4
It was a beautiful sunny morning and birds were already singing and inviting everyone to go outside. Maria was never a morning person. While she leisurely got out of bed in slow motion, Marta and Gretl barged into her room yelling: "Good morning Fraulein Maria!".
And like every morning, they had endless questions: "Would you make my hair?" "What are we going to do today?"
And again, like every morning, Maria would just murmur, "yes", "we'll see", still dazed from her sleep with slow, zombie movements. But luckily her brain was already awake, so the first thing was to trick them and buy some time to compose herself, so she suggested they wake up the rest of the children.
After she finished her morning rituals, she quickly checked if the 'coast was clear' and then slid down the banister. And as quickly as she could she approached the dining room and slowed down to a ladylike pace, before entering and greeting everyone. Of course, everybody was already there and she was late again.
While she and the Captain had made an unspoken truce over children's well-being a couple of days prior, that didn't mean that either had admitted defeat, on the contrary. Let the mocking begin, Maria sighed.
"So Fraulein, a problem with time management again?" asked "His Majesty", with a sardonic voice and his trademark playful half smile.
"Dreaming, again?", purred Georg, with his mouth twitching. Over the last couple days he seemed to take immense satisfaction in teasing her whenever he had an opportunity.
They could have started without her, but no, no, no he seemed to enjoy watching how she desperately tried to wiggle out of trouble and come up with some kind of answer to his taunting.
"No, sir I am fine, I was just imagining what it is like to walk the plank, and lost time!" Maria tried for a witty remark, but fully aware that, of all her excuses this was by far the most stupid one. But then, how can anyone think properly under that piercing gaze, she wondered to herself.
Georg was very proud of himself for hiding his amusement behind his unreadable mask. She was really captivating with her totally silly excuses almost every morning, he thought.
He always found immense satisfaction in tormenting her with sarcastic comments and even more in wait with anticipation for her funny responses. She was a spitfire, but she was also glowing with curiosity and sharp intelligence. She was certainly very interesting, and he had never met someone like her. She often surprised him by doing something totally unexpected. He found her intriguing.
She was a puzzle that he wanted to solve.
But for now he just decided to show her who had the upper hand with a lazy response characteristic of the aristocratic class: "Excellent idea, I think I will make one on the lake, just in case, so you won't have to imagine anymore!" Georg was very satisfied with his response and pointed look.
"That arrogant and self-absorbed... !" Maria's thoughts, inner anger and tingling in stomach were interrupted by laughter from everyone. The rest of the breakfast continued with only the sound of cutlery on platters.
With the silence in the dining room Maria was able to compose herself a little. But Max, who was watching their exchange with great interest, spoke up: "So, Fraulein what is the plan for today's activities? I have noticed that almost every day you have something new planned, do you fancy some game or other?"
Before she could even think what she was saying, Maria blurted out with a mischievous smile, totally ignoring her employer: "Yes, we are all enjoying our outings and playing different kinds of games, but I mostly prefer to go to the mountain." She paused, before adding with a sparkle of mischief "Marching around and of course breathing deeply!"
Checkmate, you plank tyrant! Maria thought.
Max hid his laughter, while stroking his mustache. Yes, this summer was going to be very interesting. He had noticed Georg was different when was came back to Vienna. He seemed somehow out of balance and restless but now Max understood why. Through his long friendship with Georg he had found that there were very few people who could talk so boldly to him and that had happened long in the past. Being a joyful person, Max was having a hard time not laughing out loud. Yes, his friend had finally found his match in temper in this enchanting girl.
Georg froze in stunned silence. How dare she taunt him in front of children, Max and Elsa. Oh, ho, ho. If she wanted to challenge him, he would respond in the same way. A challenge, indeed. "Excellent, Fraulein! I am looking forward to seeing that, I am sure with a combination of navy and nun marching, your technique would be sublime!"
Maria gulped.
Wondering how she had gotten into this situation and more importantly, how to get out of it with at least a little dignity. And there it was, that smug smile with an intense look which reached right into her soul and all she could think in that moment was how she was unable to wash the pink colour from her cheeks.
Barely able to think, she gave a meek response, "Natural born talent, sir!" She raised her head and looked him right in his eyes, to show him that she was not afraid of him or whatever challenge was in front of her. "Natural born talent", maybe for getting into trouble, she muttered ruefully to herself.
With a raised eyebrow and a slight smile, he decided to unhook her this time, after all they had an audience and it was time to pay attention to Elsa. He was fully aware he had neglected her for the last couple days, because he was distracted by that spitfire of a girl.
He decided to pay Elsa a compliment and establish some stability in their causal relationship, by whispering: "Elsa, it seems that country air, if possible, emphasizes your beauty even more!" He playfully continued: "You know I am resisting the temptation to lock you here in villa, and not show you to anybody!".
As the Captain sat at the table right across from her, Maria was watching with great interest. He tilted his head with a devious smile and whispered something flattering to the Baroness. Elsa blushed, flirtatiously looking him in his eyes and she obviously melted.
Maria briefly wondered if they were sleeping together, and if he was always so dominant in their relationship, only attentive with her when it suited him. For God sake, he had made Elsa swoon with just one sentence. Maria didn't have experience in relationships, but she still felt that the couple were more like buddies, rather than that they were in a relationship. At least based on what she had observed of the interactions of some of her friends at university or read from romantic novels.
Maria couldn't help rolling her eyes at the Baroness's vulnerability and the Captain's arrogance sharpened by his good looks and charm. "When women will learn...!" Maria mused, but then gulped as he caught her reaction. He had seen her facial expression and raised his eyebrow with displeasure. Fortunately at that moment she was saved first by Liesl, and then the other children who had already finished their breakfast, so she used that opportunity to also be excused from the dining room.
As fast as possible.
Later that day, after morning studies and lunch Maria and children were outside enjoying a beautiful sunny day. Not too hot, not too chilly, with a light breeze, just a perfect day. After playing with the skipping rope, they decided to play with a ball. They were divided in two teams, in one team were Friedrich, Louisa, Brigita and Marta and in the second team, Maria, Gretl, Kurt and Liesl.
Friedrich proudly announced: "Fraulein Maria and I are leaders!" And all the children happily exclaimed with approval. Carried away by their joyful emotions, Maria mimicked their father in his arrogant pose, with her head and nose held high and blurted out:
"You can call me Captain!".
Followed by her giggle, they all had a good time laughing together, and thenthe children just stopped, but Maria was still carried away with giggling, until she sensed someone's presence behind her back.
She froze.
Aside from Sister Berthe, only one person could walk like a panther and she sighed, prepared for battle.
Oh, help!
Oh, Maria you silly, silly girl.
At that moment, she wished the earth would swallow her up. She didn't want to show disrespect, on the contrary every time he looked at his children with adoration and pride, she melted. She too adored his children. But, why did she still want to challenge him and provoke him about his silly rules, it was beyond her.
She was only aware that she couldn't help herself.
Since, the lake-side clash and his apologies Georg found himself more and more curious about Fraulein Maria. Firstly, with the way she openly challenged him, he found her extremely annoying, then with the tongue-lashing she drove him crazy, but then her affection for his children made him humble.
Except for his first impression that she was a troublemaker from Abbey he didn't know anything about her.
Who was she?
Ever since she came to his house like whirlwind everything had been turned upside down. She brought music, laughter, joy, flowers to the house and she had won the respect of the children and household staff. But she had achieved that not with strict rules, discipline, aristocratic heritage or money. No, only by her caring and soft nature...
She accomplished everything that he wanted but with a totally different approach.
She was different and somehow interesting. But even though they gained mutual respect, there was still tensions between them. When she was with the children, speaking with staff, even with Max, she would have that contagious smile pulling at him and he would find himself just wanting to be a part of it. But when she would notice him she would instantly raise her defences and become tense and self-effacing.
He had already figured out that she had a fiery temper, so she could give as good as she got.
She was an enigma and she was haunting him. His logical mind and male pride warred within him so he didn't know what he wanted first: to unleash her spirit by little bits or, to tame her!
He just couldn't let her go and admit defeat like in previous battles. He just had to keep pushing her to see her reactions.
And her responses to his provocations were hilarious, and he was always looking forward to every new opportunity to torment her, even though he was fully aware of Max's glare.
And that's exactly why he found himself looking to see where the children were. Of course, not coincidentally, to again seek the opportunity to provoke her. With these musings, he found himself standing behind the governess.
Momentarily, he was taken aback and had forgot about his tactics, because he was startled by how beautiful she was, like an angel, as the sun's rays reflected over her blond hair and little freckles. And a light breeze twisted her dress in a soft pink colour, emphasizing her fit figure and woman's curves.
If he was ever grateful for his upbringing in which he had learned to always hide his facial expressions , it was now. Because he was definitely burning inside. She was a vision.
And then his vision rose, her chin high, with a taut body and in a stern voice, spoke to children:" You can call me a Captain!".
Georg froze. How dare she? She was imitating him!
Mocking him in front his children, again. They couldn't be heard by the lake but one can't know who may be around. Somebody had to tame her before she drove him crazy.
Listening to her giggling with children, proud of her mimicry, he stood frozen, cursing himself for his slip of the tongue when they had argued by the lake. Suddenly, the children noticed him and immediately stopped laughing, but she continued until she too sensed his presence and slowly turned around.
She immediately covered her face with her hands, or rather those beautiful eyes, and then slowly began to peek between her fingers, obviously hoping for a different outcome.
"I am still here Fraulein!" He tried to intimidate her with a commanding voice.
She revealed her face with a deep sigh, her hands fell down her body, her shoulders drooped in defeat, and her face turned red. Then she looked him directly in eyes, it was clear her quick mind was searching for something, anything, but still embarrassed, she remained silent.
He knew very well she didn't want to disrespect him. But obviously she couldn't help herself to not make fun of him or his rules. After their sparring matches he was sure that she was also curious about him. But that didn't mean he couldn't torment her and show her who had the upper hand. At least that would be a small satisfaction in return for invading his dreams.
He was feeling the heat in his lower stomach again and a little tingling between his thighs. He imagined for a moment that she was a captain and he a cadet, commanding him how to pleasure her and fulfill every wish and desire. And he obeyed with eagerness. His worldly experience was telling him if she was passionate in ordinary life, then she would be in the bed, no less.
Unfortunately this nun in training was promised to God. Such a waste.
Only a couple of days ago he would have throttled her with his bare hands, or he would have thrown her into the lake, but now he wanted to ravish her right here. But she was sent on God's errand and there was also an audience.
He was standing right there, looking devilishly handsome with a serious face and that glare, so she decided to play dumb with a brave smile trying to mask her embarrassment: "Hello Captain, is there something that you wanted?".
Still looking at her intensely with those piercing eyes, he just raised an eyebrow. Maria gulped. "He must be the twin brother of Sister Berthe, there's no other explanation!" she murmured to herself.
"So tell me Fraulein, were you this much trouble in the Abby?" A devilish smirk spread across his features.
"Oh, much more sir!" Maria said honestly with her beaming smile.
He realised he couldn't be angry with her joyful spirit and childish nature. It was just so refreshing. So he decided to join the game to the great delight of the children. Every now and then, he couldn't resist taunting her and making her blush by calling her Captain. Yes, Fraulein two can play a game, though, he was mindful that he was playing with fire.
The whole incident was observed by Max who was sitting on the terrace with an amused smirk spread across his features.
Who would have said that after so many sparring matches, in fact every time they had some issue it would always end up in a big clash, like two stubborn billy goats. In giving her opinion she was more naive than disrespectful.
Yes, this summer would be very interesting, but at least his friend was slowly coming to his senses about his children. He would like him to marry Elsa, it was high time after two years of courting. They were a perfect match in every sense. Georg felt he would never find the same love again and he was content with Elsa. She was closest to that. But Max knew he was still unconsciously keeping his distance under the shadow of grief, he knew him too well.
But this girl in her innocence jumped over every obstacle in her way and was the first woman not to be impressed by him, just the opposite.
Max could see that his friend already had strong reactions to her. After years of long friendship, he knew him better than himself and was sure this summer would be challenging for him trying to resist the governess because he was an honorable man.
I hope I made you smile with this chapter :)