"Let's go outside so she can rest."

Brigitta looked up to him and nodded, suddenly filled anew with shame and fear. Her actions had hurt both of them. Her mother may have forgiven her, but her father would not be so lenient. She steeled herself and followed.

They walked out onto the balcony, where the thick air was only slightly lessened by the gentle evening breeze. The moon's glow was getting stronger, casting shadows over the grounds.

Her father didn't say anything. He stared out to the Untersburg, and Brigitta knew he was praying. Whether he was thanking God for the health of his wife and newest child or asking for strength for what he was about to say, she wasn't sure. She swallowed, resolved to accept whatever she clearly deserved.

"The baby is with your brothers and sisters," he said, not turning to look at her.

Brigitta nodded even though she knew he couldn't see her.

"We've named her Klara," he continued.

"I know."

"She's sweet. Red hair, like your…"

Tears welled in Brigitta's eyes again. "I… I can't wait to see her," she stammered.

He turned slowly, studying her. His gaze was piercing, and Brigitta was rendered powerless to even speak. She felt as if she was four years old again in that moment, culpable and terrified of the look in her father's eyes.

"The doctor will be here for at least a day, to keep an eye on her."

"Yes."

"He doesn't think she'll relapse, but he wants to be safe," he continued.

"What – what happened?"

He turned again, finding solace in the stillness of the water. She cast a quick glance back to the room before she heard him clear his throat.

"She was losing too much blood and was becoming too weak to push. Doctor Kessler had to get the baby," he answered, his voice dimming. "She continued to fade and the doctor thought she was hemorrhaging, but she wasn't. He managed to stop it."

Brigitta paled. "Why did she..."

"I'm not sure," he confessed.

Brigitta shuddered. "Will the maids burn those sheets?"

He turned and stared at her. "Yes."

"She will be all right, won't she?"

Finally a smile came to his face. A smile of hope. "The doctor thinks so, and I believe she will. You know how strong she is."

Brigitta's lips wouldn't cooperate to return the expression. Her chin trembled and she looked down.

"The others wondered where you were," he said quietly.

She looked up at him. "I… I had to…"

The smile grew slightly. "I know," he said. Silent for a moment, he sighed and leaned against the barrier. "It wasn't your fault, Brigitta."

Her throat tightened, preventing her refusal.

"Klara had been in an awkward position for at least a week," he continued. "The doctor knew the delivery would be more challenging for your mother."

Brigitta sniffed and wiped her eyes. "But she ran outside," she whispered. "She shouldn't have... because of me…"

He reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder. His eyes were compassionate. "She shouldn't have overtaxed herself, but that's Maria," he started. "That's her own emotions getting the better of her judgment. I said I would go after you, but she was behind me. Not even I can stop your mother from doing what she wants."

His words failed to assure Brigitta. "But she wouldn't have –"

His smile was reflective. "You can't erase what has happened, Brigitta, but you also can't blame yourself. It was an accident. You certainly didn't mean for this to happen. We all know that."

Tears filled Brigitta's eyes again, and she looked out to the lake. "I shouldn't have run away."

She heard her father sigh. "No, you shouldn't have."

Her throat constricted tighter. "And what I said… I didn't mean it."

Her father sighed again. "I'm sure you didn't."

"I was just angry."

"I know you were."

"The look on her face…"

"Brigitta." Her father's gaze was compassionate, but words failed him.

"I don't feel that way, Father, I don't," she pleaded. "You don't believe I do, do you?"

He shook his head. "No, I don't."

Brigitta was unconvinced. "I love her just as much as our first Mother."

Her father smiled. "I never doubted that," he said. "Like I said, I know you were upset and wanted to lash out. We have been very blessed with you children over the last years. There are times I thank God for how wonderful you all are. After my atrocious behavior towards you and your siblings after your first mother died, I feel I don't deserve to have your forgiveness."

Brigitta bit the inside of her lip and looked out at the lake.

"You have always been passionate and have spoken your mind," he continued. "But I never thought you would resort to sneaking out of the house."

She turned and stared at him, unable to justify her actions. She had forgotten why she had wanted to go into Salzburg in the first place.

He seemed to understand. "We were just concerned for you, Brigitta."

She blinked furiously. "I know," she whispered. "I know you were. And it was stupid of me to sneak out. If I could take back everything, I would."

He nodded. "Everyone has actions they wish they could erase, but we cannot," he said, a shadow crossing his eyes. "We can only learn from them."

She inhaled. "I won't ever disobey you again," she vowed.

His smile was reflective. "Maybe not, but I would prefer you to be honest with us in the future."

"I am sorry, Father," she said, her voice surprisingly clear.

His arms extended, and she flung herself in his embrace. Silent tears streamed from her eyes, soaking his shirt. He squeezed her tighter, and her heart felt lighter with the realization that both her parents had forgiven her. Now, all she had to do was forgive herself.

"Georg, I – oh, forgive me."

The pair pulled apart and turned to see Dr. Kessler standing in the bedroom, looking contrite at intruding.

The Captain cleared his throat and put his arm on Brigitta's shoulder. His embrace was warm. "It's all right Alfred," he replied.

"I wanted to take her blood pressure," the doctor explained. He looked over to the bed. "Where is the baby?"

"She's downstairs with her siblings," the Captain answered. He squeezed Brigitta tighter. "Which is where we were going anyway." He looked down at her. "Would you like to meet her?"

Brigitta inhaled and wiped the remainder of her tears from her eyes. "Yes, I would love to," she said. They walked into the bedroom. The stale smell had faded, and Brigitta noticed the sheets had been taken away.

She paused and walked to the foot of the bed and stared at her peacefully sleeping mother. She turned to the doctor.

"She will get better, right?"

Dr. Kessler nodded. "She's in the best of care, and I don't mean me," he said, squeezing her shoulder and smiling.

Her father's soft laugh tugged at Brigitta's heart. "Yes, you know how strong her resolve is."

Brigitta nodded and looked over at her father. Despite his reassuring yet sad smile, her stomach tightened. She swallowed, steeling herself to meet her newest sister and face her siblings.

Her father extended his hand. "Let's go, Brigitta," he said.

She inhaled and took his hand, eager to put the day's events behind her. Quietly, they left the bedroom and went to join the others.

Fin

A/N: Thank you all again for your reviews; they are greatly appreciated!