The New Year

Kurt could only convince his father and Uncle Karl to go skiing. The older girls didn't feel up to skiing today and Katia thought they would be gone too long for her. And she was right.

They were gone all morning. "Georg, Kurt's quite good."

"He's always been all boy Karl."

They put away their skis for the day. "How was the skiing Karl?"

"Great Katia, it's been a long time since I have skied that long. Next time you need to come; you did very well last time."

"Maybe Karl, maybe."

After lunch it was Max's turn. This time Marta, Gretl and Brigitta went along with Friedrich and of course Kurt. Max took them sledding. He played with the two little girls; using the small hills not too far away

Max stopped counting after five trips up the hill. "Please Uncle Max, a few more times; this is so much fun." Max couldn't resist the pleading eyes from Gretl and Marta.

Brigitta, Friedrich and Kurt were on the slightly higher hills with their big sled; all three could ride it down the hill. The clouds gathered and covered the sun; they decided to head for home.

"Thank you Uncle Max, we had a great time. Isn't that right everybody?"

Max saw nods and heard thank yous from the others. "You go on in; I'm going to gather some fire wood."

Maria was waiting at the back door; she had seen them coming from an upstairs window. She heard their laughs.

"Did you have a good time?"

"Uncle Max was so much fun; he took us up the hill a lot."

"And you," looking at the older children.

"We could all fit on the big sled; the hill has a bump in the middle; it sent us sailing. We loved it."

"You need to take off your wet clothes right here. Frau Schmidt and I will hang them up to dry."

Katia saw Max coming with the wood; she held the door open for him. "I thought everyone might enjoy a fire this afternoon."

"I'm sure they will; I'll make some hot drinks."

By the time Max had the fire started, the children had changed. Georg moved Maria's chair closer; he usually sat on the footstool; it was large enough for her feet and him. The children were each doing their own thing; but when Liesl started to play the piano they gathered around it and made requests.

As they had done before they put on a mini concert. Each time Max listened intently; he knew they were as good if not better than most groups at the summer festival.

New Year's Eve arrived and it was time to take down the Christmas tree; many hands made quick work of the task. Stefan and Phillip carefully carried it outside. While Katia and Karl cleaned up the mess the tree left behind.

Maria and the children moved the Crèche into a corner. Marta and Gretl placed the Wise Men along the wall; they would move them closer to the baby Jesus until they arrived the day the church celebrated the Day of Epiphany; they day the world was first told of Jesus' birth.

There was no new snow. Still there was enough to go skiing; the children and one or two of the adults spent time with them outside.

"Come on Katia, we might not have good snow again." Katia didn't say no. She got dressed in a hurry.

"Do you remember my instructions?"

"I do Karl." She demonstrated and soon they were off for the little hills.

"Look at you; you look like an experienced skier."

"Now Karl, you're exaggerating"

"I don't think so; come let's go to the big hill." Katia enjoyed being with Karl; she felt confident. They were noticed; Georg knew Maria had been right all along.

This time of year when the sun sets early. Georg whistled and used his hand to signal to everyone it was time to go home. A smiling laughing bunch entered the kitchen door.

"Sounds like you had a good time."

"The best mother."

"What about you Katia?"

"Karl and I had a good time too." Maria couldn't help but notice the looks between them.

That afternoon the children were planning the next day's activities. Georg decided he better tell everyone his plans.

"Friedrich won't be able to join you tomorrow."

He looked at his father; definitely surprised. "Your mother has other plans for you son. She's sending us to town to get you proper clothes for starting the university. I made an appointment at Elias Kubrick's tailor shop."

"Just you and me Father?" Friedrich couldn't hide his excitement.

"That's right; a father and son outing."

Maria delighted in Friedrich's reaction; she had known that Georg had done very few things alone with his oldest son.

Georg had decided to make a day of it. Their first stop was the tailor shop. "Georg my friend, it has been awhile."

"Yes it has Elias. I'd like you to meet my oldest son Friedrich."

"Hello, sir."

"No need to be so formal, Elias is fine with me; you are your father's son. I bet you two look very much alike if you compare pictures at the same age. And you are almost as tall as your father. What brings you and Friedrich to my store today?"

"Friedrich starts the university in a week. My wife thinks it's time for men's' pants."

"The collegiate look."

"I suppose she would call it that."

"Let me take some measurements." Friedrich was measured for sleeve length and the width of his back; and of course his waist and pant length.

Elias selected two suits; one in grey and the other in forest green. He sent him into the dressing room with his assistant. He stepped out.

"I can't wait for your mother to see you." He was wearing the grey suit with a white long sleeved shirt and a collegiate tie. "You look like all the other university students." Friedrich stood proudly as his father complemented him.

He stood on a stool so Elias could mark the pants for the proper length. "They'll be ready tomorrow Georg."

"Thank you for you time Elias."

"You're very welcome Friedrich."

They walked out of the store. "Now, I'm really excited."

"Our day isn't finished. We're going to have lunch at the Bristol Café. I told your mother and Katia we would."

Father and son enjoyed their time together; Georg listened intently to Friedrich's aspirations. When lunch was over the Maître'd delivered a note to Georg. It only read, meet me in the alley.

Friedrich was surprised when they went out the back door; but he didn't ask why. Both of them saw him; they walk towards each other and stopped at a bench. "Hello Friedrich."

"Hello Herr Lewis."

"Friedrich, you know there have been people watching you whenever you are away from the villa."

"Yes, I do know; Father told us after we hurried from the mountain last summer after our picnic."

"It's still needed. There will be someone watching you at the university; actually he's watching the surroundings; he's very observant. Please don't worry; pretend he isn't there; have fun, talk with your classmates."

They departed in opposite directions. "Father what does all this mean?"

"What have you heard?"

"I know the Germans want to make Austria a part of Germany. And that would put you in danger. I also think they are already here; some of those men and young boys at the marketplace were Germans."

"All that is true; James knows a lot. He doesn't think anything will happen soon."

"Mother knows all this too."

"Yes, we try not to dwell on it."

They came in through the kitchen. Maria and Katia were enjoying a cup of tea with Maria's allotment of cookies. Katia would always laugh about Maria limiting her cookie intake; after all she had kept her cookie can full when she lived at the cottage.

"Success son?"

"Oh yes mother, Elias has me looking like a real university student."

"I can't wait to see you all dressed up."

Friedrich ran off to his microscope; he had lots of bacteria to examine.

"How was lunch darling?"

"Chef Johan's soup is the best. Did you and Barbara enjoy some cookies?"

"We did. You know, I think Kurt has given up being a stickler for always calling her baby."

"I suppose he feels out-numbered. Did you rest?"

"We both did; Barbara was very good; I even had a short nap."

"Just making sure you're taking care of her."

"I love your concern sweetheart. I hear voices." The others were home; the villa was no longer quiet.

It was the first day of school; Georg would be the driver today. Friedrich was the last to come to breakfast; he was wearing his new clothes. Max greeted him with a wolf whistle. "My, my, my, don't you look like a university student."

"You look so handsome Friedrich."

"Well thank you Gretl."

"And I agree." His mother's words were repeated around the table.

Everyone was let out at Marta and Gretl's school; the older children could walk the two blocks to the secondary school. Friedrich and his father went on to the university. Their first stop was the office of the registrar.

He found all his records were in order. "Professor Steele wants you in his class; he also recommended you take an advanced chemistry class as well as Anatomy and Physiology. All science classes – is that too much?"

"No sir, I can handle them."

"I'm glad to hear. Professor Steele wants you prepared for a special class this summer."

Classes would start tomorrow; Father and son returned home. "You know Friedrich; your good marks on your cumulative exams are allowing you skip a lot of the basic subjects."

"I know Father. I can't wait to start. I will get closer to my goal." Georg admired Friedrich's confidence; he couldn't help but think that the political climate might interfere.

With school resuming, choir practice did as well. Maria was letting Liesl take more control of the choir; she was her consultant. Liesl was quite confident in her abilities. She had a good ear for music and she also knew the Church's calendar; she planned accordingly.

January wasn't special just to Friedrich; it was also special for Louisa. Towards the end of the month she would be able to share her special news. Max was driving them home this particular day. All the others were chatting; no one noticed Louisa was very quiet. It wasn't that she didn't have something to share; she wanted to share it first with her parents.

She was the last to enter the kitchen. "Katia, where are they?"

"Your parents?"

"Yes."

"I'm sure they are in living room." Louisa hurried off.

"Mother, Father!"

"What is it Louisa?"

"Look at my invitation."

The two read together…invited to the program announcing the winners of the Young People's New Author contest.

"Frau Ebner told me you only get invited if you won."

"Really Louisa?" Their daughter had one of the broadest smiles they had ever seen.

"I see it's Saturday at the University Library Auditorium. Maria, why don't we make a day of it, celebrating with dinner at the Bristol Room?"

"Would you really do that for me Father?"

"Of course Louisa, this is a big occasion. It may launch your career."

Louisa kept all this to herself; she was quiet all through dinner. Her mother tapped her glass. "Louisa has an announcement to make."

All eyes were on her. Louisa suddenly became very shy; her voice was very soft and tentative. "The winners of the Young People's New Author contest are going to be announced on Saturday. I've been invited to attend."

"What does that mean Louisa?"

"It means I won Brigitta."

"That's terrific!"

"Your mother and I decided to make a day of it. After the program we'll have dinner at the Bristol Room to celebrate the occasion. Everyone can come; Isabel that means you and I'll tell Katia; also Stefan and Phillip I'm sure they would like to come along."

On Saturday the younger children came home from school and after lunch they immediately went to their school room. Maria heard Kurt. "We might as well do our homework; it will make the time pass quicker."

He was right; when they finished it was time to get ready for the big occasion. Liesl had found a dress of hers that she could no longer wear. She knocked on Louisa's bedroom door. "Would you like to wear this Louisa?

"Could I Liesl? Do you think it will fit?"

"I'm sure it will. I wore it when I was your age."

Liesl's dress was a long sleeved tailored dress made of all-wool navy blue flannel with the popular pencil stripe in white. It was straight with no distinct waistline. It had turned-back folds on the bodice and a small collar over-laid with a second collar in white; that continued down the front and resembled the edges of a vest. The box pleats continued down the skirt. A loosely fitted decorative belt sat at hip level and was buckled in front and tied in the back.

It fit Louisa well. "Let's go show mother. I think she's in their room."

Liesl knocked. "Come in."

"Louisa wants to model for you."

"Is that you Louisa? You look so grown-up."

"Does it make me look too old?"

"Not at all; perfect for someone who will be sixteen soon. I'm almost ready; I'll be down in a minute."

Louisa waited until the last possible moment to come downstairs. Everyone was waiting for her. Maria watched her and all the others.

Friedrich met her half-way. "May I escort the next famous author down the stairs?"

"I'm flattered young man."

"You do look lovely Louisa. Are you meeting a secret admirer?"

"Father, stop it; you're making me blush."

"You are going to turn heads when you walk across the stage to accept your award."

"Do you really think so?"

"You'll turn mine." Max told her. Karl echoed the sentiment.

"Let's go the cars are waiting." It always took two cars to go anywhere with everyone from the villa.

The auditorium was full. Max whispered to Georg. "There may be publishers here. When it is over you need to get to Louisa. They may start talking to her."

"Thanks Max for the warning."

There were some spoken remarks; first by the librarian at the University and then Frau Ebner. "It is my distinct pleasure to introduce Felix Salten who will announce the winners." Brigitta was especially pleased; she had read Bambi when it was first published.

"And now the winner in the teen division for the most creative and colorful illustrations and also for the clever use of words to attract very young readers' is Louisa von Trapp."

With the audience being filled with the extended von Trapp family, the applause was long and loud. Louisa accepted her award; the Felix Salten Medal for distinguished merit; a framed certificate. "Louisa also receives an invitation to my publishing class."

Frau Ebner concluded the ceremony. Max had been right, Georg saw a couple of men rush to his daughter. He arrived at the front of the stage. He took Louisa's hand; he could tell she was very anxious.

"Sir, are you her father?"

"I am. What can I do for you?"

All Georg heard was "publish her book."

"Please gentlemen, send me your information; 51 Aigen, Salzburg." The men weren't really satisfied but they left and moved on to the other winners. Max had told Maria who the men were. She immediately put her arm around Louisa.

"It's alright; your father has everything under control."

Frau Ebner found the family. "Are you pleased?"

"Overwhelmed; I never expected publishers to be here. Thank goodness my friend Max warned me."

"If you need any advice; you know where to find me. Congratulations Louisa, I'll see you in school."

The auditorium was quiet. "I think we can safely leave." The family drove the short distance to the hotel. Fred the doorman greeted them. "The Bristol Room is ready for you. Congratulations Louisa."

"Thank you, how did you know?"

"Your father told Chef Johan."

The meal was very similar to the food at the wedding reception; anything would have been good; all of Chef Johan's recipes got great reviews. The family returned home and relaxed for a short time in the living room together. No one stayed up long. They had had a full day and tomorrow was Sunday. The children needed to be at the church on time.

On Monday Maria had another checkup with Dr. Greenburg. "I must sound like a broken record; you and the baby get a clean bill of health. Is the little one bothering you much at night?"

"Not too much doc, she just has bad timing."

"Georg, what are you telling him?"

"The truth darling, she does kick at the most inappropriate time."

"Not unusual at all; remember to make an appointment to see me again in two weeks."

"Maria, why are you blushing? He's heard it all before."

"I suppose. We are going to the baby store today?"

"Yes darling we do need a few things for Barbara."

"I have a list."

"Who helped you with it?"

"Everyone; I've been told I should stay away from all the dresses that are too fancy."

"Hello Maria, are you ready to shop for this baby?"

"Yes, Myrtle; I brought Georg along for advice."

"Let's look at cradles first. The way you look, I recommend the longer one. You will want to keep the baby in the cradle at least three or four months. Do you want one that rocks?"

"What do you think Georg?"

"I think she's going to have enough people to rock her."

"Did I hear she? What makes you so certain?"

"It's only a feeling I have; a strong feeling."

"The cradles are neither male nor female. I had a friend who recently moved; she had no need for her cradles. She had two of them; just like you, their bedroom was on the second floor. You take them and use them until you no longer need them."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure. Let's look at the layette sets; one in the colors of green and yellow. You could have a boy and pink doesn't look very good on a boy."

"No it doesn't; my youngest son would be furious."

"Can you think of anything else Georg?"

"No, we have the essentials."

"I'll send it to your villa."

"Tell your delivery person to use the kitchen door in the back. I'll let everyone know Maria went baby shopping."

"We better go; the children will be waiting."

Myrtle saw what everyone else did when they met Maria and Georg the first time; that they were very much in love.

The children were waiting. Kurt was excited. "Father I have a visiting professor for my structural engineering class, Professor Shenko. He's so interesting."

"I bet Uncle Karl knows him."

"Maybe, I'll ask him."

Kurt found him in the kitchen with Katia. "Uncle Karl, do you know professor Shenko?"

"I know of him; I've never met him. Why do you ask Kurt?"

"He's teaching my engineering class for a few weeks. He told us that building with an erector set is the best way to learn."

Kurt ran off to do an experiment with his erector set; to see if he could build a tower taller then him.

Karl wanted to talk with Georg alone; he knew all the ladies were in the kitchen; including the one he found himself thinking about all the time – Katia.

Karl felt awkward speaking with Georg but he felt it was necessary; he was almost tongue tied. Georg spotted him first. Did Kurt ask you about Professor Shenko?"

"He did, Shenko is a brilliant engineer."

"Did you want to see me Karl?"

Karl hesitated before speaking. Georg knew. "What on your mind Karl?"

"Katia is."

Georg quickly covered his mouth with his hand to smother his laugh. "Did you come to ask permission Karl?"

"I though it might be appropriate."

"You know your sister suspected a fondness way back it the fall. I can tell you from experience; it's very difficult to hide one's affection for someone. I also believe it is a two way street."

"She's a wonderful woman; I know a lot of women. I never really dated; I suppose I'm more cautious than normal. I'll be appropriate Georg."

"I know you will. We better go see what the ladies are doing."

"Katia, is my wife behaving?" Georg came up behind Maria; put his arms around her and soothed her belly. Barbara is already getting big. She doesn't need too many cookies."

Maria leaned back against her husband. "I'm not eating darling; we're only talking."

"Just checking sweetheart."

"What's for dinner, Katia?"

"Good food, now all of you out of the kitchen or dinner will be late."

Maria and Georg both listen to the tone of this playful conversation. They left smiling and Karl was right behind them.

Katia did fix good food for dinner. She was very lucky even the children ate most anything; including Gretl who had grown out of that picky stage. They made themselves comfortable in the living room for an evening of fun and games.

In the morning, one man was up and dressed way before daylight. He sat in the kitchen waiting.

The light suddenly turned on. "Karl, you scared me."

"I didn't mean to Katia."

"Why are you up so early?"

"You know why Katia. We need to talk. And I think we both already know the conversation"

Katia nodded. "Let me make some coffee first."

"Here Karl, just as you like it, hot and black."

She had a cup as well. The two sat at the small kitchen table. "Katia, my early life was full of bitterness. When I was around eight or nine I longed for a relationship with my father, but that didn't happen. When I was thirteen I left Mother Anika's home. I was lucky. I met a returning soldier from the war. He was in Vienna to attend the university. He urged me to come with him.

"An elderly man greeted us in the admissions office. I don't why he took a liking to me almost immediately. He asked what I liked to do. I told him I found building things fascinating. After a few more question, I found myself enrolled in the university.

"From then on I seemed to interact with others who guided me. I had fun at the university; my musical talent did not go unnoticed. I suppose the few times I was with my father had given me a foundation. I soon found myself playing in a musical group.

"And then I received the letter from Maria. Now, I'm like her; I believe this was all part of God's plan. You are the first woman who has touched my heart. I sensed it from the first day we met. I'm still surprised that a beautiful woman like you never married."

"Karl, I suppose I too was cautious. As you know my father died at an early age. I heard my mother weep; and I saw her loneliness. I put up a barrier; I didn't allow any man to get close to me. I must admit. You began to break down that barrier the first time we met. I thought it was my imagination. But I continued to dream about you."

Karl took her hand in both of his. "Then I do believe this is God's plan."

"So do I Karl. I better start breakfast. Stefan and Phillip will be down soon."

"I'll sit right here and keep you company. As Georg told me, they won't be surprised. It seems that everyone knows about our fondness for each other."

Katia laughed. "I know Karl, I know."

"Good morning gentlemen."

The two men looked first at Karl and then Katia. "So it really is true."

"Yes, Stefan it's true."

Karl got up to allow the two to sit and have breakfast. "Katia, do you need any extra milk or eggs?"

"I don't believe so Stefan. I still have a half pitcher of milk and a couple of eggs from yesterday."

The two men left to begin their chores. Katia finished breakfast for the family. She had served everything; she was out of range of hearing the conversation in the dining room. "Where's Uncle Karl? He's never late for a meal. He's just like me."

"I know where he is; excuse me. I'll be right back Kurt." Maria got up. Of course Georg also knew. He kept it to himself.

"Come on you two, Karl, you've been missed. You are going to need to make the announcement; they already know. You need to make it official."

They brought their plates. Karl had a place at the table. Katia was surprised another chair had been placed beside Karl's. They didn't say a word; the family applauded. "Now, we can eat; the whole family is here."

"Kurt, you're right. Katia and I are beginning to court."

"What does court mean mother?"

"It means Uncle Karl and Katia are getting to know each other; just like your father and I took time to get to know one another."

Gretl smiled; she remembered watching her father and her Fraulien.