A jazz band was playing at a restaurant nearby as they boarded the yacht and it seemed to Maria that the sound was pouring out from the sunshine. She had changed into a pale blue fluttery dress, the finest dress she'd ever worn, a kind donation from Frau Schmidt's niece. Maria loved the idea of surprising the Baroness and by the look on her face, she certainly had. Max stepped into the breech.

'Maria, you look positively radiant. Don't you think so, Elsa?'

Max nudged her sharply. Elsa had been staring at the other woman with an expression he couldn't quite decipher.

'Yes, quite.'

Elsa was wearing a marvellous creation of apricot silk with a sage green lining. Sleekly fitted to her curves, it had the desired effect of making everyone turn and watch as she tapped her way through the crowd in pearl accented heels. Max covertly watched Maria as she watched Elsa walk to the front, undisguised awe in her eyes. The young lady was wearing her gift of perfume and was certainly captivated by her benefactor. This boded well.

The evening wore on most pleasantly and Max and Gustav made sure that they took Maria everywhere with them and entertained her accordingly within the group. Max wanted nobody to set their cap at her but Elsa and was pleased to see that Maria took only one glass of champagne and sipped it gradually, giving the impression that she had drunk more than she actually had. She wasn't silly. She proved to be somewhat adept at conversation and had not sung at anyone at all. Elsa had warned him about Maria's tendency to sing. He found himself liking this simple hearted girl. There wasn't an ounce of pretension to her and that was what Elsa desperately needed. He was glad that she had changed out of that extraordinary striped dress though.

The sunset blazed across at them in liquid waves and Maria abandoned the company to lean across the side to watch. She'd never been on a yacht. She couldn't quite believe that this luxury was meant for her.

'Are you enjoying yourself, Maria?'

Maria turned around at the sound of the voice she'd been waiting to hear. The Baroness had had to do the rounds, be sociable and promote her products. She showed no signs of flagging but Maria knew she'd be exhausted when she got back. She longed to be able to comfort her if needed.

'I love it here. I can't thank you enough for inviting me, Baroness.'

The other woman emitted a trembling sigh, halfway to a laugh.

'Maria, please. My name is Elsa. You've never addressed me as such.'

Maria looked startled.

'Well, I know that. It says on your business card. But it is rather overfamiliar. I suppose it feels strange to call you by your name.'

'Are we not somewhat familiar with each other now?'

Elsa moved closer, expression unclear.

'Why yes, Baroness, we are. But I like calling you that. It suits you so well. It's elegant and authoritative.'

Elsa raised an eyebrow.

'Do you like authority, Maria? I thought it was something you struggled with.'

'Sometimes it can make you feel safe. But sometimes it feels stifling. When people do it because they don't care about you.'

'I care about you' Elsa found herself saying.

'I know you do. I've felt that from the start.'

Elsa sighed, felt despondent again.

'Why did you put up with me, on that first day? I must have tried your patience.'

'Because I knew there was more to you than it seemed. And I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.'

That sounded like a very Maria thing to do.

'And I was right. Wasn't I? You were downcast about The Captain deserting you at the last minute and struggling to put on a society face.'

'Well, yes.'

'I can see how well you do it. I can see how you've been born to it, learned how to live within this circle. I've been thinking about what you said about the difference between being happy and being content. You're right, I'm still on my journey. But you are too.'

Elsa knew she was getting to the truth and shifted uncomfortably. She did not wish to have this discussion out in the open.

'Perhaps we could talk in private. When we get back to the villa.'

'Why not now?'

'You're too impulsive, Maria.'

She'd started to like the name, the way it rolled off her tongue. Damn that woman.

Maria looked hopeful.

'I thought that's what you liked about me.'

Elsa laughed. She was incorrigible.

'You've been warned about being reckless.'

'Not by you.'

It was starting to get dark but Elsa could feel her gaze scorching her. She said nothing. It was true. She'd let Maria be herself without the illusion that she'd turn into someone more suitable. She did like that about her.

'We will talk later in a more private place' she said, finally.

Elsa stepped back and made herself walk away. She didn't want to see Maria's forlorn expression. But if anything were to happen between them, it couldn't be in front of an audience. Elsa was conscious of being at a society event and it would never do to set tongues wagging.