The jangling bell alerted the residents to yet another visitor.

'A lot of traffic today' grumbled Sister Berthe as she strode off to the gate. The visitor looked very refined. Sister Berthe hadn't seen such wealth in a long while. She wondered if the lady was in trouble. A crisis of faith?

Another request for Maria. Sister Berthe wondered who these people were if they wanted the novice back so badly. Was there trouble in the von Trapp household that only Maria could calm? Considering the state that the woman had been in when she came back, that was surprising.

'The children have already asked. Maria is not to be disturbed.'

The Baroness (for she was indeed such) looked surprised. She should have realised that they would have made a plea but it hadn't occurred to her. She was unused to an army of children. Not that it mattered now, she wasn't destined to be their stepmother.

'Please ask someone if I could speak to her. It is very important. A household depends on it.'

Sister Berthe raised an eyebrow. She'd not had much of a chance to see such restrained melodrama but the Baroness was quietly insistent.

'Very well, if you will wait here.'

Like she had a choice. Elsa moved away so it didn't look like she was begging for attention at the gate. She was most unaccustomed to beseeching on people's behalf and found the matter quite trying. However, she was on a mission and Baroness Schraeder never buried her head in the sand. She was a practical creature, despite her fripperies. She took a magazine out of her bag and flipped through it, sitting on the bench outside. Eventually the nun came back, trailing a scent of slight disdain and ushered her in.

'Reverend Mother will see you first.'

Alright, she would see whoever, as long as she could see Maria.

Reverend Mother was most imposing at first glance but Elsa was not intimidated. Reverend Mother had the look of her favourite grandmother.

'Please sit down. I have to say that I am most surprised to see you here. I have been made aware that the von Trapp children have been asking after Maria. We denied them access on her request. Children do not need to take responsibility for adult situations.'

'You mean, the Captain?'

Reverend Mother stared hard at her guest.

'Maria is an adult and she needs to reflect on the events of what has transpired. She has told me nothing. But I could draw my own conclusions on what or who has compelled her to come back so abruptly.'

Elsa hinted that it could be so.

'But it's not for me to tell. I really must speak with Maria, if there is any way I can convince her to come back. They need her.'

Reverend Mother enquired on what relation she was to the family.

'I am engaged to the Captain.'

Reverend Mother stared at her in astonishment. This was unprecedented.

'But I will not be soon' Elsa hastened to explain. 'I have decided that due to unforeseen circumstances, I must break off the engagement. I know my limits and 7 children brings me well and above it.'

Reverend Mother's mouth twitched. She was starting to see what the problem was. Poor, dear silly Maria.

'I see.' She did see. The Baroness's unspoken words and meaningful expression were a clue. She nodded to show that she understood that it wasn't just the children that concerned her guest, it was a matter of affection from an unknown source and the possible straying that might occur. What did interest her was the likelihood that this elegant, sophisticated lady, who seemed so imminently suited to the Captain (as far as she knew of him), was willing to give him up for a wild card. Reverend Mother admired her for her shrewd outlook and said as much.

Elsa sighed.

'I shouldn't say anymore. Won't you let me talk to her?'

Reverend Mother looked long and hard at her.

'Maria has a great capacity for love. She must find out how God wants her to spend her love. She is devoted to the lucky ones who hold her heart.'

Elsa knew this to be true. Leaving the children had been a wrench for Maria that she hadn't foreseen. She'd underestimated the woman.

'I think…she will never be a nun.'

Reverend Mother nodded. She sent for Maria, tactfully left them alone, sorely testing Sister Berthe's curiosity.

'Why have you come here? I needed to forget about everything' said Maria fretfully.

'I apologise. I did not realise how deeply you felt for the von Trapp family.'

'I behaved like a fool.'

'Georg can think of nothing but you' said her rival, softly. 'And the children will not be happy unless you go back. I want you to at least think about it. Or you can display that famous impetuousness that Georg has become ordinately fond of recently and come back now.'

Maria was shaking her head.

'I can't.'

'It's not too late. Don't make him wait any longer. He'll never be happy without you.'

'Please don't joke with me, it really is too cruel of you.'

Elsa did not like the anguished frown on the other woman's face. Hers was a face that worked with joy.

'Not at all. But you insist on sabotaging this opportunity, then you will never find your way.'

Maria shook her head as though to shake out those callous words. Elsa leaned forward.

'You do see, don't you? It can only be you.'

Maria checked her expression for signs of mockery but Elsa was nothing but serious. Imploring, even.

'Go and pack your bags and come back with me. I will only go back to the villa one more time before I leave for Vienna and it might as well be now.'