Leaning against the car with his arms crossed, Georg wondered if he should walk over to the iron gates and yank the bell chain. But what would he say?

I'm sorry to bother you, but I believe my fiancé – he liked the sound of that – is being held captive by your Reverend Mother.

It sounded ridiculous in his head – it would sound even madder out loud.

Could you kindly check if my fiancé hasn't rushed off to confession to beg for God's forgiveness.

Confession for what exactly? He tugged at his ear, pondering the possibilities for a moment or two. Impure thoughts about him, perhaps? He cleared his throat, telling himself this wasn't the time, and a guilty glance at the Abbey's gates reminded him, it certainly wasn't the place.

Had the Reverend Mother convinced Maria she was making a monumental mistake.

Putting his own misgivings aside, this was Maria's old home, a family of sorts. It was more than plausible, being here in the familiar surrounds, amongst those she knew and loved, she might change her mind. God, what would he do without her?

Pushing himself away from the car, he walked towards the Abbey gates. It was something he hadn't even contemplated. He'd only just found her. As irrational and improbable as it seemed, after Agathe, the fear of loss was something that rarely left him. Lurking in the back of his mind, like a U-boat captain stalking an enemy ship on the waters above, it was ready to strike at the slightest hesitation or hint of self-doubt.

Could he just ask one of the nuns to check on Maria?

Staring through the iron bars – why was he gripping them so tightly? – he could see a pair of nuns in the distance. Perhaps he should call them over. He opened his mouth to say something, but suddenly lost his nerve. Surely, they'd think he was mad.

His hands dropped from the gate and he took a few steps back, straining his neck as he glared up – left then right – at the imposing wall. The fingers on his left hand started flexing. He'd already decided to scale it and break Maria out if the Reverend Mother tried to talk her into staying. Dammit! She was a free spirit, a dreamer, a force of nature – the last person who should be locked up. Even if she did change her mind and didn't want to marry him, he couldn't let her stay here. He kicked at a loose stone on the gravel path. What would he tell the children? He couldn't even face that thought…

Desperate for a distraction, he walked a few yards along the rough, gravel path that ran beside the Abbey wall, forcing his mind to focus on lunch with Leitner. He sighed. Unfortunately, that prospect wasn't any more comforting than standing here in the sunshine waiting for Maria. He'd despised Leitner for years – even when they were on the same side. And now that they weren't, he had no idea how he'd stomach sitting through lunch. He sighed again, more heavily this time. He'd promised John, and he supposed it was a small price to pay.

He should have postponed their lunch. If it wasn't so important, he would have. Unfortunately, he'd telephoned Leitner and arranged their meeting before mustering up the courage to call Hede. Sighing again, he should have known his sister would invite herself to stay. But he hadn't imagined she'd be on the next bloody train. He smiled. He had to admit, he was looking forward to seeing her after all this time. His fingers started moving beside his leg. Surely, he could trust her to behave herself over lunch. Still, he wished he didn't have to leave Maria alone with her…

He froze. Drifting on the summer breeze, he could have sworn he'd heard the faint sound of laughter – her laughter. He strained his ears, hoping and praying to hear it again. His head snapped up towards the wall. Turning, he quickened his pace, back towards the gate. Standing, waiting, he gripped the cast iron bars – staring, straining his neck, desperate for her to reappear. At first, he saw a black habit moving in the distance across the shadows of the cobblestone courtyard. He cursed under his breath, unable to tell if it was the Reverend Mother. His heart was beating hard against his ribs. Oh God, where was she? Catching a glimpse of her familiar summer dirndl coming into sight, his hands dropped from the gate.

God, he loved her!

He let go of a mouthful of air, relief washing over him. Was that the Reverend Mother? He cursed under his breath again. The nun walking in front of Maria was elderly, but from a distance, it was hard to tell one from the other.

As they drew closer, realising it was the Reverend Mother, his eyes shifted back to Maria. Her expression gave nothing away. Why had she been laughing? She turned away and lifted her hand to wave – perhaps recognising a friendly face. What had been so amusing? It was only when she turned back and her eyes met his that he stepped back from the gate. Waiting impatiently, his fingers on his left hand started moving against his leg. Trying to read their body language – not that he was any good at that kind of thing – he watched the two women emerge from the courtyard. After what seemed an age, they come to a stop on the other side of the gate.

"Good afternoon, Captain von Trapp…" the Reverend Mother lifted the latch on the iron gate. Stepping aside, she waited while Maria pulled the gate open.

Georg cleared his throat. God, it was dry. Encouraged by the warmer than expected welcome, he stepped through the open gate. "Good afternoon, Mother Abbess," he took the hand that was offered to him. The elderly woman squeezed his hand with a strength that was surprising for someone of her age. He waited for her to let go, but she didn't. It was a little unnerving.

"Maria has told me the news, Captain," the Reverend Mother was now holding his hand in both of hers.

"I can't thank you enough for sending Maria to us," Georg glanced over the Reverend Mother's shoulder and smiled at Maria.

"Well, I must admit, I didn't quite imagine things working out the way they have," she finally let go of his hand. "Maria is important to me, and its her happiness that concerns me the most."

"I share your concerns," Georg was still struggling to read her. "She's become very important to me and the children." He glanced at Maria, who nodded encouragingly at him.

"Captain, before I let you go, I wonder if you'd join me on a short walk," the Reverend Mother's expression tightened.

Georg frowned. Talk…? What about? He'd assumed they'd be leaving…

"I promise not to keep you long," the Reverend Mother added.

Realising she must have sensed his hesitation, Georg forced an awkward smile. God, it was like she could read his mind, see into his soul. Once again, he glanced over the Reverend Mother's shoulder at Maria, who frowned and motioned with her head for him to follow.

"Erhm… of course," Georg's eyes moved back to the elderly nun, and he gave her a curt nod.

"We'll be back shortly," the Reverend Mother waved her hand in Maria's direction, just in case she was tempted to join them.

Maria nodded, wishing she could tag along with them. Instead, she stood at the gates, watching them turn away.

Georg smiled to himself as the Reverend Mother started walking slowly along the gravel path that led away from the cobblestone courtyard. This was obviously a woman used to being in charge. She just took it for granted that everyone would simply follow, whether they were part of her flock of devoted nuns or not. Falling into step beside her, he counted their paces, waiting for her to begin the conversation – one, two, three, four, five, six, sev-...

"It's a shame not to take advantage of the beautiful day, don't you think?"

"Yes, I suppose it is," Georg agreed. Not the question he was expecting. He glanced around, wondering just how a nun would go about taking advantage of a perfect summer's day. Didn't Maria scamper over the wall on days like this?

His eyes lingered on a pair of nuns in the distance. Trying to ignore their looks, he reminded himself they mustn't be used to seeing too many men behind these walls. It was odd seeing women in full habit, working on tools in the garden with such gusto. What in God's name was Maria thinking, wanting to spend the rest of her life here? Cursing to himself, he realised, thoughts like that in such a holy place were unwise. What was it his mother had always been warning him about – God will strike you down with lightning! He shuddered at the thought.

Forcing himself not to think too much, he waited patiently, wondering where their conversation might go now that they'd discussed the weather. Surely, they weren't going to spend too much time marvelling at the beautiful summer day. Thankfully, he didn't have to wait long…

"Captain, I'm not one to dance around difficult conversations," the Reverend Mother spoke softly, "so, I'll be frank, and I'd appreciate the same from you."

"Of course, Reverend Mother," Georg answered. Why did he suddenly feel like that small, awkward boy in lederhosen?

"I know better than anyone, the Lord works in mysterious ways," she began, "and to be frank, this whole thing is a mystery to me."

Georg bowed his head. God, now he felt like the small boy, back at school, about to be scolded.

"I have to confess, when I received your request and sent Maria to spend the summer holidays with your children, I never imagined it would set off this chain of events."

"It took us all by surprise, Reverend Mother."

"Hmmm…" she paused for a moment and turned to look up at him. Her feet stopped as she took the time to study his face. "Do you love her, Captain?"

"With all my heart," he stared back at her, answering without wavering.

"And the children?"

"The children adore her," he smiled, recalling them all dancing around Maria's bedroom while the thunderstorm raged outside. "They did from the night she arrived."

"I see…" The Reverend Mother nodded to herself as she recommenced her slow but steady pace along the path.

They continued in silence for several more yards until stopping alongside a stone bench.

"Do you mind if we stop here?" The Reverend Mother asked.

"Of course not," Georg answered, although he was under no illusion. She hadn't really been asking him.

"I'm afraid my arthritis is giving me particular trouble today," she explained as she settled on one end of the bench and motioned for him to join her.

Sitting down, Georg waited expectantly for the Reverend Mother to continue.

"Do you realise, when I told my young, and dare I say one of my favourite, postulants that I was sending her to be your children's governess," the Reverend Mother turned her body to face the Captain, "she had no idea who you were."

"Oh, don't worry," laughing nervously, Georg reached up and tugged at his ear, "I know…"

"I told her you were a brave and honourable man," she stated bluntly, ignoring his response. "I do hope you haven't done anything to make me regret those words…"

"Anything…?" Georg shifted uneasily under the elderly nun's eagle eye. God, this suddenly felt like confession. Finding the edge of the bench, his fingers wrapped around its hard seat.

"Yes, you know…" her words hung in the air, but the Captain didn't offer any response. "I need to ask you something," she narrowed her eyes at him. "I do hope my postulant is as intact as the day she left my care."

"What…?" Georg nearly choked. Intact…? Did she mean…? Surely, they weren't having this conversation. His thumb was drumming away nervously on the bench. "Mother Abbess, I can assure you I have not taken advantage of Maria in any way."

"Forgive me for asking, but I'm sure you understand," the Reverend Mother narrowed her eyes.

"I do, and please don't apologise," Georg answered softly. He took a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh. "I realise Maria and I aren't the conventional couple," he began. "And I'm not naïve. I realise news of our engagement will trigger all kinds of gossip and innuendo." He reached up and tugged at his ear. Never would he have imagined having this conversation with a nun. "You have my word, Reverend Mother, I have not compromised Maria during her time under my roof, and nor would I," he held her eyes. "I will never let any harm come to Maria. I love her, will always cherish her, and I give you my word I'll do everything to keep her safe from harm."

The Reverend Mother nodded appreciatively. "I had to ask, and thank you for your candour," she smiled. "I'm sure you already know, but Maria loves you very much Captain."

A smile spread quickly across Georg's face.

"We both know you don't need my blessing, but I'll give it to you anyway."

"Thank you, that means more than you can imagine. To both of us," Georg was still smiling. "You have been such an important part of Maria's life. She looks up to you," he shrugged at her frown. "Between you and me, I've lost count how many times she's quoting your words of wisdom."

The Reverend Mother laughed. Over the years, she often wondered whether Maria had listened to a word she'd said.

"Let me walk you back to the gates, Captain," the Reverend Mother stood up from the bench.

"I'd like that very much," he motioned for her to take the lead.

"One more thing, Captain…"

"Yes, Mother Abbess?" Georg glanced sideways at her.

"Don't tell Maria she was one of my favourites," the Reverend Mother didn't break stride. "I'd prefer if we just kept that between ourselves."

oOo

The wind blew along the platform, catching a piece of loose paper and sending it on a strange kind of dance, whipped along between the legs of the crowd waiting expectantly for the train from Vienna. The station had always been something of a wind tunnel, and today, what had seemed like a gentle summer breeze out on the street, now felt gusty and much stronger.

The fingers on Georg's hand were moving against his leg. The train had been delayed. Not that it really mattered, he told himself again, there was still time. But he hated things not running like clockwork, especially when they had a timetable to follow. If the damned thing didn't arrive soon, he wouldn't be able to spend any time with Maria and Hede. The last thing he wanted was to just tip them out on the footpath.

The station master had said something about a small land slip in one of the steep gullies this side of Vöcklabruck. Apparently, locals had to be called in to remove stone and debris from the track. He guessed it couldn't be helped. But still…

Maria could sense Georg fidgeting beside her. It didn't help that the train was late. After their favourable reception with the Reverend Mother, they should both been in good spirits. But they weren't. She was worried about her lunch with Hede, while Georg was worrying about his lunch with that awful Captain What's-his-name. Actually, come to think of it, he was probably worrying about her lunch with his sister, as well. As soon as they stepped out of the car and started walking along the bustling footpath towards the station, it felt like everyone's eyes were on them. She was sure it wasn't her imagination. If people weren't looking at them, it was because they were too busy whispering.

She'd realised on previous visits to town, how people would whisper and stare at Georg, but this seemed far worse than usual. Hoping it would be different once they reached the station, she'd been disappointed. There were people in small groups strewn along the length of the platform, and they all seemed to be either looking in their direction or whispering and giggling to their companions. She knew the tone of their laughter…

"Ignore them, Maria…"

She turned in the direction of the warm breath that tickled her ear. "Is it just me, or is this worse than usual?" she whispered back.

"Oh, it's worse…" he muttered under his breath. "Much worse."

"I thought so," she answered sadly.

"Don't pay them any attention. They're only trying to work out who the beautiful lady beside me is," he whispered, watching her frown start to slip away. "They're wondering what on Earth she's doing with such a cantankerous old fool…"

"Oh, Georg!" Maria giggled, watching his half grin grow.

Behind a raised brow, his male pride surged at how easily he'd drawn a smile from her in such trying circumstances.

"Do you think they've heard?"

Shrugging, he dropped his head a little to the side, losing himself in her wide blue eyes. "Who knows?" Without breaking eye contact, he shifted his hand between them and brushed her fingers discretely. "Even if they haven't heard a thing, they'll make something up."

"Surely not," she whispered in horror.

"But I really couldn't care less, could you?"

Her eyes widened as she stared at him and shook her head slowly. Her heart skipped a beat as he mouthed the words "I love you…"

Somewhere in the distance, the chugging of the steam train grew louder, drowned out momentarily by a long, drawn-out whistle. But they heard neither, well, not straight away. They were too lost in each other.

God, he loved her!

As the train began its slow deceleration along the platform, the air around them filled with the acrid smell of burnt coal. Georg looked up from Maria, surprised to see the train's engine pass slowly by.

Thank God, they'll be able to escape from here…

They watched on in silence, as family and friends recognised faces through the carriage windows. Waving, they walked along the platform, keeping pace with the familiar face in the window, ready to greet loved ones as soon as they disembarked. It was a few minutes before the train came to a complete stop and the doors of the carriages were opened by men in smart uniforms.

"Did you see Hede?" Maria asked searching up and down the platform for the woman she'd only ever seen in photographs.

"No…" Georg muttered under his breath. It would be just like his sister to have missed the damn thing. He turned his head towards the engine, searching for her. Emerging from the clouds of steam billowing from underneath the train, his eyes found her in the distance, amongst the families and friends greeting each other along the crowded platform. "Ah, there she is…" he smiled

"Oh, where, Georg?" Forgetting all about the crowd, Maria grabbed hold of his arm and stood on tip-toes searching in the direction he was looking.

"There she is, waving at us," he patted Maria's hand. Not one to be seen waving in public, he simply nodded in his sister's direction, hoping she'd seen him.

"She looks like you," Maria whispered, watching the dark-haired woman with the square jaw, frowning as she tried to negotiate her way through the maddening crowd…

Hede hadn't realised the train from Vienna had been so full of people. Having spotted Georg halfway down the platform, she glanced around, desperate to avoid the Herrmanns and Rheinhardts. What horrible, meddling gossips! Deciding the coast was clear, she started making her way through the crowd. Curious, she tried not to stare at the woman standing beside her brother.

Not what she'd expected, at all!

She was tall and thin, with an unusually short haircut. Perhaps she really had been a nun. Oh God, she couldn't believe she was taking notice of anything those sniping women had said! Picking her way through the crowd, she was only a few carriage lengths away, when the woman with Georg smiled at her. She had the most radiant smile! Even from a distance, she noticed her eyes sparkled with excitement. The short, pixie haircut suited her.

"Georg!" She called out when she was only five to ten yards away, not that there was any reason to get his attention. She smiled at the dark look her brother gave her. He hated being the centre of attention. Always had. Coming to a stop in front of them, she reached out to touch her brother's arm. "Georg!" She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. Unexpectedly, his arms went around her, drawing her into a tight embrace. "You're looking well!"

"I'm glad you're here…" he mumbled, giving his sister an awkward grin.

Hede took a step back and looked from her brother to the woman beside him.

"This is Maria…" Georg turned and gave Maria a smile. "This is my sister, Hede."

"I'm so excited to meet you, Hede!" Maria gave her a wide smile. "I can't wait to get to know each other."

"Oh, don't worry, Maria," Hede held the pair of bright blue eyes. "I've heard so much about you," she smiled, "why, I feel like we've already met…"

oOo

Staring in the shop front, he smiled at the tailored suits and colourful silk neckties. There was a time, not so long ago, when he couldn't afford either. Certainly not from a place like Muhlberger's. No more ill-fitting off-the-shelf suits for him. Not once he delivered a prize scalp to Berlin. Another week or two, and he'd be on the other side of the glass being measured up by one of their senior tailors. Perhaps even Muhlberger himself. He'd be Gauleiter of Salzburg, and he'd make sure he looked the part.

His thoughts interrupted by the single distant toll of a bell, he turned and continued along the footpath. One o'clock. By now, Leitner should be sitting down to lunch. He wondered what had changed von Trapp's mind. It had been as sudden as it was unexpected. In the past, the man had never tried to hide his opposition to the movement. He scoffed – the fool must have woken up and realised he was the only one clinging to the past.

Still, something had pulled the man's head out of the sand. Perhaps that little governess of his had played a hand in it. He smiled to himself. If the high and mighty Captain von Trapp was willing to carry on with the governess, then perhaps the man wasn't as honourable and principled as he'd have people believe.

His smile shifted to a smirk. Leitner had spoken to them both, von Trapp and his little mistress, the other evening. He'd been flaunting her at the opera, or some such place. A plain looking thing apparently, but with that tell-tale look about her. Leitner assured him she'd be good in bed. God knows if anyone could pick them, it was Leitner. The man had more experience in that department than most. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. A man with vices was so much easier to do business with.

Still, he wasn't taking any chances. Oh no, Herr Zeller wouldn't gamble his future by relying on other people. Leitner was a pompous fool, way out of his depth, and von Trapp would know that better than anyone. As for von Trapp, it was impossible to know how committed to this new-found allegiance he really was.

Hah! He'd outsmart both of them!

Turning down Marketplatz, he pushed back his shoulders defiantly. When von Trapp returned home, there'd be a surprise waiting for him. A little something he couldn't ignore. Something that would test his loyalty to the cause…

oOo

Thank you everyone one for continuing to read and review. Special thanks to the guest reviewers, who I can't thank personally.

Apologies for the delay in updating – life has been hectic and crazy. A shorter chapter this time!

I don't own TSOM, still having a little lend!

"Immerse your soul in love"