Final weeks

It was that thought that woke Maria very early the next morning. Not only did she need to tell the children about their newly discovered Uncle Karl but also to find time on Saturday to ask Karl. Would he walk me down the aisle? Maria took a deep breath as she pondered all of this.

She stoked the coal heater in her front room. After making a cup of tea she finished addressing the envelopes. She wanted to take them with her this afternoon. In a moment she heard voices outside her door.

"Do you think she's awake?" Maria heard each voice, Audrey, Eleanor and Belle and then a knock on her door. The ladies heard the lock turn; they waited patiently for Maria to open the door.

"What a surprise. Why are you here?"

"You've been so busy with wedding plans, we haven't had any time to see you and chat. Come on Maria, grab your cape Resi has fixed a big breakfast for us."

Maria complied and they were off. They entered through the backdoor. Audrey announced themselves to Resi. "The biscuits are coming out of the oven now. Take your seats, breakfast is served."

"I know you Maria. All you've been eating for breakfast is a pastry. Yes, I know Katia's are very good but you need some protein and fruit too; protein for strength and fruit for your radiant complexion."

Maria teased. "Yes mother Audrey."

"You know Maria; there is quite a grapevine in Salzburg."

"A grapevine?"

"It means gossip but not in a bad way. You and Georg were seen at the Bristol having dinner with a mysterious man."

"Ah, yes the mysterious man."

"Go on Maria."

"Keep your seats ladies. He was my brother." Now the looks she and Georg had seen from Isabel, Katia and Max she saw from Audrey, Eleanor and Belle.

Maria told them the story of her father's two wives; and how she and Karl had been estranged for years. "It was Georg who suggested I might want to find him. He's coming to the villa on Saturday; he's really anxious to meet the children."

"Is he a bachelor?"

"Yes."

"That's unusual for a bachelor wanting to meet children."

"Not in Karl's case, he's already seen them. Last summer he saw them in their play clothes that I made from the old drapes from my room."

"I remember now. Isabel told us all about your 'creative use of perfectly good fabric.'"

"I can't wait for him to tell the children. He also heard us sing one day."

"I hope he's ready to become an instant Uncle to seven nieces and nephews."

"I'm not sure that has dawned on him but he will be fine. I also learned that he's a musician. Belle, he sometimes plays the Flugelhorn with Louie's group whenever he comes to Salzburg.

"Belle, do you remember when Walter asked about a boutonnière for the person giving me away?"

"I do."

"I decided to ask Karl; I plan to do it on Saturday."

"That will complete your wedding day."

"Yes it will. Our mothers and father will be smiling."

Nothing else could be said to top that statement.

The ladies had eaten and talked until it was almost two o'clock. "I better get back to the cottage. Max will be here soon. And he was.

"I see you have the box of envelopes with you. Let me take you back to the villa. You and Isabel can stuff the envelopes before the children get home and bedlam begins."

"Now Max, they're not quite that bad."

"They are when they first see you. You know I think they made a schoolday calendar; the kind you use to you mark off each day until the end of school. Theirs is until you and Georg get married."

"Yes I know all about them; I made one often; my last one was a count down until I could escape from my guardian."

"Now see what you've done. You've made Max sad."

"Cheer up Max; it all was according to God's plan with a few human twists and turns."

"Here we are Maria. I'll be back with the children."

Maria kissed him on the cheek before exiting the car. Katia was in the kitchen taking the last tray of cookies from the oven. "They smell lovely Katia."

"Want one?"

"I'm stuffed. I had a huge brunch with Audrey, Eleanor and Belle. Where's Isabel?"

"Last time I saw her she was in the family room."

"You're early Maria."

"I know Max saw the box of envelopes. He thought we could get started stuffing them before the children came home."

Isabel placed each invitation into the inner envelope; Maria placed it in the one with the address on it. It really didn't take them long. They had finished just as they heard the children's voices.

"See children. I told them you were already here."

"Where did you think I would be?"

"We want to give you a hug and kiss mother." Marta put her hand to her mouth. "I've been practicing."

"How sweet Marta. I don't mind."

"Lots of homework children?"

"Enough Fräulein."

"When you finish I'll be right here waiting." They scurried off.

Georg arrived right behind them. He had heard Marta. It warmed his heart. Maria had gone over to him. She knew he had heard.

"They can hardly wait Maria." The couple walked to his study for some private time; both knowing it wouldn't be long. Marta and Gretl never had much homework.

Maria heard the girls come down the stairs. "What do you want to play?"

"Slap Jack."

"Again, you're going to wear out the cards."

The evening was over way too soon for the children. "You only have a half day of school tomorrow and I have some brand new songs for you to learn. You better get your rest."

Maria said goodnight and tucked the little ones in bed while Max warmed up the car. Georg was waiting by the front door. It was sleeting; so Georg cut short his goodnight kiss. As before he waited until he was sure the door was locked.

The hour for choir practice went by fast. Maria introduced two new songs. Both were hymns for Lent. The first one was easy for them to learn; the melody was very familiar; A Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester, better known as "to love you more dearly and see you more clearly."

The other was Jesus, keep me near the cross. It was a song with several verses and a refrain. Maria would teach them only two of the verses. They loved the refrain. Once again their parents were thrilled with her selections.

Thursday was their final meeting with Father Martin. "Maria, you look especially happy."

"I am Father. I reconnected with my half-brother." Maria didn't need to explain. Father Martin knew all about half-siblings. After the Great War a lot of widows and even some widowers remarried.

"That must be very special to you."

"You would have never known they hadn't seen each other in seven years. Maria and he talked with ease. It was delightful to see."

"Will he be at the wedding?"

"I'm sure he will. I'll confirm it when he has dinner with us on Saturday. He's anxious to meet the children."

"Let's move on to our purpose."

"As with all Sacraments, the Church has it all prepared. After you process Maria, you and Georg will stand at the altar stairs where I will ask you the questions of commitment. I have a booklet for you; it contains the statements and your vows.

"The next part of the ceremony is like any Mass; the readings; the prayers and my homily which I always keep short. Next you take your vows.

"Here I will add a special vow for you Maria and the children. I will ask you to be their mother now. But I will also remind the children to never forget the woman who gave them life; to accept you as their mother to love and honor you."

"I like that Father. It's a special time for them."

"They've waited too long."

"Remember, God's time is not our time and all things happen as they should. It's our faith that keeps us believing."

"Maria, you and Susanna can get together and plan your music. If you have a special song, she knows if it can be used in the service. I know we will see each other between now and the wedding rehearsal; feel free to stop by if you have any questions."

The couple thanked him for his time. "I'm so excited Georg. You know I've enjoyed all the planning with the ladies but I think picking out our music will be my favorite."

"You know, that doesn't surprise me. We better get home. I'm sure the children are waiting for you."

"You too Georg."

"Oh, I'm only their Father; you're their mother-to-be or almost mother as Marta calls you."

"Don't be silly they like your attention too; remember it really hasn't been that long."

"I know Maria. I do love every moment with them." They kissed after getting into the truck for the short ride home.

Maria found everyone except Friedrich in the living room. She knew where he was. Friedrich had set up his microscope in a corner of the school room. His biology teacher was helping him discover the world of bacteria; he was constantly gazing into the lens.

"Hello Friedrich, what do you see today?"

"Little squirmy tiny worm like creatures; I dyed them blue so I can see their insides."

"Ooh, that sounds creepy. Come downstairs and be with the rest of us. The bacteria will be there tomorrow."

"Yes, mo…"

"Go on Friedrich."

"Let me clean the microscope, I'll be right down."

Maria smiled all the way down the stairs. "Why the big smile?"

"Your oldest son started to call me mother; but he stopped and only smiled at me."

"I think by the time we get married they will all be calling you Mother."

"Fine with me."

That evening Friedrich and Brigitta had an intense game of chess; they had both learned the game well. Max, as usual was the chauffeur to the cottage. Georg knew he needed Max with them. He and Maria engaged in deeply passionate kissing; Max helped him know when to say goodnight.

Maria went to Mass on Friday morning. Susanna saw her. "Would you like to stay and start on selecting the music for your wedding?"

"Certainly, if you have the time."

Susanna was an accomplished organist. For a small church St. Michael's had an exquisite organ; it sounded like a pipe organ in a cathedral. She began to play selection for Maria's processional.

"Susanna, how am I going to decide? I like all of them."

"Did you know there is a phonograph in the choir room?"

Maria shook her head. "I have lots of records. You could take them to the cottage with the phonograph and listen to them; practice walking to them. There's no hurry; you have plenty of time to decide. Come with me. I'll show you where it is."

Maria carried the phonograph and Susanna had the box full of records. "Thank you, thank you," was all Maria could say. She started listening as soon a Susanna closed the door behind her. She heard; Trumpet Voluntary, Mendelssohn's Wedding March, Trumpet Tune and Sheep May Safely Graze.

She had no idea how she would ever decide. "Max." she spoke out loud, "he'll help me." She would talk to him soon. She would do it next week, Saturday was tomorrow.

The children practically pounded the door down when they came for her. "Are you ready Fräulein Maria?"

"Let me grab my cape."

The children had very little homework; they had all written rather long papers recently. All their teachers decided they needed a break. So it was games and more games until it was time for bed.

"Tomorrow's the day Georg."

"I know. I can tell you're excited. Do you know what you are going to tell the children?"

"I have a good idea."

"I'm sure everything will be fine." They kissed but not long. "It's very cold Maria, you need to get inside."

"Good night Georg, she blew him a kiss. He did the same.

After lunch on Saturday Maria gathered the children around her. They sat on the floor in a big circle on the carpet.

"Are we in trouble Fräulein Maria?"

"No Brigitta, why do you ask?"

"You seem so serious."

"I don't mean to be. I have something to tell you; something that makes me very happy."

The children looked confused. Maria continued. "I want to tell you why your Father and I went out to dinner Monday.

"I want to tell you a story about a boy named Karl. He was born in Vienna to two very loving parents. Karl had been left at home with a good friend. His mother and father had been visiting friends in the mountains.

A storm came up suddenly and blew their carriage into a raging river. Karl's mother could not swim and her husband could not rescue her."

"She died Fräulein?"

"Yes Louisa. Just like with me; when my mother died Karl was sent to his father's cousin's home where he grew up.

"You see children, Karl is my brother."

"This is a sad but happy story."

"Yes Brigitta it is; sad for our father who endured two wives dying and leaving him with a small child but happy for me and Karl now. You see your Uncle Bobby helped me find him. He came to town and that's who we had dinner with on Monday.

"That's not all; he's coming for dinner tonight. He can't wait to meet you; he told me that himself."

"Do we have to dress up?"

"No Kurt, what you have on is perfectly acceptable."

"What time Fräulein Maria?"

"He's coming at five; so we can visit before dinner."

"Is he like you?"

Georg answered Brigitta. "He likes music. He can play a Flugelhorn."

"What kind of horn?"

"You explain Maria."

"It's a brass instrument, like a trumpet but has many more twisted metal tubes; it's very difficult to play."

"Then I suppose we need to put everything away in here."

"Why Liesl?"

"Shouldn't it be neat and clean?"

"Who can tell me what a living room is?"

"It's a room you live in."

"That's right Kurt."

"We play cards, games, paint, color, sing; we have fun. Karl likes to have fun, you'll see."

"I will need one table for drinks and snacks."

"What did you prepare for us Katia?"

"I made a fruit cocktail drink for everyone. Max is getting the wine. I baked a batch of crispy potatoes and some of those not too sweet cookies that you and Georg like."

"Perfect Katia, thank you."

The clock in the hall announced the quarter hour. Max saw the time as he carried the wine. "Fifteen minutes until a real uncle will be here."

"Uncle Max, you'll always be our uncle."

"Thank you Gretl."

The bell rang. It startled the children. "He's here."

Maria and Georg went to the door. The children crowded at the entrance to the living room. They watched as their father opened the door. "Welcome Karl."

"I hope I'm not too early."

"Not at all Karl."

Once the children saw him they went in and sat down. They were very quiet; almost holding their breaths.

"It's awful quiet Maria."

"Don't worry. You'll wish for quiet later. They're waiting for you in the family room."

"Hello children," Karl bent over and tilted his hat off and turned it over and over his hand almost to his knees without dropping it.

"How'd you do that?" Gretl asked.

"Practice young lady, just like you practice to sing so well."

"How do you know we sing?" Maria was smiling the whole time.

"Well young man, I heard you last summer."

"You did, where?"

"Who is this beautiful young lady Georg?"

"Why don't I introduce everyone? That young lady is Liesl. The taller boy is Friedrich; the other is Kurt. The little girl who asked you about your hat trick is Gretl; standing next to her is Marta; next to Kurt are Brigitta and my second oldest daughter Louisa."

"Okay, let me see if I listened well." Karl pointed to each one and said their proper name. "Now to answer Liesl's question. I heard you last summer. I was having lunch at Winkler's Café. You were on the walkway above, singing the Do-Re-Me song; which was my sister's way to 'teach you all the notes so you can sing most anything.' Did I quote you correctly Maria?'"

"Yes you did."

"I also saw you in town another day. You had on outfits made from perfectly good drapery material; another quote from her which she told me on Monday at dinner."

"See I told you Fräulein Maria. We made a spectacle."

"No you didn't Brigitta. I only noticed how happy you were and how much fun you were having seeing the sights of Salzburg."

Georg and Maria were both listening intently; Karl seemed very relaxed with the children. It made them both extremely pleased.

Max and Isabel were sitting quietly; listening. Max suddenly realized he knew Karl. He called out, "Mr. T."

Karl heard a familiar voice. "Max Detweiler, how, why are you here?"

"I've know Georg and the children for years."

"He's Uncle Max to the children Karl. How do you two know each other?"

"Karl plays in a musical group in Vienna."

"The Flugelhorn Uncle Karl?"

"Yes, that and also the large string Bass; sometimes with a bow but often I use the new jazz technique of slapping at the strings."

"You're just like our Fräulein. You love music too."

"Children, come sit at a table and you can have some juice cocktail and a few potato crisps."

"Karl, this is Isabel Schmidt. She introduced herself to me last summer as the housekeeper. Now she's my best friend. The woman who cooks for us is Katia; she too is a good friend. She tries to make me fat by supplying me with cookies. Even the two men who work outside are also part of the family; in fact we are one big happy family."

"And we are a lager family now; isn't that right Fräulein Maria?"

"Yes, Gretl; you are absolutely right."

Karl fit right into the family. Dinner was special but the time afterwards was too. It even including singing; some songs even Karl knew.

Max played chauffeur. Karl sat up front with him. Maria pointed out the Bittingers' home. "I live in their cottage in the back, Karl."

Max did not take Maria home; she rode with them to the Bristol Hotel. Maria got out to say goodnight. "Here Karl is your hand delivered invitation." Maria paused, took a deep breath. "Karl, will you walk me down the aisle?"

"What an honor, Maria."

"Then you answer is yes?"

"Yes little sister – it's wonderful to see you so happy. You are marrying into a very loving family."

"I know and now you'll be a part of it. Keep in touch Karl; if not before I'll see you at the rehearsal on the fifth of April."

"I'll be there." He kissed her on the cheek. They walked together back to the car. He helped her in the back seat next to Georg. The men shook hands. Max held his hand out the window. "Small world, isn't it Karl?"

Karl stood and watched them drive away. Never in a million years would I have ever thought I would be part of a special family like the von Trapps.

Maria didn't tell Georg when they said goodnight at the cottage. She wanted to tell him in private; as private as they allowed themselves to be.

Georg had decided that he had hid Maria long enough. They were engaged. On Monday he taught an early class. He took the children to school. He had told Maria to be ready at twelve-thirty; they were having lunch together.

Not to be over obvious they went back to the quaint home with the private dining rooms. "I was hoping we were going back here Georg. I thought their food was wonderful."

Maria took this opportunity. She didn't hesitate. "Karl is going to walk me down the aisle at our wedding."

"We must think alike darling; I thought about it too. Now our wedding is complete."

"Yes, it is. Now I need Max's help."

"Doing what?"

"Helping me select our music; Susanna played so many choices; I wanted to use them all. Is there a phonograph at the villa? She gave me a stack of records; I borrowed the one from the choir room but I thought Max could help me. You know its bad luck to practice with your fiancée."

"I think there may be one in the attic; I put it up there so no one would play any music."

"I understand now Georg. But it's dark up there, you told us that."

"Phillip found a flashlight and placed it in the stairwell. Do you want to go up there later?"

"Might be an interesting place."

While the children finished their homework, the couple ventured into the attic. "Georg, there's a lot of stuff up here."

"Yes, some was left by the old owner. Look what I found Maria?"

"The phonograph; it needs dusting. What's in all these trunks?"

"Purchases from my early sailing expeditions; kimonos from Japan; lots of silk; my first sailor suit is in one of them."

"Georg, we have all the makings of costumes. Did you know tomorrow is Carnival Day?"

"Tell me Maria. It's the day before Lent begins. Why don't we have a family party? The children only have a half day of school and none on Wednesday, the day of Ashes. They could stay up a little later."

"Oh how do I love you; let me count the ways; you have wonderful ideas." They left the attic with only the phonograph.

The children were told the next day after lunch. "You have all afternoon to make a costume."

Maria along with Liesl and Louisa went to the attic. There Maria found her complete costume. The girls found things for them; Louisa found some old hats; she took an extra one for Marta. Georg took his trip up there after Maria and the girls. He wanted to surprise Maria.

Max and Isabel both saw the phonograph. "Where are the records Maria?"

"I bought it down to use to help me select my wedding music; I need your help too Max."

"I can do that Maria; but you can't have a party without music. I need to visit the attic anyway. I know there's a box full of records up there somewhere."

"I'm coming too." Isabel and Max made the trip together. Max found the records immediately and brought them down and placed them in the hall. He went back for his costume. Isabel also found what she needed.

Katia prepared a light dinner; there would be plenty of food to eat all evening. Her pantry was always well stocked; as was the cold storage cellar out back.

Everyone had an hour to dress in costume. Max was in an old tux, complete with top hat; he had found a toy whistle; not the boatswain whistle Georg used to use. He stood at the foot of the front stairs and blew it loudly. Isabel put on the first record.

Georg came down in his sailor suit from his early days in the navy; complete with tattoos and a white unique white canvas hat with an upright brim, sometimes referred to as a Dixie cup hat. Maria was the perfect Japanese lady from head to foot. There were fashion models; a professor called Mr. Germ Man, complete with moustache; a Prince and Snow White, three little bears and a pirate and his mate.

They indeed had a carnival like evening; food and drink was abundant; lots of laughs and dancing, waltzes, polkas and folk dances but not the Laendler. The children stayed up way past their bedtime. Max blew his whistle announcing the party was over.

While the other adults helped clean up, Maria help Marta and Gretl get ready for bed. They were asleep almost as soon as she said goodnight.

She went back down and joined the others. They relaxed and talked before turning in; Maria stayed at the villa. "Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday; seven weeks and a couple of days to our wedding Georg."

"That sounds like a long time still."

"I know but I still have a few things to do. Max is going to help me with our music next week."

Ash Wednesday was a miserable weather day; it couldn't decide if it wanted to snow, sleet or rain. The family came home from church immediately. Stefan had built a roaring fire. The children huddled in front of it.

"Thank you Stefan, we're so cold. I hope we get some decent snow soon. I want to go skiing at least one more time."

Georg consoled the boys. "I'm sure it will; there's plenty of winter left."

It would be another week before they would get their wish. Sunday passed. The choir got rave reviews for their singing of Jesus, keep me near the cross.

Liesl knew she had to start teaching her siblings their song. Her first opportunity came when Georg and Maria were invited to have dinner with their friends. Liesl and the others watched them leave. "Did you plan this Uncle Max?"

"I told you I would help. Go with Liesl everyone; she has a song to teach you."

"I wrote a poem and then I put it to the tune of Edelweiss. Here are papers with the words. It's for the wedding."

Liesl started the chords on the guitar; then started to sing;

Blessed are we. Blessed are we
You stepped right up to make us new
Our world gone
Our hearts broke

Immediately, Louisa and Kurt began to sing with her; followed by all the others. Marta and Gretl struggled until the very end, when they sang with the others.

Blessed are we. Blessed are we.
We are blessed to call you mother

"The words are so perfect; Father and Fräulein Maria are going to be so pleased."

"I hope so Louisa. Let's sing it a couple more times." Liesl was thrilled they learned so quickly. "Let me have all the papers; I don't want Father or Fräulein Maria to find them."

"Uncle Max, I also need to see Father Martin."

"I know. I'll find an opportunity."

They had finished choir practice. It hadn't taken them long to learn how to sing Jesus, Savior of the World as a round. All the children had so much talent. So Maria taught them their song for the following week My Song Is Love Unknown.

Liesl had hoped she could speak with Father Martin but he wasn't there.

It started to snow late on Friday afternoon. Kurt seemed to want to sit and watch it come down. "Kurt, if it keeps snowing like this, it will be perfect for some skiing tomorrow."

"I know Father."

In the morning it was still snowing, not as hard as last night; the storm had dumped almost a foot of snow – powder snow – perfect for skiing. By the time school was out the sun was beginning to break through the clouds.

They finished lunch and immediately got dressed to go skiing. They only had about four hours of daylight; they enjoyed every minute of it.

"Can we ski after church tomorrow?" Georg tousled Kurt's hair. "Are you going to become an Olympic skier?"

"I don't know Father; I do enjoy it."

As the people left the church, Liesl saw her father and Fräulein Maria walked towards the cottage. Father Martin was still standing at the door.

"Father Martin, may I speak with you?"

"Of course Liesl, we can use the Bridal room. You'll be in there soon waiting with your Fräulein."

"Yes, I know. Father Martin, I wrote a poem for Father and Fräulein Maria's wedding. I put it to music; all my siblings can sing it. Could we sing it at the wedding? Here are the words."

Liesl watched him read it, a broad smile appeared. "This is lovely; very meaningful. I think I can find a place for it."

"Thank you Father, I better go before I am missed." She turned and saw her Uncle Max smiling. She knew he had arranged this opportunity.

He had some help from Katia. She had asked for Maria's empty cookie can; the perfect reason for them to leave Liesl alone with Father Martin. And of course Kurt got his wish to go skiing in the afternoon.

Maria had come to the villa early for several days. She and Max listen to at least a dozen songs; all of which were lovely and would be fitting for the occasion. They used the hall to practice walking to the processional tune. They practiced and practiced, Maria wanted to be sure she was perfect.

The girls would practice after school. They did it often; they too wanted to be perfect. All their practice would pay off at the rehearsal.

Maria gave Susanna her list; for the Prelude, Moonlight sonata, Ave Maria and Sheep May Safely Graze. Maria chose Canon in D for the girls' procession. For her walk down the aisle the magnificent Trumpet Voluntary. After they were married Maria and Georg would exit to the Wedding March from a Midsummer's Night Dream and finally Hornpipe from Water Music would be played.

Susanna was a perfectionist; she practiced them regularly. Father Martin was in the church one morning. "Are those Maria's selections?"

"Yes, I think they will make for a lovely wedding."

"Maria has one more; she didn't select it. The oldest of the children, Liesl, wrote a poem and put it to music. I need you to keep her guitar by you. I'll tell one of the altar boys when to give it to her. They're going to sing it as a response to their vow. Remember it's a surprise."

"I can keep surprises Father."

"I know Susanna. What's next for you to play?"

"I'm going to practice Trumpet Voluntary again; that's Maria march."