Maria had only been to Vienna once, as a small girl. She had only spent one afternoon there but it had been a magical afternoon. She had tasted some of the best gugelhupf there, had watched others run about the Wurstelprater, wishing that she was old enough to do that too. There was a large scary statue at the entrance, she giggled at that. She didn't fear easily.

Now she was back, so many years later and looking about her in astonishment. This was the world of the Baroness. One that Maria could only stare at longingly in the window of. Not that she wanted to live amongst this hustle and bustle every day. But there was such an alluring atmosphere about a big city. Just to catch a tram and watch the streets go by, hidden tantalising side streets that whispered to you to discover them, cakes from stalls that begged for you to try them, the streetlamps that winked at you in the gleaming light. This must have been what Cinderella felt like she thought.

Her employer, Frau Schmidt, had given her two precious days off and she had recklessly booked a train ticket to the capital. She had a small bag with her and had decided to stay the night. Where, she had no idea but she would find someplace. But what had really sparked her energy was the thought of seeing the Baroness again. Maria knew she was being naive in thinking that she could walk into an expensive shop and the Baroness would be there, but ever the optimist, she had to try. With a little help, she navigated her way to the beautifully adorned shop and stood before the window, shimmering bottles on display. Maria took a deep breath and suddenly felt fluttery. The nervousness was creeping up on her and she wondered if she was actually going to be able to walk in there. She stood aside as a well-coiffed lady entered the shop and she trailed after her.

It was elegantly and tastefully decorated in soothing shades of cream and terracotta. The lady behind the counter was dressed in a charming navy suit and was already chatting to the new customer like a friend. Maria discreetly looked at the price of a bottle and took a deep breath. She had never earned that much money in a month. The bottles were shaped like cellos. Most distinctive.

'Designed on the shape of a woman's body' remarked a voice behind her. Maria whirled around, praying that she'd not knock anything over. Clumsiness got her into trouble.

'Oh um…'

There stood the Baroness, resplendent in a teal green dress. She looked marvellous. Maria felt like a fool in her shabby bag and coat.

'Baroness…'

'It's lovely to see you Maria. I didn't think you'd visit Vienna anytime soon' said her hostess with a smile. She held a bottle in her hands, fingers caressing dangerous curves. Maria flicked her eyes to it and tried not to react. All of a sudden she felt tingles down her spine.

'I had a couple of days off and I thought it would be nice to travel. I haven't visited Vienna since I was a little girl. I know where I'd like to go this morning and then I'll wander around the city.'

The other ladies in the shop turned with curiosity to hear this provincial dialect, making Maria blush.

'Well if you wait a little while, I will direct you to some good places to go.'

She spoke to the saleslady for a bit and greeted the customers. They were clearly well acquainted with her. Maria felt like a fish out of water and distracted herself by looking at the bottles. The scents sounded divine.

Elsa appeared in front of her in a beautiful fur coat and ushered her out. Maria was amazed that she could just walk out of her working day whenever she wanted.

'Well I own the business darling, all I have to do is say the word and Lili or Agathe can take over for the day. That's what I pay them for' she said dryly. Maria, who had never known what it was like to work for herself, was astonished. She wondered why the Baroness was a working woman. She hoped that she'd find out in time.

'You wanted to go to the Prater, didn't you?'

'Oh yes.'

'It's only a short tram ride from here, have you eaten?'

'Not yet.'

Elsa knew where she was going to take her for lunch.

Maria was enchanted with the big ferris wheel, eagerly anticipating the view. The Baroness had climbed in elegantly beside her with the helping hand of the conductor and was an observant listener, listening to her companion's chatter with quiet pleasure.

'I can see why you like the big city. There's something exciting about it' enthused Maria as they climbed higher, the city snaking out below them like a view from heaven.

Elsa confirmed her belief in the appeal of the well lived history under their feet, the seductive choice of bakeries, the way that the city garbed itself in bright lights and plush fur.

'I wish I'd visited earlier. I suppose I was a little daunted by the idea' admitted Maria. 'but now that I've done it, it doesn't seem quite so daring.'

'I admire your spirit Maria. And your optimism.'

The other woman suddenly looked contrite.

'I know I shouldn't have dropped in on you like that, I was taking a chance that you'd be there. I felt awfully rude. Reverend Mother tells me that I am too impulsive.'

That's what Elsa liked about her.

'There's usually a good chance at finding me at the shop. And I like that you sought me out, Maria. It's…flattering that you remembered me and took up my offer. You are more than welcome to visit me whenever you want. Perhaps we could write to each other sometimes.'

Maria looked at her radiantly. Elsa felt a long-forgotten coil of yearning spiral through her. It had been such a long time since someone had looked at her like that. She couldn't deny how much she had desired it.

'Oh I forgot, I brought you some of this.'

Maria delved into her bag and took out some small white flowers. Elsa gasped in delight.

'Edelweiss.'

'I love it' enthused Maria, giving her a sprig. 'I thought you might like some to remind you of Salzburg. I like to dry them for the winter and make parcels of them to scent my clothes.'

'I have a perfume in the shop featuring edelweiss actually.'

'Do you?'

Maria looked thrilled. Elsa hoped that the surprise she had earmarked for her visitor would be well received.

'Infused with the finest vanilla as well.'

'I adore vanilla.'

Of course she did. With no idea of such luxuries that existed, Maria hadn't realised what a world there was waiting out there for her. Twirling the flower between her fingers, the Baroness laughed at a sudden memory.

'I knew someone who once likened me to Edelweiss.'

Maria thought that the wistful expression on the Baroness's face made her look so fresh and lovely.

'Oh but he was right' she enthused.

Elsa raised an eyebrow. Felt a thrill at being really, truly noticed.

'What made you think it was a man?'

Maria blushed, belatedly realising her potential error.

'I'm so sorry Baroness, I did assume.'

The other woman looked at her teasingly, peeking from behind the fronds.

'You happen to be correct in this instance.'

She left it there. Maria stared at her, dying to know more. The implication was too tempting.

'Did I shock you?' Asked Elsa.

'Oh…no.'

Her tone was unconvincing. Elsa smirked slightly. Maria was so provincial. But what could she expect from a someone who grew up in the mountains?