Elsa wasn't sure how her new friend would react upon being taken to an upmarket restaurant. True to form, Maria looked around her like a child and the surprise on her face when she saw the size of the Weiner schnitzel was positively comedic. Elsa laughed. Even more amusing was when Maria revealed that she liked her schnitzel with a side of noodles. Elsa lowered her glass and goggled at her. What an odd duck. Elsa didn't think it was a Salzburg thing, just a Maria thing. She ate hers with potatoes the same as everyone else but when Maria had asked for noodles, Elsa nodded to the well-trained waiter and with just a raise of the eyebrow, he departed to the kitchen.

'You are most unusual, Maria.'

'I've been told that I can be unconventional,' said the guileless Maria.

The Baroness grinned.

'You certainly are' she said with appreciation. What a breath of fresh air this young woman was. She would be wasted as a nun.

'If I may say so, I hope you won't return to the abbey. You are far too irrepressible to live behind such heavy walls.'

'But it is my calling. I've been drawn to the abbey since I was a little girl. I grew up almost in their back garden.'

'Is it the peace you are drawn to or the way of life? If I am to be frank, I feel as if the cloistered life would stifle you. You seem determined to enjoy life and perhaps you think you feel as if being a nun is the worthiest way to exist but perhaps it doesn't suit you. Perhaps the Reverend Mother allowed you this time to reflect on your decision, knowing that you may not end up where you thought you might. Feeling safe and secure within those walls isn't the best reason you could have for wanting to stay there.'

Maria put down her fork and stared at her, almost in alarm. It was as if Reverend Mother was speaking through to her. Oh, she knew of Reverend Mother's wild past. She had been quite candid about that. Reverend Mother was a worldly and observant woman, despite her religious reputation. And she had warned Maria of the same, no matter what protestations she faced. Maria had refused to believe that she was meant to have any other life but that. She'd spent a lot of time being confused about it, these recent months. Feeling guilty that she was enjoying the outside world so much.

'I think she means you to give it some serious thought and not force yourself to promise to be the same person you were years ago. People don't always end up where they expect to be. I certainly thought my marriage had years left. To see myself now, running my own business and attending parties by myself, only a few years ago I wouldn't have dreamed of it. I could swear that I'd curl up in a ball and die soon after my husband did. But I didn't. And I can't imagine doing that now that I have something to fill my days with. That at least is enough.'

Maria felt her heart grow heavy at the thought of the Baroness returning home by herself after a sumptuous party, her gorgeous dress shielding her from the loneliness among the crowd, walking into an empty house with no-one but the housekeeper to greet her. Not having anyone to tenderly compliment her when she got ready for a party or help her unbutton her dress so she could nestle into the pillows, secure in the knowledge that she would sleep easy. How melancholy her reflection would be. Perhaps she avoided looking in the mirror so she wouldn't see it. She was not so old, after all. She was beautiful still.

'I'm so sorry to hear that. I can't imagine how it must feel for you.'

'You get used to it. I can hardly believe it myself.'

Elsa gave a mirthless laugh and looked away. Maria settled her gaze on her plate and finished her strudel. She didn't want to make the other woman feel uncomfortable.

Elsa took out a small flask from her bag and slid it across the table.

'I hope you don't mind but I have taken the liberty of choosing for you. But you are more than welcome to try any of my perfumes when you visit.'

Maria gasped and looked at the precious glass vessel, a mini cello filled with translucent liquid.

'For me?'

'Of course. How could I leave you for the day without giving you the opportunity to try edelweiss and vanilla? There are of course many other ingredients in there but I hope you will like the overall effect.'

'Oh Baroness, I can't.'

Elsa correctly interpreted the embarrassed flush to Maria's face.

'I am well aware that it is a luxury item that you would not make a habit of indulging in, but I want to give you a present you will enjoy.'

How pleasantly tactful she was, knowing that Maria would never be able to afford even a drop of such opulence, thought the young woman. There was no calculating shrewdness in the Baroness's eyes, just gentle generosity. She had relaxed much more, whether it was being in her home city or that she trusted Maria more now, either way, Maria liked it very much.

'Thank you Baroness. I can't tell you how much I will appreciate it.'

'Of that I am certain.'

They finished their coffee in comfortable silence. Only when they had left the restaurant, did Elsa ask her when her train was.

'I'm staying overnight. That is, I meant to book something. But I was so excited that I forgot.'

Elsa was speechless for a few seconds. She'd never come across anyone like her.

'You certainly won't find anything this time of night. Best come and stay with me. I have plenty of room.'

Every time she said that it reminded her of the family she and her husband were supposed to have. The children that had never been born. She pushed the thought aside.

'Oh Baroness, that is too kind of you. Are you sure?'

'Of course. And see, it's starting to rain. We'd better start going. You can have a hot bath tonight and a good breakfast in the morning.'

Maria was to learn that her new friend always offered her house to any waif and stray. Most of all, Max Detweiler who was a crafty old thing. But he was away and Elsa was feeling protective over this wild thing who laughed in the thunderstorm and skipped in puddles.