Another Blessed Event
It didn't take long for Father George to learn about John and Liesl's engagement. He approached her one day. "I hear congratulations are in order Liesl."
"Yes, thank you."
"You and John need to come see me soon."
"I'll tell him Father."
She did tell him. But before they could arrange an appointment with him, Louisa and Kurt took center stage that day at school.
"Were you asked to come see the principal too Kurt?"
"I was. I wonder why?"
His secretary immediately put them at ease. "It's all good, you'll see."
Principal Florentine greeted them. "I hope I didn't worry you. I have good news for both of you. You may remember I told your parents you both had enough credits to complete the Board of Education's requirement for graduation; only your English needed to improve. I'm told you have made remarkable progress; by reading, writing and speaking English you will continue to become proficient. Do you want to attend the graduation ceremony with the other graduates?"
"Can we really?"
"It's all true Louisa."
Their smiles told him 'yes.'
"I'll see both of you and your proud family Sunday afternoon at four o'clock in the church."
"We'll be there sir." They left his office in total amazement.
"I don't believe this; Mom and Dad are going to be so surprised."
They almost ran home. "Aunt Katia, is our mom awake?"
"She should be. She'll probably be in Barbara's room. They usually play together after she has her nap." The two children ran up the stairs.
They couldn't hide their news. "Tell me, why the smiles?"
"We've been invited to participate in the graduation ceremony."
"Both of you, Louisa?"
"Yes, Principal Florentine told us we had fulfilled all the credits and that we had both made great strides in English."
"When is it?"
"This Sunday at four o'clock."
"Another blessed event to attend; Louisa please take Barbara downstairs with you; your brother will need to be fed soon. Then I'll come down."
She sat there smiling upon Samuel as he nursed. "Your brothers and sisters never cease to amaze me. You will too, I'm sure." When he finished she went downstairs with him and placed him the cradle. Their conversation never woke him.
The living room was buzzing with excitement when Georg came home. "Did I hear the word graduation?"
"You did Dad; Kurt and I."
"Both of you Louisa?"
"That's right, the principal told our English has really improved and we have all the credits."
"Incredible Maria; you children keep making us so proud."
"Rosemary, you know what that means."
"Cake and ice cream."
The children were all smiles; they loved to celebrate.
Later Maria and Georg would share their feelings. Maria put Samuel in the cradle. He didn't need a blanket; he slept in a lightweight sleepsack. Georg waited for her with his arm stretched to draw her into him. They cuddled together. "Our children keep surprising us."
"They're exceptional darling; each of them has special gifts; Liesl's musical talents; Friedrich's scientific mind and now these two."
"So true Maria, I wonder what they will do?"
"I have the feeling we will learn soon."
Everyone attended the ceremony; even Samuel. He slept through the event; only stirring with the applause at the end. Maria noticed the first person to congratulate Louisa was Mathew. Her mind went, hmmmmn; as she pondered the event in her heart. They even walked home together.
Katia and Rosemary had indeed prepared a special dinner; Kurt and Louisa's favorites. They had baked two large cakes. Karl had made ice cream for them. It was served with their choice of sauce.
Monday afternoon was the day for John and Liesl to meet with Father George. Liesl was always at the church; she saw Jeannette to make the appointment.
They walked into the rectory confident and excited. "Go on in."
"I'm so pleased for you. It's a pleasure to be able to officiate at another cherished event in the life of your family. First it was the marriage of Sidney and Rosemary and then the Baptism of Samuel. Tell me, how long have you known each other?"
"Almost two years Father, we met at the university."
"I had met Friedrich there."
"Yes, Friedrich, your gifted brother."
"That's right Father. He was given the opportunity to take his cumulative exams early. He took Professor Steele's classes. My parents had another surprise when he asked if Friedrich could go to new research center in Klosterneuburg; which is where my grandmother lived."
"All attributed to God's plan."
"Yes, my mom's words exactly."
"So John, you and Friedrich exchanged parents."
"You might say that; forced by evil threats."
"My Uncle Max planned our escape; it was because of our singing we were able to escape. But we did run into unexpected trouble."
"Another time God provided. You're not a typical young couple. Would you like to marry sometime in August?"
"Could we really?"
"I don't see why not Liesl. Think about a date; I don't need to know today. I'm taking a short vacation in July."
The couple politely thanked him and left the rectory. Walking arm in arm all the way home; their smiles never left their faces. "And where have you two been?"
"You know where Aunt Katia."
"When?"
"In August."
"Goody, goody."
John and Liesl did their best to hide their news. They waited until after dinner to make the announcement. "Oh dear, there's so much to do."
"Maria, don't worry. I think Rosemary and I have a good idea how to plan a wedding. Leave it to us; you'll be our consultant."
Charles and Charmy bought Friedrich home with them early Saturday morning. He had news as well. "Who wants to read the results of the clinical trials?"
"Let your dad and me see it first. We want to see your name in print. Maria read out loud. "Friedrich von Trapp, distinguished investigator for development of Penicillin mold into a usable medicine."
Tears whelped in her eyes. He saw her wipe them away. "Happy tears Son, happy and proud."
"I know Mom. Uncle Karl, part of the new facility will be used to develop a vaccine for the flu."
"Like the flu that killed so many people after the Great War?"
"That's right, Gromi. Lilly Pharmaceuticals is a leader in research. They work closely with the medical schools in the city. Future doctors spend a lot of time working with us."
"Anyone else have news to share?"
"Sure do Georg, the city's first Strawberry Festival is scheduled for the end of June. For three days there will be strawberry everything and a wide variety of musical presentations,"
"Can we sing Uncle Max?"
"That's up to your parents, Gretl. Many people have heard about your singing."
"Can we Dad?"
Of course you can."
"Goody, goody, did you hear Barbara?"
Barbara was beginning to echo those words; it sounded more like "goo, goo."
"Samuel's telling me it's eating time. We're going to say goodnight."
"It's been a long day children. I'm going to join your mom; goodnight everyone."
In the morning, Liesl got right to work. Before breakfast, she had a song list made. It had five songs on it. She would let her siblings select three. The Prayer of St. Francis was everyone's first choice. It took a while to decide on the others.
Both Max and Maria were in the living room when the final song was being discussed. Brigitta wanted to sing Edelweiss. "I think all our Austrian friends will expect it."
"This is for the opening ceremony. It should be more sedate songs. Don't you think Maria?"
"I must agree. My Favorite Things doesn't fit the mood. You can sing all you fun songs on Saturday Gretl."
"Okay, will Barbara be there?"
"I'll make sure she is, sweetie." Gretl had become Barbara's big sister; she was finally old enough to play with; Gretl was extremely pleased.
On Monday Liesl walked with John towards the high school. They had enough time for a casual stroll; hand in hand or close with their arm around the other. Suddenly Liesl dropped his hand. "What does that poster say?"
John read. "The British soprano, Victoria Grant will headline the evening's musical performances."
"What a surprise! I can't believe Uncle Max has kept a secret. I need to find him."
"Be nice sweetheart, I'll see for lunch."
"I will John, have a good class."
They went in opposite directions. "Now, where can he be?"
Liesl was getting close to the church. She saw a familiar figure walking towards her. She waited. "What's the matter Liesl?"
"You've been keeping secrets Uncle Max."
"So I have. I like surprises."
Liesl took her uncle's arm. "Tell me how did you find her?"
"Even here in America I have impresario connections. My New York City counterpart gave me a heads up. I was surprised at the news too Liesl. She's appearing in the musical, The Great Waltz."
"How exciting, now I can't wait for the festival to begin. I'll see you at home."
Max continued down the avenue; Liesl went to the choir room. She practiced the piano; she didn't want to lose her skill. And she selected songs for the choir; they would sing until the end of June.
The Wednesday before the festival noticeable changes began. A large open oblong tent covered the space in the middle of Landis Avenue. The old trolley tracks were used to anchor the ropes. The shops set up their own small tarps. There was a special area to house all the strawberry delectables that would be judged; cakes, pies and even strawberry sauce for ice cream.
The Trapp Family Singers would open the festival on Thursday evening. They stood on risers next to the city's mayor, dignitaries and their Uncle Max.
The family had front row seats. Max had a surprise Maria one day. On one of his trips to all the shops he found a very useful item; a stroller for Barbara. Samuel occupied the buggy as Georg had named it. Barbara was happily sitting in her stroller; clapping for her siblings even before they began to sing. They smiled for her. She wasn't very loud; no one else noticed.
A small band opened the festival with the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, the National Anthem of the United States. The children knew the words; they hadn't perfected the song. Liesl had learned it was rather difficult to learn on such short notice. They would eventually.
Father Georg and Pastor Emerson said the invocation and a prayer of thanksgiving. The children followed with the Prayer of St. Francis. And then the ecumenical song, Amazing Grace; once again began by Gretl on the recorder.
When their Austrian friends heard the first words of Edelweiss there was a collective sigh. Even Gretl now realized it was the perfect song. Everyone loved it; they must have sung it three times before the crowd dispersed.
"You were wonderful children. I have a special treat for everyone."
"Indulging your sweet tooth using my children as an excuse, Max."
"If I remember correctly, you like a little bread with your jam, Georg."
"You do darling."
"You're not much better sweetheart."
"At least I have an excuse, I'm feeding two." They shared one of those special married looks.
"What is this Uncle Max? It's very good."
"It's called ice cream custard; it was first sold at an amusement park in New York, called Coney Island. Chocolate for you Maria?"
"You know me too well."
"Children, you're absolutely right; this is really good; so smooth and creamy."
"Here's a spoon, so you can give your little one some."
Maria thanked the waitress and sat on a stool in front of Barbara; she really liked it. She was always opening her mouth for more. Maria looked at the baby. "Sorry Samuel, maybe next year you can have some."
The family walked home; except for the grandmothers, Maria and the little ones. Maria went upstairs with Samuel; it was his turn to eat. Georg followed behind with Barbara. Since he was gone all day, his time with her was at bath time. He sat and watched her play and talked to her. Barbara was freely responding with "dada."
Maria came and helped wash her hair and got her ready for bed. Tonight she didn't need any milk before bed; she had filled up on custard. She was very tired; her eyes closed immediately as her head hit the bed. Maria said the child's prayer and Georg ended as he always did. "Sleep well my angel."
The couple snuggled in bed; their intimate times would return soon. Maria was like her daughter; she fell asleep quickly.
The next day the festivities didn't start until five o'clock. The food vendors were prepared for the early crowd; the young people. Tonight was dance time; first was a time for the young people, including all the von Trapp children, John and Mathew included. Gone were the restrictions on always being accompanied by protection; all but Marta and Gretl freely came and went from the house. For now someone would always go with them if they went into town.
Maria and Georg would come after Samuel was fed. The grandmothers stayed behind to watch him. Before they left, Georg tuned the radio to the local station which would be broadcasting from the dance.
Max was surprised to learn that the arts had flourished in America despite the Depression. Yes, Salzburg had had a music festival for many years; the music was usually religious or reflective of the history of Austria. Music of many genres was available in America; it came from recorded music, movies and Broadway shows. The family was in for a real treat.
They had a taste of it at Rosemary and Sidney's wedding; the Blue Notes were the featured group. Their children knew how to dance; Maria remembered that day well. The day she saw Liesl and Friedrich dancing together; and the eventful dancing of the Laendler with Georg.
They watched as the children quickly caught onto the jitter-bug and the Charleston. They saw Liesl being interviewed by the radio DJ. At home, their grandmother's ears perked up.
"I understand miss, you are the oldest von Trapp child and that Max Detweiler is your unofficial uncle."
"Yes sir, that's correct."
"And you not only are the choir director at Sacred Heart, you also direct your own brothers and sisters."
"Again you are correct. Our singing allowed us to escape Austria."
"I remember, the Germans wanted your father, the distinguished submarine captain from the Great War. I speak for all the citizens of Vineland. We're very happy to have you in our midst; sharing your wonderful music. I see your fiancé is waiting for the next dance. Have fun, Liesl von Trapp everyone."
The grandmothers were amazed and proud. "I never thought I would hear one of my grandchildren on the radio."
"Me neither Alice, America is really the land of opportunity."
Georg and Maria returned; Maria needed Samuel and vice-versa. "We heard Liesl being interviewed."
"Did she sound nervous Alice?"
"Not at all Georg, it was special."
Barbara and Samuel were asleep upstairs. Maria and Georg sat with the grandmothers waiting for the others to come home. The children couldn't stop talking; they had a great time. The two adult couples stayed for the adult dance. They came home very late; to a quiet house. They exited quietly out the back door to their cottages.
Liesl was up early on Saturday. She was excited to see Victoria Grant again. She went with Max to meet her at the train station. This was a small station; it only had one platform. They both heard the train's whistle.
The conductor knew he was delivering a famous singer. "Miss Grant, I believe you have greeters."
"Max, my man; I could have taken a taxi to the hotel."
"Never Victoria; you're my guest."
"Liesl, Max told me. Have you set a date?"
"Not yet Miss Grant."
"No, no, Victoria is fine."
"Come on you two, you can talk in the car. Katia instructed me to bring you to the house for lunch. Is that okay?"
"Sure Max, I can check into the hotel later."
The family was waiting. "Now children, don't gawk or stare at Miss Grant."
"But she's a movie star Mom."
"I know. Liesl reminded me she is just like us."
And she was. She answered all their questions. "Why did you come to America?"
"I was asked to come. The director, Edward Short is a very close friend. I had ulterior motives as well. I saw all the bomb shelters in London; I have a feeling they will be used in the very near future. I wanted no part of them."
Georg and Sidney both took deep breaths. They knew the news out of Europe wasn't good. Neither allowed it to affect them.
Max took her to the hotel. She wanted to relax before her first performance at four o'clock. The children would be her opening act. The tent was packed; standing room only. They performed all their fun songs. Ending with a rousing version of Old MacDonald Had a Farm.
The children hurried off the risers to the seats which were reserved for them in the front row. Victoria sang a variety of songs. Songs that represented the time like; Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?, Stormy Weather and Sophisticated Lady and the Shirley Temple song, On The Good Ship Lollipop.
She ended her concert by surprising Maria. "Maria, will you join me for my final song?"
She hesitated. She was coaxed by her husband and children. "Go on."
Victoria whispered. "You know it, The Hills are Alive." Maria smiled. The two sang a duet version of the song that ended in a standing ovation. Max escorted Victoria off stage. Georg offered his hand to Maria.
"Well done darling, you matched her note for note. It was like you had sung together many times."
Maria didn't have time to respond to him; others said the same. They hurried home before Samuel made his presence known. Liesl and John, and to Maria's surprise, Louisa and Mathew stayed for the second concert.
Sunday was the last time the choir would sing until August. Victoria walked the short block to hear them. She was invited home to eat brunch with them. After multiple thank yous and goodbyes, Max drove her to the train station.
"I had a marvelous time Max. I can see you really enjoy your role of uncle. 'Till we meet again."
"Let's not let too many months pass Victoria. Have a good trip."
He watched the train disappear down the tracks. He hoped it would be sooner rather than later.
The city barely settled down after the festival when it celebrated another American holiday, the Fourth of July, America's Birthday. The children heard all about the fireworks display that night. "Can we go Dad?"
"You can go. I'll stay with your mom. I don't think either Barbara or Samuel want to be scared by the loud noise they make."
The family did go to the patriotic concert. The city fathers had left the tent from the festival. It made an excellent venue for the band. They stopped at Jeremiah's diner; he was serving the All-American food, hot dogs and hamburgers. Everyone had a glass of Coca-Cola to go with it.
Maria tore part of her hamburger into bits for Barbara. She sipped from her glass of Coke. Once again Maria told Samuel, "next year Son."
Georg gave Karl fair warning. "Don't be surprised if Gretl jumps into your lap when the loud firecrackers start."
The grandmothers, the parents and two little ones sat outside. The fireworks were being set off in the football field at the high school; a good mile down the road. At first they heard faint sounds and saw a few colors in the sky.
The sounds grew louder. "If we can hear them so plainly; they must be terribly loud."
"They are Alice. I warned Karl about Gretl; Sidney probably has Marta in his lap too."
Mathew and Kurt returned full of excitement. "They were stupendous Mr. Georg."
"They were Dad."
"I liked the colors and pinwheels and all the designs but the end was too loud and scary."
"Are you okay now Brigitta?"
"I am Mom. My ears are still ringing."
All the others including Katia and Rosemary agreed with her. Their husbands took it all in stride.
Liesl and John had set their date; it was August seventieth. Maria got busy. She wrote out the announcement invitation just as she had done for her own. She and Charmy had concurred on the wording. Liesl took it to Walter at the stationery store.
He gave Liesl the box of envelopes. She had a beautiful handwriting like Maria's. They had them addressed the same day the invitations were ready. "I'm done; How about you Liesl?"
"I'm on the last one. There, I'll buy stamps tomorrow and leave them at the post office. Did Rosemary tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
"That I want to wear her wedding gown."
"You're not pinching pennies Liesl. Is it really what you want to do?"
"It is Mom. I looked in Hazel's shop and I kept coming back to a dress which was very similar. I am going to have a more traditional veil."
"I can see you in it. Charmy told me, Belle is coming to plan your reception. I've been told the groom's family is responsible for it; another American custom."
July wasn't all about the wedding. Other things happened as well. Louisa found her mom playing with Barbara one afternoon. She sat with them; they played roll the ball together. Barbara had enough and got up and walked away to find her doll.
Maria sensed Louisa wanted to talk to her. She gave her an opening. "What's on your mind, Louisa?"
"Did you know John is taking his prep class to Glassboro State College?"
"No I didn't but it seems like an appropriate activity for a college prep class."
"I want to go with him."
"Tell me more Louisa."
"You and dad know I love to write stories; publishing them has been very rewarding. I want to do something more; I want to give others the ability to read and write. Some children start school not having the ability to read; they may have a reading disability. The college has a special program to help people learn the techniques to help them."
"A very admirable goal; of course you can go."
"Thank you, I can't wait to tell John. Oh, by the way, Mathew's coming too."
"He is, why?"
The school is offering one of the first of its kind classes in Physical Therapy."
"Go on, I want to know more."
"When he was in the orphanage he helped a boy learn to walk after a bad horse accident. He told me it made him feel all warm inside, knowing he had helped him."
"Is that the only reason?"
"Now, Mom, don't you be like dad." She held her hands over her blushing face.
"I like him Louisa. I'm happy for you."
"Really Mom."
"Really, my tomboy has become a woman. Come here. Let me give you a hug."
They broke away just in time. "You two alone must mean mischief."
"Now Georg, you know better. Can't Louisa and I have a little mom and daughter time?"
"I suppose so. How's the wedding planning?" Louisa politely excused herself; all the while containing her smile.
"Percolating right along."
"Interesting use of a word Maria, what does it mean?"
"Another way of saying we've made a lot of progress. Belle is planning the reception. It's an American custom for the groom's parents to provide it."
"She's the best. And Liesl's dress."
"She's wearing Rosemary's."
"Is she being frugal?"
"Not at all, she really likes it and everything she looked at was almost identical."
Louisa and Mathew didn't hide their friendship. They always sat together for dinner; usually with Kurt and Brigitta. Maria drew her husband's attention to the fact later that night in the privacy of their room.
"I suppose you noticed Mathew and Louisa eating together again tonight."
"Oh I have. And are they a matched up couple, Mrs. Match-maker?"
"What do you think?"
"I know, I know, she's ready to fly away from the nest soon."
"I don't know about soon. They both want to go to Glassboro College."
"What do they want to study?"
"Mathew wants to be a Physical Therapist and Louisa wants to learn how to teach a child to learn to read who have a reading disability. They plan to go with John's class when they visit the college."
Georg kissed his wife. "How many more weeks do we need to wait?"
"I see Jonah on Monday."
"I can barely wait."
"Same for me, sweetheart."
That night came. Samuel's cradle was moved a little further away.
The next Friday, Mathew and Louisa ran into the house. "Mom, mom, where are you?"
She met them halfway. "It's perfect; the bus takes us right to the front door. We filled out our applications. We should hear in a couple of weeks. The registrar told us he sees no problem with both of us being accepted."
John and Liesl were right behind them. "She's right Mrs. Maria."
"So, come fall I'll have two college students."
"Maybe three."
"Who said that?"
"Me," Kurt was standing there. "Remember my professor at the high school, Charles Ellis?" Maria acknowledged him. "He saw me at the festival. He wants to take me to the University of Pennsylvania and talk with the Engineering Department; specifically the bridge design department."
"Is that right?" Everyone heard.
"Yes dad; Uncle Karl did you hear too?"
"I did. I recommend you get all your designs together; in a portfolio to show off your talent."
Maria had to sit down. "Are you alright?" Georg sat beside her. "A bit overwhelmed."
"I'm sorry mom."
"No, no don't be sorry. It's all wonderful. It really is. It's also so unexpected."
In moments the three girls arrived. Maria noticed them. "Do you girls have news too?" She really didn't believe they did. They surprised her. "We do."
"Are you leaving the nest?"
"Dad what's going on?"
"Louisa and Kurt are going to college in the fall. Your mom is a sad mother bird."
"We're not going to college mom. We want to go to Maggie's Birthday party."
"Goody Gretl, a normal childhood activity; of course you can go."
"Well, Rosemary and I need to bake another cake. We need to celebrate all of this."
August began with Louisa and Mathew's acceptance letters; followed a few days later with Kurt's announcement. Not only was he enrolling in the university's engineering school; he would also be working for the government.
All of the wedding plans were completed that first week of August; even all the music. Liesl had taken soul ownership of it. Maria supplied her with the list of music she had used; and Liesl knew the selections each of her aunts had used.
August seventieth was a lovely day; gone was the heat and humidity which had hung over South Jersey for several weeks. A cool front had arrived. Liesl was awake very early. John was with his parents; Charmy didn't want anyone to stand guard to be sure he didn't see Liesl that morning. She freely walked outside to take in the fresh air.
Maria had fed Samuel; she slipped into a comfortable dress. She had seen Liesl from her bedroom window. Maria caught up to her. "Butterflies, Liesl?"
"Not really Mom; I don't know what to do until time to go to Marion's to get my hair done."
"Let's take a walk; it will help to pass the time. You have a big chore ahead of you."
"What do you mean?"
"Keeping your Dad upbeat; so he won't let his soft spot for his girls, but especially for you, from showing."
"I know. In the first months after Mama died, he wouldn't look at me. We talked recently. He told me he was sorry. I hushed him by saying, 'I know Dad. Gromi showed me her pictures."
"I laugh when I remember first meeting John."
"At the game store?"
"Yes, I always thought he knew about your dad's accomplishments in the Great War. I thought then he was a fine young man."
"And then Friedrich introduced us; I think my heart knew I would fall in love with him." They had circled back to the house.
"There you are."
"What's up Katia?"
"It's breakfast time. Liesl you need to eat. Karl will be driving you to Marion's in thirty minutes."
"Goody, I'm closer to getting married."
Liesl, like Rosemary, would walk to the church. Rosemary met her there. Katia was at home helping the girls with their hair.
"Liesl, I love your hair."
"I let it grow so she could make so many curls."
Rosemary centered the veil on the crown of her head; the nylon-silk tulle covered her face. She was ready. They heard a knock on the door. Rosemary cautiously opened it. "My, don't you look nice Georg."
There stood her father in his Navy Dress tux including his Maria Thespian Cross. "Is the bride ready?"
"Come see."
He was about to speak. "I know Dad; we can't draw the comparison."
"Your mom's instructions."
"Hers and mine."
Louisa and the three flower girls were the next to arrive. They wore their dresses from Rosemary's wedding. Louisa's was made for her. A style of the day made from very light aqua blue eyelet over the same color satin lining; the three-quarter sleeves hung loosely down her arms.
Everyone could hear the Prelude music being played as the guests arrived; Moonlight sonata, Ave Maria and Sheep May Safely Graze. The music paused; Maria had been seated.
The organist began to play an introduction to Pachelbel's Canon in D Major. Louisa took charge. "Okay girls, that's your signal."
"We know. Take my hand Barbara." Gretl asked the same. Marta knew exactly when to begin their walk; they had practiced with the organist. There was a slight change in the movement of the classical piece; Louisa began to walk in tempo. She watched her sisters take their seats; she stood at the base of the altar steps.
The magnificent organ proclaimed the Bridal March; Trumpet Voluntary in D Major.
John's dad whispered to his son. "Take a deep breath,"
Yes, he had seen the gown before; but not on his bride. His heart would begin to flutter as she and her dad walked to the music. Even though the nylon-silk tulle blurred her face; he couldn't miss her smile.
Father and daughter stood as the base of the steps. "Who gives this woman to marry?"
"Her mothers and I do." The 's' was barley heard. Georg turned; smiled at Liesl and raised the tulle covering over her head; kissed her cheek. They both heard from John. "You're beautiful." They stood facing each other.
"Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony."
"Does anyone object to this marriage?"
The church was quiet; "then forever hold your peace."
Father Georg asked them the question of commitment; which ended with … "for as long as you both shall live?"
They answered firmly. "I will."
They sat for the readings and Father's short homily. He ended with: "…a marriage is always a blessed event. These two families have witnessed God's plan for them; neither would allow evil to rule their lives. God's plan worked perfectly. The love between John and Liesl only grew stronger during that time. It is with great pleasure I administer the Sacrament of Marriage."
The congregation heard each of them in turn repeat Father's words, ending with; "This is my solemn vow."
And likewise during the exchange of rings those familiar words were spoken in turn. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow; always to remember how much I love and honor you."
They sat together but did not hold hands. They listened to the communion prayers. After all who wished to partake of the blessed elements of bread and wine, the couple knelt for the final prayer.
"And now I pronounce that they are husband and wife. May you so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, and may your home may be a haven of blessing and peace.
"May God bless, preserve and keep you and may the Lord find favor with each of you and fill you with spiritual benediction and grace; living faithfully your lives together. Amen"
The organist began in gusto, the Wedding March from a Midsummer's Night Dream. Liesl and John were like most couples, they almost ran out of the church. They had a few seconds alone. "I'm not waiting Liesl. I wanted to kiss you the moment your father lifted your veil."
"Me, too."
They were still in their embrace by the time Louisa caught up to them. "Couldn't wait."
"You'll understand some day."
The couple and their families waited around the corner. They would re-enter the church for pictures. The guests departed for the reception.
