Disclaimer: Take a wild guess…..
Author's Note: Ok, huh, here is chapter seven, I think that's what I'm on. shrugs Oh well.
Chapter Seven
Maria had been back to weeks and something was happening to the Captain. He didn't know why, but he was drawn to her. He wanted to spend all his time with her. To hear her laugh, see her smile, get lost in her eyes. He didn't know what was happening to him or why this woman had such an effect on him. Something was stirring beneath his surface. Something like an emotion, or was it a feeling. It didn't matter, he liked it.
Elsa sighed as she watched the family…and Fraulein Maria walking towards the gates of the Villa. She and Georg had been engaged for what seemed like a life time and no plans had began to form. Oh sure, she had looked at wedding dresses. She looked at flowers. But every time she tried to talk to Georg he always seemed distracted. Maybe he really was in love with her…
"Fraulein Maria look!"
"That was wonderful Marta!" Maria laughed as she watched the girl do yet another cart-wheel. "you've gotten very good!" Marta smiled and continued on.
"My, my, Marta. Where ever did you learn to do that?" The Captain asked shooting a glance in Maria's direction knowing all to well where his daughter learned the trick.
"Fraulein Maria taught me, Father!"
Maria blushed as the Captain's found her again. "Did she know?"
"Yes, well, I, uh. Did one the other day and Marta wanted to know how to do it, so I just kind of showed her how and helped her."
"Well, what a fine job Fraulein."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Of course Fraulein." the Captain said, bowing his head.
Maria giggled to herself.
The sun had set hours ago and the children had just been put to bed. Maria sitting in a chair, outside, looking at the lake, and listening to the radiograph. The news on the Auchluss wasn't good. It was drawing nearer. Out of frustration Maria kicked the table and immediately regretted doing so.
"OW!" Maria said under her breath, rubbing her foot.
"Easy, Fraulein."
"CAPTAIN!" Maria nearly jumped out of her chair, how embarrassing.
"Sorry, I, uh, didn't mean to startle you. Please, sit down." the Captain said, "M-may I?" He couldn't believe he stumbled on his words. What was happening to him?
"Of course." Maria said as she turned off the radio.
"So, I take it the news isn't good." he started, referring to her sudden outburst.
"No, I'm afraid not."
"I must say, I was taken aback by your reaction." Maria blushed. "Well, what I mean to say is that I didn't know you felt so strongly against the Nazi, situation."
Maria nodded her head. "It makes me sick really. Everything they stand for is just so wrong. I don't know what I'll do if they get control of Austria. It's just to beautiful to be given into the hands of monsters."
Georg nodded, "I suppose we'll leave."
"Leave!"
"Yes, I have the slightest feeling that they will want me join their Navy. Joining them would be-"
"Unthinkable." Maria finished his sentence. The Captain gave her a half smile and nodded in agreement.
The Captain was captivated by the way the moon captured Maria. It was as if she wasn't human. The same way the fire in his study half hid her, but showed her off at the same time weeks ago the moon did now.
"What about you Fraulein?" For some reason he wanted to badly to tell her to come with them if it happened.
"I don't know. I don't suppose I have anywhere to go."
"What about they abbey."
"Oh, well, I uh, I left. For good."
"Left, why?" there it was again, that feeling. Hearing her say that was pure joy.
Maria froze. Was now the time to tell him, could she tell him, would she allow herself to. "Oh, I-I d-d-don't know, life at the abbey isn't really for me."
The Captain chuckled. "No, I don't suppose it is." Maria smiled in relief and at his remark. "I must thank you for allowing me to come on your outing today."
"It was no trouble Captain. The children love spending time with you."
"I suppose I have a lot of time to make up for."
"Don't think that way Captain, its all in the past. They don't blame you."
"I know, but I do. I really must thank you Fraulein."
Maria laughed at what the Captain had just said. Sitting her was pure bliss. The man she loved was sitting next to her, talking to her about nothing and everything at the same time. The weather was considerably cooler tonight than it had been in the past couple of days and Maria inwardly kicked herself for wearing a thin material.
The Captain stood and took off his jacket, handing it over to her. "Oh no Captain, I couldn't." Maria said, stopping the action of rubbing her shoulders toe shake her arms in front of her.
"Fraulein, I insist."
"Really I'm fine."
"Fraulein, there is one thing you must know about sea captains. We never take no for an answer." And with that he put the jacket around her.
Georg sighed in contempt. Himself and the lovely Fraulein sitting next to him had talked the night away and were now sharing a comfortable silence, staring at the lake. Giving a yawn the Captain checked his watch.
"Well, Fraulein, I must say we should probably go inside. It's 2:30."
"2:30!" Maria nearly jumped out of her seat.
"Yes, well, shall we?" he said, motioning towards the door.
They stood at the bottom of the two stair cases.
"I had a wonderful time tonight Fraulein."
"Yes, I did too Captain. And thank you for the jacket." She replied talking off the big jacket.
"It was not problem, Fraulein. Good night."
"Good night, Captain."
Author's Note: Well there you have it. Wow, this chapter was tough to write. More to come soon. Thank you to all who reviewed! )
The Lonely Goatherd
