Marias eyes slowly open as she tries to focus . The cot where Frau Schmidt had been is now empty. Maria turns to look at the clock when she feels something or should she say someone next to her. Maria looks at the small child sleeping soundly next to her. Maria figures her to be the youngest of the children
" Gretl" Maria whispers to herself. Frau Schmidt had given her the ages and names of all the Von Trapp children last night.
Maria tries to slip quietly out of the bed but Gretl begins to stir.
"Good morning…. Gretl? Maria says. Her statement sounding more like a question.
" Good morning Fraulein Maria" Gretl says. Before she can answer Gretl puts her arms around her and envelopes her in a tight hug. At first Maria is surprised by this action but she is so overwhelmed with the love she feels in the hug that she hugs Gretl right back.
The little girl lets go of her and begins to bounce on the bed. Maria laughs at her and takes hold of her hands. Jumping up and down Gretl lets go of Maria and jumps off the bed
" I am going tell the others that you are up. We were all so worried about you, especially father" she says as runs to the door and opens it.
" Gretl wait! Maria calls to her. She is too late the little girl closes the door and runs to her room.
Deciding it would be a good idea to get dressed she heads for the bathroom. She freshens up a bit and goes to the armoire. She picks out a dress and as she puts it on a scene flashes in her head. She hears a song and it is familiar. Again she sees his eyes the same pair of eyes she saw in her dream. They look into her soul touching her very core.
A knock on her door snaps her out of her recollection.
"Yes" she says.
" Maria breakfast is ready. Are you feeling well enough to come down" the voice asks.
Recognizing the voice as Frau Schmidt she answers "Yes I am just getting dressed. I will be down in a couple of minutes.
" That's wonderful. I will tell the children and the captain" she says.
The Captain meets Frau Schmidt at the bottom of the stairs. "Will Maria be joining us? he asks.
"Yes, sir she will be down in a couple of minutes. Sir as you have instructed I have not mentioned to her the nature of your relationship. I agree that it might be too much for her to take in at this time. Also Gretl's present has arrived. I instructed the delivery man to put the pony in the stables. With all that has happened are you still planning on having her party. There is still time to cancel" she says.
" No I think we should keep things just as we planned. Is everything set for the party? He asks.
" Yes sir the party is all set" she says.
"Good, thank you for all your help. I just hope" he was about to finish when he saw her. His eyes followed her as she came down the stairs. She reaches the bottom of the stairs and he can't help but smile at her.
" Good morning Mar I mean Fraulein. I see that you are feeling better." he says going to her. It takes every ounce of willpower for him not to take her in his arms.
She stares at him and immediately she feels it. Her stomach flutters as if it contains a hundred butterflies. The feeling scares her and she steps away from him. The Captain sees the fear in her eyes. This is the last thing he wants. Thankfully Frau Schmidt takes Maria by the hand and takes her into the dining room.
The children were told of Marias condition. The Captain told them to say nothing about them getting married. Although disappointed the children understand. They are thankful that she is all right.
Breakfast is unusually quiet. The children are not sure what to say.
" I haven't heard it this quiet in a long time. Who are you and what have you done with my children? the Captain asks laughing.
" It is rather quiet and from what Frau Schmidt has told me very unlike the Von Trapp children" Maria says smiling at Gretl. Everyone laughs and the ice is broken. The rest of breakfast is spent discussing Gretls birthday party. At one point Maria looks up to see the Captain watching her. Her eyes meet his and lock with his. His eyes are so familiar but she can't quite figure out why. A voice breaks the connection.
"Fraulein can we go get my dress for the party today. Father can take us, can't you father? Gretl looks at her father than at Maria.
" I don't see any reason why not . I have some phone calls to make. Let's say we will leave in a half hour. Is that agreeable with you Fraulein? He asks.
Maria nods her head and smiles. The Captain excuses himself to his study. The Captain calls the Reverend Mother to explain what has happened to Maria. He also tells her of the plans they had made before she lost her memory. Reverend Mother told him to be patient and trust in God. Everything will work out.