We walk down and meet Max and Elsa at the bottom of the stairs. I don't know if the look I see in Elsa's eyes is fear or jealousy. I decide to have some fun and hope that Maria plays along.
"Max, I see you found Elsa" I said looking at Elsa to see if she shows any reaction. " I went looking for you Elsa, where were you? Elsa looks at Maria and Maria looks at me. I squeeze Marias hand and she smiles at me.
" I went upstairs to freshen up." she says looking at me. I see how nervous she is and I try and hold my anger in. I look at Max and notice he has a puzzled look on his face. I decide to talk to Elsa in private as I don't want to embarrass Maria.
"Max will you take Maria into dinner please, Elsa and I are going to have a talk" I say as I let go of Marias arm and offer it to Max. Max looks at me and nods. I look at Maria and mouth the words I love you . Elsa flashes me a look as if she knew what I said, and I don't care. I take Elsa's arm and lead her onto the balcony.
" What is wrong Georg you seem angry" she says trying to act as if nothing happened. I look at the lake trying to calm down.
" Elsa, I know where you really were earlier" I say looking at her. " I went looking for Maria and found her packing." She told me after some prodding on my part that you came and talked to her." What did you say to her?
I watch as Elsa looks down and tries not to look me in the eyes.
" All I said was that you thought you were in love with her" she said. " I told her you would get over her after all she is not one of us. I look at Elsa and I could not believe I thought about marrying her at one time.
" My God Elsa she has more class in her whole being than you have in your little finger" I said trying not to raise my voice. "Just for the record Elsa, I love Maria and I intend on asking her to marry me , if she will have me.
"Georg you can't be serious" Elsa laughed.
" Oh I am dead serious" I say. " I will show you how serious I am". I walk down to dinner as Elsa follows me. I walk into the dining room and go to Marias chair. I extend my hand to her and she takes it. I bring her to the head of the table.
" Excuse ladies and gentleman I would like you all to meet someone" I say as all eyes are on us. " This is Maria she came here as governess to my children but as time went on I found myself falling hopelessly in love with her. I declare my love for her in front of all of you and ask her to marry me".
I look at Maria and she is crying.
" Well what is you answer" I say brushing the tears from her cheeks. She looks at me and quietly says yes. I gently kiss her and everybody claps that is except for Elsa. She looks at the both of us says something under her breathe and turns around and walks out. I ask Franz to bring champagne and as Max makes a toast to Maria and I, I see Elsa leave. I take two glasses and give one to Maria. We get hugs and handshakes from the guests and we sit for dinner. After dinner Maria and I dance all night.
The evening ends and soon the house is quiet.
" Let's go for a walk" I say to Maria. I take her hand and we head towards the lake. We both stare at the lake.
" What are you thinking" I say looking into her sparkling blue eyes.
" I am still trying to believe that this is happening" she says looking up at me. "Earlier tonight I was in so much pain but everything has changed." You told me you loved me and asked me to marry you." Maybe I am dreaming this and if I am I don't want to wake up".
"Does this feel like a dream" I say as I take her into my arms and kiss her. She responds to my kiss eagerly and soon I find myself kissing her deeply. I take my lips off hers and I hear her gasp with pleasure as I lightly place kisses on her neck. We stay in each others arms for a while and then decide to go into the house.
As we walk in I turn to ask her" is there someone I need to ask for permission to marry you?"
She looks at me and says " why don't we ask " and before she can finish we both say " the children.