things proceed in an appropriate manner. As much as she says she doesn't care about them, Elsa is very much aware and accustomed to certain, socially expected ways of doing things. I will not deviate from the standard which she expects. And deserves." Georg looked deliberately at Max, giving a silent message that he was done discussing his relationship with Elsa. Max returned the look with a slight nod, a tacit agreement to not bring up the subject again.
"Well then, why were you trying to call home? Worried still about the children staging a coup against the new governess? I think you'd have heard by now if there was anything to be concerned about." Max sipped his wine, and signaled again to the waitress that they were ready to order.
"No, no, no. I'm not concerned with her," Georg hoped Max couldn't see through the bold-faced lie. I just wanted to leave some simple instructions on how she was to handle the children for their first meeting with Elsa tomorrow." The waitress appeared, and they each ordered an assortment of smoked meats for their midday meal.
"Oh, is that so? You have an entire staff to make sure she knows exactly what to do. What is really on your mind? That is, if you have any idea yourself." The captain looked up in surprise, then sighed.
"Actually, I don't. I can't quite put my finger on why it concerns me so. Other than her questioning everything I instructed her to do within the first few hours she was there, that house was in complete, disciplined order before her arrival, and I hope to fnd it in the same condition when I introduce Elsa."
"I'm sure the children will be nothing less than perfect, Georg." Max chuckled. "At least until their favorite uncle arrives and instigates all sorts of mischief." The food arrived and the two men ate in companionable silence punctuated here and there with small talk, paid the bill, and left the cafe.
Upon returning to Elsa's, Max and Georg were met at the door by such noise and tumult as they'd never seen there. Florists were creating spectacular arrangements on the spot, caterers were busily setting up the extra tables brought in, and the maids were rushing around trying desperately to keep up with the vendors disturbing their own work. In the midst of it all, looking cool and in control of it all, was Elsa herself. She glanced in their general direction, smiling, and just as quickly called out another instruction.
Georg knew she was in her element, she was a consummate party planner and knew what she wanted down to the last detail. She was also shrewd, and knew instinctively how to get things done to her exacting standards. He thought again that she would make a suitable wife.
Max quickly disappeared to take care of his own business, and once again Georg found Elsa's study, where he could attempt again to place the call to Salzburg. This time, the lines were functioning, and he quickly found himself speaking with Frau Schmidt.
"Oh, hello, Captain. Are things well with you in Vienna?"
"Yes, quite well. I was calling to see if there was any damage from the storm. And of course, if there has been any, ah, trouble with the children in my absence?" or with the governess, he thought. "And also to let you know that I will be arriving home tomorrow, along with Baroness Schraeder and Max."
"No, the storm didn't bother anything except the phone lines. And you'll be arriving home tomorrow, sir? Very well. Are there any special accomodations you would like us to prepare?" He noticed Frau Schmidt avoided answering his question about the children.
"No, nothing out of the ordinary. I would however like to know if the children are continuing their studies? Is Fraulein Maria doing with them all the things I've outlined?"
"The children are fine, Captain. The new governess is doing wonderfully with them."
"I have some specific instructions I'd like to give to her, to prepare the children for our arrival. Is it possible I may speak with her directly?"
"Oh, no sir, she has the children outdoors, just as the schedule calls for."
"I see." Georg hoped his disappointment was not evident in his voice. "I guess things are working out then. In any event, please tell her to have the children dressed in freshly pressed uniforms by this time tomorrow. We should be arriving right around then."
"I will see that she gets your instructions, sir. Will there be anything else?"
"Ah, no. No, I suppose not. I will see you tomorrow. Thank you."
"Goodbye, sir." Georg hung up the phone. He would try not to think about what was going on at 53 Aigen tonight, and focus his efforts on being the man Elsa deserved to have on her arm.