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Elsa shaded her eyes from the glare of the sun as she stepped out onto the terrace, the heat was intense, the air sticky and oppressive. Her heels clicked as she walked across the paving stones to lean on the warm stone balustrade, admiring the view that spread out in front of her. The lawns were beautifully manicured, whilst the sweet smell from the rose bushes floated up from the flowerbeds.
Georg's youngest two were sprawled out across the grass underneath a tree, dressed in those odd matching outfits that she was sure she had heard a housemaid say used to be the drapes. A small frown puckered her brow, surely that couldn't be true…and yet she'd never seen that style of fabric in any dress makers she had frequented. The little ones were surrounded by papers, small pots of brightly coloured paint spotted around in front of them, whilst Fraulein Maria relaxed beside them, guiding their movements. In the background, the older children splashed in the lake and she watched as the woman turned her head to check on them and they would wave back at her.
The youngest, Gretl, jumped to her feet, ready to launch herself across the grass and Maria quickly caught her wrist and removed her paint brush from her hand before letting her continue. She dashed to the water's edge, squealing with delight when her siblings splashed her before running back to the safety of the shade and her into the arms of her laughing governess.
It was the picture-perfect family scene, and she was sure that it should bring her a feeling of contentment, but instead it caused a curdle of dread to form in her stomach. The lake glistened and the birds chirped, it should feel peaceful but instead it made underneath her skin itch.
She heard the tap of shoes behind her and she glanced back over her shoulder, hoping that it would be Georg coming out to greet her. It seemed she was to be perennially disappointed as it was Max, squinting against the light and looking rather tired. She raised an eyebrow at him, "Your timing is rather fortuitous, I've asked the housekeeper to send out some coffee, which you look like you're in desperate need of."
"Coffee? In this heat? Madness," he remarked, lowering himself into a chair with a quiet groan. "What I need is some lemonade, preferably spiked." A shriek from the children rends the air and he winced, his fingers fluttering up to his temples, pressing there as his lips pursed.
"And they claim the country is restful," Elsa teased as she sashayed to the table, draping herself elegantly into the seat beside Max.
"Hmmph." He leaned back in his chair and despite his thumping headache, he managed a mischievous grin in her direction. "I must admit that I get a fiendish delight in imagining you as the mother of seven."
Elsa shuddered. "I am convinced that there must be an easier way."
The conversation halted suddenly as one of the housemaids swept out of the house with a tray of coffee, placing the stylish silverware in front of the Baroness, along with a delicate china cup. Elsa covered her cup, indicating she wished to serve herself this morning, Max meanwhile gave a small wave of his hand to garner her attention. "Could you bring me some lemonade and strudel please."
"Max, it is almost lunchtime," Elsa tsked.
"And I'd prefer not to waste away before it." He waited until the housemaid had left again, watching as Elsa elegantly poured out her coffee, stirring it delicately and then he remarked wickedly, "You could always keep on a governess."
Elsa's lips tightened and she looked up, unamused at the comment. "I rather thought boarding school if I'm honest. Also, I think that after watching this particular Fraulein wrap Georg around her little finger that I would prefer not to continue with that particular endeavour."
"I'm aware that you don't have the most experience of children, but I can assure you that the majority of governesses don't look like that." He waved his hand in the direction of Maria, who was now currently engaged in a game with Gretl and Marta that appeared to involve her hopping around on one leg.
"A relief for many a household, I'm sure," came the dry reply. Elsa shook her head. "It's not only her, but there are also the eleven failures that came before her, I do remember the phone calls that plagued Georg in Vienna."
"As do I." Max chuckled. "I found them remarkably entertaining."
"Well, that makes for one of us at least." Elsa managed a small smile in his direction before she continued, "No, I believe that after twelve failed attempts on Georg's part that it is time to try something new." She fell quiet again as the middle-aged housemaid brought out Max's requests, she didn't want the staff to know of her plans, not before she had a ring placed firmly on her finger. Staff gossiped; it was the reason most of Austrian society knew even half of what went on in the homes of their peers.
Max took a sip of the sugary liquid with a grateful sigh and smacked his lips, his good humour slightly revived. The children shrieked again, and he smiled as he saw Brigitta topple from Friedrich's shoulders and into the water with a loud splash. He gulped half his glass down quickly and glanced back at a frowning Elsa, who was also watching the scene, her nose wrinkled in distaste. "How do you find the children?" he asked interestedly.
She gave a small shrug. "They are children, what's to find? The little ones are sweet in their own way I suppose. The older girls require some polishing, particularly the blonde girl, you know she has the oddest interest in small animals, I found her making some sort of nest."
"Ah yes, I believe that was for hedgehogs."
"Well, I feel that proves my point perfectly, hedgehogs indeed. If they are to make a successful entrance into society then they will need more than just their name, well regarded though it is. As for the boys, they seem adequate."
Max laughed into his lemonade. I'm sure that Georg will be thrilled to hear that you regard his sons as adequate."
"What else could I possibly say about them?" Elsa looked mildly bewildered; she had considered that as high praise. "Anyway, I'm sure that boarding school will bring out the best in their characters."
"Hmmm." Max examined his strudel thoughtfully for a moment, picking up his fork and twirling it between his fingers, he looked back out at the von Trapp children who were the happiest he had seen them to be in years. Despite his usual lack of sentimentality, he felt a small tug at the thought of them all being split up to be sent away to school. Throughout the last three years, what could always be said about the children was that they stuck together, even when torturing their unsuspecting governesses. "You think Georg will agree to boarding school? He hasn't mentioned it in the past, even at the height of his…um…troubles."
"Of course he will. It would be quite unsuitable for them to be running around Vienna in the way they do here," she replied easily.
"They're not all bad, they are quite talented you know."
She waved a hand dismissively, "Yes yes, they sing well."
"They'd be perfect for the festival." His eyes narrow. "Which reminds me, you rather interfered with my plan last night. I was hoping to persuade the little Fraulein to use her influence with Georg, I want those children to perform."
"I had rather more pressing matters to attend to last night, as you well know."
"Elsa this is important to Austria," he protested and when she raised an eyebrow at him again, he relented, "Oh alright, it wouldn't do me any harm either." He broke off a large piece of strudel with his fork and pointed it in her direction, gesturing with it as he asked, "Or should it be your influence that I should be seeking."
She gave a tinkling laugh, her eyes sparkling, "As I think Georg shall be rather immoveable on the subject, I am more than happy for you to enlist Fraulein Maria for that." She takes a sip of her coffee, her gaze drifting back over to the young woman on the grass, who was still engrossed in her game. "Perhaps if she irritates him enough, it will shock Georg out of his infuriating infatuation."
"Now that is a dangerous game," Max teased. "And what shall you do if she manages to persuade him?"
"Max, you are the most extraordinary pest at times," Elsa scolded him, albeit half-heartedly. "You could at least make yourself useful, after all I thought you wanted to keep all the money in the family."
"Oh, I do, but I also enjoy the entertainment."
Elsa shook her head at him. "You and I have very different ideas on what that constitutes."
"I don't doubt it, but," his grin widened. "Look at it from my point of view. I have an unruly nun, a socialite trying to win over seven children and an uptight naval hero torn between propriety and the lure of a young, unavailable woman. Sometimes I don't quite know where to look first, it's delightful."
"I find it less so." She drummed her nails off the table for a second before catching herself, it was the most unladylike habit.
Max chuckled, swallowing another mouthful of strudel before he told her. "Oh Elsa, you really mustn't panic, whilst you are here, I simply cannot see Georg acting on his impulses. He wouldn't risk either of your reputations." He wouldn't risk the girl's reputation either, a fact that he felt was the real reason that Georg had managed to hold himself back, but then there was no need to concern Elsa with that thought. That his friend would do the right and honourable thing was obvious and with Elsa here, he wouldn't throw her over for the younger woman. Unless he loved her. The thought jumped into Max's head and he pushed it back out again, that was too farfetched, the sun and the hangover were clearly getting to him.
Elsa's shoulders relaxed at his pronouncement. "Of course, although you must stop teasing me on the subject, darling, it makes me feel quite wretched."
"Very well, I suppose I can let it rest for a day or two," he mumbled. Truth be told he felt thrown by his last thought and he couldn't help but let his gaze slip over to where Fraulein Maria was sitting cross legged on the grass. She was now gesturing wildly with her hands and appeared to be telling some sort of story, when she suddenly reached out and grabbed Marta's middle, tickling her, the little girl crumpling into her arms as she squealed in laughter, the sound audible where they were seated on the terrace. He looked back over at Elsa, saw her elegantly sip her coffee, her legs crossed demurely at her ankles, looking every inch the Baroness that she was.
The postulant was unlike any woman he had ever come across, she was warm, open and unflinchingly honest, no doubt it was a combination of that and her prettiness that had enthralled Georg. That and the way she had so easily bridged what had seemed to be an unsurmountable breach between him and his children. Georg was simply grateful, and he was confusing that with attraction, Max tried to tell himself. That was all it was, absolutely nothing to worry about.
Georg had lingered in his study for as long as he could and slightly past what would be appropriate considering that he knew his guests were out on the terrace. He shuffled his papers with a sigh, pressing them into a drawer that he then locked. He had spent the morning reviewing his finances, making sure they were all in order, which they were. Everything was as it should be and when the seemingly inevitable Anschluss happened, they would lose as little as possible.
He looked around his study, his sanctuary of sorts when the presence of his children had become unbearably painful, even now it was a refuge from his feelings, a place for him to retreat to. Letting out a deep breath, he leaned back in his chair, it would not be so for much longer. This house was one thing he would need to let go of eventually and when that happened, he knew that this room would be amongst the first to be ransacked.
It was probably best not to dwell on these thoughts he decided, it wouldn't change anything that was to come. Other than the decision about his potential marriage, everything was in order. He got to his feet and headed out to the terrace where Max and Elsa were sitting. In the distance he could see his children playing in the water.
Elsa broke into a smile when she saw him. "There you are Georg, I was beginning to wonder if you were avoiding the sun."
"Absolutely not, just catching up on some work whilst you were both recovering from last night's excitement," he replied smoothly as he came to stand next to her.
"Lemonade?" Elsa asked him. "Or will I call for something else."
"Ah…no," he replied after a moment. "I think I'll wait for lunch." He looked over at where Max was tucking into some strudel, which judging by the empty plate next to him was his second portion. "Should we just cancel yours?" he asked sardonically.
Nonplussed, Max shot him a mock wounded look, pressing his hand against his chest. "I have to build up my strength after last night's exertions, sweeping all those women around the ballroom in those complicated folk dances."
"Max, I saw you in the ballroom once and it was a for a waltz. I find it much more likely that your exhaustion comes from too much alcohol."
"That may have had a small impact," he admitted, a sly grin creeping across his features.
"Hmmm, I thought it might."
Leaning back and folding his hands across his stomach, Max asked, "Need I remind you of some of your youthful hijinks?"
Georg had the decency to look slightly flustered at that. "I don't think that will be necessary."
Elsa's smile widened and she leaned over and placed her hand on his arm, looking up at him and tilted her head teasingly. "Oh, I don't doubt that you were a terrible rogue."
"I was an impetuous fool," he countered.
"Oh, I wouldn't go that far, I quite miss those times," Max told him, before a small frown crossed his features and he added, "The lack of funds not quite so much."
Georg gave a small snort. "Not that it ever stopped you."
"Absolutely not, where there is a will, there is a way." He gestured happily to the grandeur that surrounded him. "And just look at me now."
"Hmmm, quite." Georg remarked, raising an eyebrow.
Sensing that Georg was in one of his odd moods this morning and not wanting to risk Max provoking him further, Elsa took the opportunity to change the subject, asking gaily, "Now what are our plans for lunch today?"
"I…ah…promise the children I would picnic with them in the garden," Georg admitted.
Elsa kept her smile on her face and forced her tone to remain bright as she clapped her hands lightly together and exclaimed, "Well that sounds utterly delightful."
Max looked at her in surprise, his last forkful of strudel paused for partway to his mouth, highlighting that he was just as taken aback by her announcement as Georg felt. He had expected her to pout and then gracefully bow out, whilst managing to wrangle some concession from him. Albeit he probably did owe her quite a few, he had to admit that he hadn't been the most attentive host during her time here. He felt a sudden stab of guilt, he could see that she was trying, he should be pleased and yet all he felt was exhausted. With some effort, he managed a smile, "The children will be pleased you've decided to join us."
A spluttering noise emitted from Max, who quickly took a gulp of his lemonade. "My apologies, I fear that went down the wrong way." He ignored the murderous glare that was Elsa was sending in his direction and added, "I am afraid however that you should count me out of this charming little interlude. My head simply isn't up to the task of managing your lively bunch today."
Georg shook his head at him, "You really are the worse chaperone, Max."
He smirked, "I thought that was why you asked me."
"Max!" Georg snapped warningly.
Elsa gave a laugh. "Oh, you shan't find me complaining about your lack of diligence." She glanced over and smiled up at Georg, her hand reaching up to lightly squeeze his arm.
He allowed the movement but then slid his arm out from under her touch, offering her a smile that didn't quite manage to reach his eyes as he told her, "I'll just go and ask Fraulein Maria to organise the children and the I'll call for the food to be brought out."
Elsa's smile had slipped ever so slightly at that pronouncement. "Of course, if you excuse me I'll just go and freshen up."
"For a picnic?" Max queried.
She shot him a look that could have striped paint. "Of course, a lady always makes an effort, no matter how casual the circumstances may appear."
"Yet another reason to be glad that I'm not a member of the fairer sex," he muttered.
Ignoring him, she tilted her face up towards the glare of the sun and with a small frown murmured, "And perhaps I should also pick out a hat, there's nothing quite so gauche as red cheeks." She turned on that pronouncement and departed them, her long skirt swishing elegantly behind her.
Georg clapped Max on the shoulder. "I'm sure you're quite able to entertain yourself for a few minutes."
"Of course," he replied easily. "Although I would like your ear later this afternoon."
Trying not to roll his eyes, as he knew exactly what Max planned to pester him about, Georg simply waved a hand to indicate he had heard him, as he strode across the grass.
Marta and Gretl greeted him with delight, wrapping themselves around his waist as they chattered six to a dozen over the top of one another. Gretl grabbed one of her pictures, thrusting it out proudly at him so that he could admire the different shapes that were blotched across it. He commented in all the right places, drawing more smiles from his children, and he couldn't help but notice also from Fraulein Maria.
Patting their backs, he told them, "Go and tell your brothers and sisters to get ready for lunch."
They ran off together happily, and Georg watched as Fraulein Maria got to her feet and brushed some blades of grass off her skirts. She glanced up and smiled at him as she told him, "You really are very good with them."
"You sound surprised, I have had a fair amount of practice."
She laughed as she bent and began to gather up the girl's pictures. "Well, you do have seven children I suppose."
"Quite." He cleared his throat, feeling like an awkward schoolboy all of a sudden as he asked, "Would you like me to help?"
"Oh no, I'll have the children take them in with them, I just don't want the pictures to blow away." She straightened and her smile was wide, as she told him, "I promised that I would pin some of them to my wall."
"Any particular ones?"
"I've just been told to pick my favourites."
"A dangerous game."
"Indeed." She held the pictures up and studied them before giving a small shrug. "I'm not sure how I'll be able to choose. Although there is a lot of wall space to cover." Her smile turned somewhat impish as she asked, "Do I need your permission for that Captain?"
His head ducked for a moment, a smile curving his lips. "I suppose on this occasion I can allow it." He looked back up into her bright blue eyes and saw that she had a small smudge of green paint smeared across her cheek. Reacting without a thought, he reached out and wiped gently at it with his thumb, his voice had become quiet, almost gruff, even to his own ears as he told her, "You have some paint…"
"Oh." Her eyes were wide as she looked at him and he heard her breath catch. She had the same expression as she wore last night when she was in his arms. He should pull his hand away he told himself, but her skin was warm and soft under his touch and so he didn't. The pad of his thumb caressed her cheek again, and her head tilted into his touch, a small but definite movement, her eyes fixing onto his, her cheeks were turning that delightful shade of pink again. His fingers unfurled from his palm, stretching out and grazing again her throat and then to the nape of her neck.
There was an excited squeal from the lake, and it was like someone had doused them in cold water and broken the spell they both seemed to be under. Georg jerked his hand away and Fraulein Maria stepped back from him as though she had suddenly been burned. Her eyes skittered away from him, fixing on the ground, her teeth worrying her bottom lip.
What on earth was he thinking? He had been so close to drawing him against her and kissing her, in plain sight of his children, not to mention Max. Max! He looked quickly up at the terrace and was relived to see that his old friend had already left, the thought that he had seen his moment of weakness was sobering.
He looked back at the young woman in front of him and he cleared his throat awkwardly, an action that drew her attention. He should really be apologising, but he can see the confusion on her face, and he wonders if she is even aware of what almost passed between them. Instead, he hears himself saying, "I think that's all of it gone."
Georg's hands dropped to his side and he felt a flicker of guilt at the bewilderment in her gaze before she manages to catch herself. She isn't anywhere near as practiced at pretending as the society women he is used to and her voice wavers slightly as she attempts to tell him brightly, "I'll just go and gather the children."
He nods and turned on his heel, striding for the house, ostensibly to call for lunch, but really he was going to splash some freezing water on his face. It's the heat, he told himself, it's getting to him.