A/N: Thanks so very much for the kind and encouraging feedback.
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Chapter 4: Guess who's coming to dinner?
Georg sat at the dinner table fuming, the beginnings of indigestion tightening his stomach. A headache was pounding at his temples as he wondered at which precise moment he had lost control over the situation at the table. Family dinners were usually so orderly, with the children silent, while he, Elsa and Max conversed. So how was it that tonight he felt like he was trapped in some kind of ridiculous slap-stick pantomime play?
The only two people who had been immune from the tensions had been Max and the new governess. Both had looked like they were thoroughly amused by the whole situation. The Fraulein's sparkling blue eyes had been full of playful mischief throughout dinner. Worse than that, she and Max had looked as if they were getting along famously: chatting, chuckling and conspiring like two naughty schoolchildren.
Georg should have known things were not going to go well from the beginning, as he waited impatiently for Elsa, the new governess and Max to arrive at the dinner table.
Elsa, he knew, always liked to make a dramatic late entrance. It was just part of her style. She used it to good effect to make infatuated men weak-kneed and giddy with delight, though he himself had always been more amused by her theatrics rather than enchanted by it. Today he didn't feel amused, only annoyed.
As for the Fraulein, no doubt she was late because she was far too undisciplined and disorganized to be punctual. And Max, where the devil was Max? He was probably in Georg's study using the phone trying to pull off some implausible deal.
Georg rubbed his index finger and thumb along his chin impatiently while the children fidgeted and squirmed. They knew how he deplored lateness and that his temper was fraying. He saw them gazing longingly at the succulent entre laid out before them and he felt a surprising spark of sympathy for them. But he sent them stern looks to let them know they shouldn't even bother to ask if they could begin.
Elsa finally arrived, as regal as a Queen, well aware of how stunning she looked, though perhaps revealing far too much of her magnificent figure. As usual she was rather over-dressed for a family meal, though that was unsurprising since she was more used to dining with sophisticated adults than children. She sashayed elegantly to the table with a gracious apology as Georg stood up to help her to her seat.
For some reason he did not feel drawn to her obvious charms today. Perhaps it was because of the arguments they had had during the afternoon. But the children stared at her awe-struck and open-mouthed, just as they had done on previous days, as if she were a goddess descended from the heavens to dine with them.
Unfortunately for Elsa, her dramatic entrance was ruined by the poor timing of the new governess, who barreled in breathlessly, only just managing to avoid bumping into Elsa at the last moment, and causing titters of laughter from the children.
A guilty flush dusted her cheeks, her soft golden hair was in a disarray from the mad rush down the stairs and she was wearing the same hideous dress. With her disheveled appearance and horrible attire she was the antithesis of Elsa's refined sophistication, but somehow the sight of her natural vivaciousness seemed far more compelling.
The children's attention was immediately drawn away from Elsa to their governess as she said good evening, leaving Elsa to move deflated and unnoticed into her seat while Georg glared at the governess.
"Ever so sorry Baroness, Cap'n. Lost track of the time, I did." She hurried to her seat.
Elsa drew the attention to herself again by saying graciously, though rather patronizingly, "Not at all my dear. I was so glad that Herr Detweiler invited you to join us. I am sure it must be a completely new experience for you. And don't worry I am sure the children will be happy to show you which cutlery to use. It will undoubtedly be quite bewildering for you."
The children's heads had swiveled back to Elsa as if they were at a tennis match, but Fraulein Maria's undignified shriek as she bounced up from her chair caught their attention once more. They suppressed their giggles as their pine cone trick found its mark.
Elsa's mouth dropped open in shock and then she looked peeved, as if the Fraulein had deliberately created a hysterical scene to take the attention away from her again.
Georg however, had his suspicions about what had just happened as he noticed his children's conspiratorial looks, but he couldn't resist a mocking little jibe to the governess as he undid his napkin.
"Enchanting little ritual. Something you er… learned at the Abbey?"
"Er, no, it's er… uhm…. rheumatism."
Georg did not miss the relieved looks from his children. No doubt it was one of their pranks, but to her credit the Fraulein did not make a scene at the dinner table. At least he was spared that melodrama. He would have to have words with the children later about their unseemly behavior.
He became aware Elsa was intent on belittling the Fraulein again, and he sighed in frustration. God have mercy, not this drama again. Why did she have to constantly goad the governess? Didn't she realize the incorrigible Fraulein was likely to defeat her again?
"My dear, perhaps you are unaware of the rule that in noble households we always dress for dinner?"
"But I am dressed," the Fraulein responded cheerfully. "It's not like I came down in me nightdress."
Georg sent the children a severe warning look which immediately silenced their burst of giggles. He sent an equally fierce look to the Governess which she did not seem to notice.
Elsa's eyes flashed with rage, though she hid it with a forced kindly smile as she responded.
"I really don't think what you are wearing is appropriate for the dinner table, but you can change, we'll wait for you."
"Oh, you mean this old dress?" Fraulein Maria asked blithely. "It's me only one. All me worldly possessions were given to the poor and the poor didn't want this one. But I can make me own clothes," she added proudly. "Why when I was at the Teachers' College-"
Georg decided to nip this story in the bud straight away. God only knew what outrageous things were going to come out of the young woman's mouth. "I'll have some material sent in from town as soon as possible," he said curtly. "Now I suggest we eat since we have waited long enough and the entre is getting cold."
Actually this entre was meant to be cold but he was feeling thoroughly fed up, and to hell with waiting for Max any longer. Georg gave a short nod to the children to begin, only to be interrupted by the governess.
"'Scuse me Cap'n, but 'aven't we forgotten to thank the Lord?"
His jaw clenched with irritation and a muscle jumped in his cheek. How was it that the Fraulein always managed to make him feel wrong-footed in his own home he wondered angrily. He put his fork down slowly, annoyance evident in the deliberate movements. He ignored Elsa's hiss of outrage at the Fraulein's impertinence, and he could have sworn he heard Elsa mutter under her breath "Saucy baggage!"
He sent his own glare to the Fraulein after the prayer to let her know in no uncertain terms to stop her provocations. She seemed oblivious though. To his disbelief she started chattering away to the children, making inane comments about precious gifts and feeling accepted.
Mercifully, Elsa seemed speechless with amazement as the Fraulein wittered on, leaving it to him to deal with the governess. But to his extreme irritation no amount of sarcastic, aggravated responses from him seemed to be able to shut the Fraulein up. He felt his anger building. There were many things that she ought to understand, and quietness at the dinner table was one of them.
What the hell? Before he knew it, his younger daughters were sobbing, and the older ones were looking forlorn while his sons looked grim and guilty. For a moment he was stupefied. Well, well, well, so it hadn't been idiotic chatter after all he realised with surprise. She was cleverer than he had given her credit for. Her subtle rebuke had hit the children hard. But did she really have to create such a scene at the dinner table?
The deliberately wide-eyed innocent expression on her face made him wonder what other subterfuge she was capable of.
He asked her with biting sarcasm, "Fraulein, is it to be at every meal or merely at dinner time that you intend leading us through this rare and wonderful new world of…. indigestion?"
"Oh they're alright Cap'n, they're just 'appy."
Max chose that moment to appear. "Sorry I'm late everyone," he said breezily. "I just couldn't get off the phone with Sol Hukrak. The scoundrel has stolen that singing group that I was wooing, right from under my nose."
He looked puzzled at the miserable looks on the children's faces as they stared shamefacedly at their plates. "What's the matter with all you gloomy kittens? Did I miss something?"
"Max, how could kind of you to grace us with your presence." Georg turned his sarcasm on his friend, but Max was already chatting with the new governess as he took his place.
"Good evening Fraulein, I do apologise for not escorting you to the table. The music world really is a cutthroat business with thieves everywhere. It's simply outrageous the way those rogues steal groups that I have been trying to steal myself."
Maria laughed in delight at his ironic charm. "Good evenin' 'err Detweiler. I didn't know you were interested in music too. Ain't that a blessed bloomin' coincidence."
"My dear Fraulein, it is my whole life, my greatest love and my greatest passion. I search high and low for talent. It's my dream to find musical talent that can set the world on fire."
"Oh how loverly. It's me great passion too. It's what drew me to the Abbey. I used to listen to the nuns singing on the way to Vespers. Like listening to angels sing, it was. Just 'eavenly." She sighed wistfully.
Elsa spoke from across the table, "You do surprise my dear. I would have thought Beer-hall Trinklieder would be much more your scene."
"I love all types of music Baroness, even bawdy sailors' songs," Maria replied with a cheeky look at the Captain. He looked unamused, his mouth set in a firm line of disapproval and Maria wondered if he even knew any despite his long naval career.
She opened her mouth to speak again and she saw, with her eyes twinkling with impish humour, that he was watching her warily, his wine glass paused half-way to his mouth. It was almost as if he were expecting her to belt out a tacky song at the dinner table. For a moment she was almost tempted - just to see the priceless looks on their faces, but she managed to curb that impulse. Sister Berthe would be proud of her restraint.
She carried on chatting happily using the same pleasant tone she had used with the children. "I'm sure you know Baroness, that the waltz, which all well-bred people love, started off as a peasant dance from the Austrian mountains a few 'undred years ago, an' then it were taken up the upper classes. Same with laendler too – started in the mountains it did, until it were discovered by the aristocracy. And of course the Minuet, which was so beloved by Beethoven and Bach, came from rural France."
By the look on the Baroness's face she didn't know that, but she covered it well with a dignified, arrogant look. "Of course I knew that. I don't need a lecture on musical history." she replied haughtily.
Maria smiled sweetly. "Begging yer pardon Baroness, it were meant for the children's benefit really. I wanted them to know just 'ow much the peasantry 'ave contributed to 'igh culture and music." She turned her attention to the Captain.
"Actually Cap'n, I thought I could start with the children's lessons straight away after dinner." She smiled at the crestfallen and mutinous looks on the children's faces as she continued.
"We can learn a few songs. A musical education is one of the most vital parts of an Austrian child's schooling, don't you agree?" she asked, using her best no-nonsense Sister Berthe tone.
"I really don't think-" Georg began firmly, loathe to allow music into the house, bringing with it painful memories of his beloved Agathe. But he was interrupted by the governess, rather rudely he thought irritably, ignoring the fact he had done the same to her many times.
"I am sure you would agree sir, that Austria has gifted many of the greatest musicians to the world, from Mozart to 'aydn, and Schubert to Strauss. Every Austrian child must be able to express their love for their country through music. It's an essential part of who we are. We can never let our love for our country die. Especially now with so many ugly threats facing us an' all.
Good grief, Georg thought with outrage, the Fraulein was not content with manipulating just his children, now she was trying to manipulate him. Part of him wanted to put the impudent minx in her place straight away, and let her know in no uncertain terms that he would not tolerate her machinations. He would make the decisions in this house and he would brook no opposition about how things were to be done.
And how had she known about his feelings about the coming Anschluss?
But then maybe it wasn't a manipulation after all. Perhaps she was as genuinely concerned as he was about Austria maintaining its independence and identity despite the looming threats from the Third Reich. Perhaps he was so used to being the sole voice of Austrian patriotism amongst his social circle that he was suspicious of anyone else who held the same views.
And another part of him remembered the way the Fraulein had sung so exquisitely in his ballroom. He realized with pang of disquiet how much he desperately longed to hear her sing again. Now that she had wrenched that door open in his life, he wasn't sure he was capable of slamming it shut again. He had forgotten how deeply he loved music.
To his surprise, Elsa intervened, supporting the Fraulein.
"I think it's a wonderful idea Georg. You haven't forgotten we are going to the opera this evening anyway. I am sure we will want to listen to what Fraulein Maria is able to teach the children. She'll be able to show us what she is capable of. Let's hope it's not some low-brow little ditty," she said with a brittle laugh.
Georg realized that Elsa expected the governess to fail at her task in teaching his rebellious children anything, and thus would find a new opportunity to fire the governess.
He wrestled with himself for a moment while everyone waited on tenterhooks to see what he would say. "Alright," he agreed with ill grace and a menacing look at the governess. "Just remember that bedtime is to be strictly observed."
The children gave gasps of surprised excitement, and Maria said "Thanks ever so much Cap'n."
Herr Detweiler leaned across to Maria and chuckled conspiratorially. "Bravo, Fraulein. I don't know how you did it, but it will be a joy to hear music in this house again."
Maria smiled, replying quietly. "I must introduce you to me mentor Sister Berthe some day. She 'as a way of getting things done, she does."
She realized the Captain was glaring at them furiously across the table, so she schooled her face into an innocent expression but the laughter still danced in her eyes.
Max noticed Georg's fierce look too, as he tucked into his dinner with a satisfied smile on his face. He felt as if he had the tickets to the best show in town. The previous dinners in this house had been so dreary and tense despite the excellent food and wine. He couldn't remember the last time he had enjoyed himself so much in Georg's house, at least not since Agathe's passing. The little Fraulein was a breath of fresh air, or perhaps more appropriately - a whirlwind, turning the usually inflexible and grim world of the grief-stricken Georg upside down. It was simply marvelous.
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"It's very kind of you to stay back with us, 'err Detweiler, but I really don't want you to miss out on the opera. I 'eard tonight's performance will be Mozart's Magic Flute," Maria said dreamily.
"Not at all Fraulein. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to help teach my favourite children a few songs." He looked affectionately at the children who had gathered around the piano where he sat.
Despite themselves, they were bursting with excitement and curiosity, forgetting their normal reserve for the moment as they spent time with their beloved Uncle Max. They hadn't let their guard down with their governess yet, but they were willing to tolerate her presence for the moment. There was also more than a smidgen of lingering guilt over the 'precious gifts' they had given her.
"You must have the chance to listen to the most wonderful music in your job, 'err Detweiler. But I suppose it must be rather 'ard work."
"Work?" Max asked in mock horror. "Work? Good Lord, please don't use that dirty word with me. But I'll forgive you this time Fraulein. With a little bit of luck I'll never have to do day's work. I often see some of those poor blighters at it. Good grief, it can take up your whole day."
The children were laughing at his flippant comments, so different from their stern, humourless father, and he smiled at them. "Now that I think of it, I know a cheerful, happy song just like that. Come along now children this is an easy one. Just sing the chorus with me: 'With a little bit of luck.' "
The children fell about in peals of laughter as he took them through the silly words of the song while he played the piano. Maria watched with tender amusement, just happy to see them laughing for once. She suspected that it had been a very long time since the sound of children's laughter had echoed through the house.
The Lord above gave man an arm of iron
So he could do his job and never shirk
The Lord above gave man an arm of iron
But, with a little bit of luck, with a little bit of luck
Someone else will do the blinkin' work!
(With a little bit of luck you'll never work)
A man was made to help support his children
Which is the right and proper thing to do
A man was made to help support his children
But, with a little bit of luck, with a little bit of luck
They'll go out and start supporting you!
The Lord above made man to help his neighbour
No matter where on land or sea or foam
The Lord above made man to help his neighbor
But, with a little bit of luck, with a little bit of luck
When he comes around you won't be home!
(With a little bit of luck you won't be home)*
Maria smiled at the exuberance of the children. It was so touching to see their enchanting faces giggling hysterically at the absurd song. The boys were holding their stomachs from laughing so hard and Brigitta had tears in her eyes, while the little ones had their hands over their mouths holding back their giggles at the naughty lyrics. Even Louisa was chuckling. No wonder they all adored their irrepressible Uncle Max.
The children really were terribly sweet, Maria realized, once they dropped their hostility. When they calmed down enough she got out her guitar and sat on a chair.
"Alright children, now that your Uncle Max 'as shown you 'ow wonderful music can be, I'm going to teach you 'ow to sing. Let's not lose any time. Let's start at the very beginning. Just like when you read you begin with ABC, when you sing you begin with Do Re Mi."
She strummed the guitar as she patiently taught them the musical basics, coaxing the first tentative notes and shy smiles out of them.
"Doe a deer, a female deer
Ray a drop of golden sun…"
Maria's face was luminous with joy at how quickly the children were learning and growing in confidence. She was completely unaware that Herr Detweiler was watching the lesson with a slack-jawed, struck-dumb look.
"When you know the notes to sing
You can sing most anything"
Part way through her music lesson she looked up to see the Captain standing in the doorway. He looked impossibly handsome and distinguished in his elegant tails and white tie, ready for the opera. The white silk scarf hanging down from his neck matched his white bowtie and looked very striking against his tanned skin.
Maria drew a sharp breath. What in heaven's name was the matter with her? She should not be observing such things, she rebuked herself severely, not for the first time. Perhaps this was God's way of testing her resolve about dedicating her life to Him. Well she would not let God down. It was probably just as well that God had given such a handsome man such an unpleasant personality.
The Captain's expression was unreadable, though she was grateful that at least he didn't look enraged. Luckily he hadn't heard the children singing Herr Detweiler's song.
"Oh good evenin' Cap'n. Don't you worry 'bout a thing, I won't keep the children up late. They're makin' remarkable progress, the clever dears. You must be right proud of 'em. They 'ave real talent, they do."
He was looking at her enigmatically, with a silent, brooding intensity, and she sensed the children's disquiet in case he was angry. They had already told her that singing had been forbidden in the house until now. She hurried on before he said something about the children that she would regret.
"I 'ope you 'ave a wonderful time at the opera. Though I did 'ear some thunder earlier. Might be a storm brewin'."
"Indeed Fraulein, I have a feeling there will be a rather ferocious storm on the horizon," he replied ominously. "I bid you a good evening. Good night children. You did sing very well just now. Well done."
The children were looking at each other with astonished happiness, as if they couldn't believe their ears at such rare praise from their father, even if it was delivered in his usual clipped tone.
Georg turned his fierce gaze on his friend. "Max, I want a word with you," he said curtly. He waited outside for Max and shut the door so they wouldn't be heard.
"What the hell are you playing at Max? Give me one good reason why you won't be joining us at the opera tonight. It's very unseemly of you to be spending so much time with the young Fraulein. You do recall she is a postulant?"
"Oh come now Georg, there's nothing untoward about it. We're just teaching the children a few songs. I'm not an old lech. Though if I were twenty years younger-"
"If you were twenty years younger you could be her father and not her grandfather. And she is going to be a nun!" Georg shot back.
Max replied with mock indignation, "You wound me Georg, with your insinuations. My intentions are entirely respectful and honourable. And the reason I won't be joining you is because I suspect that you and Elsa need a bit of time together to sort out your differences. I don't think you need a chaperone tonight so much as a referee. I would only be in the way."
Georg gave a derisive snort but Max was right. Things were still unsettled and on edge with Elsa. For the first time in their courtship they seemed to be having disagreements about everything, and he was seeing a side of her that did not bode well for the future. Perhaps they did need some time alone together to get back on solid footing.
He needed to remember how much she had helped him and given some meaning back into his life. She had been so understanding about his grief, and tonight was another step. It was many years since he had been to the opera. Not since Agathe. With a stab of agony in his chest, he remembered how much Agathe had loved it, holding his hand tightly through all the dramatic scenes and weeping quietly at the beautiful singing, her whole being suffused with rapture.
His painful memories were interrupted by Max, waxing lyrical about the new governess.
"By God, Georg, did you hear the little Fraulein sing just now? It was simply breathtaking. Granted it was a light, sweet little song, obviously made up to teach the children about music, but did you hear that voice? I suspect she is a four-octave soprano though she probably doesn't know it. It sent shivers down my spine and I've got goosebumps on my arms. And she simply radiates the beauty of music. Can you imagine her singing something more technically challenging? I simply must get her to try some difficult pieces tomorrow."
Georg felt his aggravation growing exponentially, just when he thought he couldn't feel more vexed. "No, Max, for the love of God, just leave her alone," he bit out. "There is enough drama going on in this house without you trying to involve her in one of your schemes, - or should I say scams! I agree she sings well but she is only on loan from the Abbey to look after the children. I will not let you try to exploit her."
For a moment he wondered why he felt so protective of her when she clearly did not need his protection. She was certainly a feisty strong-willed young woman, more than capable of taking care of herself.
"Well you can't blame me for trying. Have a good evening Georg but I need to make some phone calls before retiring."
"Fine, fine, see you in the morning," Georg was already longing for this seemingly endless day to finish. He couldn't recall having such a taxing day in a very long time. He strode off to wait for Elsa in the hallway, his mind churning.
He knew Elsa was still seething from all the events of the day, and the fact that he refused to bow to her wishes and fire the governess. He sighed. He suspected that the governess, Max and the children were going to have a damn sight more fun than he and Elsa were going to have this evening.
There was something else tugging at him. He had observed part of the Fraulein's singing lesson for the children just now and he had been struck by the passionate joy on her face as she was enveloped in the bliss of the music. To his dismay, just like this afternoon, her singing had triggered a surge of undefinable emotions through his chest, stirring his senses with its rare beauty. He didn't even want to think about what that might mean.
And the children had also sung with such sweetness. It made his heart ache painfully to hear their angelic voices raised in song. Agathe would have been ecstatic. He felt his chest constricting with grief. Oh Agathe, my dearest love. If only you were here by my side.
He was so lost in his thoughts he didn't even hear the thunder rumbling in the distance.
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Max went to Georg's study to use the telephone.
"Yes, hello operator can you put me through to Sascha Petrie at 87325 in Linz please?
"Sascha, old boy, it's your old friend Max. How are you? Good good. It's simply marvelous to hear your voice. But you'll have to speak up Sascha, there's a storm here.
"Now I know we have had this silly rivalry over who can find the best talent, for so long, but I want to put the matter to rest once and for all. I have finally found the most exciting entry for the Salzburg Folk Festival. What? No, no, no. No, no. Guess again. You'll never guess Sascha - she's a postulant staying at the house that I am visiting right now. She is an absolute delight, sings like an angel. She has a gift from God and I know she will win the award hands down. She'll even be able to trounce that charming mixed quartet you signed up.
"No really, don't scoff Sascha. She is truly magnificent. She'll be the talk of the festival, a singing sensation. I have never heard such talent. But I didn't call to gloat. Why don't we have a little wager? Nothing big you know. I found out at dinner tonight that my dear sweet postulant is supporting an orphanage run by the Nonnberg order. Apparently they need a new roof since the old one leaks."
He paused listening to Sascha on the line before replying.
"Yes, if she wins you will pay for the new roof. And if she doesn't win then I will admit that you have the superior ability to find talent and we'll let bygones be bygones. What? Yes, alright, alright, I'll throw in a few crates of Captain von Trapp's best single malt whiskey too. What do you say? Marvelous. See you at the Festival. And bring your cheque book."
Max sat back, smiling with satisfaction, stroking his moustache with his finger.
Now there was just the small matter of convincing Fraulein Maria to perform, and perhaps getting Georg's permission too.
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A/N
*With a little bit of luck. Music and lyrics by Lerner and Loewe, My Fair Lady.
I do not own TSOM or MFL