I look down at the ring Georg has just given me and smile. It is so beautiful. It seems like Georg has been gone for an hour. I look up and see him come in to the room. He looks upset.
"Is there something wrong" I say as he walks up to me. He looks at me and his mood changes. He smiles and takes my hand in his. He looks at the ring on my finger and softly kisses it.
"I'm sorry, that phone call upset me" he said. The person on the other end was warning me about saying too much against the Germans. He said they were watching me". I suddenly felt very uneasy and looked around. Georg saw me and smiled " Don't worry they are just trying to scare me" he said as he touched my cheek. My hand went over his and I felt better.
" Why don't you go into town and start getting things for the wedding" he says. " I have some business to take care of and I will meet you for lunch. I smile and give him a kiss on the cheek. He takes my arm and pulls me to him. He kisses me and whispers "I love you in my ear. I watch him leave and I decide to go into town. I tell the children and they all want to come with. I hate to disappoint them but I say I have to go by myself today. I tell them we will go pick out dresses tomorrow. They smile and kiss me goodbye. I decide to walk as it is a beautiful day.
I reach the gate and ring the bell. Sister Berthe answers the bell and looks at me eyebrows raised.
" Well Maria back again" she says smiling at me. I smile and ask to see Reverend Mother. I follow her through the yard and into the abbey. We turn the corner and meet Reverend Mother as she is about to enter her office.
" Maria what a surprise, I didn't expect to see you so soon" she says smiling. Come into my office". I smile at her as she opens the door. She asks Sister Berthe to leave so that we can talk in private. She closes the door and looks at me with questioning eyes. I go to her and give her a hug. She looks at me smiles and says." I guess everything went all right"
" Oh mother you were right" I said. Georg told me he loved me and he asked me to marry him. I told him what you said and he said you were right. I have finally found my life. "We want to be married in the abbey church. We have picked a month from Saturday.
" I am so happy for you Maria. I will tell the Bishop" she says. He will want to meet with you and Captain Von Trapp.
I show her the ring Georg gave me and I tell her the story behind it. She looks at it and says " it's beautiful Maria he must love you very much.
" Yes Mother I see it in his eyes. I never thought I could love anybody this much" I say as I look at the ring.
" Maria will you be coming here the night before the wedding? she asks. I think it is only proper as you wouldn't want the Captain to see you before the wedding". I hadn't thought about this. I would like a chance to say goodbye to my friends here and also to have a night of prayer. I tell Reverend Mother I will come that afternoon before the wedding. I hug her and say goodbye.
I walk to town and take in the beauty of the day. I go to the dressmakers and she shows me material and patterns. I look through numerous books and start to think I won't find the dress I want. She brings me one last book and I am about to give up when I see it. The dress is exactly what I want. It is simple but elegant. I show her and she smiles. She takes my measurements and I look at the material and find the one I want. It shimmers and is soft. She takes my name and I tell her the wedding is in four weeks. She says she can do it in two. I tell her to bill Georg and she takes the information. I look at my watch and realize it is almost time to meet Georg. I cross the street and go to the cafe. I see him sitting at a table and he waves to me. I smile and go to him.
" Did you get everything" he asks. I laugh and kiss him on the lips. " Did I say something funny " he says.
" I know your impatient but this takes a little longer than one day. I talked to Reverend Mother and she is very happy for us. She will tell the Bishop and he will get in touch with us. She also suggested that I stay at the abbey the night before the wedding "I say. I see Georgs face and he frowns. " It's only one night darling and then I shall be with you every night after. He takes my hands and places my arms around his neck. He wraps his arms around me and kisses me. My fingers run through his hair and his lips leave mine and go to my neck. His lips go to my ear and he whispers" every night for as long as we both live." The waiter steps up " Ahem are you ready to order." We both look at him and apologize. We order and I tell Georg everything else I did. I enjoy this time with him. We go for a walk in the gardens at Mirabell. It is such a beautiful place and the flowers smell so wonderful. We go to the car and head home.