The Baroness was not impressed. Abandoned last minute by her date, stuck halfway up a mountain and now trapped here with the infernal tour guide prancing around with a guitar. She was going to make them sing, she knew it. Elsa heaved a sigh of torment and tried to turn her back on the group, now gearing up for a rendition of do-re-mi. She was not one for a group singsong and forced jollity. She was only on this damn trip because of Georg and he had to dash to work at the last minute. She'd called up Max in desperation but he had been busy with his new venture so reluctantly she'd boarded the coach with a few happy clappy tourists. She wasn't a tourist exactly. She came to Salzburg often. It had a different atmosphere to Vienna that was perfect for a weekend away. Elsa loved city breaks. Since starting up her perfume business, she'd appreciated her holidays even more, considering that she really didn't have to work at all. She was a wealthy widow. But needing to fill her days and tired of endless parties, she started to think about how she could serve high society in other ways. Being the witty charming socialite with the best couturier in Vienna was all very well but as much as she enjoyed it, there were times when she didn't feel like attending. Sometimes she just wanted some evening solitude instead of filling the house and her days with chatter and bustle. She knew that keeping her own company would ignite the gossip that her grief was making her a recluse and for a while, it had. She had been the subject of pity, not having a plus one anymore and while everyone telling her how brave she was, she felt like screaming profanities at them and storming off. But she was a lady and a lady found other ways to let off steam. Darling Max was no use in that department (although he made a great plus one) but he had introduced her to archery and boules which was something at least. And Georg had taken her out every so often. She did love music and dancing. She just didn't like being made to sing herself.

The tour guide hesitated when Elsa had climbed aboard.

'Oh Madam, you really aren't wearing the right shoes!' She exclaimed. Elsa looked at her sensible low heels and wondered if she was going to be made to change them. She assured the woman that she would manage and looked around for a seat. As usual, everyone was in a couple (like she should have been) and the coach was small.

'You can sit with me at the front, Madam,' said the guide. Elsa dropped her gaze to the name badge. Of course the guide's name was Maria. A sanctimonious insufferable name, in her experience.

'Very kind of you. Maria' she said frostily and took a seat opposite. 'You may call me Baroness' she said pointedly. Maria hastily took the hint and spoke to her with a little more decorum. She could see that the accompanying gentleman was absent and that the Baroness must be feeling dejected. Her jaw looked tense and her mouth was set, even though her eyes were not as sulky as they should have been. Maria thought she was beautiful, this Baroness. She had to remind herself to stop staring and nudge the coach driver to start. Maria had a frivolous habit of appreciating pretty things and the Baroness was included on that list.

The mountains really were lovely mused the Baroness as she stood under the never-ending wash of blue sky, such a beautiful canvas. If only she could ride on a cloud to somewhere new.

Maria cast a glance at the aloof woman hovering nearby. She hadn't joined in with any songs on the coach and had stared out of the window, seemingly appreciating the scenery, barely speaking, although her manners were gracious. Maria hoped that the magic of the mountains was working and the Baroness would feel more energised soon. She was decidedly languid and that concerned Maria.

'See the abbey up there?' She pointed. 'If you wish to go there for a few days of reflection and retreat, they allow it. It's a wonderful place.'

'Do you recommend it?' Asked the Baroness suddenly.

'Oh yes. I practically grew up there. I was even a novice there until a year ago' said Maria enthusiastically. The group murmured in awe and pressed closer.

'What made you give it up?'

'The Reverend Mother thought that I should benefit from a more worldly experience for a little while. I was a governess for a while and then tried teaching and I liked it all but I have always been drawn to the mountains. I got into trouble for it a lot when I was a novice, for spending so much time here.'

Elsa smirked slightly, the first sign of an uncontrolled reaction so far. Maria didn't mind that it was at her expense.

'I love the mountains; I can't imagine living without them. At some point I will consider whether I really will go back to the abbey but for now, I'm overjoyed to take people out here as a fulltime job.'

Elsa thought that this young woman would be wasted as a nun.

Unaware of that thought, Maria pressed her group on and Elsa lapsed back into apparent disinterest, although Maria thought she could detect a flicker of appreciation in her eyes. The last place they visited certainly evoked a reaction.

'I will not' stated Elsa.

'I realise you aren't dressed for it, Baroness but I always offer the option should people want it,' said Maria. The rest of the group were certainly game.

'I am not some street urchin that climbs trees' said Elsa stiffly.

'Of course. Please take a seat' here Maria indicated to a fold out chair she'd taken off the coach 'and we won't take too long. It's a beautiful spot to enjoy the view.'

Slightly mollified, Elsa did as she was instructed. Maria was right. It was a beautiful view.