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Karl made it a habit of being in the kitchen first thing in the morning. Katia was no longer spooked by his presence. The two were taking their time establishing a romantic relationship. It was the first for both of them. As often as he could, Karl would sit in the kitchen while she was cooking; he would always help with washing the dishes after dinner.

That's exactly where he was doing this particular morning. "What's that noise Karl?" He listened intently. "Sounds like a truck; must be Barbara's cradle and baby things. Georg told me Maria had been shopping."

He decided to meet the truck. It came to a stop near the back door. "Delivery for Frau von Trapp. Where would you like them?"

Katia was standing in the doorway; she heard the question. "Karl, they can put them in the hall for now."

"This way gentlemen."

Karl read the invoice out loud; "two cradles, layette set, ten blankets, fifty diapers, twelve long-sleeved gowns with drawstrings, seven dresses, seven pairs of leg coverings." He paused, "my goodness that's a lot but there's more." He continued; "sweaters, jackets, bonnets, socks, shoes, mattress covers, sheets and two quilts. Did the lady of the house buy out the store?"

"First babies require a lot sir; no hand-me-downs."

"I see."

Maria heard their voices. "Oh goody, Barbara's things arrived. The girls are going to enjoy looking at all of this when they get home this afternoon."

"Is that little bundle of joy really going to need all of this?"

"All of it and more," she patted him on the cheek, "you'll see Karl."

The children noticed the baby's things the moment they entered the hall from the kitchen. They began to look at them. Maria got up from her comfortable chair to see their reactions.

"Mother, these are strange clothes." Gretl was holding up one of the gowns with drawstrings. "Mary Elizabeth doesn't wear this. Where are her dresses?"

"Gretl, very little babies don't wear dresses as soon as they are born. All they do is eat, sleep and need their diaper changed."

"When can she play with Mary Elizabeth and me?"

"I don't exactly but she will Gretl, don't you worry."

"Look at these tiny shoes and socks; they wouldn't fit my big toe." Brigitta and the girls continued to look through the clothes. They did find the dresses. Gretl was pleased.

"How much longer Mother until she is born?"

"Let me count, today is February seventh. There are three weeks left in this month and then about four or five more weeks. That adds up to seven or eight weeks."

"Are you excited?"

"Very much girls."

Georg and Friedrich came home together. "I see Barbara's things arrived."

"Father, did you know she could be born in seven or eight weeks?"

"That soon, I better start banking my sleep hours; little girls love to fuss at two in the morning."

"Father, are you telling us, we fussed a lot?"

"I am but I wouldn't want it any other way; you're fussing told me you were loved."

Georg noticed Kurt hadn't said a word. "Kurt, you don't know this; but your mother wouldn't have bought the same things if we thought it would be a boy."

"Why's that Father?"

"Clothes for a newborn are the same; boys and girls wear the same clothes the first three months or so."

"Did I wear that thing Gretl looked at?"

"You did Kurt. I remember."

"A dress Liesl?"

"It's really not a dress; it's a sleeping gown. Boys need to be changed as often as girls do; it makes it easier to do. Beside it keep the baby's legs warm."

"Kurt, I bought a few dresses only because your father is so sure it's a girl. If it's a boy, I can call the baby shop and get some blue rompers."

"Thanks Mother, but I've decided it is a girl. Father will get his Barbara."

Everyone looked at him not really sure they heard him right. He held that smile like the night of the thunderstorm; his whole face lit up. Maria's heart was touched; she would always remember. She kissed his forehead before he followed his siblings to do their homework.

"Kurt never ceases to surprise me."

"Me too Maria; are you as excited as they are?"

"I am sweetheart; also a little scared. I've held very few babies."

"Just you wait; your natural instincts will take over as soon as she is born. The most important thing is always to cradle her head in your hand. You'll be an expert very quickly."

"I hope so darling." Maria had hold of his arm and laid her head against his shoulder. Georg gave her a soft kiss. They both wished for the weeks to pass quickly.

The weather in February was unpredictable; sometimes wintery weather continued until the end of the month. This year was an odd year. The temperatures had moderated; there were only a few days of light snow.

Maria had her appointment with the doctor. Maria and the baby were fine. The couple sat in his office. "Maria, have your lady friends told you anything about the birth process?"

"Yes, when they first discovered I was pregnant. I also told them I have seen all kinds of animals give birth and I know we humans are similar."

"That's right. Do you have any questions?"

"How will I know when it's time?"

"I wish there was an answer for you. The first time is difficult to predict; everyone is different. I think you're going to need to rely on Georg. He's been through this a few times"

"My lady friends told me I was lucky; their husbands were as dumb as they were."

Georg laughed out loud. "I'm guilty of being dumb; the first time for me was an eye-opening experience."

"It's that way for all of us; even me. You still have at least six weeks to go. I'll see you again near the first week in March." Georg helped his wife out of the chair.

"Call me if you have any questions."

"I will. I don't want to take any chances."

In a few days, Georg had received all the offers to publish Louisa's book. Maria found him in his study reading over them. "Maria, look at these offers to publish Louisa's book."

"My goodness, that's a lot of money."

"I know, I think I'm going take Frau Ebner's offer and get her advice."

"Good idea Georg."

He hadn't wanted to worry Maria but he was very concerned about the family name circulating; not only in Austria but in Germany. He thought. Maybe Louisa could publish under a pen-name.

He spoke with his daughter; he didn't mention the idea of a pen name. "I'm going make an appointment to see your teacher. I don't know much about publishing; she offered to help us."

"I know she will."

Georg's appointment was the next day. He brought with him the four proposals. "I'm not surprised sir; families love little books like these for their children."

"Frau Ebner, I'm sure you know of my naval skills. I'm worried about having the family name circulated, especially in Germany."

"Louisa could use a pseudo-name. Young authors usually choose to publish that way. It needs to be creative and easy to remember."

"I thought of that too. I'm sure Louisa could come up with an original name. Now, which one do you think I should accept?"

She made a chart; it listed, advance money, earnings per book and strength of advertising. "My choice would be Little People Publishing Company. They specialize in books for six and under."

"I think Louisa likes that age group."

"So do I."

"Thank you so much, I can see myself out." Georg walked away with a very positive feeling.

Maria was waiting for her husband. "What did you learn?"

"Frau Ebner was a big help. First she suggested Louisa publish under a pen name; most young authors do. And she recommended Little People Publishing Company; they cater to children six and younger. The also have the best advertising.

"We should tell Louisa today. I want to contact the publisher tomorrow. I know where their office is located. Would you like to come with me?"

"I would. Do you think the size of my belly will scare them?

"No darling, I'm sure they've seen a pregnant lady before."

Maria intercepted Louisa before she went upstairs. "Come with me, your father and I have good news for you."

"About my book?"

"Yes."

"Frau Ebner was a big help Louisa. She suggested you write using a pen name. Do you know what that means?"

"Yes Father, it's a name an author selects to use when they write. I'll have to think up a good one."

"I'm sure Brigitta and the others can help you."

"Louisa, you will be rewarded very well; the money offer was excellent."

"I still can't believe all this. I wrote it for fun and now I get paid for having fun."

"That's the way things happen sometimes."

She ran off to think up a name. "It is hard to believe Georg."

"I know Maria." They sat there together delighting in the good fortune of another one of their children. Their quiet moment was interrupted. Louisa came running down the stairs.

"Good, you're both still here. We came up with a name."

"So quickly, tells us."

"Mary Elizabeth Edwards."

"Gretl's idea?"

"Yes, it sounded so right."

"Who's idea for the last name?"

"The last name just came to me; I don't know why"

"I know Gretl must be pleased and you're right Edwards is the perfect last name."

"Your mother and I will be going to see the publisher tomorrow."

"Oh goody, I can hardly wait." She ran off to tell the others.

"Maria, is that a new word in everyone's vocabulary?"

"It seems we are all copying Gretl. It's a fun word."

"I hear the children. They must be finished with their homework."

At dinner that night, Louisa announced her pen name to everyone. It brought complements from all of them.

Georg did take his very pregnant wife with him to the publisher's office in the morning. Georg was immediately recognized.

"Right this way sir, Herr Willem Van Dyk is waiting for you."

"Good morning Captain, I see you brought your lovely wife along. Have you made a decision?"

"Yes we have; our daughter is very excited."

"She should be. I must tell you. This was one of the best entries I had ever seen. I know it's going to be a big hit with the children. Do you have any questions?"

"Not a question; we do want Louisa to publish using a pseudo-name."

"Not unexpected; has she selected a name?"

"Yes, Mary Elizabeth Edwards."

"That's perfect; it will be easy for people to remember. Do I need to make any changes to the contract?"

"No, your offer was outstanding."

"If you will sign right here; we will start today. I will want to see Louisa when the prototype is finished."

"No problem, you know how to reach us."

"I do; it won't take us too long; maybe only a week or two. Hopefully, before you deliver that baby."

"Actually sir, I have a few more weeks."

Maria and Georg left the office trying not to snicker. "I saw him looking at my belly."

"It must have been awhile since he has had a pregnant woman in his office. I'm in the mood for soup. Shall we visit the Bristol Café?"

"Barbara and I could both use some soup."

They left the café in time for choir practice. Karl had the pickup duty today. He had dropped Liesl off before going on to the schools.

"Hi Mother, I didn't know if you and father would be finished in time."

"It didn't take long at the publishers. We stopped for soup; Barbara was hungry."

"You're so funny. I have our hymn selected and I think everyone will like it." Lent had arrived but this hymn wasn't one of the very somber hymns of Lent.

The children loved Liesl's selection. They sang The Glory of These Forty Days, with ease. They automatically sang in harmony. Maria was pleased not only with the choir but with Liesl's maturity as a choir director. Her lessons at the university had made a big difference.

Herr Van Dyk had been correct. The prototype of Louisa's book was ready in less than a week. She and her father went together to approve it. They found it to be exactly the way Louisa had envisioned it to be made. It was small, but not too small. The print was the perfect size for young readers and the colors were vibrant. She was very pleased.

"Harvey's bookstore will get the first book off the press."

"That's perfect sir."

"You're welcome Fräulein."

Louisa blushed; no one had ever called her a fräulein before. "I see you are pleased Louisa."

"Yes Father, I am."

After school on Saturday, Georg took the children to the bookstore. He was aware that Harvey had been at the awards ceremony. He also knew he would not reveal Louisa's real name.

They found the store empty. "I thought you might come in Louisa."

"I had to bring her Harvey. It's a real special occasion; to see your own work for sale in a store."

Everyone looked at it. "I want you to have the first copy. Save it for that new brother or sister you will be getting soon. I dated it for you; the day I received it."

"Thank you Herr Harvey; I'll save it for her."

Harvey had heard the "her," but decided to keep quiet. He simply smiled as the family left.

The family's happiness was about to be shattered. The Stock Market in New York City had collapsed a year earlier. Its impact had finally reached Europe including Germany and Austria. In Germany's recent election the National Socialists Party, Hitler's party, had won a large majority of the votes. The results stunned the world.

The Bank of Germany demanded that the Credit-Anstalt Bank of Austria make a payment which was owed to them. The management of the bank feared the Germans and Hitler's growing army of Stormtroopers which by now numbered about 300,000. They made the payment.

The event caused a major investor in the bank to request his money; this put a terrible strain on the bank; other investors became aware. There was a run on the bank; it had to close its doors, physically. People pounded on them demanding to be let it; to no avail. They were all told; "there is no more money."

News of the bank's failure spread quickly through Salzburg. The telephone rang in Georg's study. He heard it and hurried to catch it before it stopped ringing.

"Hello," Georg breathed heavily into the phone. He recognized the voice.

Georg listened, "sorry to bring you bad news," the caller quickly continued. "The Credit-Anstalt Bank locked its doors. All our money is gone." There was silence on both ends.

"It doesn't look good for Austria, Georg; Hitler has gained more power."

"No it doesn't. I'm glad I heard it from you Harold."

Georg sat there with his face in his hands. He was worried about Maria and the baby. Sometimes reaction to bad news could put a woman into labor. Maria had heard the phone ring; she had followed her husband but not quickly. She saw him; she knew immediately something was wrong.

"Who called Georg?"

"Harold, our bank collapsed; our money is gone."

Maria was amazedly calm. She was accustomed to having nothing. Her father had always paid Mother Anika for taking care of her. When the judge became her guardian, he spent nothing on her. She never had anything. Her clothes were always hand me downs or from the poor box at church. Her meals were only enough to keep her alive.

"Come sit with me Georg." She patted the place beside her; she took hold of both of his hands. Her reaction surprised him.

"Georg, we must remember God's faithfulness. You know the story of Hanukkah. The oil that was only enough for one day burnt for eight. And there is the story of Elijah and the widow. She had only enough flour and oil to make one cake for herself and her son. Elijah assured her that God would provide.

"She made him a cake; he ate and left her. The words he had spoken came true. The bowl did not run out of flour nor did the jar run out of oil. God continues to provide to those who believe. Do we have any money?"

"Yes Maria we do. I never deposited any of my earning from the university. There's also some money in the Bank of England. Agathe's grandfather left it to her."

"Have you been making regular withdrawals from the bank?"

"None for a long time."

"Interesting, so you haven't needed it? It seems God had been providing and we didn't even know it. Do you keep a ledger?"

"Right here Maria, take a look."

"We'll look together. Look Georg, you have the same amount of cash on hand today as you did two years ago. I see the income from eggs and milk has really increased since last year. How did this happen?"

"Our neighbor behind the pasture moved away; he gave us his chickens and cow. Stefan has enough to sell everyday. He trades for flour and sugar and meat from the hunters. We never need to buy fruit or vegetables. Phillip plants more than enough; enough to share with Father Martin and his seminary students."

"I also see coffee money listed as income."

"That's from Max; he's not really a sponge."

"And I notice the university pays you very well. Why did you never deposit any of your income?"

"I really don't know; I just didn't." Maria smiled.

"God's plan Georg."

"Maria, how do you know about money?"

"I handled the money for the poor at the Abbey. I saw times when we gave away all but a few pennies. Sometimes hours later, a person would stop by the gate and hand the sister on duty a bag, 'for the poor, sister.'

"Let's talk to everyone, including the children. We'll tell them the truth."

"Maria, my Maria, I believe with all my heart God sent you to me; to this family."

"Maybe that's true. But I found love for the first time in my life. God let out paths cross."

He held her in his arms for a long time; kissing her affectionately before breaking his embrace.

"Let's go find everyone." She could no longer pull him to his feet. It was vice-versa.

"Karl, will you ask Stefan and Phillip to come down to the living room. I need to talk with everyone."

"Sure Georg, I'll go right now."

"I don't know why Stefan. He just asked me to get both of you."

Katia was already there; she had saved a seat for Karl on one of the settees. "What's this all about?" She whispered to Karl.

He shook his head, "don't know."

Everyone's eyes were on Georg as he sat on the footstool beside Maria. "Our good friend Harold called me. The Germans caused a run on our State Bank; after a few large depositors withdrew their money it locked its door. Everyone's money is gone; including ours." He heard gasps from all of them. He continued quickly.

"I thought it spelled disaster. Until Maria showed me how God has been providing for us all along. I have a large amount of cash on hand. Your egg and milk money Stefan has really helped. The university has paid me well; even your coffee money added to it Max."

"We could help even more Georg. I for one don't need any wages. I'm grateful for a place to eat and sleep. What more could I want."

"Thank you Stefan."

"That goes for all of us Georg."

"That's most gracious; but I will still give you a little each month. You never know. You might need it sometime."

"Georg, I withdrew all my money from the Bank in Vienna. I was afraid I might not be able withdraw it later."

"Your money will be for an emergency Karl."

"Father, I'll be getting some money from my book."

"Yes, sweetie you will. I really want to save for you."

"Father, we can walk to school."

"Thank you Brigitta. It's safer for us to drive you. It's not very far and it doesn't use up much gasoline."

Marta had been listening intently; her young mind could only think one thing. "Mother, are we poor?"

"No Marta, God will continue to provide. Remember the Bible story about the feeding of the five thousand. God used two fish and five loaves of bread to feed all those people. And there was some left over.

"I think we should sing. Let's start with All Creatures of out God and King." Everyone had a suggestion; Rock of Ages and many more.

While they were singing, Katia and Karl slipped out. Katia needed to start preparing dinner. "What do you think is going to happen Karl?"

"I think is inevitable. The Germans will over run our country. We will live under Hitler's rule. And eventually a war will start again."

"Georg's already in danger. I can't imagine what the Germans will do once they take over. Karl is it true what's happening to the Jews in Germany? I've heard horror stories."

"I'm afraid so Katia." He could see her tears. "May I hold you?"

"Yes Karl, it makes me sad and very scared. It could happen to some of my friends."

He drew her close. This was the first time they had been this close. She laid her head on his shoulder, her tears subsided. "Katia, will you go out with me some evening?"

"I'd love to, where?"

"Maybe, out to eat. I could help you fix a simple meal for the family."

"That would be lovely."

Katia and Karl spoke to Maria and Georg. "Of course you can go out. We can clean up after ourselves. There are more than enough hands to wash dishes."

Georg had given him some suggestions; places he and Maria had gone when they were in the first days of their relationship.

Katia was in her room searching her wardrobe for the right dress. Karl had only seen her in everyday clothes with an apron over them. Even the dress she wore to church wasn't fancy. She heard a knock at her door.

"Maria, what do you have?"

"I know you can wear it."

"But that's Georg's favorite."

"Yes, he loves the color and of course the way it fits me."

"Now you want me to draw wolf whistles from Karl."

"Why not Katia?"

"Put it on. I want to see how it looks on you."

"Well look at you; see I told you it would fit you perfectly. I better get downstairs before I'm missed."

"There's my wife."

"Were you looking for me darling?"

"As a matter of fact yes; have you been up to mischief?"

"No comment."

"Now, I'm looking for my date."

"She'll be down in a minute Karl."

As predicted Karl did sound the whistle and Katia blushed just as the owner of the suit had the first time she wore it. "You look lovely Katia. You and my wife wear that color very well."

"Thank you Georg."

"Have a good time Katia and Uncle Karl."

"We will children." Max had brought the car around front; he left the engine running. They stood outside and watched them drive away.

They weren't down the lane very far when Karl slowed a little; he had detected a person up ahead. His heart took a leap but then he saw the man's face. It was Josef. "Hi Karl, Katia, remember you'll be followed. "Yes, we know."

They had decided on the Bristol. There they were able to have a private dining room. They could talk and laugh and not worry about being heard by others. They had a wonderful time.

"Their escort dropped off when they turned down the lane to the villa. The other men stationed along the road would watch until they were inside the gates of the villa; where the sentinel would take over.

"Katia, the moonlight is perfect tonight."

"Perfect for what Karl?"

"For this," he softly touched her chin; at the same time his lips came close to hers. They shared a kiss that neither wanted to end. "I've fallen in love with you Katia."

"I share that love." He kissed her again. "You know we should get married soon. Our temptation is going to be great."

He continued to hold her in his arms. "How long to we need to wait?"

"Maybe until a few weeks after the baby is born. We better go inside."

The villa was quiet; everyone had gone to bed. Karl locked the back door and turned out the kitchen lights. He walked Katia to the base of the stairs. They said their final goodnights. Karl waited for Katia to reach her room. He went up; down the back hall to the staircase up to the third floor.

No one needed to ask if they had fun last night. Their body posture and admiring looks, that almost said kiss me, spoke volumes. They were very discrete; especially around the children. They were very sure of their relationship; they both felt it was meant to be.

In a few days all the ladies came to the villa. Maria knew they were there to help her get ready for the baby. They had washed all of the baby's things; they were ready to be put away.

"Max and Karl have the dresser from the attic all cleaned up and in our room; come see."

"This is perfect; the top will make a perfect changing table." They made several trips to bring everything up to the room. "This little pad will be perfect for the top. She'll be very comfortable when you change her Maria."

"Do you have Gretl's doll?"

"I do, I've been practicing; Gretl is thrilled I'm using her. Let me show you."

Maria made a triangle with the diaper and pinned it on the doll. "Very good Maria, we'll show you how to fold it differently when she gets bigger."

"I think it's time for lunch. Sophia has prepared all your favorites."

"I hope she knows my stomach doesn't have much room."

"She does Maria."

"Are you ready ladies?'

"We are Karl, thanks for driving us. Remember Alfred will bring us home."

"Have fun ladies."

They had the best time. "Are you excited Maria?"

"Yes but also a little nervous."

"Remember what we told you before."

"Yes, I do. I'm lucky to have an experienced husband."

"You'll be fine Maria, I'm sure of it."

"Thank you Audrey and tell Sophia again, the food was scrumptious; I wish my stomach could have held more.'"

"Soon Maria, it will soon."

They were dropped off at the kitchen door. Thank you for the ride Alfred."

"My pleasure ladies."

Isabel took in a deep breath. "Feels like spring is coming early this year."

"It is warmer than usual. Did I tell you, Dr. Greenburg told me Barbara may come early. She's already full size. And she's not moving very much; her foot seems to kick the same spot all the time."

"We're prepared Maria. She's welcome anytime."