'I hope to see very much more of you in the future. To inspire such happiness for my best friend, well that is an achievement.'

Maria smiled tremulously.

'You really think we could make it work, Max?'

He took her hand in his.

'My dear, I have every confidence in you.'

His serene expression belied the ferocity of his wish that this young woman would not run off to the abbey to hide herself away in contemplation. She would struggle with that. No more bicycle trips along the lake or climbing trees or singing out loud for the joy of it. She had a lovely voice. And Elsa needed her. That was the good work Maria could do. He promised to himself that he would donate to the abbey should this happen, to compensate for the loss of a nun to be. For he truly believed that she did not belong within the walls of such confines.

'Are you planning the next social calendar already?' Asked Elsa lightly, coming upon this touching scene. As she had thought, Max had taken heartily to Maria (possibly for the idea that she could front the new choir he was trying to put together) and knew that he wouldn't rest until he saw his new project succeed. Which was the implausible match in front of him. She knew she could trust him to be discreet and intensely loyal. Maria also had her decision to make. While it looked like her mind was made up, Elsa was not so presumptuous as to think that such a diligent person would throw away everything in pursuit of passion. There was going to be a struggle when evaluating which life she truly belonged to. Without the temptation of Elsa, would she devotedly merge into the abbey? Or was it the love of the mountains and good strudel that kept her tethered to the outside world? Either way, there was still an opportunity for the universe to screw this up for both of them.

She'd go and see Georg. It wouldn't be fair on him to break up with him over the telephone or by letter. Not that the offer of marriage was forthcoming. They certainly complemented each other at parties and dances but she couldn't build a future on that, nor on the grudging barely tolerated acceptance of his children. She thought she could fit in his world but she had to admit, much as she loved the peace of Salzburg once in a while, she wasn't cut out for quiet country living for long stretches.

'Just making sure that Maria gets invited to all the best occasions' said Max blithely. Elsa knew that he really meant make sure Maria will stay, a command she was inclined to follow through.

'If we may have a moment alone.'

'Of course. I must congratulate you on a splendid event, my dear, the society hens are clucking furiously in your favour. I fear for the decline of all other perfumes houses as yours is clearly supreme. Oh, Gustav!'

As he strolled off, Elsa tried to focus on the situation at hand. Distracted by Maria's stifled giggle, she laid a hand on her arm, not daring to do more.

'You are more than welcome to stay overnight when we get back so you can start for Salzburg in the morning.'

She paused. Maria waited. This was clearly not what she had intended to say that warranted time alone.

'Thank you, Baroness.'

Elsa coughed delicately and glanced down for a few seconds.

'Well, this is awkward.'

Maria kept still. She was hoping that this wasn't going to signal the end.

'Forgive me for ruining our weekend but I am somewhat on edge that I am clearly intent on sabotage. I will have the spare room made up.'

'But why?'

Maria's confusion was worn draped over her heart. She'd never make a good poker player thought Elsa ruefully.

'To keep a clear head. Promise me you will think about your decision most thoroughly. Because you will have to make it soon and I find myself at the crossroads along with you. Not something I'd anticipated but I trust your judgement and will accept your choice.'

Elsa heard her voice tremble just for a second and wished it hadn't sounded so pathetic. Maria looked stricken. The golden glow she'd been basking in was evaporating like mist.

'I thought you wanted this as much as I did?'

'I do. But don't want you to regret anything. I just want you to make the right decision and not be influenced by…me, I suppose.'

Maria did see that. Being around the Baroness was quite a distraction, not where she'd thought she'd be. The future had been so assuring. She'd known what she'd wanted from a young age. All roads and possibilities led to the abbey. To find herself with other options on how to live her life was disconcerting. Her certainty was vanishing and she wondered if she was shirking the duty she had set herself so long ago. Would she be disappointed in herself?

Elsa saw these realisations flit across Maria's face and sighed. She hated to burst the bubble but it had to be done.