18
Georg woke up in the study with a severe headache, a dry mouth from the alcohol he had consumed, and heavy limbs. He realized that it would be wiser for him to sleep in the bedroom, but at one point he felt completely deprived. Last night was a turning point: his misery, Maria's betrayal and Elsa's retreat.
Elsa had left quietly and with dignity, he hadn't expected anything less from her. For days he had tried to find the right moment to talk to her about their relationship. But he could not find the right words, because his behaviour was dishonourable to her. At least in his mind.
Yet, she did it for him. Elsa openly confronted him with the fact that she could see how it looked when a "true von Trapp showed feelings", but they weren't towards her. But even in her defeat, she was still a serene, gracious lady. He hated himself for it, because she deserved a lot more from him but he couldn't give it to her.
He thought bitterly there was some kind of divine justice in the fact that he had lost his head because of the governess, neglected Elsa during that period, and in the end he was left alone. Maria chose another, she didn't want him. He didn't deserve anything better, he muttered to himself. In his disheveled state, he realized that breakfast time had already begun and that he had no time to get ready, so he immediately headed to the dining room.
...
He looked terrible.
She had never seen him in such a state before: still wearing the same a suit from the night before, a crumpled shirt without a tie, unshaven. His bloodshot eyes were accentuated by the dark circles under them. Seeing their father in such a state, the children were quiet and withdrawn. The younger children did not understand, and the older ones looked at him with apprehension, remembering what he had been like before.
At breakfast he said almost nothing but announced that Elsa had gone forever.
The children could scarcely conceal their joy at this, for they did not want to connect with Elsa in spite of Maria's continuous efforts to establish at least some communication. Elsa had kept the children at a polite distance, which didn't help their reservations about her. All in all, their bonding was doomed to failure from the beginning Maria realized.
She concluded that communication with the Captain would go from bad to worse because of the situation.
"Fraulein, stop cutting Gretl's sausage, she is not a baby!"
He scolded Maria with an angry and irritable voice. She withdrew with a sigh, not bothering to look him in the eye.
Meanwhile, Marta messed her fingers with jam, so Maria jumped up to clean her, but he immediately stopped her with his stern voice.
"Fraulein Maria stop it, no need for that, Marta can clean her hands herself, I don't want my children to be spoiled!"
That accusing and provocative look was visible again, and all aimed directly at her as if she was to blame for everything.
Maria felt that whatever she did or said would be a cause for his reproach and disapproval. He seemed to be looking for any reason for quarrel and conflict. At the same time it was as if he was getting even more annoyed that she was withdrawing and avoiding confrontation.
Although her heart was heavy, she was not too angry, he must have been very affected by the departure of the Baroness. But she was secretly glad, because it would give her the strength to forget her embarrassment in the kitchen and leave. Who knows, maybe she could finally stop dreaming about him.
Last night in bed, she had even said out loud "good night Captain" since he had become her regular companion in her dreams, so why not greet him properly, she smiled inside. If nothing else, at least it was good that she hadn't dreamed that vivid dream after the kitchen encounter anymore, she was sure she couldn't bear it.
Her thoughts were still spinning in her head about the "lovesick puppy" situation, but she didn't dare hope.. She had had too many disappointments in her life to give in to dreaming so easily. Besides, it was definitely a misunderstanding. Given the angry way he was looking at her, it seemed more likely that he would strangle her, than ever kiss her.
So, she decided, when she left, she would write him a letter. In her letter she would thank him for everything and perhaps cowardly write that there was someone, somewhere in the world who loved him deeply, madly and endlessly. Yes, she was brave in everything except feelings and tenderness.
He spent the day in his study continuing to drink and curse his bad luck. Not only would Maria leave him soon, she would be living with that bastard. Every time he thought about the two of them, he felt a heavy blow to his chest and an urge to vomit. Damn Maria, damn that idiot. Like hell, would he allow the children to visit her and later tell him how happy she was while he was miserable and alone.
He was angry at himself for misjudging everything and for falling in love so easily. Every sound of her laughter tore at his nerves and reminded him of what a fool he had been. He decided if he couldn't love her then he would hate her. That was much easier, he murmured, looking sadly at the whiskey bottle that was inexorably emptying.
Later that day Maria and the children went out. The captain was nowhere to be found, he was probably in his room and brooding. She was glad because with his dark and gloomy mood, the sun would surely hide behind the clouds. She was soon joined by Max, with whom she had a pleasant conversation about everything, especially about the future and finding an apartment. It turned out that he was the right person for the job because he already had a couple of contacts, and they arranged a visit in a couple of days.
"Fraulein Maria, do I pay you to look after Max or the children?" Georg surprised them both, suddenly appearing and speaking in a relentless, stern voice.
He had changed and shaved, so he looked better except for his eyes. There was still a look of pain, hurt, and disappointment. It must be the Baroness, Maria thought. Maybe he just realized how much he loved her.
"Max, don't you have a more important job than harassing the governess?" He snapped at Max.
Max immediately straightened up and didn't even bother to make any funny comments, deducing that he had better withdraw until he had figured out what was happening, although he had an idea.
Georg fired his questions and without waiting for an answer left them speechless. They were amazed at his outburst, not to mention his arrogant and commanding behaviour.
The rest of the evening passed in a subdued mood given the grumpy Captain. Even the children were talking quietly to save Maria because they had the impression that their father's anger was directed at their beloved governess. In the end, they went to bed disappointed, not expecting their father to tuck them into bed, as he hadn't the night before.
Something was definitely happening and no one knew what was going on.
Maria was already beginning to feel anger growing inside her. It was not a problem for her if he treated her like that, but she felt a strong instinct to protect the children. She thought that she should leave the villa without further confrontations with the Captain, but if he continued to neglect the children like this and did not start giving them the attention they craved, then it would lead to a new quarrel.
Either way, she decided to give him another day to mourn Elsa's departure. If he didn't change, he would have to hear a new lesson from her about raising and caring for his children.
...
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