When the children stumbled down, excitedly chattering amongst each other about what gifts they would find under the Christmas tree, they fell silent for a moment when they piled into the salon.
In disbelief, they stared at their governess, who was sitting next to their father on the sofa.
Within seconds they realised she was really there, and their faces split into wide grins as they attacked her with hugs and kisses.
"Fraulein Maria, you're back!" exclaimed Gretl, radiating joy, as she put her little arms around Maria's waist and hugged her close.
The others loudly stated their happiness at Maria's return in agreement with their youngest sister.
Maria knelt down to hug Gretl back.
"I'm happy to be back with all of you too, darlings," she stated, shooting a quick glance up at Georg.
"Fraulein Maria, have you come back to be our governess forever?" asked Marta with a happy smile on her face.
"Well," Maria said, hesitating a little and standing up to look at Georg for help.
He moved toward her, sliding his arm around her and pulling her close.
"No…" the Captain began, and laughed when he saw the faces of each of his children drop in disappointment.
"No… Maria will not be your governess anymore."
Seven voices cried out in protest.
"If you agree, she will be your new Mother."
Georg exchanged a glance with Maria, who smiled at him, while the children looked on, for a second struck dumb with this announcement.
"Well?" Maria asked, looking at them encouragingly.
That was all they needed, and again, the children rushed to their governess, this time also including their father in their hugs, kisses and embraces.
As the children calmed down a bit, Georg pointed at the Christmas tree, under which a whole assortment of packages lay waiting to be unwrapped.
"Don't you want to open your gifts?" he asked, an amused smile on his lips. Nothing had ever before been able to make the children forget about their presents on Christmas morning.
But Liesl answered for all of them.
"I think we've already been given the best Christmas gift ever," she stated, beaming at Maria and her father, who were still standing close to each other "Thank you so much!"
And as the other children nodded in agreement, Gretl said:
"And Merry Christmas, every one!"