Waiting is over
Maria and Georg were on their way home from the game store. Maria took one more look at the list. "Georg!" She shouted so loudly he almost ran off the road.
"What's wrong Maria?"
"Liesl's name is not on the list; we didn't buy her anything."
"Calm down Maria, there's a good reason. First, her only wish was for a very happy Christmas. Second, I do have a gift for her. I have a piece of jewelry that belonged to Agathe. Alice sent it to me awhile back; it never seemed like the right time to give it to her. This Christmas is the right time."
"I should have known you wouldn't forget her. I didn't mean to scare you. I don't know why I didn't realize it earlier."
"That's okay Maria; it didn't occur to me to mention it to you."
"She's going to be overjoyed and overcome with emotions."
"Yes she is." He smiled about his secret thoughts.
At the last choir practice of Advent, Maria revealed their songs for the Christmas Eve children's service. They already knew their Advent song. It was the last verse of the song they sang the first Sunday of Advent, O Come, Divine Messiah.
They sang lots of songs that day; O Little Town of Bethlehem, Angels we Have Heard on High, Joy to the World, Away in a Manger. And an older carol, Jesus, Jesus, Little One, the oneMaria had selected for the four younger girls. Marta and Gretl would sing the first verse and Sarah and Julia would sing the second.
It used a simple French melody, Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman; known to the English speaking countries as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Maria had to convince Sarah and Julia they could do it. Liesl took them aside and practiced with them.
Julia smiled up at Liesl. "That was easy."
"Your parents are going to be so proud. Come over here and sing for Fräulein Maria."
Maria heard Marta and Gretl as they sang together. Little Jesus, sweetly sleep… We will rock you, rock you, rock you…
And Sarah and Julia sang their verse. Mary's little baby… rock you, rock you… Son of God, Son of man. Maria was brought to tears.
"Girls, if I have tears in my eyes, so will everyone in the congregation. Now, Brigitta and Rachael sing your duet for us."
Rachael and Brigitta sang the well known hymn Away in the Manger. It was the last verse they sang as a duet; Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care. And take us to heaven, to Live with Thee there.
Maria had more praise for them. "I think we are ready. I will see you on Sunday and of course on Christmas Eve."
Maria had ended choir practice before any parents arrived; she wanted their songs to be a surprise; especially for Georg.
It was Saturday December 22nd, there was no school. The children's holiday vacation had started. It had been decided they would take everyone to the Christkindle marketplace. No one had any shopping to do; it was a pleasure trip; to listen to the music and watch the impromptu street performers or take in a marionette performance at the Marionette Theater. And of course to eat their fill of all the food that was offered.
By ten in the morning they were getting into either the car or Stefan's truck. Max and the boys and Brigitta crowded into the truck. Everyone else, including Isabel and Katia were in the car. They sang all the way into town.
Last minute shoppers were out in force, but Max and Georg managed to find places to park. They paused by the steps of the cathedral and listened to a singing group performing parts of Handel's' Messiah. Max's mind went crazy; the children could sing that piece of music. He stored it like he had other performances; for the future.
The tiny circus was next; jugglers of all ages; acrobats flipped all around. Max treated everyone to a sweet treat; the favorite cookie of the season. It was a crescent shaped biscuit with either ground up almonds or hazelnuts. After baking they received a heavy dose of powdered sugar. It was one of those cookies that were only baked at Christmas. Everyone had more than one.
The marionette theater was next. Georg and Maria took them to their favorite spot for lunch. They sat under the big tent and watched the young boys and girls perform pantomimes.
Max, Katia and Isabel divided up the children between them and let them explore many of the open air booths. Maria and Georg had some private time together as they sipped their favorite mulled orange tea.
"Georg, this has been a lovely day; even the weather is perfect."
"Did you know Stefan and Phillip are back at the villa finding our perfect Christmas tree?"
"Will it be very big?"
"Very big, it will fill a quarter of the ballroom."
"Oh my goodness, that's big. The children and I will need to make lots of paper garlands; popcorn and berry strings and wrap hundreds of those little objects in shinny blue and silver paper."
"I also have a surprise for them. I found our manager set in the attic along with a few glass ornaments. Gromi had them sent when we moved here."
"Gromi, Georg?"
"I never told you. Friedrich started it; he mangled the word for grandmother in German. So Grandmother Whitehead became Gromi; all her grandchildren call her Gromi."
"That's dear. Is she in good health?"
"For her age, yes. She'll be seventy-five next year."
"I suppose we should find the others. The sun is about to set."
"Let's check the candy booth. Max has a sweet tooth."
"I thought I would find everyone here. And look at you; your faces are covered with sticky candy from your candy apples. What else have you eaten?"
"Oh Georg, it is Christmas time."
"I suppose that is a good excuse but the sun has almost set, we should be getting home."
Katia always had soup stock available; she quickly put together a soup of vegetables and noodles. No one complained about being hungry; only about getting their baths for church in the morning.
Like all the past Saturday nights, after their baths they gathered in the living room for some quiet games, singing and their Advent Wreath devotions. Max once again rode with Georg when he took Maria home. They stood inside her door.
"Maria, do you have all your things together to bring to the villa tomorrow?"
"I do Georg."
"Good, I was worried you might change your mind about staying with us until after Christmas."
"I wouldn't do that. I promised the children. By the way I had a lovely day. Goodnight Georg."
"I did too Maria, goodnight."
Maria stood in the doorway and watched them drive away. I think Georg wanted to kiss me. Oh, I wonder what it will feel like. Stop it Maria, you're dreaming again.
The last Sunday of Advent was like all the others. The children hymn wasn't a long song. It was only the refrain and third verse of O Come, Divine Messiah. The harmony on the verse was excellent. Maria was very pleased.
After church Georg walked to the cottage with Maria to get her bag and dresses. She kept them on the hangers; she didn't want them to wrinkle, particularly her Christmas dress. It was made of satin.
Maria made the children in the back hold them over their laps. The children didn't mind but they were glad they didn't have far to go. With her things put away in her old governess's room she joined the family for brunch. As usual Katia out did herself; everything was scrumptious.
While they were out Stefan and Phillip had brought in the tree they had cut. They placed it in the large wooden base they had built. The base would keep it from tipping so the candles would remain upright and burn properly.
After eating, the children ran to the living room; but were stopped in their tracks. Everyone looked up and up at the big tree. "Stefan, how did you get it in here?"
"I was hard Kurt. I measured to be sure it would fit through the doors; it was a tight squeeze."
While the men attached the candle holders, Maria and the children began to make their decorations; even Katia and Isabel helped.
Maria had already cut the strips of paper whose ends were glued together to form long chains in colors of red, white and a light blue. They made garlands of popcorn and berries. Little objects were also wrapped in blue and silver paper and were made ready for hanging by attaching a small piece of yarn. They didn't get them all wrapped; the tree was so large it required many more than Maria had expected. They would finish tomorrow morning, Christmas Eve.
"Children look what I found in the attic. Gromi sent them a long time ago; I had to hunt for them. You know there isn't good light in the attic."
"What's in them, Father?"
"What did you ask about at the churches Christkindle store Brigitta?
"Is it a manger set?"
There were several boxes. Georg began to pull out large figurines; Mary, Joseph, several shepherds, a young boy holding a lamb, two cows, sheep of all sizes. In addition there was a donkey and a sheep dog. And last he took out the large crèche that had a place to attach the star and an angel.
Maria stood there with her jaw dropped. She had never seen a manger set and crèche this large and so delicately painted. "Captain this is beautiful. Where are we going to put it?"
"I think it belongs right in front of the tree. But we can't place it there until the tree is completely decorated."
"Your Father's right children, it's also late; way past your bedtime. I know you must be tired we had a busy day. You go get ready for bed. I'll come up and say goodnight."
"I'll come with your Fräulein."
Maria didn't come back downstairs. She and the Captain said their goodnights outside Marta and Gretl's bedroom. Each walked in separate directions; each was lost in their own thoughts. All this was so new for Maria, she thought, so this is a family Christmas. And Georg's heart was smiling.
Everyone was tired. Georg had decided to let his children sleep. Katia was preparing a brunch for the family. Maria and Georg sat in his study with a cup of coffee and a breakfast pastry.
"This is unusual Georg. You letting the children sleep in."
"Always a first time for everything Max."
One by one the children came down the stairs. They heard talking in their father's study. "I can't believe you let us sleep Father."
"As I told your Uncle Max, there's a first time for everything."
"Brunch is served." Katia had to get out of the way before she was trampled by the children. "I suppose that means you are hungry."
"Starved," was the word she heard from Kurt. Katia smiled all the way to the kitchen for the last plate of pastries.
They finished decorating the tree. It was time to place the manger set; after everyone had their opinion as to where everything was placed; they stood back in admiration. Quiet games and singing passed the time until the children were sent up to change for church. Maria did the same.
Georg saw her come down the stairs. Her Christmas dress was made of dark green satin and had a red cummerbund. "I love it Maria; an exceptional choice for Christmas."
"I thought so too Georg. I see you changed as well."
"My Christmas suit and tie Maria; I haven't felt like wearing it until now. It seemed most appropriate for this Christmas."
"And Max look at you; you're all fancy too." Maria straightened his pocket square in his suit jacket. "There Max, it's perfect."
"Thank you Maria."
They were standing outside Georg's study as the children came down. Each one dressed to perfection; beautiful Christmas dresses for the girls and even the boys had a mini pocket square in their coat pocket.
"Do we have to stand here until it's time to go?"
"No, we can sit in the living room and twiddle our thumbs."
Everyone understood that to mean, don't mess up your clothes. Finally the clock struck five; the hour they could leave.
"I'll bring the car around front Fräulein."
"Okay everyone, I'm sorry you must wear your capes; it might not be very cold now but it will be when we come home."
Max went with them, only to return to pick up everyone else. Georg had already asked Ralph to play chauffeur for the trip home.
They arrived at the church just as the other five children were arriving. "Everyone looks so nice; you are all very festive."
In the choir room they warmed up their voices and quickly ran through their songs. Liesl and Maria had practiced at the villa. They would begin the singing of Silent Night as a duet before Maria would signal to the congregation to join them for the other verses.
The church was crowded with families; many had visitors from out of town. The children saw the large group; Maria could tell they were surprised to see so many people. She spoke quietly to them. "It seems everyone came to hear you sing."
Maria's words calmed them and put them at ease. The organist began the notes of the processional hymn, a favorite of young and old, Angels we Have Heard on High. They were smiling as they processed to their places.
Father Martin began the Mass with the special prayers of Christmas Eve. Before the reading of the Gospel the choir sang, O Little Town of Bethlehem. And right before the homily the four girls sang their song, Jesus, Jesus, Little One.
Their sweet voices and the words of the song had most of the congregation with tears in their eyes. Even Georg's eyes glistened. He didn't expect it, Maria and the children had indeed kept it a secret. The congregation had heard; Little Jesus let me rock you and then We will serve you all we can, Son of God, Son of man.
The church was still but a subtle very quiet "aah" was heard from the congregation. The girls took their seat in the pew. Father Martin had to pause before he began his homily.
"Wow that was exceptional girls. God heard you; He's smiling right now." He waited for everyone to gather themselves; he began with the sign of the cross.
"Long ago God decided people on earth needed to learn about love. Tell me children, who in a family is the most loved person in the world?" No one spoke, then Sarah raised her hand. "A baby."
"That's right; you have a new baby in your home. Does your mama love your new brother?"
"Very much."
"Tell me, who first loved Jesus?"
"Mary and Joseph."
"That's right Brigitta. God brought His love down to earth in the baby Jesus. A pure love for us to take inside our hearts so we will love Him who sent us Jesus but also so that love can gather all the people on earth as one. The greatest gift He gave us was love. Amen."
The service concluded with prayers for the world. The choir and congregation sang together, Joy to the World. After communion was received by all the people, Father Martin gave the benediction.
Liesl and Maria sat on the altar steps. Liesl had her guitar and strummed the chords to the hymn which the congregation immediately recognized, Silent Night. They sang the first verse as a duet and then they stood aside and encouraged the congregation to sing along.
The altar candles were extinguished and Father Martin and the altar boys began to recess to the back of the church. Liesl and Maria sang the last verse as the congregation left in silence.
Once outside the church Father Martin once again heard all the complements about the children's singing. The families milled around for a long time, waiting for Maria and Liesl and the choir. Everyone stopped them and spoke to them. The temperature had dropped and everyone began to get chilled and headed for their cars; Maria and the others for the choir room.
Max stayed put; he stored another performance in his memory. Georg and Ralph joined him as they waited for the others.
"Marta, Gretl what a wonderful surprise; I can't believe everyone kept this from me."
"We wanted you to be surprised Father."
"It was a wonderful one Marta." His eyes caught Maria looking at him in with affection. If they could have; Georg and Maria would have kissed right then. They were both smothered in the warmth that one gets when you are in love.
Instead they divided up; some rode with Max, others with Ralph and the rest in the car with Georg and Maria.
Katia put the finishing touches on dinner. It wasn't a big meal; that would come tomorrow. They sat in the living room and played games for hours. Their Father had to remind them. "If you don't get to bed Father Christmas will never come."
He saw smiles from Friedrich and Liesl. He knew they really didn't still believe in Father Christmas. They pretended because of their younger siblings.
Maria and their Father had said goodnight to them in their rooms. Still the adults waited another hour before they played the role of Father Christmas. Maria had tip-toed to their rooms' one more time to be sure no one was being a snoop; all was safe.
The toys and gifts were brought down from the third floor hiding place. Maria and Isabel wrapped them in white, red or green tissue paper or one with a holly pattern. The men inserted the candles in the holders. The gifts were placed on either side of the tree.
When everything was in place, the adults stood back and admired the tree. Even without the candles lit it was beautiful. Maria put the baby Jesus in the manger.
One by one, the other adults said goodnight; leaving Georg and Maria all alone.
They were both lost in their own thoughts. "This has been a wonderful day; your children sang so well. And this is my very first Christmas Tree; and celebrating it with you the children is very special Georg.'
"It's special for me too Maria."
"Your children are amazing; they told me the only present they really wanted was for their Father to be truly happy. They love you Georg."
"They also love you and so do I." Maria held her breath. She wasn't sure she heard right. "Yes, Maria I love you and have almost since I saw you curtsying in this very room."
"I love you with all the love that is within me." His fingers touched Maria's chin. Maria was sure he was about to kiss her. She didn't panic or shy away; she had dreamed about this moment.
Georg whispered again, "I love you." He gently touched her lips with his. He released them only to give Maria her first real kiss. Georg heard her moan in pleasure. He kissed along her jaw and up her face to her temple and close to her eyes.
Maria instinctively put her arms around his back and fell against him. She was completely and totally his. She returned his whisper. "I love you Georg, with all my heart.
Georg embraced her close to him; her head rested on his shoulder. "My love, my darling Maria, I've dreamed of this moment."
"So have I, but my dream doesn't match they way I feel right now; a feeling so much more than I could ever dreamed. Oh, how am I going to get to sleep?"
"Maybe a little wine would help, would you like some?"
"Hummmn."
"Is that a yes?" Maria nodded. He guided her to the love seat. "Sit here Maria, I'll get it." A carafe of wine sat on a tray with small glasses. Georg filled them.
"Here Maria, sip it slowly." Together they sat and sipped their wine in silence; their hearts were full. Their relationship had gone to the next level; there was only one to go.
"I suppose we should go to bed. The children will be up early. Stefan and Phillip will light the candles when they get up. Come on, I'll walk you to the stairs." Georg helped Maria up and they walked like a couple walks; together with an arm around the other's waist.
Maria stood on the first step; making her almost as tall as Georg. She took his face in her hands; said those three special words "I love you" and kissed him. The first time she had ever kissed anyone. Georg lightly kissed her back. "Goodnight sweetheart, try to sleep."
"You too Georg." He watched her disappear down the hall.
Suddenly the villa was filled with love. Georg was prepared for tomorrow.
Maria was woken as she had been once before, to the chit-chat of voices outside her door. She was quickly out of bed to the door, which she opened. "Children, you need to sit on the steps and wait for me to get dressed."
"Hurry up Fräulein; we want to see if Father Christmas came."
"Be patient, I'm sure he came."
In another bedroom someone else had been awake for at least an hour, Georg. He was excited as his children. He went down the back stairs; walked past the living room. The doors were shut; but he could still smell the burning of wax candles. He knew Stefan and Phillip had lit them.
Then he heard whispering and looked up the front stairs. There his children sat waiting patiently. As soon as one of them saw him they came running down the stairs.
"Where's your Fräulein?"
"Right here Captain, your children woke me."
"I'm not surprised Fräulein."
The children stood outside the living room doors. "Can we go in now?"
Georg looked around and saw Isabel and Katia coming from the kitchen and Max from the back stairs; even Stefan and Phillip had finished their early chores. "Looks like every one is as anxious as you are children."
Georg surprised Maria. He started to sing Silent Night; then motioned to everyone to join him. They stood outside the doors until they had sung all three verses; the children had added the harmony. As soon as they stopped, Georg looked at everyone but seemed to look specifically at Maria and said. "Merry Christmas everyone."
Everyone responded, "Yes, Merry Christmas." Georg opened the doors. They hurriedly went inside, only to immediately stop. There stood the tree in all its glory. The large silver star with its small candles flickering was as beautiful as the Star of Bethlehem must have been on the night the Savoir was born.
Everyone stood there with their mouths aghast; Marta and Gretl in particular. The tree was bigger and more beautiful than any in the past. Maria almost had the same look; mouth slightly opened; eyes large and didn't blink, only starred at the tree and all three of them stood very still.
Georg took it upon himself to break the trance. "Girls, Father Christmas came; let's see what he brought for you." Georg took Marta and Gretl by the hand. He sat on the floor with them. "Look Gretl, this one has your name printed right on top. "And Marta, I see your name on this one." He pushed a big box to her. "Who wants to go first?"
"Gretl can Father."
Gretl wasted no time tearing the paper which tore very easily. Maria had left the top unglued so it would be easy for Gretl. She reached into the box.
"My baby doll; look everyone her body bends and her eyes open and close."
"Is there anything else in the box?"
Gretl's little arm barely reached to the bottom. She finally reached the objects and pulled out four dresses and two pair of shoes.
"Oh goody, I can dress her. What did you get Marta?"
Georg encouraged Marta. "Go ahead tear the paper."
Brigitta and Kurt crowded closer. "That's a big box Marta, need some help?"
"Please Kurt."
Georg had loosened the glue sealing the box. Kurt had no trouble lifting the object out of the box for his sister.
"I got a dollhouse; it's so beautiful."
"There's something else Marta." Kurt handed her a large package wrapped in brown paper. Georg knew was in it.
"Marta, inside the wrapped paper package are all the furniture pieces and figurines."
"I can't wait to decorate my house." She looked at Brigitta. "Where's your gift?"
"I see it." Kurt handed it to Brigitta.
Georg had picked himself up off the floor and was standing next to Maria.
Brigitta tried to act like a believing child but Maria and Georg knew differently. She did get the one book she had asked for but had not expected the other; so her excitement was genuine. "Look I got the Velveteen Rabbit and the story of Doctor Doolittle. And what's in this box?
As she opened it an object fell out. Brigitta read, "The Beginners Book of Chess, wonderful I got a chess set. I've always wanted to learn how to play chess."
"Kurt, you're next."
Boys will be boys; he tore into the paper. The lettering on the box gave it away.
"I wanted an erector so bad; now I can build some of my designs and see if they are strong enough to stand by themselves."
"Louisa, this is your gift."
"Thank you Kurt."
She was more girl-like in tearing the paper off; but still she wasted time. She saw the journal first; she didn't let on she knew where it came from. The book was a real surprise; then she saw the envelope.
"Hey everybody, it's an invitation to a class by the author of the book." Louisa was really believably excited. "That last box must be yours Friedrich."
He could tell from the size of the box that he had gotten exactly what he asked for. He opened the top just to be sure. "It's a microscope everyone; now I can start trying to find a cure for scarlet fever."
Liesl didn't expect anything; her only request had been what they all asked Father Christmas to bring them. But her Father knew otherwise; "Liesl there's something for you."
Liesl saw the last present remaining under the tree. "But Father, I didn't…" Georg cut his daughter off. "Just open it Liesl."
She unwrapped a beautifully wrapped box. She opened it only to find a small jeweler's case. Liesl pushed open the top. She inhaled deeply as she saw a strand of white pearls. "Are these the ones Mama wore on her wedding day?"
"Yes they are; your Gromi sent them to me some time ago I thought today, Christmas Day, was the perfect time to give them to you."
Georg placed the necklace on his oldest daughter. He saw her tears. "Tears of joy are never hid; they reflect your joy in receiving such a special gift. Now I have one more gift to give. Maria, please sit right here, in your chair."
The children almost held their breath; they wondered what was happening; could it be true; would they get their most desired gift.
"Georg…"
"Please, Maria." She saw in his eyes what she had seen last night. His eyes pierced her all the way to her heart; confirming what she knew; she belonged to him and her life would never be the same.
Georg spoke in a commanding tone; he wanted to convince all his children that Father Christmas had indeed been there.
"Father Christmas left me a note."
The children inhaled deeply. "What did it say?" Brigitta asked.
"That all of you wanted the same gift and that I was the only person who could make that request come true." The children could barely contain themselves.
Georg sat on the stool he had positioned to the side of Maria's knees; so when he sat his legs touched Maria. He looked only at her; a steady gaze. Their eyes were level with each other; neither blinked nor shielded their gaze.
"Maria, there's only one thing I can do to fulfill their wish. Please place your left hand in mine."
Maria did as he asked; tears were whelping up in their eyes; Maria's more so than Georg's.
Georg looked even deeper into her eyes. "Maria, the children asked Father Christmas to bring them a mother." Maria swallowed hard trying not to cry.
"There's only one way to make that come true. Maria, may I have your hand in marriage?
The tears fell but Maria choked out her answer. "Yes Georg."
Georg smiled. "If you marry me you get these seven children too."
"I know. It's a packaged deal." Maria smiled back at him.
Georg held in his other hand his gift for Maria. "I place this ring on your finger as my promise to take you as my wife and as my children's mother. I love you Maria."
"I love you Georg."
They kissed as all who were present wiped their teary eyes. Georg kissed Maria's and she wiped away the small drops that appeared in his. Applause and cheers from all the adults broke the silence. The children juggled positions to be the first to hug and kiss them both.
"Fräulein Maria, may we see your ring?"
"Of course Liesl, we'll look together"
"It's so different Fräulein. Are those little stones our birthstones?"
"Georg, are they?"
"All seven of them will become your children Maria."
"Come on children; let's leave your Father and future Mother alone. They'll come to breakfast in a few minutes."
"Georg, you have given me so much for my first real Christmas celebration."
"And you, my darling, have filled this home with love – all that love God gave you – you have given it away to me, the children and to everyone."
A/N: The song, Jesus, Jesus, Little One, is also known as the Rocking Carol. It was recorded by Julie Andrews on a Christmas album in 1960; a nice tidbit to know.