Once again thanks for the reviews. The Maria/Georg stuff in this chapter is for you Marauders3. Things are finally getting interesting. I hope you enjoy and as always I love feedback!
Disclaimer: I don't own the Sound of Music, Maria, Georg, the Baroness or any of the other brilliant Rogers and Hammerstein characters.
Elsa:
The days to Liesl's wedding seemed to come on as quickly as the autumn weather. Sitting in the third row near the edge, Elsa silently observed that the wedding was one of the most beautiful she had ever seen for how simple it was. She was silently thankful for Liesl's insistence on having the religious ceremony outdoors instead of within the walls of a chapel. Elsa and Maria had jointly planned the event and the gardens of the von Trapp home were quite lovely in the early autumn morning. Elsa congratulated herself and Maria for their efforts which turned the wedding into a success.
Liesl was an attractive bride, and no one looked more beautiful, except for maybe herself, the Baroness thought with delight. Elsa knew that even though he hated social events, Charles Jackson would most certainly attend the wedding of one of his favorite children. She wanted to look beautiful because she knew it would drive him crazy.
Elsa was more than a little surprised when at the wedding party that night she was invited to sit with Georg and his wife at their table. Maria and Georg watched couples dance as their united hands rested on the white table top. Elsa could not help look on the two with a little envy. When Georg asked Maria to dance her eyes lit up as they did when Elsa first saw her dance with Georg. The made such a handsome pair, even if Maria was below Georg's rank. As she watched them Elsa could sense Charles' eyes on her and that was more than enough to put her on guard.
Seeing the young bride and groom dance as well as Maria and Georg was painful and as the night wore on more and more couples took to the dance floor. Oh, how Elsa longed to dance just once more. She was lost in daydreams of the past. She remembered how Georg used to sweep her onto the dance floor with unmatched grace. Charles Jackson used to leave her feet aching and sore after the few times she had danced with him. It was difficult to believe Charles could even walk on his own two feet he was such a terrible dancer, Elsa thought with a fond smile.
Her daydreams were interrupted when Georg and Maria returned, hand in hand, to the table. Liesl escaped to somewhere outside but Jeof approached accompanied by a young familiar looking British solider as. Elsa was unsure why he looked so familiar.
"Captain von Trapp, Madame, Baroness," Jeof said bowing his head in the direction of each of them, "This is my friend Joe. We met when he was stationed in Paris."
Suddenly, Elsa knew where she had seen the boy. He was one of the soldiers on the road to Lisieux that night so long ago. From his ratty appearance and uneducated accent Elsa could tell he was clearly not from a family of any rank.
"It's a pleasure to be meetin' ya capt'in, ma'am," said the boy and turned his eyes, now not so tired and worn on Elsa, "And o'course this lady needs no introduction. Bravest solider in the whole Allied army is what we call 'er."
Elsa's smiled faded as she saw Georg and Maria look at her with confused faces.
"Why is that," Georg asked, although Elsa thought he was speaking out of politeness and not curiosity.
"Why, haven't you 'eard the story?" asked the boy. "Haven't you 'eard how she saved a hundred orphan children by swimming five miles up stream in a dangerous canal with gun fire on both sides? Haven't you 'eard how she almost died from the cold but still kept goin'? Haven't you 'eard how she was shot twice on the road to Lisieu—"
Elsa refused to listen further. She was not ready to tell her story, and now this peasant boy ruined the entire situation. Now Georg and Maria would pity her. Now everyone would know about her moment of weakness. Elsa stood up angrily and the boy stopped speaking. All eyes were on her.
"Excuse me, I need to get some fresh air," she said coldly, and with her cane in hand, walked away from the table.
The number of people whispering while staring at her diminished as she escaped deeper and deeper into the deserted von Trapp gardens. She loitered about in the moonlit for a while, unable to face Maria or any of the other von Trapps. The night air was pleasant and the sounds of the gentle lapping of water helped ease her nerves. She stood overlooking the lake when she felt a large imposing figure stand solidly behind her. He was so close she could feel the warmth emanating from him.
"I didn't know you could swim," Charles said, his voice mockingly cheerful. She could feel his breath on her hair.
He had obviously overheard the young British officer, and now he too knew of what had happened. She felt weak and ashamed.
"It's really quite amazing what a person can do, when put to the test," she replied, her voice low and perfectly elegant.
"I'm sorry for you," he began, bending down so she felt his breath close to her neck, "Such noble women shouldn't have to be put to the test. They should live lives of empty splendor until they die unhappy old maids or bitter married women."
Elsa was suddenly out of breath. Charles words angered her but as he spoke he moved his lips closer to her neck. She could almost feel them. She closed her eyes and wished she could feel them. Charles had never come onto her like this before. He hardly ever touched her at all even to shake her hand or help her out of a car. Why was he suddenly acting this way, and why was it having such an effect on Elsa?
"Noble women are capable of far more than a common American like you could possibly comprehend," Elsa replied but she tilted her head a little hoping Charles would finally touch his lips to her skin. To her dismay he backed away. She no longer felt the warmth of his breath on her neck.
"I have a complete comprehension of your limitless vanity," he answered, "Georg is a blessed man for not marrying you."
For some reason the words stung Elsa worse than anything Charles had ever said to her before. Their fighting before always held an amount of playfulness. In this Charles was sincere. Her throat went dry and she swallowed hard forcing down any tears that might have otherwise threatened to appear. She heard Charles' shoes tap the garden path as he moved a few steps away from her. Before he left he stopped and she wondered if he turned to look at her.
"But you are as completely brave as you are vein. A rare quality in a woman." His commanding voice was a deep and low rumbling in the air around her. She heard him walking back toward the house.
"Charles," she called out when she finally trusted her voice but it was too late. Either he hadn't heard her or he didn't care to respond. She watched his tall lean form disappear into the night.
Elsa sank to a white washed bench in the garden and tried to figure out what had just happened. Charles had definitely come onto her; there was no question of that. In all the years she had known him he had never been as close as he was a moment ago.
Every moment she was with him when they knew each other long ago she feared he would act the way he did tonight. He never had though. Why now after all these years when she was older and physically damaged had he attempted to woo her? Even more confusing to her was why she had simultaneously wanted him to kiss her and wanted him to leave? He was below her. Far below her. She would never consider marrying him. Never. Not then and certainly not now after so many wasted years.
"Elsa," a small voice called from behind the shadows of a large oak tree. Elsa lifted her head and saw the petite form of Liesl appear under the blue tinted light of the moon her white dress flowing around her.
"Liesl, what are you doing out here?" Elsa asked, glad that her voice wavered with surprise and not hurt. Elsa quickly touched a finger below each eye just to make sure there were no traces of what might have been tears.
"Well," Liesl said as she strode up to Elsa, her face glowing with the radiance of a new bride, "I thought I'd take a little walk in the moonlit. The party is simply lovely, and this is by far the most, hmmm, perfect day of my life. I had to come outside to soak it all in, to prove it's real." Liesl giggled as she spoke and twirled with excitement, showing off the simple elegance of her dress.
"What are you doing?" Liesl asked playfully turning her gaze momentarily on Elsa. The Baroness did not want to ruin Liesl's perfect day with her problems.
"It's such a perfect night out, as you said, I thought I'd get some air," she replied. Liesl seemed satisfied with the explanation but she sat down on the bench and put a hand on Elsa's knee.
"You know," Liesl began, "Your help was invaluable with the wedding arrangements. I'm glad that you and mother are friends. Thank you for helping."
Elsa smiled genuinely at the girl but she could not believe the kindness was real.
"Liesl," Elsa began, "You don't have to thank me. You shouldn't be thanking me. You owe me nothing, after the way I treated you and your siblings."
Liesl's eyebrows squeezed together in surprise and disbelief tugged at the corners of her mouth. The look might have been humorous if Elsa hadn't been in such a bad mood. Liesl opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by Maria's voice.
"There you are," she scolded, although Elsa wasn't sure which of them Maria was addressing. "Both of you come back inside, the party simply can't go on without you."
Elsa was not thrilled with the prospect of re-entering the room but she had no choice. Liesl grabbed her by the hand and lead her back into the ballroom with force. A swarm of people surrounded Liesl once they entered the ballroom and Elsa saw her chance to escape. Maria and the girl were trapped in the middle of excited guests making it easy for Elsa to slip away from the party unnoticed. Before stepping into a cab Elsa took note that Charles had already left.
When she returned home to her large empty house, Elsa took off her gloves and scribbled on a piece of paper. The next morning she would hand the note to her butler and have a messenger deliver it. She wanted to inform Maria she would not be able to attend their weekly tea meeting.
Maria:
Life went back to its normal pace for the von Trapp family once Liesl left for her honeymoon. Maria was allowed time to think of all the things she had put off in order to make all the arguments. It was Thursday, the day she usually met Elsa for tea. Maria stood with Elsa's scribbled note in her hand and reflected about what course of action she could take.
Maria found it quite unusual that Elsa had been so upset, or at least, so desperate to leave the night of Liesl's wedding after her story had been told. There were times Maria felt there was not enough of herself to go around. She knew Elsa was in need of her but Maria refused to leave her daughter on her wedding day. Now that Liesl was gone, however, Maria could turn her focus back to the troubled life of the Baroness.
Maria pulled on a light jacket and with the note in hand made her way to the door. She was not going to let Elsa out of their weekly meeting so easily. If the Baroness refused to come to her, then Maria would go to the Baroness. The children were in school and Georg was out on business, so after informing the butler of her plans she departed.
Elsa's house was not at all what Maria might have expected. It was grand, to be sure, but not as grand as she might have thought. The green hedges in the front gardens in front were clean and neatly cut, but not as large or grand as the ones at the old Austria home or even Charley Jackson's.
The cab driver asked if he should wait and Maria nodded. Suppose the Baroness would become angry at Maria's uninvited arrival, if the cab left Maria would be stranded with an angry Elsa, not something she looked forward too. As she rang the doorbell Maria didn't think about that. She only thought about how brave Elsa was to risk her life to save the orphan children.
"Tell the Baroness Maria von Trapp is here to see her," Maria told the old butler, James, once he invited her in. He bowed and Maria waited in the foyer. The slightly bent man walked up one side of the white stair case that lined the wall following the large circular room. The grounds were not entirely impressive but the front room more than made up for the lack of grandeur outside. A large diamond chandelier hung above Maria's head, and she stared at it in awe. Drawing her eyes away she spotted the Baroness carefully and slowly navigating down the staircase with her golden cane.
The woman wore an elegant white skirt that wrapped around her slender form and a blue blouse underneath an intricate white suit coat. Maria waited for the Baroness to speak first which she did not do until she descended the last step.
"Maria," she began, her voice dangerously cool, "What brings you here?"
"Our weekly tea date of course," Maria smiled, but received no reaction from her friend.
"You must not have received my note," the Baroness replied, stealthily moving closer to Maria.
"I received it," Maria said flatly. She could see her frankness was a surprise to Elsa. "I thought it was about time I came to your home, since I've been so rude as to make you come to mine every week." Maria was quite proud of her answer and thought the Baroness would have difficultly in arguing with her.
"It's rude to drop in on a person unexpectedly," Elsa said in rushed tones, "I'm far to busy for tea today. I'm sorry you had to come all this way for nothing."
Elsa was standing with her body angled toward the door, a clear indication she wanted Maria to leave. Maria was not about to let that happened. For the last few months Maria had been gentle and careful with her friend, but she decided now was the time for action. Maria took a few steps forward and looked around the large room with her arms extended.
"You have a lovely house Baroness," Maria said.
"Good-bye," the Baroness replied, her position unchanged. Maria dropped her arms and sighed deeply.
"Why are you so desperate to get ride of me?" she asked. Elsa stiffened her stance even more, something Maria didn't think possible.
"I'm not desperate. I'm just frightfully busy," Elsa responded, putting her thumb and forefinger to the bridge of her nose as if accentuate the point.
"Busy doing what?" Maria challenged, refusing to step any closer to the door. She wasn't leaving until she got a decent answer and she wanted Elsa to know it. Elsa opened her mouth to say what Maria thought would most surely be a lie so Maria spoke first.
"Elsa, why are you ashamed about what happened during the war? I think it quite brave of you," Maria stated and took a step closer to Elsa. The Baroness turned her head away from Maria but with a deep inhale Maria pressed on.
"You are much stronger than I would have believed. I hoped someday you would have felt comfortable enough to share your…experiences with me, but I am glad to know more about you. I am trying to be your friend but it's very difficult when you never talk about yourself," Maria said gently. Elsa continued to look away but she did reply.
"I don't trust people easily, Maria." Elsa's voice was soft and more unsure than Maria had ever heard it.
"Trusting people is not easy. So often we are let down, heartbroken by those we love," Maria offered, hoping her words would be of some comfort. She was now even more curious to know why the Baroness was so distant.
"Don't pretend to know anything about me," the Baroness snapped, jerking her head up to meet Maria's eyes. Maria was offended at first, but remembering the value of long suffering patience, she answered calmly.
"Then tell me, tell me about yourself," she pleaded as kindly as she could though she was at her wits end. The Baroness sighed deeply she relaxed a little, as if feeling some guilt for her outburst.
"Maria," Elsa began, with sadness in her voice, "I'm not proud of the life I've lived. Your children will tell you, I'm a…a remote sort of person. You are so worthy, you have such faith…I wish I could have your faith. Talking about myself only makes me feel trivial. Some much in my life is trivial. I'd rather talk about your life. You are so amiable; everything in life is beautiful to you. I never dreamed I'd say this but hearing you speak puts me at ease."
Maria listened intently and tired to figure out what would cause Elsa to say such things. From what Maria knew Elsa was a moral upstanding person and always had been. Perhaps she had lost her faith along the way, but she was a good person. The fact was proven to Maria beyond a shadow of a doubt between her help with Liesl's wedding, her bravery during the war and even her awkward apology at the welcoming party.
"I'm glad Baroness," Maria began, "But you are not trivial, and you shouldn't be ashamed of your compassion for orphan children. As for faith, you are welcome to attend church with me anytime you wish."
The Baroness cast her eyes normally proud eyes to the floor.
"I couldn't do that," she said softly.
"Why not?" Maria asked brightly.
"I will have tea with you next week, but please leave me now," Elsa said, her voice hiding no emotion as was usual. Maria knew she had pressed her friend as far as she could.
"Next week then," Maria said and skipped to the door. Maria still had two more mysteries about the Baroness to solve but she felt as if she was getting closer to uncovering them.
Elsa:
Elsa's heart was full by the time she met with Maria again. For the life of her she could not understand why Maria was being so forbearing. Had Maria treated Elsa with way Elsa treated her, the friendship would have not lasted a minute, let alone a solid six months. Perhaps, it was just in Maria's nature to be considerate the Baroness finally concluded on her way to their weekly tea meeting.
When she arrived she and Maria exchanged polite hello's and settled down into their normal routine. Maria updated Elsa on how Liesl was enjoying her honeymoon and the various activities of her other children as they soaked up the sunlight on the terrace. Every once in a while a child would appear from behind a doorway or out of the garden. Maria informed Elsa the children had the day off from school. In seeing the children Elsa felt much less awkward than she had during her engagement to Georg; she thought she might even be getting used to them.
Halfway through their tea time, Georg emerged from the house, a tall gentleman following him. Elsa nearly choked on her tea when she saw the bemused expression of Charles Jackson.
"Georg, Charley?" Maria questioned, and Elsa was grateful to know she was surprised by the arrival as well. "What…"
"Oh, that's right," Georg said, turning to Charles as if to push him back inside, "I forgot today was your meeting with Elsa." Elsa did not dare trust herself enough to look at Charles, she looked into her tea glass instead and heard Georg's voice again.
"I'm sorry. Charley wanted to see the children. I told him they had the day off. I wouldn't have brought you here if I had remembered," Georg explained, his voice full of panic and guilt. Elsa caught movement out of the corner of her eye and raised her head to see Charles move his powerful figure out from the mid-day shadow of the house.
"No need to apologize, Georg. I'm sure Elsa and I can be civil to each other for one afternoon, painful as it may be," he responded and mockingly, Elsa thought, bowed in her direction. She smirked and lifted her tea glass in his direction. The action seemed to put Maria and Georg at ease, but easy was the furthest thing from Elsa's emotional state.
Two chairs were drawn up and Georg and Charles were seated. Georg sat next to Elsa and Charles next to Maria. The von Trapps began making polite conversation and Elsa tried to pay attention but her concentration was broken by Charles' eyes unmoving from her presence. At one point Elsa spotted Maria looking curiously at Charles' locked gaze. Charles didn't even pretend to be listening to conversation and the longer he stared the more uneasy Elsa felt. She forced herself not to fidget in her chair or look back at him.
"Georg," Maria said, "I'm sure our guests have had their fill of your business talk." Georg seemed a bit humbled as he appeared to realize he had been rambling.
Elsa was grateful for his rambling, which he only did when he was nervous, Elsa knew, because it kept the volatile situation under control.
"Oh, yes of course dear, excuse me," Georg apologized.
"You're looking very beautiful today," Charles said his eyes still locked on Elsa. The comment was so out of the blue that Elsa was unable to keep her back straight and gave in to the urge to squirm a little in her chair. She was forced to meet Charles gaze and in it she saw everything she remembered. A pleasant chill ran down her spine.
"Thank you," Elsa replied, stupidly. She congratulated herself for at least trying to reply to a comment that was said in a way just slightly not inappropriate enough not to be answered. When Elsa turned to look at Maria she beheld her friend's face contorted in utter confusion.
"Of course you always look beautiful Madame von Trapp," Charles continued, taking his gaze from Elsa for the first time much to her relief. The fact that the comment was a backhanded insult did not go unnoticed by the Baroness.
"They were right when they said you were a flatter," Maria responded. Elsa knew Maria was attempting to defuse the dangerous situation. She need not have worried however, because Elsa was not about to insult the von Trapp's by making a scene in their home and in front of their children.
"I think you're beautiful too," Georg added with a loving smile directed at his wife, then he added, "But isn't anyone going to tell me I look beautiful?"
Elsa understood his joking to be in accordance with following his wife's lead to lighten the mood. Elsa laughed at Georg's joke but it was a laugh in defiance of Charles' rudeness.
"Mother, father, come see what Marta found," Kurt said, panting as he came running up the terrace steps excitedly.
"Kurt, dear, we have company," Maria told the child.
"It will only take a minute," Kurt said and then added, "pleeeese."
Georg and Maria exchanged a look and both began to rise from their chairs. Elsa was not sure how she felt about the parent's commitment to their children. They certainly cared a great deal but Elsa tried never to think about children, never.
"Can we trust you children alone?" Georg asked Elsa and Charles, his voice only half joking as he wrapped an arm around Maria's waist.
"We'll be fine," Elsa answered calmly, although she sent a harsh look toward Maria for her abandonment. Whether Maria felt a twinge of guilt Elsa could not tell.
Once the von Trapp's were out of view Charles pushed his chair back and sprawled his long legs out in front of him as he slouched down. In one hand he had a glass of water. His eyes remained on Elsa until she could not bare it any longer. His manner was so improper.
"Must you look at me?" she demanded, keeping her voice low and uninterested.
"Does it bother you?" He responded, not moving from his relaxed position.
"Frankly, yes," she told him truthfully, keeping her gaze forward.
"Why?" he questioned, "Is there some law here that says a lowly business man can't look at an attractive woman?" She turned her eyes on him and gave him what she hoped was an intimidating stare. It must have been close because he perked up a little in his chair.
"Attractive, but only today," Elsa mocked, "I'm not like the mistress von Trapp, who is always beautiful." The words did not have the effect Elsa had hoped, because Charles slipped back down in the chair. He took his eyes from her and seemed to find something more interesting about his water filled glass.
"Why are you friends with her?" Charles questioned. Elsa stiffened.
"Why do you ask so many questions?" she retorted a bit more harshly than she expected from her own voice.
"You fascinate me Baroness," Charles replied, using her title as if it were a vulgarism, "You are part of a dying breed. Animals always behave most peculiarly right before extinction."
"I am not your horse Mr. Jackson," Elsa spat, "although even he is too worthy to spend time in your company."
Elsa cursed herself for allowing herself to be baited into insulting Charles. He always led her to insult him, never mind what he was trying to tell her. Much to her chagrin, now their relationship was reduced to arguing and insults only, before she at least had fun with him. He used to be a man about town, and he knew how to show a lady a good time. She longed for the days she spent on his arm, dashing excitedly into concert halls and theaters. For an American Charles Jackson had surprisingly similar tastes to hers. Even when he dragged her to a big band concert playing in an uptown nightclub she had been surprised to find the kind of music pleasant and the company even more so.
Elsa thoughts where interrupted by Charles' overbearing, hard laughter.
"I see, your majesty," he replied. "But you do give me an idea. Perhaps I shall name my next horse the Baroness."
Elsa reached for her cane and stood up. Maria's home or not, Elsa refused to be bullied in such a manner. She could make apologies for leaving early later. Maria was the kind of woman that would understand.
"And while you're at it," Elsa hissed, as Charles got to his feet, "you can name your mule Charles Jackson."
She aimed herself toward the doorway but Charles' hand on her arm stopped her from reaching her intended destination.
"Let go of me," she sneered, but her words only caused Charles to pull her arm to his chest. She looked up into his eyes, anger pounding throughout her body. Elsa parted her lips to verbally abuse him, but his mouth was over hers before she had the chance. His grip on her arm loosened with the increasing force of his kiss. Elsa wanted to pull away but it seemed all thought of anything but how lovely it was to be kissed after so long left her head.
Charles was a very good kisser. His kiss was like him. Overbearing and all encompassing and the way his lips took liberty with hers was a little insulting. Elsa tried desperately not to kiss him back but the fight was no use. Her fist slowly melted into his broad chest. Only when she realized how much she had always wanted him to take advantage of her like this was when she found the strength to resist his embrace.
Her feelings scared her a great deal. This was the fight all over again, just as it had been when she first knew Charles. Nothing had changed except the fact time had made Charles more impulsive. She was still of noble blood and he was still an American. Marrying him was against her nature. She could never, never bring herself to marry a man with no class standing. Georg might have been able to marry below his station, but the Baroness Schraeder would not.
Elsa did not look at Charles as she back away. She kept her head down until she stumbled to the chair he had been sitting in and rested her hands on it turning her back toward him. Pushing back tears, she lifted her head and panic struck her as she saw Maria and Georg with arms entwined strolling up the garden path. How long had they been there? Had they seen her and Charles? They didn't appear to have noticed anything.
"You might want to check you lipstick before they get here," Charles said. The comment was in the vein of his usual insults but his voice was heavier and his tone held anger. Elsa turned around to glare at him and she saw for the first time a brief flash of something like desperation and misery in his eyes.
"Sorry about that," Georg said has he hoped up the stairs onto the terrace, "It seems Marta found a particularly fascinating species of the common frog."
"I'd like to see Friedrich now," Charles began his tone completely changed from what it was a moment ago, "Is he upstairs?"
"Yes," Georg replied, "I think so. Shall we go find him?" Georg extended a hand and moved past Elsa who kept her hands tightly gripped around the chair. Georg politely mumbled good-bye and the men exited.
Maria was silent for a great deal of time and made no attempt to sit down or move Elsa from her current position.
"I'm sorry for leaving you," she finally said, "I didn't know Mr. Jackson was coming over. I hope you'll forgive me." Elsa tightened her stomach muscles and forced all emotion from her body.
"Forgive you?" she asked and turned to face Maria with her best smile, "Of course I forgive you. It was only a small interruption. Shall we get back to where we were?"
Maria seemed a little startled by the Baroness' proposal but agreed happily. Elsa kept her entire body tense throughout the rest of the meeting, hoping her emotions would stay bottled up until she left the von Trapp home. To her great luck, after suffering through the conversation with Maria, the Baroness was free to leave and she applauded herself on having made no sign of what had happened.
Maria:
What Maria wouldn't have given to talk to Liesl after tea that afternoon? As she and Georg were walking back to the terrace Georg teasingly took her hand and kiss it. Maria laughed at the gesture and then glanced away from Georg toward the large oak tree near the path. Through the branches she spotted Elsa and Charley. It appeared as if they were…Maria smiled every time she thought of the incident. Her imagination must have been playing tricks on her. When she thought of Max and his theory about unrequited love between her two friends she knew she must have seen what she thought she saw.
She could not tell Georg of what had happened. He was too much a part of Charley's life and too close to Elsa to appreciate the information. Liesl, however, would eagerly devour the information and strengthen her resolve to help the Baroness.
Maria's excitement was cut short in a hurry a few weeks later. Liesl had returned from her honeymoon but Maria felt it best to let her daughter adjust to married life before bringing up the problems of the Baroness.
One afternoon Maria sat in the living room playing a board game with Bridgitta, Kurt, Gretl and Marta when the butler informed her that Mr. Jackson had arrived. Maria had not expected a visit from the man, and she did not think Georg had either. Maria told Kurt to roll the dice for her as she stood and walked into the foyer to receive the guest.
When she entered, Charley stood twirling a grey fedora between his hands. He nodded politely when Maria entered the room.
"Is Georg here?" he asked. Maria was quite excited that Charley had come to visit but she wished today were a meeting day with Elsa. Max was right; watching Charles and Elsa interact was quite amusing, Maria thought with a raised eyebrow.
"No, I'm afraid he and Max went to scout some new acts this afternoon," Maria explained. "Can I offer you a drink?"
"No, thank you," Charley said and turned to exit. Maria thought it odd he would come all the way down from his plantation in the mountains without something important to say.
"Can I give him a message?" Maria questioned, and Charley stopped and turned around. Charley hesitated for a moment and then lifted his defined chin a little higher.
"I wanted to tell him I'll be leaving the country next week," the man said, "The demand for lumber has increased because of the war and I must travel to some of our retail outlets to ensure the shipments are received."
Maria tried to hide her disappointment. What would Elsa think about Charley's sudden departure, especially after the romantic encounter Maria had seem them share?
"Oh, I see," Maria began her voice a bit dejected, "Georg and the children will be sorry to hear that." Maria looked at the floor.
"And Elsa," Charley added sternly. Maria was surprised he was the one to bring up the subject. When she lifted her head she met Charley's hard gaze.
"I'm not sure why she's friends with you," he began, curiosity in his voice, "I know Elsa better than she knows herself. Being friends with you is not in her nature."
Maria was not sure what to make of the man's comments. One thing Maria was sure about now, however, listening to the American speak about Elsa there was no question of his being in love with her.
"I'm not sure I understand," Maria probed, hoping to get more out of Charley. The man lowered his eyes to the hat in his hand and spoke softly before lifting them.
"Elsa and I are in love, and we have been for a long time. She ran from her feelings and to your husband because she won't marry a common American. She is a stubborn woman, about as stubborn as I am. When I heard she saved those orphan children, when she starting spending time with you, I allowed myself to hope she'd changed. I was wrong. No matter how strong my will I can't make Elsa abandon her pride. That, madam, is why I must leave," Charley explained. Maria had the second mystery about Elsa now answered and it was not an answer she liked.
"You must have patience, don't give up on her Charley. She needs something good to happen to her, and I think you are that something," Maria said, her voice a sincere.
"I've had patience for more years than you've known her, Madam von Trapp. I've waited for her, and now I'm finished. I want to get married. I want to start a family before it's too late. I wished she could be part of that, but I can see now that was a fool's mistake," Charley said, his commanding voice was full of deepest sorrow and torment. Maria had to look away from him to shelter herself from the force of his words. He put on his hat and turned toward the door.
"When will you return?" Maria questioned.
"Maybe never," he replied and left Maria alone in the foyer. Things were not working out the way Maria had hoped. She knew the story between Charles and Elsa now but they seem farther apart than they were to begin with. Maria didn't know how she would tell Elsa of Charles' departure, but she refused to give up on either of them. After all, where God closes a door somewhere he opens a window.
Elsa:
Another uneventful few months went by in Elsa's world. She found herself thinking of the kiss she shared with Charles night and day. Sometimes she would sigh and smile at the thought, other times she found the need to force back tears. The one constant in her life was Maria von Trapp. No matter how busy Maria seemed to be, she always made time for her weekly tea date with Elsa. The Baroness was more thankful to Maria than words could express but Elsa found difficulty in telling her.
Elsa and Maria were taking tea on the terrace one afternoon when the butler announced Liesl Hienburg, formally Liesl von Trapp, was waiting to see them. It was no surprise as Liesl often joined the two much to Elsa's delight. Elsa didn't know why she hadn't liked the sparkling young woman when she was engaged to her father, because now she liked the girl very much.
To Elsa's alarm Liesl came charging out of the terrace doors and ran to Maria smothering her with a large hug. Even more alarming was Liesl's turn of the hug on Elsa who nearly toppled out of her chair at the force of the girl's grasp.
"Goodness gracious, Liesl, what is it?" Maria asked with a hand over her heart.
"Mom, Elsa," Liesl said her eyes as bright as her smile, "I'm going to have a baby!"
Maria quickly rose to her feet and hugged her daughter in happiness and excitement. The Baroness looked on the two giddy, bouncing women in calm contemplation. A chair was drawn up for Liesl and she chatted endlessly about preparations and the reactions of the few people she had told thus far.
"I don't know anything about having babies," Liesl complained to her mother, "I wish I knew someone that did. It would make the experience less scary."
"What about Glance Whither?" Maria suggested. Liesl rolled her eyes.
"Mother, I mean someone who still remembers what it was like," she replied.
Elsa sat in silence wondering if she had the courage to remain in her chair and listen to the conversation.
"Do you think you'll ever have a baby mother?" Liesl asked. Maria smiled.
"Well, if I do it won't be in time to help you with advice, but I do know a great deal about babies, at least from the ones that would come into the convent," Maria replied. Liesl turned her blue eyes on Elsa who was forced to smile at the girl and the happy news. Something in the pit of Elsa's stomach felt black and cold.
"Baroness," Liesl began, "I wonder if you would like to be the baby's godmother?"
Elsa was more than alarmed by the request, she was actually very touched.
"You flatter me Liesl," Elsa said, choking out the words and blinking once to force the indications of tears from her eyes, "I would be honored." Liesl smiled, but Elsa could tell both the girl and her mother were taken aback by Elsa's reaction.
"Good," Liesl said. "I wanted to ask Charley to be the godfather but when I called on him they said he was gone. Do you know where he is?"
Elsa had not seen Charles since that day on the terrace. She assumed he was avoiding her but she never questioned his being in town at all. Elsa looked to Maria for the answer. Her friend carefully averted her eyes and looked down at the table.
"I believe he's gone on business," Maria said.
"I've been so busy I haven't paid attention to anything that's gone on in the past few months. Mother, you must update me on everything that's happened since I got back. How long will he be gone?" Liesl asked. Elsa remained silent but looked at Maria eagerly.
"He wasn't certain," Maria replied, looking at Elsa. Liesl shrugged.
"It seems odd he would leave on business and not send one of his workers. Oh well, maybe he wanted to get away from it all for a while. I do hope he is back in time to see the new born baby though," Liesl rambled. Elsa thought Maria looked as though she knew more than she was letting on and Elsa drew her eyes away unable to face the knowing look on her friends face.
"I love new born babies," Maria said, smiling at her daughter. Elsa was relieved for the change of subject only momentarily.
"I remember when Gretl was born. She was the sweetest baby. Do you like newborns Baroness?" Liesl asked.
It was a simple question and Liesl was only asking out of politeness but a chord was struck within Elsa that was raw and painful. The most painful of all the wounds she carried with her. This time tears did fill her eyes and she was unable to blink them back. She had to get away from the von Trapp's before the tears fell. She abruptly stood up and saw Maria and Liesl jump in surprise at the action.
"Excuse me, I must be getting home. Congratulations Liesl, I'm sure you'll make a fine mother," Elsa said and rushed through the house and out the door. She didn't care if her actions were rude or odd. She could not face that subject, not after learning of Charles' departure because of her. She knew he left because of her. Everything was too much today. She had to go home.
Maria:
"Do you find that odd," Liesl finally managed to say after the Baroness had rushed away. Maria eyed her daughter.
"I've solved another of the mysteries," Maria told Liesl calmly, who drew her chair a little closer and urged her mother to continue.
"It seems Elsa won't marry Charles Jackson because he has no class standing," Maria stated. Liesl's eyes grew as wide as Maria had ever seen them and her mouth dropped open.
"Charley proposed to Elsa?" She questioned.
"I'm not sure he ever proposed," Maria began, "But he did tell me he was in love with her. That's why he left. I came upon them in the gardens just after you left. They were kissing." Liesl grabbed each side of the table with her hands as if to balance herself.
"Kissing! Oh, wouldn't it be lovely if they got married?" Liesl mused with a large smile. Maria could only smile at her daughter in return. Yes, it would be lovely