A/N: Thanks so much for the very kind reviews and PMs. They are a real gift as I work through the writer's block.
ooooOOOOoooo
From the previous chapter: (at the opening ball of the Festival)
"Before I ask the Mayor of Salzburg to open the Festival and the Ball, may I ask you all to honour the national anthem of Austria. Here, to lead us in this, is a sensational new discovery. Until recently, she was hidden away in our beloved mountains. I give you, Fraulein Maria Rainer."
Maria stood frightened and overwhelmed, trying to tamp down her panic as all eyes turned to her. Her throat felt closed up and she felt sure that not a sound, except perhaps a croak, would emerge.
Chapter 17: Courage
Through the waves of unrelenting panic Maria fought her instincts to flee. The elegant gathering in the ballroom, glittering in all their finery, looked terrifying. Then from somewhere she remembered Eliza's advice: Just sing to your 'sir' with love. At the same moment Maria remembered Herr Detweiler's instructions to visualize something she loved. The orchestra began the soft strains of Haydn's exquisite melody, which formed the basis of the national anthem.
Through the crowds she saw the Captain looking at her with an intensity that shook her. He had an indecipherable expression on his face, a complex mix of emotions conveyed through those piercing blue eyes, but she was sure she could see caring there. How could that be? a part of her wondered vaguely. But there was no time to ponder that mystery.
Unnoticed by others, the Captain's eyes locked with hers. He nodded imperceptibly at her, as if reassuring her she could do this; as if by osmosis he was trying to transmit strength and confidence to her. Courage after all, was something he had in abundance, she remembered. Perhaps it worked because she suddenly felt the full force of that look pulsing through her, the power of it swelling her chest with determination. Peace settled over her like a warm familiar blanket. To her relief the notes rushed back, dancing reassuringly in her head.
What had seemed impossible only seconds before now seemed almost simple, as she recognised that all she had to do was ignore everyone in the ballroom and just sing with all the devotion in her heart for the Captain. Even if he would never be aware of the gift she was giving him, for the sake of her own heart, brimming with love, she still needed to offer it to him.
She took a deep breath. Sweet, empowering oxygen filled her lungs, then flowed through her blood like an elixir. She stood straighter as the tight tentacles of fear loosened their paralysing grip around her chest and fell away. It was almost as if her love for the Captain was vanquishing her panic and anxiety.
What had seemed like frighteningly silent eons to her had actually just passed in seconds. On the right beat and in perfect pitch Maria opened her mouth and sang with all the passion in her soul.
Sei gesegnet ohne Ende, Heimaterde wunderhold!*
[Be blessed endlessly, wonderful homeland!]
The bliss resonated in her voice as she sang the next lines about snowy peaks, green fir trees and golden spires of wheat. In her mind she was transported to her beloved Untersberg, with the sun warm on her face, a crisp mountain breeze caressing her cheeks, and surrounded by the untramelled glory of the Alps. Around her were green meadows bursting with wildflowers, quietly babbling brooks and tumbling waterfalls.
No longer aware of her audience, she closed her eyes, as her heart swelled with rhapsody. She sang as if the words to the anthem were a love song; a love shared by many, though not all, in the ballroom, for a country that was on the verge of being devoured out of existence by the Third Reich.
"….Keine Willkür, keine Knechte…,
[….No tyranny, no serfs…..]"
The poignancy of Austria being poised on the brink of obliteration as an independent state was not lost on many in the ballroom. If Maria had opened her eyes she would have seen all those in uniform standing resolutely in full salute, others with their hands over their hearts. A few of the older ladies had tears in their eyes.
But like many in Austria, some of those in the ballroom were sharply divided and shifting uneasily, their allegiance wavering; torn between their patriotism and the insidiously seductive idea of a greater German Reich. Another group stood tight-lipped with disapproval at such an overt display of Austrian patriotism. They looked on with barely restrained fury as voices from around the ballroom joined in singing the anthem, rising on a wave of potent sentiment.
"…..Starken Mutes, festen Blickes…,
[….Strong bravery, firm look…]"
Maria's voice soared on the wings of her love as the Captain's face came to her mind. It made her ache to think of his lion-hearted bravery in refusing to hide his loyalty to Austria. Despite the overwhelming power of the Third Reich he would not be cowed. As a soldier he was willing to step forward and make the ultimate sacrifice to defend his country. His principles and training would allow him to do no less. Maria's love and fears for the Captain added a poignantly rich texture to her voice. Her eyes welled with tears for him.
"Trotzend jedem Schicksalsstreich, Steig empor den Pfad des Glückes,
[Despite every stroke of fate, go up along the path of happiness,]"
Gott mit dir, mein Österreich!
[God with thee, my Austria!]
As she sang the last words she offered a silent prayer to God to defend Austria as its most perilous hour approached, and a plea for Him to watch over the Captain.
The music faded away. Silence reigned, laden with heavy emotion, holding everyone in the ballroom in its compelling grip for long seconds. Then, as if stunned by the power of the moment, the murmuring began. It rose to a powerful crescendo of astonishment, curiosity and awe. Who was this mysterious, lovely young lady with the voice of angel, who had appeared in their midst?
Unaware of the impact she had made with her singing, Maria wiped away a tear that was threatening to fall. She slowly became aware of where she was once again, as if coming out of a trance. She felt dizzy with relief and jittery with emotions as she realised she had done it. She had conquered her fears and she had sung with everything she had in her. Elation bubbled inside her that she had given her gift to the Captain, but she held it in check. Pride after all, was one of the seven deadly sins.
She would never have had the strength to do it, if it hadn't been for her feelings for him. For a moment she reflected on the astonishing power of love and the way it had given her the courage to spread her wings and try something she could never have imagined possible. Almost sadly, she realised that he would never know that she sang only for him. But no matter, she decided stoutly, she hoped it had given him pleasure anyway.
In the swell of people surrounding her she couldn't see him anymore, but she somehow felt his presence. She almost had the fanciful idea that she could hear him speaking to her in that teasing, dry way of his. Well done Fraulein. But that was impossible, not when people were swarming around her, offering their compliments. She shyly accepted the praise showered on her, blushing modestly. Overwhelmed with the attention, she realised how uncomfortable it felt to be the cynosure of all eyes. She once again fought the urge to flee.
More uncomfortably still, some of the younger gentlemen were looking at her with a warmth in their eyes, that even she, unworldly as she was, understood was a lot more than admiration for her singing. It made her uneasy and anxious.
But then Max was beside her, looking triumphant. He protectively ushered her away, reassuring her admirers that they would be able to hear her sing again on day four of the Festival.
"Maria you were magnificent. It surpassed even my expectations," he murmured in her ear, a smooth public smile on his face as he hid his elation. He took her to a side room to allow her to gather her composure.
She sank into a chair and closed her eyes, her nerves still taut, but mixed in was the blessed relief that it was over. She heard the door open quietly and without opening her eyes she knew it was the Captain, as if some sixth sense had heightened her awareness of his presence. She kept her eyes closed as the happiness thrummed through her that he cared enough to see if she was alright.
Georg had seen how overwhelmed his governess had been after she sang, when well-meaning people had pressed forward to speak to her. Worse still, she had clearly piqued the interest of some brash young men. He felt the surge of molten fury; having had his own disreputable past he knew damn well what they were thinking. But at least he had never chased after innocents.
Enraged, he had snapped at Max to rescue her, and then followed behind. He had paused before opening the door, turning around to give a ferocious stare to an arrogant young rake who had the temerity to follow them. The rogue wisely backed away immediately.
Georg went inside and leaned back against the door with one hand behind his back still holding the doorknob. There she was, looking so fresh, so innocent and so sweetly alluring. Max was wittering on in the background and hadn't noticed Georg.
She was in quiet repose, her face radiant. With her eyes closed, luxuriant lashes rested on the delicate curve of her cheek. Her slender neck was enticingly exposed as she leaned back on the sofa. The thought of trailing kisses along its graceful length had desire slamming into him like a rogue wave.
For a moment he allowed himself to drink in her heart-stopping loveliness, knowing as always, that the black cloud of self-disgust would descend upon him soon enough whenever he ventured into forbidden thoughts.
But until then he observed her: her lush tender mouth, the creamy skin, and the silky locks of golden hair that his fingers itched to touch. Nature had certainly blessed her with a wholesome beauty, and that was only enhanced by that spectacular dress. Did she have any idea that she had bewitched nearly an entire ballroom?
His heart was still pounding heavily from the experience; his initial fears for her had given way to intense pleasure and pride, and, dare he admit it, to possessiveness, as she had risen to the challenge and had sung with a passion that tugged at his soul.
He at least had known what to expect, but everyone else had been astonished and captivated.
He couldn't help but wonder what would happen now. She would sing at the Festival in four days. But would it change her forever? Would she choose a different path now that she saw all the possibilities opening up to her? Would she realise Abbey was not her destiny? He would have to wait and see. Was there any chance, that perhaps…..
His fair governess opened her eyes, an endearing shyness in the blue depths. To his surprise, she looked as if she was seeking his approval, but surely she knew the stunning impact of her voice already?
He allowed his mouth to curve into a small smile and saw an answering one blossom on her face, soft and luminous. There was no need for words, he had none that were adequate anyway, but through his eyes he hoped he conveyed how much he cherished her singing and how much it moved him. She must have understood because the smile deepened with delight, until the intensity of the moment had her lowering her eyes, blushing.
The door behind him bumped into his back as someone tried to open it. He opened it a fraction. It was Elsa. She looked annoyed. Georg couldn't help but notice how her scowl marred her usually flawless appearance. It made her seem cold and arrogant, imperious even. It was quite unattractive.
"Georg," she hissed. "It's very unseemly for you to be in there with Fraulein Maria."
"Max is here too," he replied testily. "I wanted to see if she was alright. She seemed overwhelmed."
"The Mayor's speech has finished and the first waltz is starting. We should be together out here," she snapped in an angry whisper. As if on cue, the delicate notes of Strauss' Roses from the South waltz floated towards him.
He sighed impatiently, his jaw rigid. "Elsa, I will be out shortly. But let me make sure she is alright first."
Elsa gave him a fulminating look and stalked off.
Maria heard the whispered argument and spoke up, not wanting to come between them. "It's alright Captain, I'm fine. I'm just glad it's over. Please go ahead and join the Baroness."
Max finally noticed Georg. "Ah Georg, didn't I tell you she would be phenomenal?" he asked, smugly.
"Yes, her singing was... wondrous. Quite exceptional," Georg agreed softly, watching her eyes light up with joy again. For a moment she looked as if she could hardly breathe.
Georg ignored Max as he prattled on about her performance. Instead he found a glass of water. His fingers brushed hers accidently as he handed it to her and he felt the shock of it, like touching a live electrical wire.
Maria drank thirstily, her throat parched. She reassured him again. "Thank you Captain, I'm fine really. I think I just need a bit of time alone to gather myself."
He gazed at her a while, assessing, then agreed. "Right Max, let's leave her alone. She will come out when she's ready." He threw Max a menacing look as he looked ready to protest.
Maria sat alone, feeling more at peace as the music soothed her nerves. The strains of another Strauss waltz came from the ballroom. The Emperor Waltz – one of her favourites. Its exuberant melody eventually had her on her feet and without thinking she started moving in step with an imaginary partner, just as she had when she first arrived at the von Trapp villa. She laughed softly to herself remembering the Captain's fury when he found her singing and dancing in his ballroom. But she had got her own back with her contrived, silly accent. Although she regretted that impulse it did make her laugh now to remember how stupefied he had been. The look on his face had been priceless.
Whirling around she wondered if it would be possible to have one dance at this ball. It wouldn't be with the Captain of course, but perhaps Max would be kind enough to offer her one. She certainly didn't want to dance with any of the young men who had eyed her after her singing.
The music from the orchestra was surging through her blood; the rolling wave of harmony was crisp and compelling, transporting her with delight. Sometimes the notes were so lively and vibrant that she simply wanted to twirl joyously, at other times they became a delicate whisper that gave her goosebumps, while the dramatic crescendos made her heart thump in exhilaration. The ebb and flow of the melody, so pure and thrilling, lured her out of the room.
Unlocking the door, she slipped out, hoping to remain unobtrusive as she stayed near some tall potted ferns, shielded from view. Entranced, she watched couples swirling around to the three-quarter beat of the waltz; ladies rustled in their silk gowns in a riot of colours, while the elegant gentleman carried the confidence of their birth in their sure movements. For Maria it was a whole new world, as magical as any fairytale. She could have spent hours happily observing, with the rousing, energetic music in the background, her senses enraptured by the scene. But unfortunately it appeared she wasn't good enough at remaining hidden.
"Maria, dear."
Maria turned, surprised to see the Baroness bearing down on her like a locomotive. She had never approached her voluntarily before. With her was a distinguished-looking older gentleman, resplendent in a high-ranking military uniform. He had a neatly trimmed goatee beard and surprisingly kind eyes.
"General Towarek** here was most keen for an introduction to our little nursery maid." The Baroness gave a simpering smile to the General.
Maria almost smiled too, as her role as a governess was downgraded to a nursery maid. Still, that was the Baroness, she thought ruefully.
The Baroness continued, managing to be both condescending to Maria and ingratiating to the General at the same time.
"Our sweet little Maria was locked up in a convent until Georg found her to help us look after the children."
Maria tried to ignore the nasty little stabs of pain in her stomach at the possessive way the Baroness spoke of the Captain. She had no right to be jealous she scolded herself severely. The Baroness and the Captain were courting after all. Whatever her feelings for him, it was she who was the outsider.
The Baroness continued in a supercilious tone. "And now Max Detweiler is convinced he can pluck her out of obscurity and make her famous at the Festival. Of course I am trying to help her too. You did very well, my dear, singing the anthem. The General was quite charmed. We all were."
Maria smiled politely at the General and offered her hand the way she had learned in her etiquette lessons. "How do you do, sir."
He bowed over her hand, snapping his heels together. "Fraulein, your singing was simply breath-taking. I wanted to congratulate you. I have never heard the anthem sung with such grace and passion. A voice as pure as yours is a rare thing. It was a most moving spectacle, even for a battle-hardened old war-horse like me."
"Thank you very much, General," Maria blushed, still uncomfortable with such effusive praise. She didn't think she would ever get used to it.
"Maria dear, do you think you could entertain the General for a moment?" The Baroness gazed at her dubiously, as if unsure whether she would make some terrible faux pas.
Maria winced inwardly as the Baroness confided to the General. "We've been teaching Maria all the rules of etiquette. This is her very first ball and she is doing so well," she trilled, patronisingly.
Despite her smile, her eyes were cool and calculating. Maria almost wondered if the Baroness was actually hoping she would turn out to be social embarrassment. But no, she decided, the Baroness wouldn't be so unkind.
Nevertheless, she straightened her spine and said with quiet dignity, "Thank you Baroness. It would be a pleasure to speak with the General."
The Baroness gave one of her coquettish little laughs even though nothing funny had been said. "Please excuse me General, but I really must speak to Count von Buren."
"Fraulein, I must say even hard-bitten cynics were moved by your enchanting voice." The General chuckled with relish, "And I did enjoy the fact that those who would throw away our sovereignty were furious."
Maria felt heartened by his words, immediately understanding his feelings about the impending Anschluss.
"You were most courageous to sing our anthem in these dangerous times, Fraulein. Fortunately, Ambassador von Papen from the Third Reich was called away to Berlin at the last minute, otherwise he would have been here, no doubt seething with rage in his usual bombastic way."
"It was something I wanted to do, General. Captain von Trapp told me I shouldn't sing it either. He was worried that it would antagonise some, but he himself has been most outspoken about his principles and his fears for our future. It inspires courage in all of us."
"Yes I have heard the Captain has made no secret of his views. He is a brave man and a true patriot."
Although Maria had just met the General there was something about him that made her trust him instinctively.
"General," she said impulsively. "It's not my place to say this of course and the Captain would be furious with me if he knew, but do you think you could speak to him? It's just that I worry that he will be in danger in the future because of his views. He refuses to listen to me of course, as his children's governess, but he would listen to you as a fellow officer. It's just that he has seven motherless children who need him desperately and I can't bear the thought…." Maria's voice broke at the unthinkable idea that something might happen to the Captain.
The General looked at her kindly, no doubt seeing a lot more than Maria wanted to reveal.
"I can understand your concerns for his children, Fraulein," he replied quietly. "But I doubt I could convince a man like the Captain to change his mind. He's a soldier, Fraulein. Soldiers never have a choice about when they are called upon to defend their country; and none of us ever want to leave our families behind. But I will speak to him as you wish." He added with a twinkle in his eye, "Without implicating you, of course."
"Thank you General. For the children's sake I do worry about what will happen."
"Only the children's sake?" The General smiled gently as Maria flushed. No doubt she was an open book, but still, she had to try everything to convince the Captain to put his children's need for him before his duty. It was even worth the mortification of the General guessing her feelings.
"Forgive me Fraulein, that was most impertinent."
Maria shook her head, embarrassed, but was grateful when he tactfully changed the subject.
"So you have been looking after Captain von Trapp's children?"
"Yes sir, they're such dears." Her voice was infused with all the love and pride of a mother.
"Then you would know that Baroness Schraeder has been speaking to me about the von Trapp boys entering the Theresian Military Academy. I've just been appointed the Director of the Academy. Although it's full we will find them places. It would be an honour to have the sons of our most highly decorated naval hero, even if he is a Navy man." The General chuckled at his own joke about rivalry between the army and navy.
But he looked concerned as Maria blanched. "You weren't aware of this?"
Maria tried to hide her shock. The Captain had assured her that he would not send the girls to Finishing School so she had assumed he wouldn't send the boys away either.
"Oh, well, I …" Maria fumbled, trying to hide her dismay. "The Captain hasn't really discussed it with me," she admitted. Realising she may have appeared rude she explained quietly.
"Forgive me, General, I know it's the finest military academy, the best in Austria, but I'm worried that with threats facing Austria the boys will be in danger. Kurt is only eleven." Her voice trembled, betraying her anxiety for the children. "And Friedrich is just a boy too. With the future so uncertain I am so worried about what may happen."
Inside, Maria was aghast. Surely the Captain wouldn't send the boys to the Academy with the Anschluss looming. After all, his primary concern was to keep them safe. She would have to convince him, just like she had argued with him about the girls attending Finishing School.
"I can understand your fears Fraulein, there is nothing to forgive. These are perilous times indeed and you are right to be concerned. The von Trapp family are lucky that you care so deeply for them."
The General looked around. "Now, Fraulein, it appears that you have quite a bevy of admirers who wish to congratulate you on your singing," He nodded towards the young men hovering close by, though none had dared approach while she spoke to the General.
Maria felt her skin prickle with discomfort, wondering how she could evade them. "Oh well sir, it's all been a bit overwhelming," she confessed. "I never expected such a reaction and I really don't like to be in the limelight. Perhaps I can take a breath of fresh air outside for a moment."
"Not to worry Fraulein let me escort you away. In any case I can see Captain von Trapp approaching, looking rather like a bomb about to detonate." His voice was threaded with amusement as he saw the Captain glaring furiously at the young men. "I'm sure he will keep the crowds at bay."
"He's been quite protective because I'm a postulant at Nonnberg Abbey. He feels responsible for me as his employee," Maria explained, feeling relieved about the Captain's icy fierceness for once.
"Hmm, no doubt that's the reason," General Towarek murmured dryly as he escorted her towards a door leading to a hidden courtyard. They were intercepted by the Captain but Maria decided to slip away.
"Thank you, General, I can manage from here. Please, if you could speak to the Captain," she pleaded quietly before leaving through a side door. She was unaware of the Captain staring after her as she closed the door, the General by his side.
She only hoped the General would be able to persuade the Captain to put his family first and leave Austria with them. But, she realised, painfully, it was unlikely after what the General had said. Icy cold fingers of dread clawed at her chest for a moment. She ached for this family that stolen her heart forever. She had to find a way to help them somehow.
She sat quietly in the shadows of the small courtyard, glad to be away from the ballroom for a moment. All the attention had been exhausting.
She breathed in deeply, still astonished this was real and not an extraordinary dream. There was no moon, so the night was dark and velvety, holding up a canopy of bright stars. The vast expanse of sky made her feel as if she was gazing into eternity. It soothed her turbulent emotions.
From the garden she heard a feminine giggle and the low, persuasive murmur of a man's voice. She blushed, realising that a couple must have decided they needed a bit of privacy for some intimacy.
For just a moment she indulged herself, thinking about what it might be like to sit here with the Captain under the gorgeous sky studded with a million stars. Perhaps even to hold his hand. She wouldn't allow her romantic vision to extend much beyond that, but it still made her shiver with delight to wonder what his hand would feel like. Then, against her will she wondered what it would be like to be kissed by the Captain, to feel those firm lips pressed against her own. She put fingertips to her mouth as a frisson of longing coursed through her, making her feel hot and restless. She sighed at her futile thoughts.
Still, she cheered herself up, she would always have each precious memory of this night to treasure. She smiled to herself - she was already saving each one, like a miser hoarding money, including the Captain's words of praise, and that ravishing look he had given her, conveying without words how much he enjoyed her singing.
For a moment she wondered what Eliza would have thought of the ball. She couldn't wait to tell her all about it. No doubt they would have a good giggle over it.
"Fraulein, allow me to introduce myself."
Maria started with surprise as someone sidled up to her. It was the man that Herr Detweiler had been speaking to earlier. He had rather wild hair and there was definitely a touch of melodrama about him.
Although she had hoped for solitude, she smiled politely. "You must be Herr Sascha Petrie?"
He looked surprised. "How did you know?" But then he beamed. "Ah ha! But, perhaps my reputation as the greatest impresario in Austria, even in all of Europe, has preceded me," he proclaimed happily.
"Er, well, actually Herr Detweiler has told me all about you." Maria's eyes sparkled with amusement as Herr Petrie looked peeved.
"Hah! that scou-" He stopped and coughed. "Knowing Maximillian, I am sure it was all bad. He spreads such villainous stories about me. You mustn't believe a word he says," he insisted with an injured air.
Maria decided she rather liked this eccentric man despite his pomposity. And she felt grateful to finally have a light-hearted moment after all the stress leading up to the ball.
He looked around to make sure Max wasn't in earshot, though the courtyard was empty. He continued in a conspiratorial whisper, leaning closer.
"It's all because he is so frightfully envious of my success," he confided. "See these medals for example, Max doesn't have any, and it makes him simply seethe with jealousy. He even had the nerve to tell me they were fake!"
Maria hid her mirth at his outrage, and put a sympathetic look on her face as he continued.
"But they are just some of the honours that have been bestowed on me as a reward for my services to the arts." He preened with self importance. Maria's eyes twinkled, thinking how similar he was to Herr Detweiler, just a lot more flamboyant.
She looked at the motley collection of coins pinned to his lapel, then smiled as indulgently as she would normally at Gretl, whenever the little girl was showing off about something. Maria was no expert but the medals did look like cheap trinkets, but she was too polite to say anything. She did find Herr Petrie highly amusing though, as he went on tragically.
"He has even accused me of being a thief! Can you imagine?" he huffed. "He claims I stole a marvellous mixed quartet off him. Of all the nerve! It's pure slander."
This time Maria did laugh as he added indignantly, "I stole them off Sol Hurak - not Max."
"Goodness Herr Petrie, you do remind me of Herr Detweiler."
He put a hand theatrically to his chest. "Oh how you wound me Fraulein! It pierces my heart to hear such a thing." But then his eyes gleamed and his tone changed as he got down to business.
"But let's not waste any more time talking about Max. I came to tell you Fraulein, that your talent is extraordinary. When you sang the anthem I was weeping with joy." He pulled out a handkerchief and blew into it noisily to reinforce his claim.
He sniffed emotionally. "I have never heard anything like it. Sweeter than a nightingale, and purer than an angel. Such rich texture and cadence and perfect pitch. Flawless, just flawless." He kissed his fingertips in a French manner though he was clearly not French.
Not at all taken in by his blatant flattery, Maria was nevertheless entertained as he oozed charm. "That's very kind of you to say that Herr Petrie, but I really don't think that my singing is as good as you –"
"Oh but it is Fraulein," he interrupted. "It's sublime. The only question that remains is - who is the best person to unleash your talent to its full potential? Now, as it happens I have the best connections, far more than our dear Max. The sorts of contacts that could lead you on the path to undreamed of fame and glory. If you would consider allowing me to nurture your gift, I promise it will blossom in my care."
He raised a dramatic arm to the sky to show there were no limits to what he could achieve. "Just imagine Fraulein, I could have you singing before the kings and queens of Europe, and feted around the world, and even beyond."
Maria nearly chuckled as she wondered what he meant "beyond the world." She brought him down gently from his grandiose visions.
"That's very kind of you Herr Petrie but I really don't think that is path for me. All the attention just now was more than I could cope with, and honestly, I was terrified. I just love to sing for the joy of it, and also because it feels as if I am glorying in God's grace." And because it gives the Captain such pleasure, a little voice in her head added.
He was nonplussed for a moment, clearly unable to understand that someone might be uninterested in fame and fortune. But he quickly changed tack in his efforts to persuade her.
"Yes, yes of course I understand completely, Fraulein. Fame and fortune are the least of it. They mean nothing, nothing. I can tell you are a deeply spiritual person. It's so rare in our far-too materialistic world. But surely you can see that God has given you such a gift for a purpose – to give joy to others. And success can also help you do God's work here on earth. For example, I am aware of your intention to renovate the roof of the Nonnberg Orphanage."
"Oh yes, Herr Detweiler did tell me about your little bet." She looked at him with amused sternness.
Herr Petrie had the grace to look uncomfortable. "Normally I am not a betting man of course, but in this case I simply wanted to help those orphans. The thought of the little dears, pitifully drenched from rainfalls because of their leaking roof was too much to bear. I insist on paying for the repairs, whatever happens at the Festival," he declared magnanimously.
"Thank you Herr Petrie that is most generous of you to support the orphanage. The Mother Abbess will be heartened to hear of your benevolence. But please Herr Petrie, I really don't want a singing career. I'm still thinking about everything but I thought perhaps I could become a music teacher. I hope Herr Detweiler will help me. He really has been extraordinarily kind. And I really don't want to cause trouble between the two of you."
"A music teacher?" Herr Petrie spluttered in astonishment. "But surely Fraulein, with your gifts you should be thinking about sharing your talents as far as possible. In fact –"
"There you are!"
Herr Petrie turned guiltily as Max appeared in the courtyard; the Captain behind him. Maria's heart gave a little leap to see the Captain again.
For once the usually complacent Max looked annoyed. "Ah-hah Sascha! I wondered how long it would take for you to try to steal my dear Fraulein away."
"Not at all," Herr Petrie denied loftily, lying through his teeth. "I was merely congratulating Fraulein Rainer on her singing."
To Maria's amusement the two started bickering like a long married couple. She saw the Captain roll his eyes as he came closer to her.
"Who's that?" he murmured in her ear.
"That's Herr Detweiler's friend and rival Sascha Petrie," Maria whispered. "They're very alike." She giggled as the Captain looked aghast.
"Oh dear God, there are two of them?" he muttered, horrified.
She laughed again, forgetting her etiquette lesson that ladies were only supposed to give a gentle tinkle of laughter, if at all. But the Captain did not appear to mind. If anything he looked fascinated, as if he found her amusement appealing. It made her cheeks redden.
Maria suddenly remembered her conversation with the General. "Captain-"
But he held up his hand. "Before you start tearing strips off me – the answer is no, Fraulein, I won't be sending the boys to the Theresian Academy. I simply haven't got around to stopping the process. But we can discuss that later."
Maria breathed a sigh of relief but she didn't dare ask about the rest of his conversation with General Towarek.
To Maria's surprise he suddenly seemed diffident. He cleared his throat. "Ah.. Actually Fraulein, I came out here because, I wondered if… er… you would care to dance."
Georg ignored the fact that for the last half hour Max had been sending all the young gentlemen who had been asking for an introduction to Fraulein Maria, to Georg to ask permission first.
Max had seemed to take a diabolical pleasure whenever Georg informed some potential Lothario, coldly, incisively, that Fraulein Rainer was a postulant under his protection and she did not dance, nor would she have anyone calling on her at the von Trapp Villa. Ever. The young men were too intimidated by his menacing scowl and icy demeanor to argue, and had slunk away, disappointed. It had made Max chortle with glee, which infuriated Georg even more.
"To dance Captain?" Maria asked, astonishment mixed with delight. Her heart was beating like a trip hammer. Heavens, the mere thought of it made her feel as if she was already floating on a cloud of happiness.
"Well, that is what one does at a ball, after all Fraulein," he said dryly.
There was a familiar teasing light in his eyes as he added, "Now, tell me Fraulein, who was it who said "the Dance of all the arts is the one that most influences the soul"?"
"Plato, Captain." Maria smiled happily as he renewed their usual light-hearted sparring.
"Very good Fraulein, but perhaps Plato would have changed his mind if he had heard your singing."
Maria felt ready to burst with happiness at his compliment, her heart soaring. Could this night get any better? she wondered joyfully. And now, she would get a dance after all, and with the Captain. Once again she wondered if it was all simply a dazzling dream.
Before she could respond, they were bathed in sudden bright light as a side door to the ballroom opened. The music from within came through loudly, sounding discordant with all the chatter from the ballroom. Maria blinked in the sudden glare but then the door closed, shutting out the noise and light. Her eyes adjusted to the dark again and she could make out a man in a foreign military uniform.
He bowed, medals jangling. "Fraulein Rainer?" His German was heavily accented.
Maria nodded curiously.
"I am the Equerry to His Majesty, Crown Prince Ferdinand of Rumania. He requests the pleasure of a dance."
Maria stared at him, dumbfounded. Dance with the Prince? How intimidating. She felt her stomach clench with anxiety. She certainly didn't want to, but nor did she want to cause offence. She would much rather have her dance with the Captain, even if it filled her with frightening excitement. But how could she possibly refuse?
The Captain though, appeared to have no such qualms. "Perhaps His Majesty is unaware that Fraulein Rainer is a postulant?" he enquired tersely.
Max and Sascha both looked scandalized; they had stopped squabbling and were finally united by their joint horror at the Captain.
"Georg, have you lost your mind?" Max hissed urgently, appalled. "She can't refuse royalty!"
Maria could see the set look on the Captain's face, and, although she was touched by his protectiveness, she could also see the affront on the Equerry's face. She hastily intervened. "It's alright Captain, thank you."
She turned to the Equerry. "Please tell His Majesty that I would be honoured to have a dance."
Oh help.
ooooOOOOoooo
A/N:
*lyrics to the Austrian national anthem 1929-1938.
**General Towarek, Director of the prestigious Theresian Military Academy, was a real historical figure. The reason I have introduced him here will become obvious later.
If you have seen MFL, I tried to base Sascha Petrie on Zoltan Karpathy's character.
One thing I struggled with in this chapter was whether Maria should dance with the Prince. Although Eliza dances with the Prince in MFL I wondered if it was too far fetched for TSOM. Any thoughts?
Thank you for reading.
I don't own TSOM