15
For as long as he could remember in the last four years, he hadn't had such a peaceful and relaxing sleep, like last night. Yes, it was necessary to reconcile himself and stop fighting against his growing feelings. God had given him a second chance to love and he intended to take full advantage of it.
So he woke up rested and happy. Finally. After last night's rendezvous, he felt his lungs would explode with excitement. No, his feelings were not one-way, no she wanted him too. Maybe she loved him too. So he decided to proceed to the next step, he would make advances, court her and slowly woo her. Although Elsa was still in the picture he hadn't made any commitment to her and besides she really deserved someone who would make her happy, as much as Maria made him. Wearing a silly smile all over his face, like he got laid, he was hovering on a cloud. While he whistled a tune through the teeth he went to the kitchen full of anticipation of what another day might bring with her.
He knew he was late but it didn't matter anymore, and to be honest he secretly hoped Maria would tease him about being late. It would be an ideal scenario. He envisioned the start of the day as a foreplay for the sequel of more important issues.
Everyone was sitting at the table, including Maria on the other side. She looked pale and washed out, with deep circles under her eyes, obvious proof that she hadn't slept last night. Although he knew she was angry with him for being exposed her, he was confident that eventually she would calm down. In addition he would make sure and do his best so that she would forgot her embarrassment, he thought, while still wearing a silly smile all over his face.
He was staring at her intensely, trying with his eyes and reassuring smile to tell her that everything would be okay. That caused Maria to avoid his gaze even more and look everywhere except at him. And all thee while a light conversation was taking place at a table that the two of them did not notice at all.
All Maria's resolution crumbled into a million pieces, while the familiar flood of warmth rushed straight through to the pit of her stomach, at the mere sight of him. This was madness, how would she be able to survive until September? And he was smiling like a Cheshire cat, probably making fun of her. Who knows maybe he would tell Max and the Baroness how silly she was. Future nun dares to ogle the most handsome widower in Austria. Worthless tomboy from the mountain, below his status, with no title, no money. Oh, God, she had completely forgotten about Elsa, his future fiancé and wife. This was going from bad to worse. Luckily, her self contempt was cut by a charming sponge, attracting everyone's attention at the table.
Max was often underestimated with his observations, in fact when something or someone caught his attention, he could be extremely perceptive. One look at the sleepless and worried Maria and then at Georg, was a "wake up call" for him. He was alarmed. For God's sake Georg looked like he just got laid and had had a phenomenal time.
But it was not with Elsa. She had craved him for so long that even she, with many aristocratic masks, couldn't hide potential encounters. He had to speak with Georg as soon as possible, he liked Maria very much, but even though his friend was noble, he was too enchanted with her. And after his reaction in the patisserie, in which he caught a glimpse of Georg's feelings, he feared Georg would do something foolish. For now he had to be tactical and try to find out what was going on.
"So Georg, I assume you had a good sleep? It's been a long time since you were in a good mood, in the morning no less?" he said mocking him, at the same time eyeing Maria who immediately flinched while Elsa patted Georg's elbow with affection.
"Yes, Max I had very good sleep and rest, to be precise I feel marvelous!" he said looking at Max while trying to sound nonchalant. But one daring look at Maria was enough to conclude she was furious.
"I am glad someone had a good sleep, but I can't say the same for our Fraulein!" he said, pointing the discussion to Maria. She hated to be the center of attention.
"Fraulein Maria, did you sleep well, you seem pale?" he asked softly. She was visibly uncomfortable, looking everywhere except ats Georg.
"Hm, no, not much!" she responded quietly, ignoring questioning eyes.
"So, you didn't sleep at all?" he probed farther.
"No I did, but I had nightmares!" she answered with a tone of finality. But for the first time, since Georg came, she looked him with eyes full of anger and hatred. Telling him to back off.
Georg was frozen to the core, looking at Maria in disbelief. He had not anticipated that their encounter went in that direction. He got the message to leave her alone. In one look, just one look she had crushed all his hopes. But it was not over, it would not be over until he said so. He would find a way to talk to her, to assure her that his attentions were honorable. He would find a way.
Over the next two days, she showed him, once again, that she was a good strategist and formidable opponent. They were playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Their easy teasing friendship was long forgotten. The kitchen encounter was a turning point, both aware that nothing would be the same again. Before it was like sunshine everywhere but now the tension, for keen observers, was palpable in the air.
On the first day he spent almost all day in his study, brooding and sulking. But every time he entered the room to check the children, she feigned indifference or just turned her back. Or if he came outside to join the game they were playing she would sneak off to join Max or the Baroness. He even sent cookies to her room with a glass of milk but she refused to take it.
On the first day he was patient, he understood her more than she did herself. The good thing was that she didn't fear him, it was more that she was furious, but that was a good thing in his perception. He liked a furious Maria, he only had to wait for her to let off steam.
On the second day, he was already annoyed with Maria. She was looking everywhere except in his eyes, no witty remarks and her laugh would stop with his appearance. She looked tired and pale, she would barely touch her food and generally she looked like someone had turned off the light in her. That day was Marta's birthday and she was doing her best to be in a good mood, but her eyes betrayed her.
While he was trying to be the most charming in her presence, the most loving father – he even took part in the Marta's tea party, she still she ignored him. For God's sake, she was his match even in building walls around her. The way she ignored him, hurt him. But Brigitta had got his genes in observation from him and that skill gave him hope. He caught Maria more than once when she observed him carefully, when she thought nobody was looking at her. But, on one occasion, when he caught her curious look in the reflection of the window, he saw Maria's expression darken immediately.
By the third day he was furious with her, with himself and snooping Max who was trying to patronize him and protect Maria. Yet he was aware that he had only temporarily gotten out of the tricky situation with Max because he knew very well that he would not give up.
Yes, she had a master's degree in avoidance techniques, but he was not a patient man and had waited long enough. So during lunch he proceeded with a direct approach to push her into a corner.
"Fraulein Maria, could we meet in the study, after lunch, I would like to know the children's improvement in their studies?" he said in a businesslike way, fixing her with a stare. The murmur at the table suddenly subsided. Everyone was already aware, in the last two days, of the tensions between the two and seemed to be just waiting for it to escalate.
"Ah, thank you for asking," she said in the most polite way, looking at him under lashes. He was immediately alarmed, something wasn't right.
"I am sure you are very busy and occupied so, I have already written all of their progress in this journal, day by day as well as a plan of further studies" with that she jumped from her seat and gave him the journal looking at him with finality that avoided further discussion.
That damn girl, she calculated every move in advance, but I will not unhook her that easily, he mused.
"How thoughtful of you Fraulein, what if I have questions?" he asked sarcastically, while trying to hide his disappointment. He was fully aware that it was not the place for further discussion.
"Well sir, you can write in the journal!" she said, pretending that was not as totally silly proposal as it sounded.
"You suggest we exchange our notes, Fraulein?" he said sarcastically, irritated with her stubbornness.
"It's more efficient and you will have more time for your errands, children and guests!" she said stubbornly.
"Alright I will look at the journal, but in case of any questions we will have a meeting to discuss it!" he said in a stern voice, visibly irritated with her but with an attitude of upper hand and finality. His look was cold and was daring her, but she knew him as well and nodded in defeat.
The day continued with maneuvering and avoiding Captain by Maria and at the end of day, culminated in another classic clash. It seems everyone expected that except the two of them. There was too much tension and electricity in the air and "thunder and lightning" were inevitable.
Georg lost her again. He had looked everywhere and he couldn't find Maria and children, and knew they hadn't left the villa's grounds. Georg realized earlier that he hated it when she "flew under his radar". He knew he should give her space but he hated himself for becoming such a lovesick fool and at the same time a ghost of a famous womanizer which used to feed his male pride.
He finally found Maria and the children, around the corner at the other end of the house. At first he just enjoyed the view, watching from the sidelines as they played some silly game and she was so cute wearing a funny paper hat like a pirate. She was so adorable, and he couldn't stop smiling.
It only lasted one moment.
Next, he was furious.
Maria pulled out a whistle and blew, making the worst possible sound. The children immediately recognized the fake sound and while giggling lined up. Just like Georg used to demand them. He felt anger all over his body and face. She tilted her head, mimicking him, of course, straightened and tightened her body and still imitating him, proudly announced:
"Hm, as you know, you may call me a Captain, and my orders are: in decorum and discipline while deeply breathing go marching toward your rooms and prepare for dinner!'' She finished giggling and laughing, while trying to stabilize a paper-hat on her head. And then started, like he used to do, blowing into the whistle, rhythmically one whistle sound at a time and so on...but it sounded terrible to Georg ears.
He was boiling mad by her taunting and the ways she had ignored him for the last two days. He was feeling like he would explode and throttle her right here with his bare hands. Georg hastily approached Maria, who had her back turned but the children noticed him at once, they suddenly quickened their pace and left the battlefield as soon as possible.
Slowly turning, following the children's departure with her right hand raised in salute in a funny and dramatic way, she faced the furious Captain. The laughter was instantly cut off with a completely surprised and frozen face.
"So, you have a problem talking to me, but no problem at all when you need to mock and ridicule me!" he yelled at her, mad and frustrated. Rage was spread all over his face; he looked like a raging bull.
"At least tell me why you are so angry with me, what have I done? I would apologize if I knew the reason, but this childish behavior is unacceptable!" he continued his tirade.
Of course Maria knew the real reason why he was frustrated with her. But she didn't have an answer for him, she didn't have an answer for herself, so she decided to be honest.
"I am sorry it is not your fault, at all. It is all on me. Please try to understand. I would like to visit the Abbey tomorrow and then if you like we can talk!" she said with mixed emotions, from, embarrassment, shyness, to total confusion. That was all visible for Georg and he felt sympathy for her turmoil. He decided to be patient; she was worth that after all.
"Yes, Fraulein, of course you deserve that, after all you need your rest from all that marching and whistling" he said jokily, trying to ease her fragile state. He saw she was fighting with herself and wanted to hug her and give her his compassion, but decided he would wait for her to approach him.
"Thank you, I will be back by lunch, I will pay a visit to the Reverend Mother first thing in the morning." Finally there was a smile all over Maria's face, like beautiful sunshine after many rainy days. Somehow they were both relieved, it was expected that the two strong and powerful personalities would sooner or later clash. Yet after an honest conversation they felt as if part of the burden had fallen from their shoulders. The rest of the day and evening passed without ignoring and indifference, but careful observation remained there as a reminder that things between them were still unresolved.
Yes things getting serious...