Their Days Alone Begin
The couple snuggled in the back seat and shared a soft kiss. "Georg, do you know where we are going?"
"Not really, all I was told it is on a body of water."
"Yes, I was told the same."
Paul couldn't help but hear them. "It's a lovely place, secluded and quiet. It's actually on the Naval Academy property. It's not far. We will be there within the hour."
When the couple wasn't smooching, they were looking out the windows. They saw the rolling hills around their home disappear. The land became relativity flat in comparison. The time flew by, soon they heard.
"We're within the boundaries of the Academy. Your accommodations are on the Severn River. Look out your window, Captain."
"It looks like a big house."
"It was once the Commandant's home. It's now the Campus Inn for important visitors. You're going to be staying in the attached cottage on the river bank. You will have complete privacy. Anything you might need is just a phone call away."
Paul took the small dirt road and parked beside the cottage. He heard from Maria. "It's big for a cottage."
"It is. It was used by family who sometimes stayed for a few weeks."
Georg didn't wait for Paul to open the door; he did. He and Maria had a good look at the structure. "This is lovely."
"The inside is impressive too. Follow me; I'll come back for your bags."
Paul opened the door. "This is the first of two large sitting rooms. This door leads to the kitchen. It has a small porch; you'll find your food cart there. The food is kept warm by the heat of liquid candles."
Maria and Georg were speechless. It was so much more than either had expected. Paul led them to another sitting room. This one had a large picture window looking out on the river.
"And this door leads to your bedroom. Look around, while I go get your bags."
"It's so quiet, Georg."
"No children's chatter, darling, we need to enjoy it. Next week, it is back to normal."
Paul made two trips. He could identify the bags' owners. He placed them in the correct large dressing room with attached bathrooms.
He saw the couple looking out the picture window. "A sailboat will dock on Monday afternoon. The Captain is at your service. I suggest both a sunrise sail and one at sunset. Spend the evening enjoying the stars; your evening meal can be taken there."
"Did you select clothes for sailing, Maria?"
"I did. I now own my first pairs of pants. Sister Bertha would look heaven-ward, if she knew."
"Maybe she would, but I approve, darling."
Paul heard all this. It brought a grin to his face. "I leave you now. I'll see you after lunch on Friday. Look for me around two o'clock."
Georg and Maria walked to the door with him. Paul and Georg shook hands. "We won't be ready to leave on Friday. We know we must. We will be waiting."
"Have a wonderful week." Paul closed the door behind him.
Georg's arms went around Maria. He pulled her close for a kiss. "Just think, darling, we won't hear those snickers when we share a kiss."
"Gretl and Marta were so funny; they often hid their eyes."
"Neither have memories of their mother and me. We got looks from Agathe's mother. I suppose we were breaking society rules; affection was shown only behind closed doors."
"As Clarice told me, love triumphs society's rules."
"Let's toast to that. I wonder what is in the bucket in the corner."
"Something that won't tickle my nose; I'd like something refreshing."
"Let's look together."
"This bottle says it contains a mixture of several kinds of fruit juice."
"Perfect."
Georg opened the bottle and poured them each a glass.
"To you, Maria, who taught me to love again. And I am grateful for your courage; courage to walk into the dark night, so we all could escape the evil about to engulf us."
"You're far too kind; I knew God was walking bedside me. He was also walking with you, my husband. The light of God trumped evil. That's why we are here. I will always believe, our love was meant to be."
Georg and Maria's glasses clicked. They entwined their arms and took a sip. "This is really tasty."
"I agree, bottoms up, darling."
Georg took Maria's empty glass and sat them both on a near-by table. "We've waited long enough. We can kiss to our hearts content."
"Yes, we can. There's no one to interrupt us."
They sat on the love seat and kissed and made out like teenage lovers. Georg knew his feelings were stirred; he was sure Maria's were too.
"I think it's time to change into more comfortable clothes."
Maria didn't respond. She allowed Georg to lead her to the bedroom. He saw the two doors. "I believe this room has a bathroom for each of us. Let's see where Paul put your bags."
Georg selected to correct door. "I leave you to change. Come out when you're ready."
Maria knew he was trying to put her at ease. She really wasn't nervous or scared. Her only thought was to please her husband. She easily found her peignoir set. Eleanor had insisted it go in last.
She dressed. After taking time to hang her suit up; she stood before the mirror. She reminded herself, "Georg's waiting." She took a deep breath and opened the door.
He was waiting; dressed in tailored light blue pajamas and dark blue slippers. "Turn for me, darling."
Maria's face held a light pink blush. "Were you expecting something skimpy?"
Now, Georg had one of those rare occasions; his face held a slight blush. "Not from my wife, those things aren't necessary. What you have on is perfect. I love it."
"It was the first set I saw. I did see all those skimpy things. I was shocked to hear women really did buy them."
Georg didn't let her dwell on it. She was in his arms for many more kisses. They sat on the settee in the bedroom to continue. Georg was a special husband; he knew more about making love than a young man would; he knew how to take his time.
Maria's body reacted to his kisses and touches. Georg easily removed the satin loop from the button holding the jacket closed. His hands slid underneath and it fell off her shoulders. His hands brushed her arms as he pushed it completely off.
Georg preceded to caresses her arms, her neck, her face. And left kisses everywhere. Maria wasn't shy; she undid the buttons of his pajama top. Georg took her hands and together they stood.
His arms lifted her. Maria's arms slid around his neck. He carried her to the bed and gently placed her there. Their feelings were intense. Every kiss, every touch brought them closer to the ultimate moment.
Georg was gentle. Soon they lay together; hearts beating in sync. Neither was able to speak. Finally, almost together they spoke those three words which they would say every day. "I love you."
Georg soon reached down and pulled up the covers. They slept for almost an hour.
Empty stomachs woke them. "We should re-dress, Maria and find our dinner."
"You go first, Georg. I need to get the sleep out of my eyes."
"Okay, while you dress, I'll put our dinner on the table."
Georg found his pajama's on the floor and hurried to his dressing room. In a few minutes, Maria found her gown and jacket and did the same. Eleanor had given her some motherly advice. She wet a cloth with hot water and cleansed herself before putting on her panties. She replaced the peignoir's jacket with a warmer bathrobe and left the dressing room to find her husband.
"I love your rose colored bathrobe; you know you wear that color very well."
"I do. Helen, at the dress shop, told me the same. And your navy blue bathrobe reminds me of your uniform. Will you wear it to work every day?"
"Not that one, it's a dress uniform; worn only on special occasions."
Their conversation ended with an embrace and kiss. "We better eat before our soup before it gets cold."
Always the gentleman, Georg pulled her chair out from the table. "Thank you, sweetheart."
"My pleasure, my wife."
Maria noticed the soup. "I don't think I've ever had a soup with so many different vegetables."
"Maybe it's a good way to get children to eat them."
"Perhaps, Georg, it is very good."
"Yes, and the note on the sandwich tray said, 'turkey meat'."
"I don't know the word, turkey. Do you think it's a bird of some kind?"
"I don't know either; something we need to learn. It tastes good."
"Is there coffee, Georg?"
"Nice and hot, Maria, perfect to go with a piece of our wedding cake."
"You pour the coffee. I'll cut each of us a big slice."
Maria placed large pieces on two plates. "These should satisfy our sweet tooth."
"Is cake your weakness too, Maria?"
"Not as much as Katia's cookies are; she's a very good baker. When you were gone, I would find her many a morning taking them out of the oven, they were extra delicious warm."
They sat and talked after they had finished eating. Maria excused herself for a moment. When she returned from the bathroom, she heard music.
"What did you find, Georg?"
"An electric gramophone, so much better than the wind up one like we had at home. And there is a huge selection of records."
"I think that song is the tune you danced to with all the girls."
"And now, it's perfect for dancing with my best girl."
After dancing to several songs, they sat and listened to the last one finish. Maria's head fell against his shoulder.
"I'm sure it's very late, darling. We should get some sleep."
"Hmmmmn, you're right. Help me up."
In moments, they were both in bed. They shared a final kiss. Georg turned out the light and they slept until morning.
It was Maria who woke first. She eased out of bed, trying not to wake her husband. When she stood by the bed, he appeared asleep. Maria tip-toed to the bathroom. There she shut the door without making a sound.
She drew the bath water; it was very warm, perfect soaking. She eased herself into the water; her towel was rolled and placed behind her neck. She enjoyed the next several minutes. The water cooled quickly; after ten minutes she was out and dressed.
Maria peeked out the door. Georg breaths were even and steady; he was still asleep. She found their breakfast cart and set the table in the sitting room with the large picture window.
Maria used one of her talents to wake her still sleeping husband. She could whistle like a bird; she started softly and walked towards the bed. It was a melodious whistle which woke him.
"Is there a bird in the room?"
"This bird calls you to breakfast."
"I'll meet you at the table in a moment."
Georg didn't dress; he put on his robe. "What do we have this morning?"
"In this bowl is cut up fruit of all kinds. And being kept hot is a plate of meat and another I think is eggs. I also found biscuits and bowls of honey and jam. And of course, we have a big pot of coffee."
They started with the fruit. After the meat and eggs, they stuffed themselves with biscuits, either drenched in honey or spread with jam. They lingered over their coffee. They began to share stories about their younger years.
Georg was especially touched when Maria told him about her abusive guardian. Likewise, Maria noted the sadness when Georg spoke first of his mother's death; but more-so when he spoke of Agathe's.
"You know, Maria, when I think back; I started to love you the moment we met."
"I believe you. Your whistling for the children made by heart ache for you. I knew at that moment, it really was God's will that I had come to you. After you went to Vienna, I had strange feelings. Now, I know they were a longing to see you."
"I felt the same, Maria. I wouldn't let myself believe it. We both know what happened when I returned."
"Yes, after our argument, I followed slowly behind you. You had a determined walk, like you were going to scold the children. I saw you pause and stand at the door and listen. And then you sang. I saw the children's faces. For a second or two, I smiled. Then you saw me. At that moment I was so confused."
"I wasn't, Maria. I knew what I had to do. I couldn't let you get away. And then, in a matter of weeks, the threat came. I was totally amazed when I learned of the elaborate escape plan. Somehow, I believed it would work."
"All that is behind us; Brigitta will write our memories; so we will always remember and give thanks. Now we can begin to write a new story."
"Well said, darling."
Georg reached for his wife; shared kisses and continued to tell stories. Neither realized it was after the noon hour. Georg gave out a low laugh.
"Maria, I believe this is the first time I've ever stayed in my pajamas this long."
"And I don't think it will be the last. After our routine begins, I think Saturday mornings will be perfect for breakfast in our night clothes. The children will love it. While you go change, I'll find our lunch cart."
She did. Each meal would have new foods to try. This lunch was no different. Again they each had a slice of wedding cake. They were sitting, looking out towards the river.
Georg spotted it first. "Look, Maria, our sailboat is docking."
"A big sailboat."
"Bigger than even I expected. Let's go down and meet the captain and crew."
They would clear the table later. They hurried out the back door. The ship's captain saw them. He stood there with his arm extended.
Georg's grabbed it. "This is a real privilege, sir. Never did I think I would shake the hand of a decorated submarine captain. I was told all about you. Welcome to my sailboat, the Liberty, I'm John Paul James, the captain. Please call me, John. My three mates are ready to take you and your wife for a sail at any time."
"Pleased to meet you, I'm Georg and may I present my wife, Maria."
John acknowledged Maria. "We never expected such a big sailboat."
"Smaller ships don't do well in the cross winds from the Bay. This size vessel takes them well; my passengers always have enjoyable sails. Would you like to take an evening sail tonight?"
"Can we, Georg?"
"My wife is anxious. What time, John?"
"We'll be back around five; your meal will be on board."
"We'll be watching for you."
"Until then, Captain." The two men saluted each other.
The couple found games to play. This afternoon it was a simple card game called Hearts. Georg noted the time, four o'clock.
"We need to change. You get to wear your trousers, Maria."
"Yes, and my boat shoes too."
They both had jackets in their hands. Georg knew it would be cool in the wind. They were at the dock before the ship arrived. It was in view. Maria watched in amazement as the crew brought it close to the dock. Georg took the rope one of the mates had thrown to him. He wrapped it around the docking post.
John was there to help them board. "Take my hand, Maria."
Georg didn't need help; he was right behind his wife.
"Let me show you around. These steps lead to the sleeping quarters and the dining room. You can have your dinner there; or if it isn't too cool, you can eat topside. We'll go back up and you can find chairs to watch us set sail."
One of the mates released the rope; the other two raised the first of three sails. The wind caught it and the vessel began to move.
"I suppose you've done this before, Georg."
"Many times, Maria, I was very lucky. In my early twenties, I had numerous opportunities to sail. Sometimes we were gone for months."
In a few more moments, the other two sails were raised; they bellowed out and the sailboat gained speed. The ship traveled the Severn River to where it met the Chesapeake Bay.
"Georg, I'll take her out and turn her to face west; you will have a perfect view of the sun as it dips below the horizon."
As soon as they were in the proper spot, the mates dropped the sails. The sailboat soon stopped. The couple waited and watched.
"It's going to drop quickly now, Maria."
"There are clouds, Georg."
"You wait; they will help produce the most beautiful colors."
She watched the sun hide and then reappear below the clouds. The bright yellow sun had changed from orange, to red; then pink shades, then becoming lilac and a deeper purple. The sky kept its brilliant colors as it fell behind the mountains in the distance.
The mates prepared to sail into the horizon. Maria remained entranced. "What a beautiful way to begin the evening."
"Even those of us who sail all the time are still mesmerized by sunrises and sunsets. We never grow tired of seeing them. We're going to sail into the river. We'll drop anchor and you can have your dinner."
The table at the bow of the ship was set just for the two of them. After they had eaten, one of the mates serenaded them with violin music, a romantic ending to a wonderful day. The sailboat boat docked. John spoke to them.
"Tomorrow you may like to see the brigades of midshipmen in formation and listen to the Navy Band. It begins around eleven. A plebe stands at the end of the dirt road; he will give you directions. You can also have lunch at the Drydock Restaurant."
"Thank you for the information, John. I'm sure we will find it entertaining."
The couple's romantic mood continued in the bedroom. Nether had any trouble falling asleep.
The next morning was a pajama breakfast for both of them. They were anticipating their activities for the day. "I'm sure you are looking forward to seeing all the midshipmen."
"I am. I'm also wondering if the navy is in the future for our sons."
"Not for Friedrich. He was so excited when he learned Catherine was a doctor. She took all of them for a visit to the hospital. She told me, he wants to be a doctor."
"I'm not surprised. He's always received high marks in the sciences. And Kurt likes to make things."
"Maybe, he will become an engineer, like Karl."
"There are all kinds of engineers, even in the Navy."
"He's still young, Georg. He'll decide one day and surprise us. I'm ready. Are you?"
Hand in hand, they walked the dirt road. A young man in uniform, only slightly older than Friedrich was waiting to give directions.
"Is this your first year at the Academy?"
"It's my plebe summer; my first year begins in September. Are you going to the Brigade Formation?"
"Yes."
"Keep on this road until it meets with a paved one. Take a right, you can't miss it. You may also hear the band warming up."
Georg and Maria both thanked him. It wasn't a long walk; they did hear the band. The Brigade marched into the square to the playing of the Navy March. They stood at attention as the Vice Admiral reviewed all of them. The next musical selection took them into the dining hall for lunch.
The band entertained the visitors with several more selections. Georg waited for their dismissal. "Maria, I see our restaurant; it's across the square."
Again, they had an all-American meal; it consisted of a chicken salad sandwich, and a pile of what they would learn was called potato chips, a glass of Coca-Cola and a large chocolate chip cookies.
The meal pleased both of them. "This drink is fizzy too, Maria. The bubbles don't seem to float up your nose as much as Champagne does."
"True, Georg, I can't describe its taste. But it is good."
"I'm full. My cookie can wait until we get home; we can have it later with coffee."
"Sounds like a plan."
The couple explored the campus before heading to the cottage. They saw the chapel. Georg was intrigued by the grave marker for John Paul Jones. He would learn later he was known as the Father of the United States Navy.
They did heat the coffee and eat their cookie. During the afternoon Georg tried to teach Maria how to play chess. The day ended with dinner, dancing and romance and each spoke those three words. "I love you." Sleep came quickly.
