"Dr. Schwartz," the Captain greeted the older gentleman, "I didn't expect
you."
"Your Louisa left a note on my board," the doctor explained and produced the note, "Fraulein Maria fell out of a tree. L. von Trapp," he read.
"The accident happened yesterday afternoon, Dr. Schwartz. Dr. Woss had been out to treat Fraulein Maria," the Captain informed the doctor.
"Well, with all due, um, respect to Linda, I must request you allow me to examine your, um, Maria," Dr. Schwartz stepped a bit closer to the Captain.
Captain von Trapp was not one who appreciated his space being invaded, "Dr. Schwartz, Fraulein Maria."
The Captain never was able to finish his sentence before he heard a frantic Frau Schmidt, "Captain!! Franz!! Come quickly!!"
The Captain and the doctor rushed upstairs, followed closely by Franz, the Captain's butler to Maria's room. It was there they saw the object of Frau Schmidt's concern for Maria lay on her left side on the bedroom floor.
"Fraulein," the Captain mildly scolded the tiny woman, "where in the doctor's orders did it say you were permitted to go roaming about on your own?"
Maria's cheeks flushed heavily at the idea of the Captain seeing her in her night dress while she lay askew on the floor. In spite of the jabbing pain she felt, she tried and managed to cover her knees and ankles, attempting to observe the proprieties, "I'm sorry, Captain," she apologized through tears, "I forgot and that medicine.it's made me."
"It's all right, Fraulein. Can you put your arms around my neck? We'll get you back in bed and then my personal physician, Dr. Schwartz will take a look at you."
With some effort Maria was able to get her arms around the Captain's neck and he effortlessly lifted her off the floor and placed her on the bed.
Frau Schmidt then excused him so she could assist Maria with some personal need. While Captain von Trapp and Dr. Schwartz waited, Baroness Schraeder joined them having been awakened by the doctor when he rang the bell.
"Georg, it really is far too early to be awake," she said as she approached.
"Elsa, I'm an early rises. Besides, Dr. Schwartz has come to examine Fraulein Maria," the Captain told her.
"Oh, Georg, didn't that dear lady doctor examine her all ready?" Baroness Schraeder asked playing dumb. "Yes, Elsa," the Captain sighed, "But it won't hurt for Dr. Schwartz to give us a second opinion, would it? Especially not after what Dr. Woss said about her hand."
The baroness fell silent and waited for the Captain to indicate he would be going to his usual seven o'clock breakfast. When it was nearly that time and he made no moved to head downstairs, the baroness spoke again, "Aren't you going to have your breakfast, Georg?"
"No, Elsa, not until Dr. Schwartz examines Fraulein Maria. You can go down and I"ll join you later."
Baroness Schraeder was many things, but one thing she was not was stupid. She knew when she'd been dismissed.
Frau Schmidt came out to inform the Captain and the doctor that Maria was ready and stood aside to allow Dr. Schwartz admittance. When the Captain attempted to gain admittance himself, both Dr. Schwartz and Frau Schmidt denied it and Dr. Schwartz went in, at his request, alone.
Maria was just dozing off when Dr. Schwartz entered her room. The older man looked down at her. He noted the very well made cast on her left arm, the deep bruising that marred her clear skin, the perfectly stitched gash behind her ear, and the gentle rise and fall of her breast.
Maria felt someone's eyes on her, so she opened her own eyes expecting to see Frau Schmidt and hoping to see the Captain. Imagine her surprise when she saw Dr. Schwartz hovering over her.
"Good morning, Maria. Up to your older tricks again I see," the doctor sneered. "You're costing Captain von Trapp a good deal of money being so careless."
"Um, Dr. Schwartz, I presume," she quietly inquired; not letting on she'd ever seen him before.
"Correct, Fraulein, but then you always were smart. Trouble, but smart. Too smart for your own good," the doctor taunted with a gleam in his eye.
'Ah you poor, poor dear. You took such a hard hit on the head. A hit like that could make someone lose their senses. We'll have to take care about that," the doctor told her.
"There's nothing wrong with my mind, and there's nothing wrong with my memory. I remember everything, all of it and I'm not going to."
Maria's breath and words were cut off by Dr. Schwartz's hand being clamped over her mouth, "You listen to me, Maria. You don't say a word, you hear me, not a word to Captain von Trapp or his staff about our, um, relationship and I won't say a word to him about you, um, how to put this delicately, past. Anything you say and I'll tell him about your, um, history and recommend that he have you placed in a sanitarium. Understand?" Dr. Schwartz removed his hand but Maria remained silent. "Understand?"
She could only nod she was quaking so fiercely with fear, "Now, on with the examination."
Captain von Trapp nearly wore a hole in his fine area rug as he paced the length of the hallway outside Maria's room. The doctor had been in there for quite some time. Occasionally he heard Maria moan or cry out a bit, and his heart broke for he knew how agonizing the exam must be for her. In spite of his proper façade, he wished he could be there with her to calm her and bring her some comfort. Finally one shrill scream shattered his resolve and he nearly knocked Frau Schmidt over in his haste to enter the room. Maria's scream also brought Liesl and Max to the doorway.
"Father? Georg?" they asked simultaneously as they saw the Captain rush into the room.
"Doctor? Fraulein?" he asked, his brow furrowed with worry.
"It's all right, Captain," Dr. Schwartz assured him, "I found the fracture in Maria's ribs. Has Linda given her anything for the pain?" he inquired.
The whole of the room was startled by a soft voice from the doorway, "Indeed I have Hans," replied Dr. Woss, "and what may I ask are you doing with my patient?"
"I apologize, Dr. Woss," the Captain said, "Dr. Schwartz has been my doctor for years and when Fraulein fell I told my girls to get him. He was out of the office so they brought you, but a message reached him and he came to see about her."
Dr. Woss smiled, "A second opinion never does hurt. I'll wait while you finish your assessment, Dr. Schwartz."
Dr. Woss waited outside the room with Liesl and Max. The Captain would not be removed from the room again.
"Dr. Schwartz, what do you think?" he asked in Maria's presence. She did have the right to know.
"Two broken ribs, a concussion, a seriously broken wrist, cuts and bruises," he replied, "Nothing that time and rest will not cure."
Smiling the Captain nodded at Maria, "You see, Fraulein. Rest is the ticket. You'll be good as new soon, you'll see."
Maria couldn't even smile at him, she couldn't stand to be in the room with Dr. Schwartz another moment, especially not with the Captain there. The Captain smiled at her, but when he got no response, he excused himself to allow Dr. Woss her time.
As the Captain walked Dr. Schwartz out, the older gentleman turned to him, "Captain, I must tell you that I've been acquainted with Maria since she was a young child."
"Accident prone, eh?" the Captain couldn't help but smile.
"Yes and quite unstable as a little thing. She's had it rough, being orphaned and she has difficulty grasping reality at times. When she went to the abbey everyone thought she'd finally become able to deal with life and it's pressures, however, that seems not to be the case after all. I'd watch her carefully."
The Captain thought a moment able what the doctor was implying. Maria didn't seem to be unstable, undisciplined maybe, but not unstable. Perhaps he was mistaking. "I'll do that, Dr. Schwartz" he replied. "Dr. Woss mentioned she may have nerve damage in her left hand from repeated fractures and such.what do you think?"
"I think Linda has overreacted to situation. She sympathized with the working class and tends to allow them to.um, milk their injuries or ailments along to get time off with pay."
"Well, Hans, to be very honest, I was with Maria last night. She wasn't milking anything, she was in pain."
"I don't doubt it, but I'd say two weeks of rest and she'll be fine. I've given her a shot, she should sleep and she must remain in bed for two weeks. No other activity," he ordered, "Just don't let Linda convince you she needs more than that."
The Captain was uneasy at the doctor's orders, something wasn't adding up but for the life of him he could not figure out what it was. He'd let it go for now, it would come to him eventually.
When the Captain got upstairs, he found that Dr. Woss had just finished her exam. "How is she doing?" he asked, walking Dr. Woss out.
"She's still quite sore, make sure she continues to drink the medication three times a day. Let her stay in bed today and tomorrow and then perhaps you can have your butler help her out to the terrace she can get some fresh air. Also, encourage her to eat, she complaining of an upset stomach, but she must keep her strength up if she's to use that wrist."
"How long do you figure she'll need to rest?" the Captain asked, wishing to compare the answers.
"After the next two days she can go outside a bit, but no strenuous activity for at least a month unless those ribs heal quicker. Don't let her move about on her own for at least two weeks though. Another fall." she shook her head.
"Thank you, Dr. Woss," the Captain smiled.
"Captain von Trapp, as Dr. Schwartz has come.I was wondering if you still want me too." she trailed off.
"Tell you what, check back tomorrow. I'm appreciating the two opinions for now. That will give Maria time to decide who she is more comfortable with. Have you made payment arrangements with Frau Schmidt?" the Captain asked.
"Um, to tell you the truth, I don't have a fee; I just take whatever my patients can afford to give me. Chickens, a bolt of cloth, a few schillings..."
The Captain smiled, "I'll see you are paid fairly then," he told her before seeing her out.
Frau Schmidt reported that she was going to assist Maria with her breakfast so the Captain headed to the dining room to have a late meal with his children and guests.
"Good morning, children," he smiled cheerfully, trying to hide his confusion and anxiety.
"Good morning, Father," they chorused, eating their meals.
"How's Maria, this morning, Georg?" Max asked the question every child wad dying too.
"She's a bit tired and still sore, but the doctors both say she'll be fine," he tried to keep his tone light and the prognosis positive.
The meal passed successfully and the children were told that if Maria was feeling better later, they could see her two at a time as long as they were quiet and gentle. That announced brightened faces around the table. Finally, when Max and Liesl left with the children on a trip into Salzburg, the baroness approached the Captain.
"Georg, we really need to discuss the guest list for the party. I thought perhaps while we were out on the lake this afternoon." The Captain's face took on a far away look when the baroness mentioned the previously planned trip on the lake.
"Elsa," he sighed, he didn't want to break a plan with her, after all it was her he was supposed to be marrying, but he didn't feel right planning a party or going rowing with Maria lying upstairs injured. It didn't make sense, but that's how he felt, "I'm sure that we'll have a lovely boat ride this afternoon, but do you really think it's in good taste to plan a party with." he lifted his eyes upstairs in silent indication.
"Frankly, Georg, I don't see what Fraulein Maria's injuries have to do with our planning a party. She isn't likely to be attending and she's no a maid or a kitchen servant so." she trailed off as the Captain's eyes once again grew cold.
"Elsa, the party will be postponed until Maria begins to recover or the party will not be held at all," he told her in no uncertain terms.
The baroness nodded, "So, I'll see you about noon time?" she asked, letting the party idea go for now.
"Yes," he replied and dismissed her with a flick of his wrist for he noticed Frau Schmidt coming down the stairs with a nearly full breakfast tray.
"Helena?" he asked glancing at the tray.
The housekeeper shook her head, "She won't eat, Captain. She says she too tired," she smiled at him, "I'll try again later."
After that exchange, the baroness retired to her rooms and the Captain left to go to his study. In the little alcove before his private rooms, he heard the gentle sound of crying. Stopping her turned to find Brigitta once again, crying her eyes out.
"What is it, Darling?" he asked gently, wiping her tears off her cheeks with his thumb, "It's not like you to be so upset."
"Father," she sobbed and buried her head in his chest, "I'm going to die." Brigitta had been shy about telling anyone about her problem, she was going to tell Maria, but since her fall she didn't want to disturb her.
"Why do you think you are going to die?" the Captain asked his voice 3 parts sympathy and one part concern.
"I'm bleeding," she sobbed, "I've been bleeding for three whole days."
"Bleeding?" the Captain's heart skipped a beat, "Bleeding where?" he asked.
"Father," the girl blushed heavily and it finally dawned on the Captain what she meant and gave a laugh of relief.
"Oh, Brigitta, darling, you aren't going to die. You're just growing up. You've become a woman," he tried to explain, not able to hide the deep red blush rising to his cheeks. Brigitta looked up confused.
"You see, darling, every young girl.young lady has this time in her life when she starts to grow up. And it's scary and confusing, I know. Perhaps, you should speak with Liesl about this," he suggested with a soft smile. Brigitta hugged her father, "All the same father, I'd like to wait and talk to Fraulein Maria about it when she's feeling better," she told him. The Captain hugged her and smiled, Maria really had become like a mother to his children.
"All right, Darling," he agreed, "now you dry your eyes and run along. You wanted to borrow my copy of The Scarlet Letter I believe, didn't you?"
"You said I was too young," Brigitta reminded him.
"You're not anymore. You're growing up," he told her proudly if not a bit wistfully.
"I love you Father," Brigitta declared and scampered off to retrieve the book and begin reading.
A/N Thank you for reading. No cliffhanger this time. The next chapter will be up soon.
Kris
"Your Louisa left a note on my board," the doctor explained and produced the note, "Fraulein Maria fell out of a tree. L. von Trapp," he read.
"The accident happened yesterday afternoon, Dr. Schwartz. Dr. Woss had been out to treat Fraulein Maria," the Captain informed the doctor.
"Well, with all due, um, respect to Linda, I must request you allow me to examine your, um, Maria," Dr. Schwartz stepped a bit closer to the Captain.
Captain von Trapp was not one who appreciated his space being invaded, "Dr. Schwartz, Fraulein Maria."
The Captain never was able to finish his sentence before he heard a frantic Frau Schmidt, "Captain!! Franz!! Come quickly!!"
The Captain and the doctor rushed upstairs, followed closely by Franz, the Captain's butler to Maria's room. It was there they saw the object of Frau Schmidt's concern for Maria lay on her left side on the bedroom floor.
"Fraulein," the Captain mildly scolded the tiny woman, "where in the doctor's orders did it say you were permitted to go roaming about on your own?"
Maria's cheeks flushed heavily at the idea of the Captain seeing her in her night dress while she lay askew on the floor. In spite of the jabbing pain she felt, she tried and managed to cover her knees and ankles, attempting to observe the proprieties, "I'm sorry, Captain," she apologized through tears, "I forgot and that medicine.it's made me."
"It's all right, Fraulein. Can you put your arms around my neck? We'll get you back in bed and then my personal physician, Dr. Schwartz will take a look at you."
With some effort Maria was able to get her arms around the Captain's neck and he effortlessly lifted her off the floor and placed her on the bed.
Frau Schmidt then excused him so she could assist Maria with some personal need. While Captain von Trapp and Dr. Schwartz waited, Baroness Schraeder joined them having been awakened by the doctor when he rang the bell.
"Georg, it really is far too early to be awake," she said as she approached.
"Elsa, I'm an early rises. Besides, Dr. Schwartz has come to examine Fraulein Maria," the Captain told her.
"Oh, Georg, didn't that dear lady doctor examine her all ready?" Baroness Schraeder asked playing dumb. "Yes, Elsa," the Captain sighed, "But it won't hurt for Dr. Schwartz to give us a second opinion, would it? Especially not after what Dr. Woss said about her hand."
The baroness fell silent and waited for the Captain to indicate he would be going to his usual seven o'clock breakfast. When it was nearly that time and he made no moved to head downstairs, the baroness spoke again, "Aren't you going to have your breakfast, Georg?"
"No, Elsa, not until Dr. Schwartz examines Fraulein Maria. You can go down and I"ll join you later."
Baroness Schraeder was many things, but one thing she was not was stupid. She knew when she'd been dismissed.
Frau Schmidt came out to inform the Captain and the doctor that Maria was ready and stood aside to allow Dr. Schwartz admittance. When the Captain attempted to gain admittance himself, both Dr. Schwartz and Frau Schmidt denied it and Dr. Schwartz went in, at his request, alone.
Maria was just dozing off when Dr. Schwartz entered her room. The older man looked down at her. He noted the very well made cast on her left arm, the deep bruising that marred her clear skin, the perfectly stitched gash behind her ear, and the gentle rise and fall of her breast.
Maria felt someone's eyes on her, so she opened her own eyes expecting to see Frau Schmidt and hoping to see the Captain. Imagine her surprise when she saw Dr. Schwartz hovering over her.
"Good morning, Maria. Up to your older tricks again I see," the doctor sneered. "You're costing Captain von Trapp a good deal of money being so careless."
"Um, Dr. Schwartz, I presume," she quietly inquired; not letting on she'd ever seen him before.
"Correct, Fraulein, but then you always were smart. Trouble, but smart. Too smart for your own good," the doctor taunted with a gleam in his eye.
'Ah you poor, poor dear. You took such a hard hit on the head. A hit like that could make someone lose their senses. We'll have to take care about that," the doctor told her.
"There's nothing wrong with my mind, and there's nothing wrong with my memory. I remember everything, all of it and I'm not going to."
Maria's breath and words were cut off by Dr. Schwartz's hand being clamped over her mouth, "You listen to me, Maria. You don't say a word, you hear me, not a word to Captain von Trapp or his staff about our, um, relationship and I won't say a word to him about you, um, how to put this delicately, past. Anything you say and I'll tell him about your, um, history and recommend that he have you placed in a sanitarium. Understand?" Dr. Schwartz removed his hand but Maria remained silent. "Understand?"
She could only nod she was quaking so fiercely with fear, "Now, on with the examination."
Captain von Trapp nearly wore a hole in his fine area rug as he paced the length of the hallway outside Maria's room. The doctor had been in there for quite some time. Occasionally he heard Maria moan or cry out a bit, and his heart broke for he knew how agonizing the exam must be for her. In spite of his proper façade, he wished he could be there with her to calm her and bring her some comfort. Finally one shrill scream shattered his resolve and he nearly knocked Frau Schmidt over in his haste to enter the room. Maria's scream also brought Liesl and Max to the doorway.
"Father? Georg?" they asked simultaneously as they saw the Captain rush into the room.
"Doctor? Fraulein?" he asked, his brow furrowed with worry.
"It's all right, Captain," Dr. Schwartz assured him, "I found the fracture in Maria's ribs. Has Linda given her anything for the pain?" he inquired.
The whole of the room was startled by a soft voice from the doorway, "Indeed I have Hans," replied Dr. Woss, "and what may I ask are you doing with my patient?"
"I apologize, Dr. Woss," the Captain said, "Dr. Schwartz has been my doctor for years and when Fraulein fell I told my girls to get him. He was out of the office so they brought you, but a message reached him and he came to see about her."
Dr. Woss smiled, "A second opinion never does hurt. I'll wait while you finish your assessment, Dr. Schwartz."
Dr. Woss waited outside the room with Liesl and Max. The Captain would not be removed from the room again.
"Dr. Schwartz, what do you think?" he asked in Maria's presence. She did have the right to know.
"Two broken ribs, a concussion, a seriously broken wrist, cuts and bruises," he replied, "Nothing that time and rest will not cure."
Smiling the Captain nodded at Maria, "You see, Fraulein. Rest is the ticket. You'll be good as new soon, you'll see."
Maria couldn't even smile at him, she couldn't stand to be in the room with Dr. Schwartz another moment, especially not with the Captain there. The Captain smiled at her, but when he got no response, he excused himself to allow Dr. Woss her time.
As the Captain walked Dr. Schwartz out, the older gentleman turned to him, "Captain, I must tell you that I've been acquainted with Maria since she was a young child."
"Accident prone, eh?" the Captain couldn't help but smile.
"Yes and quite unstable as a little thing. She's had it rough, being orphaned and she has difficulty grasping reality at times. When she went to the abbey everyone thought she'd finally become able to deal with life and it's pressures, however, that seems not to be the case after all. I'd watch her carefully."
The Captain thought a moment able what the doctor was implying. Maria didn't seem to be unstable, undisciplined maybe, but not unstable. Perhaps he was mistaking. "I'll do that, Dr. Schwartz" he replied. "Dr. Woss mentioned she may have nerve damage in her left hand from repeated fractures and such.what do you think?"
"I think Linda has overreacted to situation. She sympathized with the working class and tends to allow them to.um, milk their injuries or ailments along to get time off with pay."
"Well, Hans, to be very honest, I was with Maria last night. She wasn't milking anything, she was in pain."
"I don't doubt it, but I'd say two weeks of rest and she'll be fine. I've given her a shot, she should sleep and she must remain in bed for two weeks. No other activity," he ordered, "Just don't let Linda convince you she needs more than that."
The Captain was uneasy at the doctor's orders, something wasn't adding up but for the life of him he could not figure out what it was. He'd let it go for now, it would come to him eventually.
When the Captain got upstairs, he found that Dr. Woss had just finished her exam. "How is she doing?" he asked, walking Dr. Woss out.
"She's still quite sore, make sure she continues to drink the medication three times a day. Let her stay in bed today and tomorrow and then perhaps you can have your butler help her out to the terrace she can get some fresh air. Also, encourage her to eat, she complaining of an upset stomach, but she must keep her strength up if she's to use that wrist."
"How long do you figure she'll need to rest?" the Captain asked, wishing to compare the answers.
"After the next two days she can go outside a bit, but no strenuous activity for at least a month unless those ribs heal quicker. Don't let her move about on her own for at least two weeks though. Another fall." she shook her head.
"Thank you, Dr. Woss," the Captain smiled.
"Captain von Trapp, as Dr. Schwartz has come.I was wondering if you still want me too." she trailed off.
"Tell you what, check back tomorrow. I'm appreciating the two opinions for now. That will give Maria time to decide who she is more comfortable with. Have you made payment arrangements with Frau Schmidt?" the Captain asked.
"Um, to tell you the truth, I don't have a fee; I just take whatever my patients can afford to give me. Chickens, a bolt of cloth, a few schillings..."
The Captain smiled, "I'll see you are paid fairly then," he told her before seeing her out.
Frau Schmidt reported that she was going to assist Maria with her breakfast so the Captain headed to the dining room to have a late meal with his children and guests.
"Good morning, children," he smiled cheerfully, trying to hide his confusion and anxiety.
"Good morning, Father," they chorused, eating their meals.
"How's Maria, this morning, Georg?" Max asked the question every child wad dying too.
"She's a bit tired and still sore, but the doctors both say she'll be fine," he tried to keep his tone light and the prognosis positive.
The meal passed successfully and the children were told that if Maria was feeling better later, they could see her two at a time as long as they were quiet and gentle. That announced brightened faces around the table. Finally, when Max and Liesl left with the children on a trip into Salzburg, the baroness approached the Captain.
"Georg, we really need to discuss the guest list for the party. I thought perhaps while we were out on the lake this afternoon." The Captain's face took on a far away look when the baroness mentioned the previously planned trip on the lake.
"Elsa," he sighed, he didn't want to break a plan with her, after all it was her he was supposed to be marrying, but he didn't feel right planning a party or going rowing with Maria lying upstairs injured. It didn't make sense, but that's how he felt, "I'm sure that we'll have a lovely boat ride this afternoon, but do you really think it's in good taste to plan a party with." he lifted his eyes upstairs in silent indication.
"Frankly, Georg, I don't see what Fraulein Maria's injuries have to do with our planning a party. She isn't likely to be attending and she's no a maid or a kitchen servant so." she trailed off as the Captain's eyes once again grew cold.
"Elsa, the party will be postponed until Maria begins to recover or the party will not be held at all," he told her in no uncertain terms.
The baroness nodded, "So, I'll see you about noon time?" she asked, letting the party idea go for now.
"Yes," he replied and dismissed her with a flick of his wrist for he noticed Frau Schmidt coming down the stairs with a nearly full breakfast tray.
"Helena?" he asked glancing at the tray.
The housekeeper shook her head, "She won't eat, Captain. She says she too tired," she smiled at him, "I'll try again later."
After that exchange, the baroness retired to her rooms and the Captain left to go to his study. In the little alcove before his private rooms, he heard the gentle sound of crying. Stopping her turned to find Brigitta once again, crying her eyes out.
"What is it, Darling?" he asked gently, wiping her tears off her cheeks with his thumb, "It's not like you to be so upset."
"Father," she sobbed and buried her head in his chest, "I'm going to die." Brigitta had been shy about telling anyone about her problem, she was going to tell Maria, but since her fall she didn't want to disturb her.
"Why do you think you are going to die?" the Captain asked his voice 3 parts sympathy and one part concern.
"I'm bleeding," she sobbed, "I've been bleeding for three whole days."
"Bleeding?" the Captain's heart skipped a beat, "Bleeding where?" he asked.
"Father," the girl blushed heavily and it finally dawned on the Captain what she meant and gave a laugh of relief.
"Oh, Brigitta, darling, you aren't going to die. You're just growing up. You've become a woman," he tried to explain, not able to hide the deep red blush rising to his cheeks. Brigitta looked up confused.
"You see, darling, every young girl.young lady has this time in her life when she starts to grow up. And it's scary and confusing, I know. Perhaps, you should speak with Liesl about this," he suggested with a soft smile. Brigitta hugged her father, "All the same father, I'd like to wait and talk to Fraulein Maria about it when she's feeling better," she told him. The Captain hugged her and smiled, Maria really had become like a mother to his children.
"All right, Darling," he agreed, "now you dry your eyes and run along. You wanted to borrow my copy of The Scarlet Letter I believe, didn't you?"
"You said I was too young," Brigitta reminded him.
"You're not anymore. You're growing up," he told her proudly if not a bit wistfully.
"I love you Father," Brigitta declared and scampered off to retrieve the book and begin reading.
A/N Thank you for reading. No cliffhanger this time. The next chapter will be up soon.
Kris
