A/N: Thank you so much for the response. I have to admit that these chapters are really having to be ground out at the moment, although I will by no means be abandoning it, it's just going to take me longer to post something that I am remotely happy with. I need to take the time to watch the film again and read some of my favourite Georg/Maria stories, but at the moment everything is hectic with arranging University stuff. I will try my best though, and any response is greatly appreciated and incredibly motivating.

Chapter Thirty Seven: Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année

However, once Georg and Maria returned from Versailles the sickness did not stop. After another two weeks where the sickness would come and go, but persistently stay, Georg managed to persuade Maria to go to a doctor. He had tried to persuade after the first week when the sickness had not disappeared, but she had declined and reassured him that she felt fine. Maria finally accepted the proposal, however, after a few stern words with Flora, who told her straight that Georg was worried for her.

So, eventually, Maria went to a local doctor who, Flora told her, spoke German well. That was some relief, Maria thought, as she took Georg with her into the town. Her husband waited outside whilst Maria was being examined, however when the doctor asked if he would like to join them, Georg was there in an instant.

Georg sat in a seat beside Maria once she had finished being examined, the doctor sat across from them at his desk.

"Did you find anything wrong, doctor?" Georg asked, although he was sure he knew the reason for her sickness.

"Not wrong," the doctor smiled. He had already made the necessary enquiries with Maria, so all that was left was to give the couple the news,

"It seems, mademoiselle, that you are with child."

Georg and Maria were left ecstatic by the news as they walked home together. Maria had gasped when she found out and had held a hand against her stomach for minutes afterwards whilst Georg had enquired as to the stage of the pregnancy. It had been calculated that Maria was three months along, meaning that the baby would be due in April next year.

"I can't believe it," Maria gasped again as they walked back to the house.

"But you're happy, my love?"

Maria turned to her husband, and looked at him as if he had just asked the silliest question. "Of course I am, darling. It's just a shock."

Georg leant forward and whispered in her ear, aware that the two of them were still on the street. "Well we did spend a lot of our honeymoon at the hotel. Is it so much of a shock?"

Maria narrowed her eyes at him but shot him a wicked smirk. "Of course not, but you know what I meant."

"I did," Georg smiled. "Do we tell everyone when we get back?"

"Maybe," Maria began. "I'm not sure. Maybe we could keep it to ourselves for now? At least until I am a little further along."

"Nothing will go wrong, my love," Georg reassured her, taking her hand subtly.

"I know," Maria nodded, reassuring him. "But it may not hurt to wait. It could be an early Christmas present for the children."

Georg smiled warmly, squeezing her hand.

They walked home together, happily, falling into a beautiful conversation about their future together with their new child.

However, despite their previous decision to keep the pregnancy secret, it took Flora little more than ten minutes to find out. She had taken Maria into one of the smaller sitting rooms almost instantly upon her return and had asked her if all was well. Flora had, indeed, been worried about Maria for the past few weeks, especially since it was her who had suggested the newly married couple should take the time to themselves.

"Honestly," Maria reiterated firmly. "It was nothing to worry about."

But, regardless of her resolute decision, a smile appeared across her face.

Flora frowned suspiciously.

"My dear, one does not come back from the doctors looking this happy unless they're–"

It suddenly hit Flora.

Maria could hold onto the news no longer, and the smile that had previously been itching to play fully across her lips was now apparent. It was all the confirmation that Flora needed.

The older woman rushed forward and swept Maria into a crushing hug.

Something in the back of Maria's mind told her that she would have received a similar reaction had she been back in Austria, from the Reverend Mother. She closed her eyes, forcing the tears away, revelling in the feel of such a comforting embrace during one of the happiest times of her life.

And once Flora had learnt of the news, Georg and Maria decided to tell the children that night. Sebastian and Flora had given them some time alone in the main sitting room and Georg had beckoned Marta to his lap, wrapping his arms around his daughter as he watched the rest of his children, all of them waiting in anticipation.

Georg revealed the news, he told them that they would all have a younger brother or sister soon. The older children understood immediately and their faces erupted to show excited smiles. For the two youngest it had taken a little longer to understand, although Marta had exclaimed that the baby could play with her dolls, and Gretl began to chatter happily about not being the youngest anymore.

Georg smiled as his eyes met those of his wife. Their life was finally beginning to fall into place.

Another couple of months passed, and Maria was beginning to show when she wore the right clothes. It was nearing Christmas time now, and both Georg and Maria took this as an opportunity to spend some time alone and gather all of their gifts for the children.

They bought Liesl a pretty, new dress. It was apparently a very fashionable one, the lady in the shop had said when they had purchased it. Friedrich was to receive a new jacket, one like Georg himself had. Louisa had asked for a new book that would help her learn new languages. She had always had a talent for picking them up skilfully, and she only seemed to be excelling. Kurt received a new book about food, such was a reflection on his appetite. Brigitta received a new book of poetry, Georg wanting her to explore different types of books than the novels and the plays she tended to sway towards. Nevertheless, she was thrilled with the gift when she opened it. Adda, Marta and Gretl were a lot easier to buy for. All of them had expressed their wishes to have new dolls, and Georg and Maria had only been too happy to indulge them. It had been a tough few months since the family had left Austria and, although the children would not be receiving an abundance of gifts for Christmas this year, Georg and Maria made sure that no expense was spared as they browsed the French shops.

Georg had successfully managed to secure the majority of his finances in Swiss and French bank accounts in the months leading to their escape. The luxury of a honeymoon was the story woven around part of the money, and although their honeymoon had been luxurious in every, single aspect, the money withdrawn could be multiplied on top of the amount spent. Georg had been happy when discussing his plans with Max, fully aware that he had the necessary finances to purchase a comfortable house for them in America, when they would eventually arrive there. He was wary about their settling somewhere beforehand and knew that he wanted to spend as little money as possible before finding their home, but nevertheless they would not be living in squander.

Georg was also wary of moving on from France and finding a home before the baby was to be born. That would be in four months time.

Even the thought made Georg smile, widening even more so as he registered the warm hand of his wife wrapped around his own as they walked a picturesque walk around the outskirts of the town.

The snow was beginning to fall, casting a Christmas glow across the setting before them. Both were wrapped up warmly, meaning that Maria's baby bump could not be seen.

"I think we should find a home in America before the baby arrives," Georg suddenly suggested, breaking the silence that had settled between them. Talk before had consisted of presents for the children and their plans for Christmas Day.

Maria turned her head, surprised. However, that soon melted away and was replaced by a casual smirk as she turned her head once more to face their path ahead. "Well, I must say it's nice to be involved for once."

Georg would have turned himself had it not been for the teasing of her voice, and out of the corner of his eye he could see the smirk that had formed across her lips. He squeezed her hand in response.

"But really, Georg," Maria continued seriously. "I agree." Georg squeezed her hand again. "The children need to be settled before anything else should happen and, as you say, America will be the safest bet."

"When did you become the acquiescent type, my dear?"

Georg felt a sharp nudge in the ribs.

He chuckled and threw his head back.

Maria watched the ease on his face in delight.

To celebrate the arrival of 1939, Georg, Maria, Sebastian, Flora and Max went to a local gathering hosted by some friends of Sebastian and Flora in the town. They were to leave the house at seven o'clock that evening in order to return just after midnight. Liesl and Friedrich were to stay behind in order to look after their siblings, although Liesl had protested to begin with.

"But can I not come with you all, father?"

Georg looked conflicted as Maria gave him a steely gaze, one of her hands resting proudly on top of the slight swell of her stomach that could be seen through the dark, red shade of her dress for the evening. Georg and Maria had discussed this earlier that day, and he knew it would arise in conversation this evening.

"If you're still awake when we return, we can celebrate with a small glass of champagne," Georg eventually reasoned after a nudge from Maria.

This compromise seemed to satisfy Liesl and within the hour, the five adults were arriving at the large house of Sebastian and Flora's friends which was already brimming with the spirit of the New Year. The ball was elegant and reminded Maria of the party Georg had hosted back at the villa.

As the night progressed, Georg finally relented and danced with his wife. Maria had spent the better part of two hours hoping to persuade him to take her onto the dance floor, having recognised a few of the dances tonight. Firstly, Georg had reasoned that she should not be dancing in her delicate condition before Maria had fixed him with an almost deathly stare. Then, to his relief, dinner had been served.

Now, however, there was no backing out.

The still newly married couple found a secluded corner of the ballroom where no one would disturb them and came closer together throughout one of the slower pieces of music. They also danced to one of the faster pieces, and Maria could not stop herself from bursting out in laughter when it had finished, taking the opportune moment to kiss her husband's cheek whilst everyone else was wrapped in their own conversations.

Georg smiled warmly at his wife, ensuring that she did not let go of his hand. He pulled her closer to him, although not too close that it bordered the limits of propriety. "You look beautiful tonight, Maria," he whispered hoarsely.

Maria smiled just as fondly at him in response and spoke, "You look rather dashing yourself, Captain."

She winked before releasing hold of his hand and walking across to speak with the others.

Georg watched her go, wondering as he had so often how such a perfect young woman had fallen in love with him.

He was left wondering the same thing until the five of them returned home, although Maria had noticed his despondent look on the way home and had chastised him for it.

Liesl was awake – not surprisingly – although only just. She seemed adamant for her glass of champagne, and Maria could not help but smirk as Georg stepped into the room before her.

"Georg, you did promise," Maria had to intervene as Sebastian came into the room, Max in tow with two bottles of champagne to celebrate.

Georg finally conceded and began to pour a glass for Liesl, not trusting Max to do it himself. Once he had given his daughter a small glass to drink, he turned to his wife and held out the next, "Would you like a glass, darling?"

"Oh, no thank you."

"A small glass won't turn, Maria. Trust me." Flora responded, although was unaware that Maria would not have drank it even if she had not been with child.

Regardless, Maria took the glass in her hand for the toast that her husband was in the middle of making. He hoped for a better year than the last, although he did comment that certain aspects of the last year were to be celebrated in abundance. Maria smirked knowingly – as did everyone else.

Friedrich joined them a little while later, having been outside collecting some firewood when the adults had returned home.

He fit himself between his mother and sister on the settee and immersed himself in the conversation, even if his eyes were drooping slightly.

Maria had left her champagne untouched and, eventually, poured a touch more into Liesl's glass before giving the rest to Friedrich.

Georg was watching the action with some interest, but only smiled when Maria met his gaze and nodded his approval, causing Friedrich to sit just that little bit taller beside his mother. Maria responded by dropping her head lightly onto his shoulder, inhaling the scent of her eldest son and smiling as she could feel him sigh and relax.

There had barely been a time when she was more thankful that God had sent her to this family. Her family.

Maria could barely sleep that night, such was the excitement of the previous events. All she could do was lay awake – occasionally looking to her left at the window and hoping to see some of the night sky. Georg had been asleep for about an hour now, therefore reading was out of the picture. Even the dimmest light would wake him now. Maria sighed, rolling over to the other side, choosing to watch her husband sleep instead. She smiled, taking in his peaceful features.

Eventually, however, when she realised that sleep was not going to claim her, Maria carefully got out of bed, took her current book and made her way downstairs.

She switched the light on down there and sat on the settee, beginning to read to herself.

Even reading could not fully capture her attention, though, because before long she stopped and switched her attention to her stomach. The slight swell that could be seen through her nightgown caused her heart to swell with pride, almost fit to burst.

Maria was eagerly anticipating being able to feel the baby kick and to show Georg. She had first felt the baby a month ago – a sort of fluttering in her stomach – and was astounded and overcome with love whenever she felt it, but to share the experience with Georg would be even better.

The fluttering could be felt again.

"Are you telling me I should be asleep?" Maria asked the baby, placing a hand on her stomach. She sighed. "I wish I could, your father was sound asleep when I left him."

Suddenly, Maria felt a familiar pair of lips press against her neck.

"Not telling stories about me, are you?"

"Just how lazy you are," Maria teased. "Sleeping, whilst poor me here is awake all night before this baby is even born."

Georg chuckled, kissing her neck once more before moving around and sitting himself beside Maria on the settee. He picked up her book. "Jane Austen? No wonder the baby was giving you grief…"

Maria slapped his chest good-naturedly. "You enjoy her work."

Georg tilted his head to the side. "It has its merits, I suppose," he reasoned, dodging another slap from his wife as he rested back against the soft furnishing.

"Do you think the baby will be more like me, or more like you?" Maria asked.

Georg lifted his head and smiled at her tenderly, taking her hand.

"Our baby will look like you, but heaven forbid if he has your temperament."

Maria raised her eyebrow at his turn of phrase, but forgot it a few moments later as he continued to talk about their baby.

"I can just about manage one of you and your temper, never mind two!"

Georg smirked, and it only took Maria a moment to descend into laughter. But after their laughter had died, Maria spoke up seriously.

"I want our child to look like you," she spoke firmly. She reached out and took a few strands of his hair between her fingers. "Hair that will never stay in place, no matter how much I comb it. Blue eyes that hold so much depth I could lose myself in them."

"Or blonde hair, that gets so messy in the wind. And it will, because he or she will have your energy for sure. And bright blue eyes that remind me of everything I have ever loved in my life."

Maria was stumped by the depth of his words. She smiled, her eyes filling with tears.

Georg lifted his hand to her cheek and pulled her face down, letting his lips press against hers.

After their short kiss, when they both drew away, Maria could not help but let out a yawn. Georg laughed.

"Come on, you need sleep."

Maria willingly followed him upstairs, falling straight into his arms and also a peaceful sleep.