Chapter 14
It was the night before the wedding and Georg could hardly wait until Maria was truly his. She had gone to town during the day, shopping for clothes to wear at their honeymoon. Now they sat content and silent in Georgs study, the children already in bed. Maria had not been herself since her return from Salzburg but Georg took it for nervousness. Not entirely sure though, he decided to ask her.
"Is something matter darling?" he said, careful not to provoke her if anything actually was wrong.
"Not really." An uncomfortable silence spread around the room and Maria sighed then turned to Georg, ready to face her problems.
"I have something to tell you Georg." He chuckled.
"I hope you're not standing me up because I really want you as my wife."
"This is important." He heard the seriousness of her voice and listened to her with rapt attention, afraid that something was really wrong with her.
"Tell me."
"You know this illness I've been experiencing these past weeks?"
"Yes, it's been hard not noticing."
"Well, it has a cause."
"You're not ill are you? I cannot bear to lose you."
"No, it's nothing like that." She sighed, feeling anxious. 'What if he doesn't approve?'
"What is it then Maria? Tell me, you're making me nervous darling."
"The doctor told me to expect a little surprise in about seven months." Georg looked puzzled and couldn't quite comprehend what she was implying at.
"The doctor also said that this morning sickness I've been experiencing is normal and will eventually pass." Georg still didn't get it but his brains were processing this information hard.
"You still don't understand?" Maria smiled at him and he shook his head no. Suddenly Maria could almost see a light bulb being lit above his head as realisation hit him and he looked astonishingly at Maria. She closed her eyes, preparing for the worst, missing his ear to ear grin.
"Are you telling me what I think you are? Maria, are we going to be parent?" At his excited voice she opened her eyes again and nodded slowly. He lifted her up and laughed.
"Is it true? You're not pulling my leg, are you?"
"Of course it is true. Are you ok with this?"
"Ok? I'm so happy I could burst! Oh, I love you Maria, you've made me the happiest, most fortunate, man alive." Maria shed a few tears while smiling at him.
"I thought you would be angry and not want to marry me."
"Oh, you silly woman!" he laughed and kissed her.
"I feel honoured to be the father of your child. Our child… This is so exciting! Let's go wake the children and tell them this happy news."
"Are you sure we shouldn't wait until after the honeymoon? They are children after all, and children talk. I'm already considered a gold digger Georg; I don't want people to think that you married me just because I was pregnant. I love you and I don't want anything to come between us."
"I love you too. Of course we can wait until later to tell everyone. You're two months gone already?"
"According to the doctor, yes."
"Wow. We must have become pregnant at once when we started this relationship. It's good to see we are both fertile though, you never know if we want more children." Marias heart leapt at his words.
"You consider having even more children? We've got eight already."
"Don't you like them? I know they'll want siblings at least."
"I do like them. About having more… Well, it depends on how painful it is to deliver!"
"It's entirely up to you, my dear. I you want more children I'd be happy to assist you."
"Oh, I don't doubt that for a second." Maria started to laugh at the expression on Georgs face but he chose to ignore that.
"What should we name him or her?" he asked.
"Perhaps we should wait to decide until we've told the children?"
"They'll get a say in this as well?"
"I think we at least should let them come with suggestions."
"You're right as always darling." Georg yawned and Maria felt tiredness sweep over her as well.
"Do you want to go sleep Maria?"
"Yes, I think we are getting tired" she said and patted her stomach gently.
"Do you feel anything yet?"
"No, but I suppose it will start to show soon. Luckily we will be on our honeymoon by then."
"I still can't believe that tomorrow by this time you will be my wife."
"I can hardly wait!" Georg looked mischievously at her.
"The mystery of the wedding night is ruined already but I'm sure we'll think of something to do." He kissed her deeply and put his arms around her waist.
"Oh, I believe we will." They left for bed, both looking forward to the events about to take place the following day.