The holidays pass and the children are back in school. Reverend Mother has arranged for Sarah to teach at the convents school.
Maria looking for Georg stops Frau Schmidt "Have you seen the Captain?
" Yes Baroness he is in his study" Frau Schmidt days as she goes towards the dining room. Maria goes to his study and knocks on the door. She hears a barely audible come in. She opens the door and sees Georg behind his desk. His head is down as he reads the paper. She watches as he shakes his head and sighs.
" Darling, what's wrong? She asks him as she comes around to stand next to him.
He looks up at her and tries to smile. His eyes move down to her expanding waist. His hand reaches over to caress his child within her. One of her hands covers his while the other softly caresses his temple.
" The news is not good. The Nazis are gaining power and many of the people in Austria want to join with them. I'm afraid the Aunschluss is coming whether we like it or not. I sent a telegram to Max asking him to come for a visit. I need to discuss our plans with him should the Nazis succeed" he says as he looks up at her.
"I know we have talked about it Georg. Whatever happens we will face together. If we have to leave Austria then so be it. As long as we are together nothing else matters" she says kissing the top of his head. Georg stands and takes Maria in his arms. They kiss as he holds her tighter. Maria gasps and Georg releases her.
" Did you feel that? It seems this baby is very active" she says reaching down with her hand
Georg smiles and his hand goes to her stomach "Amazing isn't it". He looks at Maria and sees the tears that start to fall down her cheeks. He takes her in his arms.
" I love you" he says in her ear. They hold each other for a few minutes longer. They pull apart and walk to the door.
"I have to go to the doctor for a checkup. Come with me. Leisl has no school today she will watch Samuel. We can go to lunch. I also have to stop by the abbey" she says as they walk towards the living room.
" That's a good idea. I need to talk to Reverend Mother. With the events of the last months I want to make sure our plans are still set. I will get my coat and bring the car around' he says as he gives her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Georg waits in the outer room for Maria to finish with the doctor. The closer Maria gets to her delivery date the more nervous he becomes. He knows what she will experience and every time she asks about Agathe and her labors he has made light of it. The last thing he wants is to scare her. He looks up when he hears the door open . He hears Maria thank the doctor and he rises to help her on with her coat. She is very quiet and he is worried.
" What is it ? Is there something wrong? He asks looking into her eyes.
" I'm sorry darling. No everything is fine. The doctor says I am very healthy and the baby is doing well. In fact he estimates this baby could be close to nine pounds. I don't know if I am going to be able to do this. The closer it gets the more scared I become" she says as they leave the office.
"Maria you are the strongest person I know. I will be with you the entire time, I promise" he says trying to reassure her.
" Were you there with Agathe? She asks him.
" No and I regret it. I want to be there to help you and to see our child take its first breathe. To see the look in your eyes when you see our child for the first time" he says as he opens the door to the car.
" Georg I love you " she says as she kisses his cheek. His hand caresses her cheek and their eyes lock. " "Come on let's get lunch and then we will go to the abbey" he says breaking their connection.
Maria and Georg enjoy a leisurely lunch at her favorite restaurant and then proceed to the abbey. They ring the bell and smile when they see Sister Margaretta coming to greet them.
" Maria, Captain its been too long. Reverend Mother will be so glad to see you" she says opening the gate. They proceed to Reverend Mothers office. Sister Margaretta knocks on the door.
"Ave" a voice says from behind the door. Sister Margaretta opens the door and they all go in. Maria goes over to Reverend Mother and hugs her. Maria takes her coat off and both Sister Margaretta and the Reverend Mother gasp in surprise when they see Maria.
" My dear, you look wonderful" Reverend Mother says placing her hand on Marias expanding stomach.
" Yes I just came from the doctor, he thinks the baby will be big maybe over nine pounds. Ow, wow that was a good one" Maria jumps as the baby gives her a powerful kick.
" Is the baby always this active? Reverend Mother asks.
" No not always but I just ate and he or she seems to more active just after I eat" she laughs.
Georg interrupts the conversation "Reverend Mother due to recent events both here and Germany I want to make sure our plans are still in place."
" Yes Captain, everything is set just in case. I have been reading the events of the past weeks. It seems the Aunschluss will happen no matter how we try and stop it. Hitler will stop at nothing" she says as she walks over to him.
" There is no way I will stay if the Nazis take over. I know they will ask me to join them. If I refuse they will surely kill us all. Nothing will make me join them" he says as he puts his arm around Maria.
" Rest assured Captain, just one phone call from you and I will be ready. Are Samuel and Sarah's papers ready? she asks.
" Almost, my good friend Max Detweiller is coming to see me soon. He will be able to tell me when they will be done" Georg says as he puts Maria's coat back on.
" I'm sorry we can't stay longer. I want to get Maria home to rest before the children get home from school" he says as he goes to the door. Maria hugs Sister Margaretta and Reverend Mother. Georg bids goodbye also.
" I want to go to the telegram office to see if there has been any message from Max" Georg says as he opens the door for Maria.
Georg parks outside the office and goes in. he is back a couple of minutes later.
" Max will be here in two weeks. He is staying until the summer" Georg says as he drives back home.
Georg tells the children Max will be coming to stay and the children are overjoyed at the news. Georg rolls his eyes as the children tell Sarah about Max.
" This friend of yours sounds like a lot of fun" Sarah says.
" Yes the problem is he also costs me a lot of money. He is always bringing unusual gifts for the children but he also charges me with the bill" he says laughing.
" Yes, last time he brought us a puppet show. Mother showed us how to work them. We put on a great puppet show" Kurt says. Looking at their father the children smile at the way he looks at Maria. He reaches for her cheek and he caresses it with his hand.
" Look, Father is looking at Mother the same way he looked at her that night when he sang Edelweiss" Brigitta whispers to Louisa.
Maria and Georg realize that everyone is staring at them. They both look up and Georg clears his throat.
"I suggest that we all go into the living room for some singing" Georg says as he pulls the chair out for Maria.
The rest of the evening is spent singing and laughing.