Public Singing
A few minutes later Karl came to the kitchen door. "Look at you; you're covered with snowball marks."
"Yes, I know Katia. Kurt kept pelting me as I walked back to the villa. I'll take my jacket off out here and give it a good shake."
"I'll hang it up for you. Go get changed."
Kurt and the girls had followed him. "Have you had enough fun in the snow?"
"For now Aunt Katia; maybe we can play again tomorrow after church."
The snow people especially enjoyed Katia's hot soup for dinner that night. She had even baked a cake. "This is in celebration of the first snow of the winter."
Kurt laughed as he devoured a large piece of all white cake with white icing.
Liesl had put away the song list she had made with her mother. And Maria did the same with the peasant clothes. Georg wasn't ready to tell the children yet.
Karl and Katia were washing the dishes together. They both heard a car drive up. "I wonder who that could be Karl."
"Let me look out the window. You'll never believe this, it's John." He opened the door. "This is a surprise. Liesl wasn't expecting you tonight."
"I know. I had to convince my dad the lane would be passable."
"She's in the living room. Go scare the heck out of her."
"Uncle Karl, you're funny."
John did try and sneak in the living room but Liesl was too quick. She turned and saw him. "John, I didn't think I'd see you today."
"Had to convince my dad the lane was passable."
"You're just in time for charades."
There was a big space around the fireplace. The adults brought chairs closer and the children sat on the floor. Maria had Barbara on her lap. She also had the slips of paper with the topics. They were all mixed up; animals, book titles and even musical instruments.
It was John's turn. He took the top card from Maria. He smiled; he knew it would be an easy guess for anyone. John made a fist and brought it to his lips. With his other hand he pretended to slide something up and down. All the while he was making the sound. "Oompa, oompa."
He saw Karl smile but he didn't speak. It was Brigitta who took a guess.
"You're playing a trombone."
"Correct, your turn."
Brigitta had to think before she acted. She got up on her toes and twirled around and then fell to the ground, one leg in front and the other bent; her arms at her side flapping like wings.
Even Georg participated. "Are you a swan?"
"Your turn Father."
Georg laughed when he read his card. He bent over slightly, brought his hands up to his armpits and began to dance around and scratch himself as he said, "who ha ha; who ha ha."
Barbara squealed as she watched her father. "I think even Barbara knows this one." Maria pretended to listen to her whisper in her ear. "You think so sweetie?"
"Barbara says you're a silly monkey."
Georg tickled her. "That's right." She squealed again.
"Barbara's going to say goodnight. It's past her bedtime."
"I better go too Liesl. I promised my parents I wouldn't stay too long." Martin who had waited at the villa took it as a cue to meet John at the car. It was parked outside the kitchen door. He went on ahead. He let the couple say goodnight in private.
"I'll see you tomorrow at church. Maybe I can come home with you."
"That would be nice." John's kiss was more lingering that ever before. He left before Liesl could say anything to him. She wrapped her arms around herself. He's the one; the one I will be with forever.
She went back to the living room and found all her siblings had gone to bed. They had had a very active afternoon. "You're smiling Liesl."
"I guess I am Father. I'm very, very happy. See you in the morning."
The fire had died down; all the adults headed for their bedroom. Georg found Maria laying Barbara in her crib. He kissed his fingers and placed them on her lips. "Sleep well little one."
Georg slipped his arm around Maria. "Liesl had a very telling smile on her face when she returned to the living room."
"What did it tell you?"
"That John will indeed become our first son-in-law; it's only a matter of time."
Maria laid her head against his shoulder. "Yes, time will tell us. I'm happy for her; he's a fine young man. Now I can enjoy my man."
"And me, my woman."
Kurt was very disappointed in the morning. He found the snow was beginning to melt. The temperature was above freezing. "Don't be too upset Son. The winter hasn't even begun yet; I'm sure there will be more." The family went on to church that morning knowing they would not play in the snow later. It was quickly becoming slush.
After Mass, Maria spotted two familiar faces walking towards her. "Jonah, Leah, what a surprise. Is everything alright?"
"It is Maria. James told me I couldn't drive to your villa. He suggested we meet you here."
Ralph Bittinger spoke to Georg. "It's all arranged. You can meet in the house."
"Maria, does Barbara need you soon?"
"No, she can eat her food first. Why?"
"So we can talk with Leah and Jonah at the Bittingers' house."
"She'll be fine Maria. Isabel and I can take care of her. Go visit." Maria acknowledged Katia and went with her husband.
Audrey made the parlor available to them. "We're not leaving yet. We haven't had a chance to visit."
"I saw Barbara. She's really growing."
"She's wonderful Jonah; a wonderful diversion from these trying times. Do you have a date in mind?"
"Not really, we'd like to make it until the weather moderates some. James is keeping me informed. When he tells me it's time, we'll leave immediately. The house is ready. What about you?"
"We hope to get a month or so beyond Christmas, Jonah."
"James told me that we can have lunch together at the Bristol. I'll set it up and get word to you. Is Wednesday a good day?"
"It is. Maria and I will be looking forward to it."
The couples said their goodbyes. Sidney was waiting in the car. "James already told me. I'll confirm with Chef Johan for this Wednesday."
"I suspected he had."
"It's going to happen quickly, isn't it Georg."
"I'm afraid so Maria."
Katia greeted them by the kitchen door. "I let everyone eat. Your son convinced me."
"Not surprised Katia, not at all."
"Barbara ate for me. I think she wants you now. She's tired."
Maria quickly took a bite of pastry; her stomach was growling. "Let me have her Louisa; it's nap time."
"That didn't take long Maria."
"She must have been full; she didn't nurse very long. She fell asleep quickly."
"Here Maria, I saved you some hot food."
"Thank you Katia, I am hungry."
Maria sat in the living room eating, she heard Liesl. "Come stand around the piano. Let's sing some of our favorites." She began with Old MacDonald and then Frère Jacques and then Amazing Grace. "Can we sing our Gregorian chants? They're so pretty."
"Sure we can Marta, and we can even sing some Christmas carols. It's never too soon to refresh our memories."
Georg recognized exactly what Liesl was doing. Max commented. "You sound wonderful; as good as those practicing at Wolfgang's booth the other day."
"I wish we could sing for people. It would make everyone happy."
"You wouldn't be scared Gretl?"
"No Father, I wasn't scared when I played my recorder at the school program."
"I have a surprise for you. Your Uncle Max twisted my arm so hard; I had to tell him you could sing at Wolfgang's booth."
"Did you really twist his arm Uncle Max?"
"No Gretl, it's a way of saying I convinced him."
"When Father?"
"Starting Saturday the twenty-ninth and every Saturday until Christmas."
"This is so exciting. Can we sing some more Liesl?"
"Let me show you something first." Maria went over to the cabinet where she had stashed their costumes. "I bought these on our honeymoon. The part of Italy we visited used to be part of Austria. I found them in an old Austrian shop. They're dresses that peasants wore all the time. And Kurt I bought you a white shirt with bolero sleeves and brightly colored suspenders; it's what men wore long ago. Grandma Isabel and I need to alter the ones for Marta and Gretl."
"Our dresses are so colorful; I really like them."
"I do too Marta. Let me measure you so I can get started on your dress."
"And Gretl I need to do the same."
"Measure me Grandma Isabel." She held out her arms for Isabel to bring the measuring tape snug under her arms. "I'll make the length correct after I alter it Gretl; I can see it is very long on you."
Maria and Isabel started on the alterations; they took out seams; and then stitched them again to make the dresses smaller. And they listened to the children sing song after song. They didn't seem to tire. Liesl had to remind them. "Your voices need a rest. Maybe we can sing again later."
Everyone left the living room. Georg and Liesl were alone. "Thank you Liesl; that was a wonderful way to break the news to them."
"I thought you might need some help. And I knew we had to begin to practice. I want us to be perfect. Later, we'll practice a couple of songs on our recorders."
"Liesl, I know you are carrying a big burden. It's difficult not sharing everything with your brother and sisters. Remember, you can always talk with us. Don't ever hesitate."
"I won't Father."
John returned in a few minutes; along with Louisa and Brigitta. He and Liesl didn't stay there. They went to the sitting room near the veranda. The sun had warmed it up nicely. "I'll come listen on Saturdays; I'll be working at the game booth."
"That's wonderful John. Be sure and tell your parents. I know your mom would like to hear us."
"Liesl, do you feel the spark between us?"
"I suppose you could describe it that way. I do. I want it to last forever."
"Again, you took the words right out of my mouth. I suppose we should join the others."
"Maybe I can beat you at chess today."
"We'll see."
They played a game before dinner; which John won. Later the children practiced a few songs on their reorders. Liesl was still deciding which ones she would use for the performances.
The quiet of the living room was broken by Liesl's loud voice. "Checkmate John."
"I see." He studied the board. "You did it Liesl. You won your first game."
"Let me look at the board John. You're not just making Liesl happy."
"No sir."
Georg studied the board. "She beat you John and decisively too."
"I know." John heard the clock. "Martin will be here soon. Let's go wait at the back door." It was now Martin's designated place to wait for John.
"I probably won't ever beat you again. I think I was lucky.'
"Don't say that Liesl. You're a lot better now. Remember I love you."
"I love you too." They kissed sweetly. John hurried to the car leaving Liesl with a giddy feeling of excitement.
Liesl and her siblings practiced every day. When Wednesday came, they didn't go to the church to practice. There was no need to; no new children had joined the choir. And besides, Franz was hearing unfriendly communication from his contact on his Ham Radio.
That knowledge didn't keep Maria from being ready to meet Georg to go to lunch at the Bristol. Sidney would pick Georg up on the way.
Jonah and Leah were already there. Chef Johan had given them a private dining room and he would serve them himself. He knew what was happening in his country. He wasn't blind; he knew his Jewish friends were leaving in great numbers. He suspected Jonah and Leah would be next. He said nothing.
"Would you like some hot soup first?"
"Yes Johan, it's really cold today."
"It is, too cold to snow."
"A real disappointment to my son Kurt; he loves to ski and hasn't been able to this winter."
"Four bowls coming right up."
"We've making good use of our fireplace in the living room. We even eat in there; being less formal seems to be soothing."
"We've done something similar Maria. For us it's the kitchen; it has an old fashioned cooking fireplace. We eat a lot of soups and stews and I bake a lot of biscuits."
"Sounds like my kind of food. Are you preparing for Hanukkah Leah?"
"Trying to, Maria. It's hard though. None of the children have spoken out loud; I'm sure they know we will be leaving soon. The synagogue is very empty on Saturdays."
"Georg and I need to prepare for Advent. We need to stop at our church on Saturday and purchase supplies for our Advent wreath."
"Hot soup is here. And it is hot, so be careful."
"I can see the steam." Maria took a small amount on her spoon and allowed it to cool before tasting it. "Delicious as always, Johan."
The remainder of the meal was exquisite as usual. The couples departed; both promising to meet again soon.
Everyday after the children had finished their homework; they would find Liesl in the living room. They too wanted to practice; to be perfect.
The next letter from Friedrich had excitement oozing from the paper. Georg and Maria read it together.
Dr. Fleming told me that we will have visiting scientists from major pharmaceutical companies like Merck, Squibb, Lilly and Pfizer; names I've never heard of, but he tells me are very important.
Mother, Father we are so close to having a medicine that will fight all kinds of infections; including scarlet fever.
I need to get back. I came home for lunch and to share my good news with Gromi and Uncle Bobby. Love, Friedrich
"Wow, Georg he's really excited. Do you know any of those companies?"
"I have heard the names before but that's all. We need to try and remember to ask Jonah when we see him and Leah again."
"Did you remember Barbara has a check up with him on the twenty-sixth?"
"I didn't. I need to alert Sidney so the area around his office can be patrolled."
"Just you saying that gives me the willies."
"I know. We do need to be careful."
On Saturday the children were excited. They were having a rehearsal at Wolfgang's booth. The weather was unseasonably warm. The entire household went with them; they filled all three cars
"Georg, I'm so glad your children are singing. There will be a couple of trio groups ahead of them. Two o'clock is perfect; people will have finished eating lunch and will be shopping. I expect them to draw a large crowd. Did you and Max discuss if you wanted a sign?"
Georg heard Brigitta. "Hello Captain James, are you going to listen to us practice?"
"Am I on time?"
"You are sir, two o'clock."
"I'll be right here Brigitta." He walked over to Georg.
"I overheard Wolfgang's question; a sign for an easel is fine. Do you have a name for them?"
"Hummmn, not really. Where's my wife?"
"Over that way talking to Charmy and Charles."
"Lead on James. Karl, you and Max watch the children please."
"Look who I found Georg."
"I see. We need a name for the children and I don't want to use the word choir."
"All right then," Maria thought a moment, "how about 'The von Trapp Children Singers.'"
"Perfect, I'll tell Wolfgang he can make a sign for them. It's almost two o'clock."
"Let's go stand in front of the booth."
"Children you will be called The von Trapp Children Singers."
"I like it Father. Come get lined up. Let's quickly warm up our voices; Do-Re-Me first; now la, la, la."
"Wonderful, we're ready Wolfgang."
Maria looked around. She saw all their friends. The crowd numbered around twenty. Barbara was being passed around. She was really too heavy for one person to hold her the whole time. Karl noticed. He had an idea he would explore later.
Max pretended to be the master of ceremony. "Ladies and gentlemen, you are in for a real treat. I present to you The von Trapp Children Singers. Liesl you may start them."
Gretl began with playing the final stanza of Amazing Grace. She stepped back to her place. All of the children stood with their arms down at their side; each holding a recorder in the other. Liesl gave them their note and the program began. Amazing Grace how sweet the sound… He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. Liesl motioned with her arms to hold the last note and then the signal to stop.
She had to wait for the applause to die down to begin the next song. She mouthed the words to her siblings and gave them their pitch. All things bright and beautiful… the good Lord made them all...How great is God Almighty, Who has made all things well.
The applause between numbers seemed to get longer and louder. The crowd had grown. It was taking them longer than expected to perform their songs. The next on the program were: Rock of Ages, two Gregorian chants sang with echo responses, the Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester completed the first part.
Liesl paused. Max announced. "And now a change of pace, the children will sing a fun song for Advent; you may recognize the tune as Oh Christmas Tree."
The children whole-heartedly sang Oh Advent Wreath, Oh Advent Wreath… You hang for all to see. And the last verse included the line. That hope and love will ever be. The way to joy and peace for me.
Max continued to be the master of ceremony. "And now two hymns which are among the children's favorites." The audience heard, King of love my shepherd is and All Creatures of our God and King.
"The next songs are lovely Christmas carols." The audience heard, Away in the Manager, Jesus, Jesus little one, and Mary's Little Baby.
"And now for the final song, the director has chosen Edelweiss to be played by the children on their recorders." On the second time through the melody, the crowd began to sing along.
Liesl looked at Max for direction. He spoke quietly. "Let them sing a long."
The children heard him and put down their instruments and sang with the audience. The applause was extremely loud for the small number of people listening. The children held broad smiles until it died down. Then they took a deep breath. They were pleased.
"Georg, they did so well."
"I know Maria."
James found them. "I had heard they were good; but not this good. They're impressive. You both should be very proud."
"We are James."
"You should be." They heard from both Charmy and Leah. "I loved that Liesl included Rock of Ages and the other songs based on readings from the Old Testament. But to end with Edelweiss was a real surprise."
"Thank you Leah, Liesl and I had so many choices; those selections were both among our favorites."
The children found their parents. "You were perfect."
"Do you really think so Mother?"
"Yes, Liesl; your father and I are very, very proud."
"I believe we have errands to do on the way home."
"What kind of errands Father?"
"Your mother reminded me we need new Advent candles and probably ribbon too from the church's Christkindle store."
"And Katia and I will stop at the food booth and bring home a surprise or two."
"Can I ride with you Uncle Karl?"
Karl looked at Georg. "That's fine. Franz will drive you."
Everyone else stopped at the church store. There were always new things to look at. Father Martin was there. "Girls, you're all dressed alike."
"These are our costumes Father. We sang in Wolfgang's booth today. It was our rehearsal for singing the next four Saturdays."
"How special; now all of Salzburg can hear your beautiful voices. I bet the applause was loud and strong. Did you direct them Liesl?"
"I did. Mother helped me pick out the songs. We were really surprised by the loud applause from the small crowd."
"How exciting, Liesl. What do you need Maria?"
"Candles and ribbon; once again no one can remember if we saved it, Catherine."
"Here you go Maria; four candles and plenty of ribbon."
"Thank you, now all we need are the fir branches and we can make our wreath."
"It looks like you have a very sleepy Barbara."
"Yes, she missed her nap. Next Saturday I'll plan better."
"I'll come listen next week; I'll bring some of friends along. They love good music too."
"I'll look for you." She shuffled Barbara in her arms; she was becoming awkward to hold.
By the time they got to the villa she was sound asleep. "She must be very tired Georg; she's going to wake up hungry. Let me put her to bed."
"Let me carry her Maria. Goodness she's heavy when she's asleep."
"Put her in the crib. I can change her there. She'll sleep better if she's dry."
Katia and Karl did pickup some food surprises; among them were Gretl's favorite, candy apples. "Kurt, I need to visit Shekels' store. Have you ever been there?"
"No I haven't Uncle Karl."
"It's a very interesting store Kurt."
"We're here Karl. I'll wait in the car."
"We shouldn't be too long, Franz."
"Father must have gotten our camping gear from here. Look at all the food they have. What are you looking for Uncle Karl?"
"A carrier for your sister."
"I heard you sir. They're over here. How old is she?"
Karl looked a Katia. "She's almost eight months Karl."
"A back carrier is best for a baby that old and she can use it until she's two and if she's a small girl maybe until three."
"I like this grey one Karl. It's soft and smaller than the others. If she gets sleepy she can rest her head on the person's back."
"That's true, but it still holds her high enough so she can see."
"Do you like it Kurt?"
"I think Barbara will love it."
"We'll take it."
"Here's your package. Come again."
The shopkeeper knew Georg; he had indeed supplied them with camping gear that summer after they were chased from the mountain. He also knew he was responsible for helping his Jewish friends leave Salzburg; that was why Kurt saw so much food stocked on the shelves.
Katia found Maria in the kitchen when they got home. "I saw the big pot of stew. I thought I would begin to heat it Katia. Even the girls commented they were hungry. We did have an early lunch."
Karl and Kurt followed with the package and food items. "You better hide those candy apples from Gretl; you know they're her favorite."
"We also have a favorite of yours."
"Let me guess. Did you buy the Almond Crescent cookies?"
"We did; four dozen to be exact."
"What is in that large package Karl?"
"A carrier for Barbara; she's too heavy for anyone to hold very long while standing; like at Wolfgang's next Saturday. Let me show you Maria."
Karl put his arms through the strap and fastened the belt at his waist. "You will slide Barbara in; she sits like she hugging me. She can see all around her and if she gets sleepy her head will rest against my back."
"I never knew they made anything like that. It will serve us well. Not only for the children's performances but other times as well."
"Absolutely, and it wasn't very expensive." Karl knew exactly what those other times might be.
"I thought I heard voices. Is that your errand Karl?" Pointing to the carrier.
"This and the sweets for after dinner."
"Very nice, do you like it Maria?"
"Very much; she got quite heavy for me as she got tired."
"Let me make the sandwiches and dinner will be served."
"Thanks Katia, I heard everyone's comments about being hungry."
"Karl's hungry too, Georg."
"How did you know darling?"
"I heard your stomach and Kurt's." The uncle and the nephew laughed and held their stomachs.
Maria turned to leave the kitchen and almost ran into Isabel. "Was she fussing?"
"No, talking."
"She doesn't talk Grandma Isabel."
"I know Gretl, but she makes noises like she's talking. She's ready to eat."
"Barbara, I've never seen you eat so fast."
"You said she'd be hungry Maria."
"I know I did Georg. But she almost inhaled it."
Everyone else was quiet; they too were very hungry. "My complements to the cook; an exceptional meal."
"John, you always say that. You make it sound like your mother doesn't feed you."
"She does. I've grown fond of your cooking Aunt Katia."
"Let me go get the surprises."
"You bought my favorite."
"We did Gretl; your mother's too. There's enough for everyone." The children all took a candy apple; the adults selected the cookies.
"Here Barbara, have one of my favorite cookies." She took it from her and started sucking on it.
The children washed their sticky faces and hands from the candy apples. They played quiet games the rest of the evening. "I better go. Mom always warns me not to overstay my welcome."
"John, she's teasing you. She knows we love to have you here."
"Thanks Mrs. Maria, but Martin will be here soon."
"I'll wait with you John." The two joined hands when they thought no one was able to see them. It didn't matter; everyone snickered. Katia and Karl waited for Liesl to return before cleaning up the kitchen. One by one the children had their bath and went to bed.
"Max, I thought everything went well this afternoon."
"So did I; the children never sounded better."
Karl and Katia poked their heads into the living room. "We're turning in early, everyone, good night.
"Max, can Maria and I leave you and Sidney to secure the villa?"
"Done, good night."
"Goodnight Max, Sidney."
"Goodnight Maria."
"Any late word on the Germans, Sidney?"
"Not really Max, their election is in a week. Sadly the results are pretty much known; Hitler will be given full control."
"That is sad. I wonder how long we have."
"At least until the new year."
"Let's check everything; the fire has gone out." They did and the villa was dark for the night. As cold as it was outside, the sentinels were still posted; they alternated frequently to stay warm.
The sun rose on a glorious Sunday. Liesl was so surprised, her siblings were anxious to sing again. She used one on the hymns from their performance; King of love my shepherd is and they played Amazing Grace on their recorders.
Before the final blessing Father Martin announced. "My friends if you want to hear more of these talented children you should go to the music booth at the Marketplace on Saturdays at two o'clock. I've been told it's outstanding."
The buzz after church was from those who had heard the rehearsal. Almost everyone told Maria. "We plan to come to every performance."
Liesl convinced her brother and sister not to sing today but they did practice their recorders. They actually gave Liesl some new ideas to use for later performances.
Everyone was busy during the coming week. Tuesday was Barbara's appointment. James put on a heavy detail of guards around the office. There had been messages intercepted that told James, Jonah and Leah were being watched.
They stayed hidden. Neither Maria nor Georg saw them. Sidney took no chances. He parked precisely in front of the office door and hurried them inside.
"What's going on Georg?"
"Try not to worry Maria; I'm sure James is being very, very cautious."
Leah had heard the office door open and close rather abruptly. Maria's face told her she was concerned. "I know Maria. It's the same for us. We hardly ever go anywhere. Come on Jonah is waiting for his patient."
"Let me get her out of all this snowsuit. It's been so cold. She's making good use of it."
"You can leave her little shirt and diaper on. I can still get a good weight."
"Goodness Jonah, she even sits still. She must be the first baby I can remember being so still on the scale."
"Fifteen pounds five ounces Maria."
"When she's asleep she feels a lot heavier."
"They all do."
"Karl bought a back carrier for her. He saw me struggle with her on Saturday."
"Money well spent; she'll love it. I see her second tooth came in perfectly and her gums don't show any signs of any more right now. They'll start coming in faster once she turns a year old. As I've told you before, she's perfect."
"Hanukkah starts tomorrow. Rabbi Jacob is having a party after services on Saturday. There are still a few children besides ours. We'll see if we can come the following Saturday to listen to the children again."
"Enjoy this time with your children Leah. Georg and I know how important it is for them to feel secure."
"Thank you Maria, you always have perceptive pearls of wisdom." The two women hugged. Maria felt it again; this would be their last time together. Jonah covered both of her hands in his; another sign of finality.
"Georg my friend, God is pleased with all you've done for my people. He's watching over us. I can feel it."
"Take care Jonah, God speed."
"Let me help you with her snowsuit; the last button Barbara. Now you will stay nice and warm." Leah held her close before passing her off to Maria. She and Jonah stood there and watched them walk away. No one spoke. They didn't need too and neither Leah nor Maria wanted to cry.
As soon as Georg closed the door, Leah fell into her husbands arms and sobbed. "Leah darling, I believe with all my heart we will see each other again."
"I hope so Jonah." He had no other patients that day; they stayed embraced for a long time.
Maria didn't want to upset Barbara. Her tears quietly streamed down her face. "I know Maria, they're leaving soon. God will provide. I believe it with all my heart."
"So do I, but it's still difficult." Georg drew her close to him and Barbara babbled.
"Thank you God for Barbara."
"Are you ready to go back to the villa?"
"Yes Sidney, Barbara needs food and a nap."