Chapter 10
When everyone settled at the table, Maria said grace, and they started eating.
The food was delicious, so no one really felt like talking. By the time the
meal was over, everyone had a full stomach, Kurt included. "So, Kurt. Are
you full?" Maria asked mischievously. "Oh yes, Fraulein." Kurt said with a
grin. Everyone laughed. Frederick muttered, "Good. I can't stand to hear
another word from him about being hungry." The captain gave him a pointed
stare, to which Frederick became quiet to. "Well, since it is Fraulein Maria's
birthday today, I suggest we give her a day off, and let her do whatever she
wants. I'll take care of the children today." The captain said. Maria looked
surprised. "But sir," She began to say, but the Captain held up his hand. "No
buts! You will enjoy today without the company of the children. You can do
whatever you like." "Thank you sir." Maria said. "Max, would you like to
spend the day with me today?" She asked smiling brightly. The Captain's
cheerful look disappeared. He had completely forgotten that Max was there.
How could I forget? If Maria gets the day off, she would obviously need
someone to hang with, and who would it be, but her own friend, Max
Detweiler. What have I done? But looking at Maria's bright smile made him
realize that if he wanted Maria to have fun on her birthday, she would hang
with anyone she pleases. Turning his attention back to the present, he saw
that Max seemed reluctant to go out. Maria was begging him to go, but he
still said no. Maria sighed and said, "See, that's why we fought so many
times when we were younger. We have way little things in common."
Grinning, Max said, "True, but we are always there for each other, right? No
matter what other people say, we know that we have each other's backs )"
"Right" Maria said, her face lighting again. "Well, I suppose if you don't
want to go, maybe one of the children could come with me?" She asked
turning to the Captain. The captain looked surprised. "Are you sure you
want one of the children to come along? The whole purpose of a day off is to
get away." Laughing, Maria said, "It's always my pleasure to take care of
your children, Captain. I would be honored to have one of your wonderful
children come with me." Smiling, the Captain said, "Very well. You can do
whatever you want. So, who do you want to bring?" Maria replied, "OH, I
can't choose. They are all wonderful, so… maybe the one who I haven't had
a chance to spend much time with lately." Scanning the children, Maria
realized that she hadn't spent too much time with Marta lately. The sweet
girl was so sweet but quiet, that she sometimes got ignored because of the
other children, especially Gretl. "Marta?" Maria asked. "Yes, Fraulein
Maria?" Marta asked, startled. "Would you like to accompany me to town
for the day?" Marta's face broke into a huge smile. "Yes, Fraulein. I would
like that." "Well then it's settled. Come on, Marta, let's go get ready, shall
we?" Maria said. Marta obediently followed her governess upstairs to her
room. "Now, Marta," Maria began. "What dress would you like to wear?"
Marta's brown eyes swept her closet. "That one" She finally said, pointing
to a pink frilly dress. Maria smiled approvingly, "That's a fine dress to wear
to town." Marta beamed, and Maria took the dress from the closet, and
helped Marta get dressed. Then the two ladies went to Maria's room where
Maria chose a dress to wear, and they went downstairs. After saying bye to
everyone, they left the house. "What are we going to be doing in town,
Fraulein?" Marta asked innocently. "Well," Maria said. "Maybe we could go
look at the many stores there. Would you like that?" "oh yes!" Marta said
enthusiastically. Maria chuckled, eager to do something special for the sweet
girl that was so easy to please. "Well, then let's go to the town!" As soon as
they arrived in Salzburg, Maria went to a clothes store, especially for girls.
"Now, Marta. Since you've been the most polite child out of all your
siblings, and you haven't complained about anything, I would like to reward
you with your own new dress!" Marta's mouth dropped. "Really!" She
asked in disbelief. Laughing, Maria said, "really" She brushed the bangs out
of the little girl's face. "Oh thank you, Fraulein Maria!" Marta said happily.
She gave her governess a big bear hug. Maria hugged the child back. "Now,
enough chitchat. Let's go look at the store for some nice material for your
dress!" Eagerly, Marta ran into the store with Maria following close behind.
"Oh, Marta." Maria said. Marta turned. "Promise that you won't say a word
about you getting a new dress in front of the others? Especially Gretl? I
don't want them to be jealous of you, and get mad at you." Solemnly, Marta
nodded. "But what if they ask me where I got the new dress?" Marta asked
softly. Maria thought for a moment. "Well, just make sure that you don't
wear it until everyone else got something new, ok? Just wear the new dress
for a ball or something. By then, everyone would have a new dress."
Beaming, Marta said, "Ok" Satisfied that Marta wouldn't say another word,
she told Marta, "Ok, let's go into the store to find you some material!" Marta
giggled and followed her beloved Fraulein inside.