'Are you in love with this person?'

'I don't know! I suppose I am. But it is not that easy.'

'You have a great capacity for love. You must find out how God wants you to spend your love.'

'But I pledged my life to God. I pledged my life to his service. I had always intended coming back here.'

'My daughter, if you love this person, it doesn't mean you love God less. You cannot seem to let go of this notion of who you feel you must be. I think it is not a question of you being ready for this life anymore. Your heart is elsewhere and you must follow it.'

Maria had begged to stay at the convent in seclusion to make her decision. Reverend Mother thought it would take longer than that but kept her counsel. Despite her determination to see the best in everyone, Maria tended to be a good judge of character and Reverend Mother hoped that whoever it was, was worth it. Maria wouldn't say. She'd never been so quiet in her life as she sat in her cell and whispered for direction. On the seventh night, she dreamed of edelweiss on the mountains and woke up refreshed, serene, her heart singing with relief. Reverend Mother saw the travel bag in Maria's hand and nodded in acceptance.

'Maria. I think you have chosen well. But if, on the off chance that you wish to come back, there will always be a home for you here.'

Maria hadn't realised how proud Reverend Mother had been of her. She'd never looked so regal, standing against the golden light, her guiding angel. She couldn't forget everything she'd done for her, couldn't thank her enough.

Maria somehow knew which direction the sun would take her. To the Café Brun where her Baroness unknowingly waited with a plate of cherry strudel, whipped cream on the side.

'I had hoped we could resolve this amicably. I know we're fond of each other but that isn't enough. I will never be able to be a new mother to your children, Georg. And I think that you know that. How long were we going to continue like this?'

For someone who had professed that she'd made him come alive again, he'd protested remarkedly little. He'd seen that recently she was becoming dissatisfied, her interest waning. He didn't know who or what it was that had changed her mind but she was determined to end it. A friend was all they could be to each other. It was a mistake to try with another man, that wasn't what she needed. He wished her well, to his children's relief. His time would come to find another wife but it was not now and not with her.

The Baroness looked delighted upon seeing her.

'How did you know I would be here?'

Maria sat opposite her in a happy daze, having taken another fork from the next table in anticipation.

'It's about time you tasted the cherry strudel. Elsa.'

The other woman stared at her in wonderment. The key had been used; the lock had been turned. Maria had confirmed her decision with that one utterance. Finally, she'd felt able to do so.

'You never fail to surprise me, Maria' said the Baroness, in a flutter.

'I hope so' said the younger woman, happily.