Disclaimer: Yet again, I own nothing…

Author's Note: Ok, sorry this wasn't up sooner, but I have had writer's block. I had planned everything leading up to the Captain and the Baroness calling off their engagement, but I haven't figured out what happens after it. Therefore, the updates won't be that frequent, but I'll do the best I can.


Chapter Nine

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"Yes….you are?"

"Yes,…you did?"

"Yes."

"But why?"

The Captain stared into the depths of the lake. The depths of this lake reminded him of two others. Two, crystal clear lakes that he found himself drawn to so often. Depths he got lost in, capturing him, making him wish he never had to return to reality. The Captain gave a small smile as an image of the two lakes appeared in front of him, along with the face to which they belonged.

Could he tell her the whole reason? Was it right to? Was now the right time, would he allow himself too?

"Well, the discussion of sending the children to boarding school led from one topic to another, until we finally realized that we weren't meant to be." In truth he didn't lie, he just didn't tell her the whole truth.

Elsa and Georg had been talking for an hour, about their differences, what they were expecting to happen, when the Captain finally realized what he had to do.

"Elsa, it's no use, you and I." When she gave no response, Georg continued. "When two people talk of marriage."

"Don't say another word, Georg please."

"As fond as I am of you, I really don't think you're the right man for me, and our talk tonight proved that. You're much to independent, and I need someone he needs me desperately, or at least needs my money desperately." The Baroness, letting out a small laugh as she said the last part. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go pack my bags and return to Vienna where I belong." She walked over to George , gave him a kiss on the cheek, and headed for the door way. "Maria is a very lucky, young lady, to have your love. I'm sure she'll be very happy."

Georg's eyes widened at her words. "Elsa, what, how?"

"Georg, please, it is obvious. The way you looked at her. I wish you all the happiness in the world. Good bye Georg."

"Good bye Elsa." And with that, Baroness Elsa Schraeder left.

Elsa had known, had he been that obvious? And yet, Elsa's statement still confused him, 'I'm sure she'll be very happy.'

Elsa surely could have not meant that Maria loved him back, could it?

"Oh, I'm very sorry, Captain." Maria's sweet voice startled Georg, he had been lost in his thoughts.

Turning to Maria, Georg nearly stopped breathing. The moon was half hidden by a few stray clouds, and the little light it gave off seem to rest solely on Maria. "Wonderful." The Captain thought.

"I beg your pardon, what did you say Captain?"

Georg cursed himself, he actually said it out loud. "I just, said that I suppose Elsa and I breaking off the engagement is for the best."

"Well, yes, if it is what you truly feel to be right."

The Captain just nodded.

"Well, if you'll excuse me Captain, I am going to go to bed."

"Yes, I suppose it is time I retire for the day as well." Together, the two made their way inside.


Maria woke with start as the door of her room was thrown open. "Whuh? Marta?" She managed to ask as she jumped out of bed and was met by Marta clinging to her waist. "What's the matter sweet heart?"

"I h-h-had a b-b-bad dream."

"Oh, Marta, come here." She said picking up the girl and sitting her on her lap. "It's ok, it was only a dream."

"I-it was so scary." The little girl said in a whisper.

"I know, I know. But your safe now, there's no need to worry. Would you like to sing a song?"

Marta quickly nodded her head. "Can we sing My Favorite Things."

"An excellent idea." Maria said, giving the child a kiss on the nose before beginning the song.


"…a b-b-bad dream." Georg heard Marta say as he approached Maria's bedroom. Standing in the shadows of the door way, the Captain watched the scene unfold before him, a smile of contempt forming on his lips. The lovely governess was a natural. Her mere presence was enough to calm jumpy nerves.

His children loved her as a mother. She was the mother they had been with out for the past few years. She filled the gap in their lives just like she filled the gap in his.

"….My Favorite Things?"

"An excellent idea."

Georg listened as the soft, voice of Maria filled the room accompanied by Marta's. The Captain felt all worried leave his being, not just because of the words of the song but because of the voices, well voice. For it seemed that Marta had sung herself to sleep. But Maria continued on. Her strong, soft voice finished the song, and the Captain let out a small sigh.

Maria looked down at the little girl asleep in her arms and smiled. Standing Maria picked up the seven-year-old and gave a grunt.

"She is getting a bit big to carry, isn't she?" Maria gasped as she saw the Captain standing in her door way, with a slight smirk. The governess smile back.

"Yes, I suppose she is." She said as she walked into the hall.

"Allow me to help you."

"Thank you Captain." She said, as Georg took Marta from her arms.

Together they began to walk towards Marta's room.

"I must say that I'm a sorry for spying on the two of you, but I heard her run to your room and followed."

"It's ok Captain."

"The song that you sang, if I remember correctly it's the same one I found you singing during the thunderstorm your first night here. Correct?"

Maria blushed at the memory. "Yes, it was." She said with a bright smile.

"You, know the children sang it when you were gone." When the Captain said this he suddenly remembered that he had yet to get an answer from Maria to why she had left.

"They did?" Maria replied as they reached Marta's room, bringing the Captain back from his thoughts.

Together the put the girl back in her bed and tucked her in. Georg gave the child a kiss on the forehead and went to the door as Maria did the same.

Once the door was closed, The Captain continued their conversation. "Yes, they did. I found them by the lake singing the song. I believe they were trying to cheer themselves up."

"Well, I hoped it worked."

The Captain nodded, "Yes, um, Fraulein?"
"Yes Captain, if I may, ask you again, why is it that you left?"

Maria stood in shock, why was he bringing this up again. It had been a little over two weeks since her return and when he had first asked her that question. And now here he was, asking it.

The same questions appeared in Maria's mind. Was now the right time to tell him? Could she? Would she? But before she could answer a yawn escaped her mouth.

"Perhaps, it would be a better idea if we continued this conversation tomorrow, Fraulein." Thankful for his statement Maria nodded encouragingly in response, now she would have time to think of a response.

"Perhaps after breakfast then."

She needed more time than that. "Well, sir, I was planning on taking the children into town tomorrow after breakfast. Is after dinner alright?"

"Of course Fraulein." The Captain said with a bow of the head.

"Goodnight Captain."

"Goodnight." He watched her return to her room and when she was out of hearing range, he added, "Maria."


Author's Note: Well there it is. Chapter nine. Hope you liked it. More to come soon, though I can't say when that soon is, but never the less, soon.

Thank you all so much for your absolutely fabulous reviews. I love hearing that you like the story so much! Thank you again!

The Lonely Goatherd.