It was a challenge but I managed to post two chapters today! I hope you don't hate me too much for where this one ends!
Disclaimer: I don't own the Sound of Music, Maria, Georg, the Baroness, the real von Trapp's or any of the other brilliant Rogers and Hammerstein characters.
Maria:
The urgency with which the butler informed her Reverend Mother Mary Josephine was waiting in the foyer caused Maria to leave Georg, Joef and the newborn baby girl. Liesl was resting peacefully and the doctor who had returned to town a few days ago informed the family that she would make a quick recovery. Maria had not seen the Baroness since the birth but the doctor praised Elsa's work and said things would have been much worse if not for the quick thinking of the Baroness.
"Reverend Mother, what can I do for you?" Maria asked seeing the worried expression on the older woman's face.
"I came to ask you the same question," the nun replied. Maria narrowed her eyes in confusion and gestured for the nun to follow her into the sitting room. Maria sat on the brown couch and the Reverend Mother sat next to her.
"I'm not sure I know what you mean," Maria said. The Reverend Mother looked down at the beads on her robe and smiled kindly.
"Liesl and the baby," the Reverend Mother began and Maria finished for her.
"Are both fine."
Maria proudly announced the statement and watched the nun's brow wrinkle in confusion.
"They are?" She asked.
Maria almost laughed at the older woman's dazed look.
"Yes, of course," she replied. "Why do you ask?"
The Reverend Mother put a hand to her forehead and then narrowed her eyes at Maria. She stood up and took a few steps toward the doorway before she slowly turned around to face Maria. The nun seemed to be contemplating her next words with careful deliberation.
"I knew the Baroness was with you the night of the birth," the Reverend Mother began slowly.
"Yes, the doctor says she single handedly save the lives of Liesl and the baby," Maria explained, gratitude and praise for Elsa ringing in her tones.
"She did?" The nun said again showing an expression of bewilderment.
"Reverend Mother what is this all about?" Maria questioned, her patience drawing a little thin. Maria stood and walked closer to the Reverend Mother. She wanted to spend every moment she could with the newborn and the conversation with the nun was getting in the way. Not that Maria wasn't grateful for the woman's concern.
"My child," Mary Josephine began, "I am sorry to disturb you. I thought perhaps something was wrong. You see, the night of the birth Baroness Schraeder visited the Abby. The gentleman with her, Mr. Jackson, sent for me. He had been waiting for the Baroness to emerge from the chapel for two hours and feared to enter himself. The situation was a bit strange to me, but I decided the best thing to do was go to her since he refused."
Maria was suddenly not the least bit perturbed that she was missing out on time with the baby. Elsa Schraeder had entered the halls of a church. Maria could not have been happier at that moment had fluffy white clouds began descending from the heavens. After twenty years the birth of Liesl's child had caused the woman to go back to church. Maria could hardly focus on the rest of the story, such gladness and joy entered her heart.
The Reverend Mother hesitated for a moment but Maria gestured for her to return to the couch. The Reverend Mother followed her lead and once seated continued her story.
"I was surprised by what I saw, and a little alarmed. The Baroness was lying before the alter with her head in her hands. She was weeping uncontrollably. I thought something must have happened during the birth. I can see now that is not the case," the nun explained, looking to Maria from some sort of explanation.
"Reverend Mother," Maria said taking the older woman's hands and not bothering to hide her excitement, "The Baroness told me she had not entered a chapel in twenty years. And now she has! Do you know how happy this makes me? She went to church! She has a deep sorrow in her eyes but no one seems to know why. Perhaps the Lord can help her now."
Maria was smiling widely into the kind of face of the Reverend Mother. The Reverend Mother did not seem to share in Maria's excitement but instead her aged mouth turned down in concern.
"She seemed reluctant to accept anyone's help that night," the nun stated. Maria released the old woman's hands and sighed.
"Yes," Maria began, "Elsa certainly is proud but I know she will come around. Elsa and I are friends, I dare say even she would admit that now, something I doubted before. And she did enter the chapel. Oh, Reverend Mother, you have no idea what this means. You must not force her. Elsa does things by her own time."
"Of course you're right, my dear."
The Reverend Mother did finally smile again, as if Maria's words had assured her Elsa would no longer be a stranger to the church. The old nun was about to stand but did not get all the way to her feet before she sat back down again.
"There is one more thing, Maria, since you know her well. I'm not sure I have any business asking this but it seems to me that…. The gentleman with her, Mr. Jackson, I've seen him at mass quite often. He is a fine man, generous and caring, if not a bit rough. Are he and the Baroness…?"
The nun trailed off as if she didn't know how to phrase the last part. Maria smirked.
"Well," Maria said a bit sharply, "That is something else we must not force Elsa into. She has a great capacity to love but for some reason she's—"
"Afraid?" The Reverend Mother asked with a knowing smile. Maria thought it quite amusing that the high and mighty Baroness was just as afraid of love as Maria had been.
"Well, actually, yes, I believe so," Maria answered.
With another smile the nun apologized for her intrusion before thanking Maria and exiting. Maria felt only gratitude for the nun for she came bearing very glad tidings. Elsa had gone back to church. Maria wasted no time in telling Liesl of the news.
Maria did not see the Baroness for a month after the Reverend Mother's visit. Liesl kept asking for Elsa, to thank her for her life and the life on her child, and to show off Katrina, the lovely little girl she had delivered. Maria had sent numerous calling cards to Elsa but none were returned.
Finally, on a warm spring day, while Liesl was visiting her mother with the baby, the children and Jeof and Georg were on an outing, the Baroness made her appearance.
She strutted onto the terrace, her golden cane in one hand and a lovely soft blue dress suit outlining her nice shape. Maria saw something in her friend she hadn't before. The deep sadness in her eyes was not so sharp and her normally cold expression had melted away to reveal her soft high cheekbones and sparkling eyes. Had the Reverend Mother not visited, however, Maria wondered if she would have been able to see so subtle a change.
"Elsa," Liesl called happily from her chair on the terrace.
She held Katrina in her arms. The Baroness smiled and took a seat in the middle of Maria and Liesl. A cloud of silence settled over Maria and the two women. They sipped their tea in quite contemplation, although Maria was able to easily read the expressions of each of her companions.
Liesl was eyeing Elsa expectantly, hoping to get a chance to show of her baby and eagerly working up the courage to thank the Baroness. Elsa, on the other hand, seemed lost in her own world. Her expression was a little troubled even though it was less sad than it had been.
"Would you like to hold Katrina?" Liesl blurted suddenly, causing Maria to widen her eyes at her daughter. Maria knew the Baroness was wary of children and the invitation made so abruptly was probably not the wisest course of action.
"Oh," Elsa replied, her cool voice startled, "No, thank you. I'm not good with babies." Liesl's turned her blue eyes on Maria who lifted her child and prompted Liesl to finish her fool's tirade. The girl got herself into the spot and she could certainly get herself out. Liesl was good enough friends with Elsa now to stand on her own.
"I'm sure you'll change your mind when you see her," Liesl said rising from her chair. She bent down to let Elsa look into the sleeping face of the baby girl.
"She's quite lovely," Elsa said, her voice curt, "but I've already seen her."
Maria almost laughed out loud at the expression on Liesl's discontented face. The girl was quite taken aback by Elsa's stubbornness. In von Trapp tradition the girl did not give up easily. Maria was pleased with that.
"That's right," Liesl began her voice far more stern than Maria had ever heard it, "You saved my life and delivered Katrina and you are her godmother so it is your duty to hold her."
Maria saw a look of panic cross the delicate features of the Baroness. Liesl had her cornered. Before Elsa could make any kind of comeback Liesl was pushing the baby into her arms. Something happened then that Maria would have never expected. The Baroness opened her arms and received the child with a soft smile. A trance fell over both Maria and Liesl as they watched the Baroness light up with joy and laugh deep within her throat. A very soothing sound, one Maria had rarely heard.
"There now you see," Liesl said, snapping out of the trance, "Katrina can win anyone over."
Elsa smiled slyly at Liesl before returning her attention to the baby. Maria stared at the child and Elsa unable to pry her eyes from such an unusual sight. The Baroness was a little awkward in her holding of Katrina but she was showing such genuine affection Maria could hardly understand it.
"You are a natural," Maria said to Elsa gaining another genuine smile. Elsa was nearly to break her record of most genuine smiles given in one afternoon.
"Yes," Liesl added, "And I don't care what anyone says. You would have made a wonderful mother."
Maria thought the statement a bit confused, since Liesl had been adamantly against Elsa becoming her mother. What Liesl was most likely referring too was the never ending gossip about the life of the Baroness. Still, the compliment was heartfelt.
"What have you heard," Elsa retorted, so cruelly and defensively Maria could hardly believe she was the same woman that walked through the terrace doors a moment ago. Liesl was no doubt shocked. Her hurt eyes and quivering lip attested to that.
"I…" Liesl began but was at a complete loss. Maria decided it was time in intervene for her daughter's sake. There was obviously something larger going on neither she nor her daughter understood.
"Surely you know of the talk Elsa," Maria calmly explained, "Unfortunately people like to gossip, about all of us." The comment seemed ease Elsa if only a little.
"Of course," she replied, coldly, "Do forgive me."
"Baroness," Liesl began, in what Maria thought would be her second attempt to compliment Elsa, "I must thank you, for what you did. Even the doctor praised your cool and quick thinking. I am grateful to you and, I know I've never said it but, I'm sorry for how we treated you in the beginning. I mean, you were not very nice to us, but I think we probably deserved it. You have become such a dear friend, to both my mother and me. We can't imagine life without you." As she spoke Maria saw the face of the Baroness become paler and paler.
"Take the child back," Elsa whispered. Liesl hurriedly obeyed but once Katrina was back in her arms Liesl sat slowly in her chair her not taking her eyes from the Baroness.
"How can you apologize to me, after all I've," Elsa began but stopped when her voice cracked.
Maria had never before seen the Baroness lose control of her emotions, not even after Maria had come upon her Charles. Maria rose from her chair and placed her hands on the shoulders of the Baroness. The action caused Elsa to put her hand to her face and if she was crying she hid her tears well. Maria made eye contact with Liesl who looked just as confused and worried as Maria felt. Liesl shrugged her shoulders in puzzlement.
"Elsa," Maria began gently, she removed her hands from the Baroness but still stood close by, "Please, tell us why you are hurting so. We care for you a great deal. You are like part of our family now."
Elsa stood up, clenched her cane and took a few steps away from the women with such speed Maria wondered if she was injured at all. Maria did not see her face, she could not see if the Baroness had been crying.
"Liesl," Elsa said her voice low. She turned to face the girl and Maria saw she was indeed crying. Tears fell like glistening crystals down her perfect skin.
"You don't know how afraid I was for you. You can't image my," Elsa's voice again cracked as two fresh tears slid from her eyes but she pressed on, "…my relief when…."
The emotion in Elsa's voice and on her face was more than Maria ever comprehended the woman felt. The scene made her want to give Elsa some kind of medicine to ease the pain.
"But you showed such bravery that night," Maria encouraged. Elsa lifted her chin.
"I'm quite good at hiding my emotions you know," the Baroness said her mouth curving into a slight smile; "In truth I am a coward. The night of Katrina's birth was the first time I talked to God in twenty years. I promised that if He let you and your child live I would go back to church. I kept my promise, although it was far more difficult than I ever imaged."
"But I don't understand why you--," Maria began but the cold harsh voice of the Baroness cut her off.
"Because," she snapped and then her voice softened into a barely audible whisper, "You wonder how I knew what I did that night. I knew because…because I once had a child."
Maria did not know if the gasp she heard was her's or Liesl's.
"With my first husband," Elsa continued, fresh tears starting, "The little boy died before he took his first breath. It was something I could not see forgiving God for. Planning for nine months, all of the excitement and joy, and then in one unbelievably quick moment it's all over. You're left with nothing but the question of why a just God, whom you loved, would let such a terrible thing happen."
Maria and Liesl were both silent. Maria wanted to say something, to offer some comfort, but the story was too terrible and the shock of it to great to loosen Maria's tongue. How could the Baroness have kept something like that hidden for so long? Elsa's eyes were now closed as if she was attempting to stop the flood of tears still flowing from her eyes. After a moment she opened them.
"Now you see, if something would have happened," the Baroness gripped the top of the cane with both hands, "I don't know how I could have…"
Maria lowered her eyes, as she felt tears of her own begin to sting. She saw Liesl out of the corner of her eye. The girl was looking at her child, tears present on her face.
"Of course, I didn't realize I was still hurting from something that happened so long ago. I suppose I really don't know myself as I thought I did. It's a difficult thing…not to know yourself," the Baroness explained, her voice leveling out but tears still sneaking from her eyes. Maria stepped forward and placed her hands solidly on Elsa's arm.
"Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of," said Maria, for it was the only thing that came into her mind. Elsa turned around and looked at Maria, her eyes held not sadness but hope.
"Oh, Maria," she said her voice now it normal pitch; "Do you think…would you help me? I'm afraid I've forgotten what it's like to trust God."
"That, Baroness, is something I most certainly can help you with. It's quite easy really, and I know you'll succeed. You are, after all, very determined," Maria replied confidently and tears were brought to her eyes by the beautiful grateful smile the Baroness gave her.
"I don't think I shall ever understand why you decided to be my friend," Elsa said somewhat haughtily, "but I won't question it. Some things are too important to be questioned."
Maria dropped her head and quickly brushed away a tear. She was thankful she had listened to her instincts that day so long ago when she first invited Elsa for tea. Now, she might truly be able to help the Baroness.
Elsa's conversion back to the church was much slower going than Maria would have liked. Over the weeks Maria and Elsa grew to be even closer friends. They were bonded now by more than just small talk and shopping. Maria saw a definite change in her friend. Elsa had been weary and slow to laugh or smile before, now she told jokes and laughed loudly any chance she got. Even Elsa and Georg seemed to rekindle some of their old teasing relationship.
After weeks of pressing Maria finally got Elsa to attend church services with her and the family. Maria could not for the life of her figure out why Elsa was so adamant about not going to church after she expressed so much desire to rekindle her faith, but the instant Maria entered the chapel and saw Charley Jackson sitting in his usual seat Maria understood.
Elsa was quite nervous the entire day, although Maria was not sure if it was being in church or Charley's presence that made her more uneasy. Once during the program Maria glance over to see Elsa twisting her white glove into a solid knot. As if sensing the situation, Maria observed that Charley was careful to avoid Elsa whenever he could.
More weeks went by and Elsa's change, although too subtle for most to notice, became more and more defined. The Baroness was a quick study and knew the New Testament like Maria couldn't believe. She also began to make friends among the congregation and even the nuns. Elsa never really mentioned the tragic incident of the death of her child again, but Maria knew she was silently overcoming her heartbreak in her own way.
Elsa threw parties for everyone and anyone she met and liked, despite class standing, and was enticed into joining many of the charity and fundraising groups about town, which she of course dragged Maria and Liesl into as well. Her circle of friends grew rapidly. Maria discovered that the Baroness had a definite talent for charming people.
At a party one evening, Elsa had somehow managed to defuse a dangerous conversation about the German invasion of Paris by crossing the room and boldly asking the wife of the man speaking if he liked to play polo because he had just the right physique for it. The much older man, it was obvious, was quite taken by the Baroness' charm and beauty and had no choice but to abandon the war conversation in favor of bragging about winning a championship a number of years ago.
Elsa seemed happy, Maria thought, but the fact she and Charley were avoiding each other was quite apparent, and not just to Maria. Liesl, of course, discussed the issue with Maria constantly and even Georg mentioned it was too bad Charley no longer attended parties.
One day when the children were in school Georg spontaneous asked Maria if she would like to drive out to the countryside. They spent a lovely day exploring streams and trees in the wilderness. Maria held onto Georg's arm with both her hands as the strolled along a winding stream. It was then Maria questioned her husband about Charley's refusal to attend parties. Georg grew very quite and sternly looked at the ground.
"Well," he mused, "I'm not sure why he doesn't go anymore. Everyone says it's because he detests social events, which is most probable."
"But…" Maria began, "You think it's something else?" Georg raised his eyebrows and grinned mischievously at his wife.
"Oh, Maria, Maria," he chuckled and patted her hand, "What have you done to us? It would have been so easy for all of us to hate Elsa. But we don't hate her, none of us do, not even Kurt. What's more, now you've even converted me to Max's evil way of thinking. And you know how much I hate to agree with him."
Maria was not quite sure what Georg was talking about but she listened quietly with an encouraging smile for Georg to continue as they strolled along inhaling the fresh mountain air.
"I believe, as I didn't before, that it's quite possible Charley stopped going to parties because of Elsa," Georg explained. Maria found the information most intriguing.
"Why is that?" she asked.
"Normally I wouldn't have thought anything of this, but, in light of certain things…" Georg trailed of as he looked up into the sky. "I can be quite unaware you know."
"What, you?" Maria asked in mock surprise. Georg raised his hand in defense against Maria's accusing words. She rolled her eyes and snatched his hand, kissing it before she returned it to him.
"You are mischievous my dear wife," he said, before continuing with his story, "At a party one night Elsa sort of publicly humiliated Charley. It was all taken as a joke of course, even he laughed. Looking back on it now though… Charley still went to a number of parties after that but his attendance started to slowly decrease until he stopped. I didn't really notice his absence because I had started to get to know Elsa much better by that time."
"Much better?" Maria questioned innocently. Georg's face took on an expression of guilt.
"Yes, well, I mean, the children had been motherless for quite sometime and Elsa is very charming and lovely," Georg said. Maria let the words settle in and then her mouth dropped open. Georg began to laugh at her reaction.
"Charming and lovely?" Maria questioned only adding to Georg's laughter. Both of them knew that Maria was not the jealous type. She playfully pushed Georg in the direction of the stream and he laughed again.
"Not as charming and lovely as you are, my dear," Georg finally said. Maria lifted her chin defiantly and soon laughed, unable to keep a serious face.
"How did Elsa humiliate him?" she asked, leaning on Georg's arm again.
"Oh, let's see," Georg began and his faced looked as if he were unlocking a difficult door, "I think, oh, yes, I remember. It was a party with quite a few high class people, I think even a Duke might have been in attendance. Elsa had a number of good jokes about Charley's vulgar American manners that the gentry thought quite funny. Charley can take a joke and he played along quite well.
"I remember, now, because I thought Elsa went a bit too far. Someone asked if she thought of marrying again and she said something such as 'yes, I'm thinking about Charles Jackson.' Well, that got the biggest laugh of the night and Charley seemed to laugh right along with everyone else but he never was quite the same at parties after that. He stayed away from the rich entirely."
"Georg von Trapp," Maria responded slapping him on the shoulder playfully a number of times, "How could you not have told me that?"
"I didn't think—" he began trying unsuccessfully to snag Maria's arm.
"Of course he didn't attend parties after that. I think Charley, no, I know Charley wanted to marry Elsa. I dare say he still does."
"Well," Georg defended pompously, "You have to forgive me. I was only converted to your way a thinking a while ago. And I must admit, the signs are there."
"They are just like you and I were. They fight because they don't know how else to deal with their feelings for each other," Maria explained. Georg stopped suddenly and took Maria by the hands.
"Did I ever thank you, for coming back to wake me up to my foolishness in letting you go back to the convent?" Georg asked smiling handsomely.
"Only about a million times," Maria cooed back. Georg lightly kissed Maria's lips.
"Well, thank you for the one million and first time," he replied.
Maria returned his kiss and they resumed their walk. The strolled along for a while in silence enjoying each other's company. The stream, far off birds, and breeze through the trees were the only sounds they could hear.
"Do you think Elsa would still refuse to marry Charley? She is quite accepting of lower class rank now," Georg finally said. Maria put a hand around her husband's waist.
"That is something I intend on finding out," Maria informed.
"Be careful, darling, you know how dangerous Elsa can be in matters of the heart," Georg advised. Maria was painfully aware of Elsa's deception when it came to getting a man, but it was time someone had a talk with her about her locked up heart.
The party Elsa threw later that week was by far the most impressive Maria had ever seen. The Baroness had decorated her lovely home in with an oriental flair. Outside paper lamps hung from strings over the garden and the ballroom inside featured a band dress in colorful kimonos. Maria stared in wonder at the sights before her and the mix of influential and peasant people Elsa had invited to the party.
Georg all but groaned when he opened the invitation as he was quite sick of attending party after party. Maria thought perhaps her husband wished she and Elsa were not such close friends, in order to get out of attending. Liesl and Jeof had been unable to attend because of a prior engagement, Maria wondered if that engagement was their infant daughter, and so Maria and her husband where the only von Trapp's present.
Elsa had been busy talking to the governor when Maria and Georg entered so they slipped into the ballroom without being greeted by their hostess. They danced a few waltzes while guests continued to arrive until Maria could see Georg needed to get away from the mindless small talk surrounding him. He informed Maria there was a sort of business meeting going on in the pallor that he felt he should escape to. Maria knew business meeting probably meant a bunch of gentlemen standing around talking about the more political details of the war, a subject not fit for the ladies' ears.
Maria did not blame Georg for wanting to escape and she let him go with a glad smile. Georg had only been gone a short time when Elsa, enveloped in an entourage of people entered the ballroom laughing gaily. She mingled for a while, and Maria watched her from the corner of the ballroom. Her friend still had an air of phony charm about her, but her countenance had changed entirely. Elsa looked over the room and the moment she spotted Maria standing with a group of people in the corner she excused herself from the group and strutted across the ballroom. Her golden cane had been replaced by a white one to match her classy evening dress.
"Georg abandoned you already, my dear?" Elsa asked, teasing her with a pleasant smile.
"Yes, I'm afraid so," Maria replied.
"Come look at the gardens, I want you to see what we've done," Elsa said and gently took Maria's arm to led her out of the ballroom.
Elsa gave her the grand tour but in spite of the splendor Maria could not help feeling Elsa was trying to compensate for something. The decorations and the party were quite lovely but, just as the look in the eyes of the Baroness, the impressive show was filled with emptiness.
"Of course," Elsa said, continuing to brag about the party, "Everyone who is anyone is in attendance tonight." The Baroness smiled smugly, not a flattering look for her normally impressively lovely face.
"…except Liesl and Jeof." She was quick to add.
Maria decided then and there to take a chance. Sacrificing her friendship with the Baroness was the last thing she wanted to do, but she felt it was time someone addressed the heart of the issue, literally.
"And Charles Jackson," Maria said eyeing her friend carefully for the reaction.
"Yes," Elsa replied slyly, "but he no longer attends balls."
"Why do you think that is?" Maria asked, playing innocent to the fact Georg had an interesting theory on the subject.
"No one knows, my dear," Elsa said. Maria knew the woman was hiding her feelings deep, if she did have feelings for the man that is.
"Perhaps it is you," Maria began remembering the Baroness' words to her so long ago, "You know there is nothing more irresistible to a man than a woman who's in love with him."
Elsa slowly turned around to face Maria. Her expression was unreadable but her lips curved into a small smile.
"Is it that obvious?" Elsa questioned, sadness filling her low voice.
"Only to those that know both of you," Maria replied. The Baroness rubbed her forehead and turned her head as if trying to shake off her feelings.
"I've always known how Charles feels," Elsa told Maria, "but I think perhaps, now is the first time I've allowed my self to admit that I care for him too."
"Care for him?" Maria questioned, "You mean you're in love with him?" She wanted Elsa to say the words out loud. Maria remembered her own experiences with the Reverend Mother and how good it felt to hear and say the words out loud.
"Love?" The Baroness began, "I hardly know what that is. I thought I loved Henry, but I was far too young to realize that what I loved was the idea of Henry. Our family thought we would be a perfect match. Even if we hadn't lost the baby, I don't think Henry's fate would have been any different. He was in love with a Countess who was already married. He only married me out of despair and obligation…I married him because he was rich. And, Maria, despair, obligation and money do not make for a very good marriage."
The Baroness was not upset or tearful as she spoke, more sad and disappointed than anything. Maria waited quietly to see if Elsa would continue. When she didn't Maria decided to bring up the subject again.
"But love makes for a wonderful marriage," Maria began excitedly, "And if you love Charley you shouldn't hesitate."
"Charley?" Elsa mused, "What a ridiculous name."
Maria now pursed her lips together in irritation. Elsa could skirt around an important issue longer and better than anyone she knew.
"Say you love him, Elsa," Maria encouraged, "Your heart will feel so much better if you do."
"I can't say it," Elsa replied her voice rising in anger, "Why can't Charles be rich? Why can't he come from a good family? Why can't he have some class standing? Why must he be a low and vulgar American businessman? Do you think I would lower myself, disgrace five hundred generations of my family by becoming his wife?"
Elsa turned her wild temper on Maria, and Maria took a step back as the words came hurling at her. Elsa stopped abruptly and took a deep breath to calm herself and regain her composure.
"If anyone knows the difficulty of changing the course of your life it is me," Maria began, attempting to sooth Elsa with her words, "I wanted to be a nun. I thought I could never give that up, it was against my nature. But love is more powerful than anything we plan for ourselves, Elsa. The Reverend Mother told me that loving Georg did not mean I loved God less and that marriage is just as holy an institution. I felt as though I might die from the heartache I was feeling, but I didn't and things turned out better than I ever imagined."
As she spoke Maria took the arm of the Baroness and they gently strolled under the Japanese lanterns. Maria's voice was light and excitement accentuated her every word. Elsa kept her eyes straight forward as they walked.
"You think a life with Charles Jackson would be better than I could imagine?" Elsa asked her voice void of any emotion that would betray her feelings. Maria could only see her profile so it was impossible to tell what she was feeling.
"Before he left to help the war effort, Charley told me all he ever wanted was to have a family with you," Maria explained. To her surprise Elsa whipped her head around to meet Maria's gaze a look of momentary alarm peaking out behind her composed expression.
"I don't believe it. He would never say that," Elsa defended.
"He also said he loves you, and he seemed quite positive that you love him too," Maria responded. Elsa stepped away from Maria's grasp and then slowly turned around.
"Oh, Maria," Elsa sighed sadly, "Some things are just not meant to be."
"Why?" Maria said, rising her voice to Elsa for the first time, "Why can't you and Charley have a life together? You love each other. You want to marry each other. Elsa, I know you want to marry him. You are just so stubborn and proud. You can be happy, I know you can. You can have another child and this time a husband that loves you.
"I know you so much better now. You are truly one of the bravest women I have ever known. You are so level headed in the face of serious physical danger. You bear your injury like it's a nuisance but I can see how much it plagues you. You delivered Liesl's child like it was a routine operation. You face physical danger without hesitation. But you don't face your feelings. Feelings are so important Elsa. I think feelings that are genuine and true are God's way of touching us.
"Don't take my word for it. Ask God if you don't know. He will show you that Charley's love is all that matters, and that rank and class make no difference. In God's eyes we are all equal."
Once finished speaking Maria stared at Elsa in fear. She had the urge to slap her hands across her mouth in punishment for speaking so frankly. Under the lamp light Maria saw a single tear make its way down Elsa's pristine face. The Baroness wiped it away quickly.
"Well," Elsa said breathlessly, "I certainly know your opinion on that subject." Although it was a joke Maria felt more like screaming than laughing. Elsa was impossible. For the first time Maria understood why Charles gave up on her, of course, she hadn't mentioned that part of the conversation to Elsa. In his heart, Maria still believed Charles held on to hope. He knew Elsa loved him, and as long as he knew it Maria was sure he would always hope.
"I must be getting back to the other guests," Elsa said and started walking toward the house. Maria began to tap her foot swiftly needing some outlet for her frustration. After a few steps Elsa stopped.
"I will ask Maria, if nothing else," the Baroness said and continued into the house. It wasn't the passionate confession Maria had hoped to get out of her friend, but it was a start.
The von Trapp's, with Maria at the helm, decided they must throw a party of their own to wish Friedrich well as ventured out in the world to college. Georg was in good spirits about the celebration this time, if only because his son was taking an important step in his life. Maria was busy making arrangements when she heard the doorbell.
"I'll get it," she called to the housekeeper, as she walked out of the front room and into the foyer.
She opened the door to see Charles Jackson standing on the other side of it. They exchanged hellos and she invited him in. To her surprise he agreed when she offered a drink and they retired into the waiting room. Maria sat on the couch and watched with wide eyes in curiosity as Charley finished the drink in one swift movement and then paced across the room nervously.
"Is there something you needed?" Maria asked, trying to break the uncomfortable silence. Charley jumped as if realizing for the first time someone else was in the room. He then focused his dark defined eyes on Maria.
"Forgive my hesitation, Madame," Charley began, "It's not often I do this sort of thing." Maria eyed him with suspicion.
"Do what?" She questioned. Charley paced toward Maria and looked at her with ferocity in his stance.
"Elsa has a great aunt, her name is Rose. She still lives in Vienna," Charley said his loud voice filling the waiting room. "They are not that close anymore and Rose is Elsa's only living family."
Maria was a bit surprised to find that Charley seemed to know quite a bit about Elsa. Of course, he was in love with her so it made sense.
"So I come to you, Madame von Trapp," Charley paused for a moment and then continued, "To ask for Elsa's hand." Maria's jaw dropped, she was sure if it wasn't attached it would have fallen on the floor.
"I…" Maria began stupidly before straightening her back and regaining her composure, "Of course, I mean….I don't think I ought to be the one giving you permission but…I think it would be lovely if you married Elsa. I dare say convincing her will be another matter."
Charley relaxed his large shoulders a bit and smiled at Maria.
"I know that," he stated, "In fact I'm fully prepared for the rejection I'm bound to receive."
Maria thought she saw a flick of anger race across his eyes.
"I can't move on without knowing. Her rejection will hurt me, but I'll recover and then be free to live a life without her," Charley explained. His voice was very soft and Maria couldn't help thinking Charley a very kind man, despite his ominous exterior.
"Elsa will be at Friedrich's party and it is there I intend on purposing," Charley explained, "I wanted you to know in case…unexpected things happen as they often do with us."
"But why at the party?" Maria questioned.
"I don't dare go to one of Elsa's parties. She would be too satisfied to see me there. Your house is neutral ground. I've made up my mind, Madame, and I hope you can support me," Charley said. Maria rose from the chair and clasped her hands together.
"Of course I will support you, but, Charley, please don't give up on Elsa even if she should reject you. I know she loves you," Maria said.
Charley only smiled a little sadly, bowed, and wished Maria a fine afternoon. Maria looked forward to Friedrich's party now for more than one reason.