I awake and get dressed. I go downstairs and everyone is at breakfast.
" Good morning" I say as I come into the dining room. Georg gets up and greets me with a kiss. I sit down and eat . Franz comes in with a telegram for Georg. Georg reads it.
" Its from the Chancellor, he wishes us well and sends his regrets. He will not be attending the wedding. It seems matters of state come first". I sigh with some relief. At least I don't have to worry about tripping in front of him.
" Georg I am all packed. I thought we could leave after breakfast" I say.
" So soon I thought we could spend the day together" he said sounding disappointed.
I want to be with him too but Reverend Mother is expecting me.
" I'm sorry darling but Reverend Mother wanted to spend some time with me. She is the only family I had before coming here" I say trying to get him to understand. He looks at me and nods his head.
" I understand darling, after tomorrow I will have you for the rest of my life" he says. We finish breakfast and I say goodbye to the children. They wave to us as we pull out of the driveway. The drive to the abbey is short and we are soon at the abbey gates. I ring the bell and wait. Georg takes my hand and pulls me to him. He kisses me on the cheek and then whispers in my ear" I love you. He places his lips on mine and tenderly kisses me. My arms wrap around him and I deepen the kiss.
"Good Morning Maria" We part and I see Sister Margaretta as she opens the gate. Georg and I both look at each other and smile. Georg starts to walk in and I stop him.
" Sorry darling this is as far as you can go" I say. Georg stops. I put my hand on his face and he takes and kisses it. I look at him and mouth the words I love you. He does the same. I wave as I go through the door. Sister Margaretta takes me to my room. I put my suitcase away and I see my wedding dress hanging in the closet. One more day. My heart skips a beat. I decide to go see the other sisters. I see a group of them in the courtyard. They see me and walk over.
" Maria it is so good to see you" one of them says. I hug them and we sit and talk. they tell me they are looking forward to tomorrow. They know they won't be able to be inside the church but they will be watching from behind the gates. I go for a walk in the garden and I hear familiar voice.
" Hello Maria" Reverend Mother comes up to me and hugs me. "Are you getting excited about tomorrow."
" I can't wait" I say. I just hope I can sleep tonight." We walk over to the benches and sit down.
" Maria I know I am not your mother but is there any questions you have" she says sweetly. I look at her and smile.
" Georg has been married before and I don't know if I can be as good a wife and mother to him and the children as his first wife" I say.
" Maria I know how much you love The Captain and how much he loves you" she says. You have told me that the children are already calling you mother. They love you also. Love is a strong emotion. Maria just be yourself and you will be fine. You will be a wonderful Mother and a good wife to the Captain. We talk the rest of the afternoon and soon it is time for dinner .I go in and eat with the rest of the sisters. The only difference is that I sit with Reverend Mother. My mind goes to Georg. I wonder what he is doing I ask myself. Reverend Mother watches me. She takes my hand as if she knows what I am thinking. I smile back and ask to be excused.
I go to the chapel. I go to the altar and kneel. I bow my head and pray.
" Dear Father I ask that you bless my marriage and look down on Georg and I tomorrow. I pray that I am good wife to Georg. I love him more than life. Please give me the patience to be a good mother. I love the children so much and can't wait until I am their mother. I look up and say "Amen".
I go to my room and get ready for bed. Their is a knock at the door. I answer to come in. Sister Margaretta has a note for me. She smiles and hands it too me. She also hands me a bouquet of Edelweiss saying" A certain gentleman just delivered this." I close the door and open the note.
" My love, tomorrow we will become one. I want you to know you have made me the happiest man on the face of the earth. I love you and cannot wait till we are together as husband and wife. My arms ache for you and my lips burn for yours. Think of me as you close your eyes tonight as I will be dreaming of you. All my love Georg.
I wipe the tears from my eyes. I look at the edelweiss and smile. I lay the Edelweiss next to me on the bed. I close my eyes and see his face. I drift blissfully asleep.