CHAPTER 25: The train out of town

Georg drove the car smoothly into the secure parking lot of the train station, before getting out and walking around to open the door for Maria. As he did he could see that Maria was staring out the side window in complete awe. He had to keep reminding himself that she hadn't ventured far outside of Salzburg, so of course everything would be a wonder to her fresh eyes.

He opened the car door and waited for her to step out. When she just kept sitting there staring and taking in the bustle and activity going on around the station he held out his hand to her and said gently "Shall we darling? We don't want to be late" he smiled at her sweetly.

Maria was immediately pulled from her reverie when Georg spoke to her, and she suddenly realised he was holding out his hand to her, waiting for her to take it. She physically shook herself and then placed her hand into his and let him help her out of the car. As she stood up she suddenly realised how close they were standing to one another and a sudden spark shot through her body. Maria took in a shuddering breath while looking away before Georg saw the look of desire in her eyes.

She needn't have bothered however, as he felt and heard everything, and was only barely able to control his sudden yearning to be even closer to her in that moment. Before they could get too carried away in such public view however, Georg took a step back and allowed her to step away from the car so he could close the door, and then move to find a porter to transport their luggage to the train.

Georg kept an arm securely around Maria's waist as they joined in the throng of passengers and made their way along the platform to find their carriage, making sure she didn't get swept away in the crowd. He could feel her nervousness and apprehension at being pressed and pushed from all sides and at being in an atmosphere that she wasn't used to. Georg just tightened his hold on her to reassure her, and quickened their pace a little to get out of the overwhelming push and shove of everyone around them.

They were suddenly halted from going forward but were continued to be pushed from behind to keep moving, all at the same time. There was a confusion of arms, legs and bodies, left and right, back and forward, before Georg was able to push through, but when he did he realised that Maria had been pulled from his grasp and she was no longer beside him.

He started to panic knowing that she had no idea where she was supposed to be going, nor would she be able to push through the crowd herself. Georg threw himself back through the group of people still fighting to go in all directions against each other, and through the rest of the flowing crowd down the platform, all the while trying to look above tall shoulders and around hurrying people, to try and spot Maria.

His panic was rising to an almost overwhelming frenzy inside his stomach when he hadn't found Maria after five minutes. He was just about to go and find one of the security guards and acquire their help when he spotted a very distressed looking face over in the corner standing flat against the wall, so as not to get trampled. Georg recognised her golden hair and beautiful face immediately and let out a relieved breath. He threw himself against the people surrounding him so he could get through faster to reach her before the train began to depart. As he inched closer he called out her name, even though he knew she wouldn't be able to see him yet, but just to let her know that he was looking for her and getting closer.

"Maria! Maria I'm coming!" he shouted above the chaos of the train platform.

One more push and he broke through the wall of people and was stood right in front of her. He could see the tears of terror in her eyes, as well as happiness as it broke through her brave (but actual panicked) façade, and she immediately threw her arms around his neck as he threw his arms around her waist, holding her securely to him once more.

"I'm so terribly sorry my darling. I can only imagine how scared you must have been" he said with such apology and guilt in his voice.

"It's not your fault Georg, it all happened so quickly. I knew you would immediately realise and come looking for me. I was just worried you wouldn't be able to find me before the train left" she said, trying to quell his feelings of regret, while trying to cease her sobs.

Georg pulled back and smoothed the hair from her forehead before turning once again towards the crowd, to make their way back up the platform towards their carriage, this time with Maria's hand securely encased in his as well as an arm around her waist. He wasn't going to risk being separated from one another again.

They successfully made it to their carriage with less trouble this time as most of the passengers had started to get onto the train knowing it was to depart shortly. Georg opened their carriage door and helped Maria step inside, before following her in and closing the door securely behind them.

Maria had moved back from the door to allow Georg to step in, and she was now stood in the centre of what looked to be a semi-bedroom living space, as there was a comfortable sitting area to the left of the door and a double bed hidden behind a privacy curtain in the right corner. She stood there once again in awe at the things Georg was enabling her to see and experience so far, and she was so grateful.

She was stood there in such surprise that she didn't hear Georg come up behind her until he twisted his arms around her waist and pulled her against his chest, placing a gentle kiss on her neck just below her ear.

"What do you think my darling?" he asked her, with a little bit of mischief in his voice.

Maria had no words, so instead she let out a contented sigh to show how happy she was with everything.

Georg chuckled and then placed another kiss below her ear, before releasing her from his grasp and taking her hand instead to show her where everything was, including the small bathroom tucked behind the internal carriage door that led out into the corridor running down the opposite side of the train connecting all the carriages and dining car. He then pulled her gently towards the small sofa against the left wall of their carriage and sat down, pulling her to sit across his lap, and wrapped his arms around her waist.

Maria was a little shocked at first at their new level of intimacy, but then resolutely and comfortably wrapped her hands around his shoulders and ran her fingers gently up the nape of his neck and into his hair.

Georg was silently ecstatic that she was not nervous or scared, the way she had been the night before when they were finally alone. He didn't want to test her current confidence by rushing things, so he remained gentle and a little reserved with his actions. That's not to say he was going to do nothing…he was a man after all, and a newly married one at that.

Georg placed one arm around her back pulling her against his chest tightly and kissed her with the most passion they had shared yet. He slowly pulled back for air, before placing small sweet kisses along her jawline and followed the curve of her neck down to the small dip at the base of her throat.

Maria's breathing was coming heavy and fast, matching Georg's own panting, knowing they had no reason to stop this time, arousing her even further. She unconsciously pushed herself harder against him and started feeling her way beneath the collar of his white dress shirt and began to gently tickle the skin she could reach with her fingertips.

This sent a shiver down Georg's spine, but in a most pleasant way, causing him to grab at her dress and run a hand up her leg, starting at her knee. His fingers gently and slowly traced the inside of her thigh, as the hem of her dress rose up her leg at his actions. He drew small tingling circles against her skin, before bringing his hand to rest upon her left hip and unconsciously started to squeeze gently.

They were getting lost in one another so much so that they had failed to notice the train had already pulled away from the station and was well on its way to their honeymoon destination. Georg still hadn't told Maria where he was taking her for their five weeks together, but she was shortly to find out as a resounding knock sounded at the door, startling them both back into their current surroundings.

Maria almost jumped through the outer door of the train at the fright and embarrassment of almost being caught in such an embrace. But when she looked towards her husband she needn't have been so self-conscious, as he just stood with an amused look upon his face and a twinkle in his eye, unabashed by his recent tender exploration of his new wife.

As Georg reached for the door knob Maria turned to face the window on the opposite side, looking out upon the scenery speeding past, hoping to get her embarrassment and the blush under control.

Georg chuckled at the sight, before opening the door to discover their interrupter. He found himself facing the Conductor when he swung open the door.

"Your tickets please Sir" the Conductor said in a monotone serious voice.

'A man not to be messed with or delayed'…Georg thought to himself. He went to his carry-on bag and produced both his and Maria's tickets that he had kept so well hidden along with the secret of their honeymoon location. He knew that it would only be a matter of time before she found out however, whether it be because of the change in scenery or the topics of conversation of the other passengers, they were bound to overhear.

The Conductor inspected both the tickets for the details and then punched a hole in them before handing them back to Georg and said, in his same monotone voice "Have a pleasant trip to Paris, Sir" and then he continued on down the corridor to the next cabin in that carriage.

Georg gave him a stern nod, knowing that his parting statement would not have gone unheard by Maria, still standing over by the window. He took the tickets back from the Conductor and closed the cabin door, and as he turned around and looked towards her, he could see that he was correct in his assumptions.

Maria had heard the Conductor wish them a good journey to Paris, and she immediately knew this was where Georg had chosen for their honeymoon…and she couldn't be happier or more excited. She spun around from her position looking out the window, her previous embarrassment now forgotten, and was looking at his back, with a broad smile on her face and tears in her eyes, waiting for him to turn around and see her elation.

As they looked at one another, Georg couldn't feel more relieved at the obvious happiness on Maria's face at finally knowing where they were going. Maria took a tentative step towards him, trying to hold back her tears of joy. He opened his arms to her whispering "Surprise my darling."

Maria leapt into his arms and buried her face in his shoulder, her tears running freely and soaking the sleeve of his jacket. She pulled back just enough for him to hear her ask "Paris! REALLY?" It was more of a statement of enthusiasm and excitement than an actual question.

"Really" Georg confirmed, before asking "Is that ok?"

Maria pulled back completely at this so she could look him directly in the eyes, before exclaiming "Of course Georg! I couldn't have thought of a better place to spend five whole weeks with you. I cannot wait. Thankyou." And with that she initiated the most passionate kiss she had yet, pulling him closer to her by the lapels of his jacket.

When they pulled apart, Maria blushed slightly at her sudden brazenness.

Georg had the most dazed expression upon his face, shocked at Maria's new found boldness, but happy that she wasn't afraid to do as she just had…he rather enjoyed it. Once he was able to clear his mind after such an affectionate display of their love, he smiled down at her reassuringly, before placing a passionate kiss of his own upon her lips and picking up from where they had been interrupted.

They had been sat on the settee, Maria on Georg's lap once again, for another hour or so just sharing the same passionate kisses and touches they had been earlier, not wanting to take things too far, knowing that dinner service in the dining car would be called soon.

Georg had also already decided that he didn't want this to be the setting for their first time together either, knowing from past encounters that it did not make for a pleasant atmosphere or a smooth experience…'though nothing much untoward ever eventuated from that brief encounter, I shall keep that little detail from Maria'…Georg thought to himself, remembering a time from his youth, even long before he had met Agathe.

Just as he was about to pull Maria into a tighter embrace, the dinner bell indeed sounded along the corridor. Georg would have been happy himself staying right where they were and skipping dinner all together, but he knew that neither of them had eaten breakfast or lunch, and it would be a number of hours before the breakfast bell was heard in the morning.

Maria was having very similar thoughts herself in that moment, but when her stomach let out a resounding 'growl' of hunger, she knew that it was no use trying to resist, as her stomach would just continue until she put some food in it.

Georg had also heard her stomach churn over and couldn't help but chuckle against her lips, causing them both to share in a bout of knowing and guilty laughter. He then pulled back completely, not yet letting her stand, and said "Well I guess that answers that question" he winked at her jokingly.

"I do believe Kurt is rubbing off on me" Maria said, with the same humour in her voice.

Georg threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh at her statement, thinking about the way his son's stomach always knew exactly when it was meal time. Once his laughter died down again and he looked back at Maria, an amused expression still adorning her face, he placed a gentle kiss on her cheek and said "Well my darling, in that case, should we freshen up and make our way down the train to dinner before it gets over crowded in the dining car?"

Maria merely nodded in agreement, not knowing exactly what to expect on a train such as this, before she reluctantly made to stand up from her position on Georg's lap.

Georg sensed her reluctance and wrapped his arms around her waist once more, placing a few kisses on her neck again, before looking back into her eyes.

"We have plenty of time…I promise" he said reassuringly.

Maria smiled back at him, knowing he was right…'we have all night, and every night for the rest of our lives'…Maria reminded herself, before she kissed him sweetly on the lips, then stood up and headed to the small bathroom to freshen up.

Georg had been correct in his assumption that the dining car would be overcrowded. They had arrived a mere twenty minutes ago and were hurriedly seated at a table in the back corner, passing tables already filled with people dressed in their finest, and were now looking at the long line of people queued out the door, vying for a table of their own.

Georg didn't like to be rushed at any time, and during meal times he especially loathed it, but given the elevated noise and activity flowing around them now, he couldn't wait to finish eating and get back to their cabin…'train food is never that appetising to want to savour it anyway'.

Maria could sense his uncomfortable mood, and had to admit that she was not particularly enjoying the claustrophobic atmosphere either. She glanced up at him in that moment and they made eye contact, a silent singular thought passing between them, and in the next minute Maria downed the last of her stew and Georg his wine, and they stood to make their way back through the crowd of people.

They eventually squeezed their way past the boisterous and rapidly becoming impatient, hungry people still lined along the corridor of the carriage, and made it back to the peace and quiet of their cabin.

When inside, Georg shut and locked their door and pulled down the blind to cover the small window facing out into the corridor. Maria had walked over to the far side of the cabin once more and stood by the window, but she was not looking outside, rather she was trying to get some distance between her and Georg so she could take in the full view of him in that moment.

Georg slowly turned around to face her, sensing that she was staring at him. When he looked at her face he could see every emotion she was feeling in that moment; love, desire, awe, uncertainty, nervousness, acceptance, trust, happiness, contentment…

He wasn't sure what his expression was portraying to her, but he hoped it showed gratitude, kindness, love, his own desire and happiness at seeing hers. But he couldn't forget the promise he had made to them both. He wanted to wait, he HAD to wait. She was his wife, not some woman available for his pleasure at any time. He wanted to show her, teach her and love her sweetly for the first time and every time after that.

Maria could tell that there was uncertainty going through Georg's mind, and she stepped forward to reassure him of her certainty at whatever was to come next. As she stepped forward however, Georg took a tiny step back and Maria saw the hesitation in his movements.

She immediately stopped in her tracks and her face fell, tears beginning to form in her eyes. 'He doesn't want me'...was the first thought that ran through her mind, and the feeling of rejection almost made her legs collapse from under her. She began to back away from him with a dejected and apologetic look on her face, before collapsing onto the settee under the window.

"I'm sorry Georg. I didn't realise you didn't want me that…that you don't see me as…I shouldn't have been so forward" Maria began to whisper words of apology, embarrassment and hurt.

But as soon as she had begun to back away from him, Georg had realised how Maria had interpreted his actions, and immediately went to her as she fell into the settee, guilt and regret taking him over. 'How could I have been such a fool! Of course she would see my actions that way, she has never been in this situation before'...he chastised himself profusely, before sitting down next to Maria to begin to try and reassure her and explain everything.

He took her hand in one of his and tried to turn her head to look towards him with the other, but Maria steadfastly looked down into her lap, facing away from him. He let out a resigned sigh of defeat and began to try and make her understand with his words.

"Maria my darling, I am so incredibly sorry for my actions. I never meant for them to make you feel as though you do now. Believe me when I say there is nothing and no-one I want more than I want you right now, but every time I think about being with you tonight, on this train, my promise I made to you floods my mind, and justly so. I would not forgive myself if I allowed my masculine desires and needs over power my greater want and need for our first time together to be the most magical time of our lives. And being on a rickety, over crowded train is not exactly the most romantic setting I had envisioned for us, my dear" Georg chuckled into her ear, trying to lighten the mood to at least half of what they were sharing earlier.

Maria smiled then, but still did not look at him, so he continued.

"I love you too much to allow us to get carried away and regret something that should be cherished for the rest of our lives" he said so surely, that there could not possibly be any doubt left in Maria's mind at his true intentions.

"Oh Georg…" Maria gasped, so humbled and endeared by his words that she had none of her own.

She simply threw her arms around his waist and leant into his chest, while he wrapped his around her shoulders and held her in a reassuring and loving embrace.

They sat this way for an immeasurably pleasant amount of time before Georg could feel Maria's breathing become even and shallow, which he now (after last night) recognised as a sign that she was in the beginnings of a contented and peaceful sleep.

Not that he minded having Maria fall asleep in his arms, but he did rather it be in a more comfortable place for the both of them. Regretfully, but rightly, Georg gently shook her shoulder, stirring her enough so that she would hear his sense in waking her from her slumber to get changed for bed.

"Why don't you use the bathroom first darling, and get changed into your nightgown for bed?" he said, kissing her on the top of her head. "If we are going to be stuck on this uncomfortable train all night, we should at least sleep in the most comfortable of the uncomfortable places possible."

Maria chuckled at his comment, waking her enough that she was able to stand on her own and make her way into the small bathroom where she had just enough room to remove her travelling clothes and pull on her nightgown.

Georg had changed into his nightwear and was now lying on the side of the small bed that was set against the wall, awaiting Maria's reappearance. He was feeling the strains of travelling and was finding it difficult to keep his eyes open, but he wanted to see that Maria was made comfortable, before falling asleep together.

Maria reappeared a short time later and walked over to her open suitcase on the floor at the foot of the bed and placed her travel clothes inside, before approaching the bed, still hidden behind the curtain. There was none of the nervous and anticipative energy that there was the night before, at the prospect of the unknown.

Maria stepped around the privacy curtain and sat on the edge of the bed, Georg having already pulled back the covers ready for her. She kicked off her slippers and swung her legs up onto the bed, before laying her head down on the pillow next to Georg's.

He watched her the moment he heard her come out of the bathroom, and was now looking deeply into her eyes as she lay down and turned towards him, the same desirous look in hers eyes as he had seen in them the night before, but this time with the restraint that he was holding over himself. He gave her a gentle and loving smile, while reaching over and pulling the covers securely up and over her waist. He then slipped an arm under her head and pulled her close to his chest, so that she was nestled safely in the crook of his arm and flush against his side.

Maria could feel how exhausted he was in the way his muscles rippled and then released as he pulled her closer. She wanted to sleep, but she suddenly felt more awake as she thought about arriving in Paris and all that she would see hear and taste.

Georg sensed her sudden restlessness and looked down at her questioningly. Before he could ask what was bothering her, she answered with a simple "I'm too excited to sleep now" she blushed profusely at her childish admission.

Georg chuckled lightly before he said "Would it make you feel any better if I said that I was excited too?" He looked down at her with raised, teasing eyebrows.

Maria's bashful look turned into one of surprise.

"But you have seen Paris all before Georg, how could it be that exciting all over again?" Maria asked.

He looked at her with a mischievous gleam in his eyes, while pushing himself against her slightly, before saying "I never said it was the sights I was excited about my darling."

Maria blushed all over again, but for a different reason.

"But the sights will be different this time…I'll have you there, with your fresh view of the world" he whispered into her ear.

Maria snuggled further into his side at his words and then asked, curious as ever, "What will we be doing there my Captain?"

Georg cocked his eyebrow once more in that suggestive way, not muttering a word and still getting his meaning across to her.

Maria playfully slapped his chest in response, giggling at the meaning behind his expression.

He then placed a seductive and lingering kiss on the sensitive spot behind Maria's ear and whispered "It will be a surprise for us both my darling."

With that thought in mind, they fell asleep side-by-side for the second, but not the last, time in their lives.

To be continued…