It was a beautiful day but George was in no mood to enjoy it. Something was missing. He guiltily thought about what had changed recently. It took him a while to realise the sound of the children shrieking with delight in the garden but from what, he couldn't tell. It had been a while since he'd heard them so merry. A footstep behind him made him wary. He knew who it was before she started speaking. He didn't want to have to tell her that he couldn't go through with the engagement.
'I couldn't help but notice that you've been a bit off colour recently. I thought I'd cheer you up a bit.'
The dreaded conversation had arrived.
'Elsa please.'
'It's better than a fountain pen. Or a villa in the South of France. Or even a yacht.'
He turned around sorrowfully. She was jesting with him, he realised. He hardly deserved it. She was so enchanting but she was not what he needed. Not anymore.
'I think you'll like what I've brought.'
She was still smiling. She must have realised by now. She motioned to the garden. As he looked beyond her, he could hear the sweet sound of another voice. One he thought he'd never hear again.
'I've enjoyed our time together but now this is goodbye my darling. I wish all of you the very best.'
She kissed him on the cheek and took her leave. Her heart was not broken but it was still sore for what could have been, even though she knew it was wrong to wish it. Still, she never looked back. She hadn't been fair to Maria and she had to right it. Maria had uttered only a few words when they alighted.
'I don't know how to thank you, Baroness.'
'Be happy. That is all.'
Elsa squeezed her hand and motioned to the garden where the children were half-heartedly playing.
'I must speak to Georg for a minute.'
Maria looked at the retreating figure and thanked the lord for small mercies. Angels came in all forms. She promised the children she'd be back. She had to speak to their father. She was prepared now to face the truth. She walked into the drawing room. Georg looked dazed.
'You left without saying goodbye. Even to the children.' 'It was wrong of me. Forgive me.' He frowned. 'Why did you?' 'All that it matters is that I am back.' They both knew that she would only have come back if she really meant it. That she had acknowledged the reason that she had left and had admitted that she felt the same way that he felt about her. 'I haven't appointed another governess' he said, testing her. 'I suppose you might not be needing one now.' She'd always been quick witted with her answers but this one had taken him by surprise. He came closer. 'There's something different about you.' She looked confident and content. 'I know what I want, now. Reverend Mother said I must look for my own life. And I've found it. With the children. With you.' His face slowly transformed with delight. He hadn't even needed to ask the question and she'd knowingly answered it. She had come back for all of them. She had been their saviour all along. He gathered her into his arms and knew that no matter what, everything would be better than ever.