She sat at the table, avoiding eye contact with the Captain and the Baroness, making idle conversation with the children as a distraction. Her head was throbbing, and she was not at all prepared for how the smell of the hot food placed in front of her would make her stomach churn. She was not impressed with the aftereffects of alcohol; what a terrible decision she had made. Max also hadn't arrived yet, which made her smile inwardly, but nobody said a word. It was a common occurrence for him, after all.

She took a sip of her orange juice, trying her best not to choke or spit it back out into her glass at the taste, which was her first instinct. Swallowing quickly, she opted to take a sip of water to help it down. She risked a glance at the Captain, who was watching her with complete amusement. She raised an eyebrow at him before turning back to her plate, thankfully distracted by the children talking endlessly about how much fun they had at the party.

"Ugh, Maria, how did you beat me to breakfast? You were just as taken as I was." Max whined as he entered the dining room, halfway through the meal. All eyes met him at the outburst and general lack of formality, but Maria hurried to take it in stride.

"I know it's unusual, but I don't have to be late to everything, Herr Detweiler." She smiled, hopeful that she could cover any familiarity they found the night before.

"I'm taking it personally." He sat and fell into conversation with the Baroness, who had been uncharacteristically quiet throughout the meal.

After eating the little bit she was able to consume, Maria and the children were excused to begin studies for the day. She set about teaching the lessons they had left for the week, which wasn't much since they had powered through in preparation for the party, but there were still a few things she wanted to go over before the next week's studies took way. School would be starting soon, and she was well aware that she had to stay on schedule with them...and she was increasingly aware that she would no longer be needed as their governess soon enough.

The idea of returning to the Abbey filled her with hope at the beginning of her time with the Von Trapp family, but it became more and more apparent over the past month or so that she was dreading her return. She wasn't sure why; she had dreamed of a life as a nun for so long that she didn't know what to do otherwise. There was simply no other plan for her.

"Fraulein Maria, may we play in the garden now, please? We're tired of learning." She laughed at Kurt's disdain.

"Finish what you're working on now, and we'll stop for the day." The children began working faster on their practice pages, finishing an hour or so before lunch.

They all walked to the garden, the sunlight causing Maria's head to return to the incessant pounding she had so far been able to ignore for the morning. She excused herself to find something to calm her headache while the children prepared themselves for a game of hide and seek, arguing over who got the be 'it' first.

"Are you feeling quite well, dear? You look as though you've lost your color a bit." The Baroness gave her a cruel smile from her place on the veranda as she returned to the children.

"Wonderful, thank you for asking. And you're well, Baroness?" Maria feigned ignorance, which always worked for her when it was difficult to be polite. She had no reason to dislike the Baroness, really. She hardly knew her. But she did know when it was appropriate to keep one's guard up and remain cordial.

"I underestimated you." She stood as she spoke, coming closer to Maria, who was at the top of the steps, hoping to escape quickly. She wished she could just rush down and meet the children.

"I'm sorry?"

"Well, you've managed to steal the hearts of both Georg and Max in just a few short weeks. It amazes me how a sweet, innocent postulant, such as yourself, has such a way with men."

"Baroness, you're joking. I've done no such thing."

"Oh, but you have." She came closer, a threatening glare in her eyes. "And i guaranty, I will not go down without a fight. My best friend and my future husband are off limits to you."

"I assure you, everyone is yours. I don't care to fight at all." Maria tried to step back, giving a nervous laugh in surrender, but the Baroness moved with her to maintain their closeness. She was starting to fear a physical aspect to the threat, and she certainly was not prepared for that either.

"It doesn't matter how innocent you are or politely you speak to me. You will always be the annoying little bitch who is in my way."

"Fraulein Maria?" The women turned to find Liesl had approached, a look of confusion on her face. Maria took it as her opportunity to escape the clutches of the Baroness and quickly descended the stairs, leading the girl toward the rest of the children.

"Yes dear, my apologies for taking longer than I meant to. Did we decide who's it?"

"Why did she call you that?"

"Oh..." She slowed down a bit, trying to think quickly as her head still pounded.

"I'm old enough to know the truth, if you're trying to decide a lie to tell."

"Of course not! I'm trying to determine why myself, actually. I think she was not very pleased by my presence at the party last night."

"Oh how wonderful! You were able to stay?" She was excited at the prospect, and Maria smiled with a nod. "Was she upset about you dancing with Father too?"

"I suppose."

"It was terribly romantic."

"Oh...well, that's just the way the dance is supposed to look." She was nearly at a loss for words, but grateful that romance wasn't where they decided to dwell.

"Will you tell Father she called you that?"

"No, there's no need for that. No harm done at all." She smiled to ease Liesl's mind, trying to ease her own as well. She was used to others finding her disposition annoying, it even happened at the Abbey, so she was no stranger to it. What she wasn't used to was the threat behind the words. It didn't settle well with her.

xxxxxxxxxxxx

She finally began feeling better by supper time, her head and stomach had calmed considerably, and there was just the slightest bit of lingering fatigue. She desperately wanted to speak to the Captain about her behavior at the party, but he had been very distant all day. It was unusual for him to be so absent on a Saturday, but she assumed it had more to do with the Baroness than anything.

"May I forget formality without the children around?" Max found Maria quietly sitting on the veranda after the children went to bed, and she smiled at his appearance.

"Of course, Max. Please, join me." He returned the smile and took the seat next to her, lounging back and looking out over the water.

"So how do you really feel?"

"Oh, dreadful!" He laughed, having felt the same way himself all day. "You really are a terrible influence."

"I can't pretend I haven't been told that before." She laughed as well, relaxing a bit more at the good company.

"I have to admit, I am sufficiently embarrassed by my actions."

"Nonsense, you were having a good time. There's no shame in that."

"Maybe not for you."

"I'm offended."

"What I mean is, I'm an employee here. I shouldn't have stayed, and I certainly shouldn't have carried on in such a way." He smiled at her, placing a comforting hand over hers. It was an innocent gesture of new friendship, but the Captain's words from the night before rang in her ears. She was keeping her eye on him.

"You realize you are much more than a governess to this family, correct?" She gently pulled her hand away, sighing.

"That's kind, but I am to leave when school begins. I shouldn't have allowed myself to become so close to the children."

"You, my dear, are much more fun when you're drinking." They shared a laugh, easing into a more enjoyable conversation. She really did like spending time with him. The fact that he seemed to have no cares or concerns in the world was a breath of fresh air.

"The sound of you two laughing is permanently burned into my brain." They turned to look toward the house at their company.

"Captain, how are you this evening?" Maria tried her best to sound welcoming, even though she was concerned about the Baroness seeing her with both gentlemen at the same time. She shook her head; what a ridiculous thing to care about.

"I'm quite well, thank you. Actually, Fraulein, I was hoping to speak with you in my study, if you have a moment." Her heart jumped, and she was nervous. She nodded and arose from her seat, moving to follow him.

"Georg, why must you continue to remove this lovely young lady from my presence?"

"Because, my friend, you're a complete rake." Max pouted and turned around in his chair as the Captain and Maria made their way toward his study.

There was no small talk, he was completely silent until they reached the study. She couldn't help but look around, for what she didn't know. Perhaps she was looking for the children, the Baroness, she wasn't sure. Words flooded her brain as she tried to decide all the things she wanted to say to him. He closed the door and motioned toward a chair in front of his desk, which she took gently.

"Captain, I would like to apologize for my behavior last night. It was deplorable. I hardly believe it was me."

"Fraulein, please. While I appreciate the apology, it is unnecessary." He leaned upon the desk in front of her, his relaxed stance showing her that he truly did not feel any anger toward her. "If I'm being honest, I rather enjoyed watching you have some adult fun...and hearing you swear was the highlight of it all."

"Oh, I'm so embarrassed." She brought her hands to her cheeks, but he continued smiling.

"I would like to speak to you about an interesting conversation I had with Liesl this evening. She told me that she overheard a conversation this afternoon between the Baroness and yourself that was quite scathing." Maria felt her face flush once more, not expecting him to know about that.

"It was nothing, really. No need to worry."

"You're not upset about it?"

"No, of course not. She has her reasons to be upset with me, I'm sure." He looked at her with a confused expression, one she couldn't quite read.

"How are you so forgiving?"

"God is forgiving, Captain. Why shouldn't I be?" He smiled, his eyes bright as he looked into hers.

"I think I should apologize to you. My relationship troubles are affecting you as well, I'm afraid."

"It's really none of my business. No need to apologize." She stood, ready to flee. He was approaching the conversation she had been dreading ever since the dance they shared, and she was terrified.

"Please don't go." His hand grabbed hers to stop her movement, and it sent a shockwave through her stomach. She turned to meet his eyes once more. He seemed to be at a loss for words as well, before finally speaking softly. "What is this thing between us?"

"Nothing." Her whisper reached his ears quickly, but the flush on her face negated everything she was trying to say. He leaned closer, brushing a lock of hair from her forehead with his gentle fingers.

"You don't feel anything?" Her breath was heavy, she didn't know what to say through her panic.

"I'm not allowed to feel things like that." He leaned closer, his scent taking over all of her senses at once.

"If you wouldn't mind indulging me for a moment, then." His whisper was cut short as he pressed his lips against hers, the equivalent of catching her on fire. She melted completely, giving in immediately to the warmth of his lips. A heavy sigh escaped her as they renewed the kiss, feeling his arms wrap around her waist, the heat of his palms against her lower back. He slowly pulled away to meet her eyes, likely afraid he would frighten her if their kiss continued. She had already tried to run just moments before.

"Captain...I...I don't know what to think." Her words were soft and breathless. His hand gently caressed her cheek.

"I know." He kissed her again, and without hesitation she returned the kiss, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck to pull him close. Shockwaves pulsed through her body, she couldn't think straight. He sighed, deepening the kiss ever so gently. His tongue tapped her lower lip, and she only hesitated a moment before tentatively opening her mouth to invite him in.

She had never been kissed like that, so sensually. It was wonderful and frightening, and even though it felt like heaven, it could not have been more wrong of them. He was supposed to marry the Baroness, and she was to promise her life to God. But the way his hands felt against her back, his mouth against hers, she couldn't think. She could hardly breathe.

When she finally got the courage to pull away, mostly due to need for oxygen, his lips trailed over her cheek to land upon her neck, kissing delightfully at her pulse point. She shivered and heard a sigh escape her lips, louder than she intended, and felt him smile against her skin.

"Wait, we shouldn't." She stepped away, removing herself from his grasp completely. She felt bare immediately, but tried to push away those thoughts. His eyes met hers in a kind, understanding way. Her lips felt swollen and hot, and she vaguely wondered if he could tell how much fire was burning in her body from their kiss.

"I apologize..."

"No, don't be silly. I...what I mean is, I don't want to do something we'll regret."

"My God, Fraulein, I wouldn't put your virtue in jeopardy." Her face went red.

"I didn't mean that." He smiled, she assumed because she couldn't stop blushing. "What I mean is, I'm not attainable in any way. It's best not to put your current relationship at risk."

"Have you never thought of staying with us rather than returning to the Abbey?"

"Yes. No! No, my place is at the Abbey."

"I'm afraid you are not a very good liar. It is okay to have doubts." He relaxed against the front of the desk again, distancing his body from hers a bit to help ease her mind. "I'm a good listener if you would like to talk about that."

"You're very kind, Captain." She smiled, resuming her seat in front of him. She hoped he meant what he said, because she really did need someone to talk to. "I sometimes forget I'll be leaving you all soon. It used to fill me with joy to return to the Abbey, but now I'm filled with such dread at the thought. But I know that's where I belong. It's part of my plan."

"Plans are allowed to change, and do so quite frequently, I must say."

"Not mine. This has been my path since I was sixteen. I've never wanted anything else." She sighed, wishing it felt better to get the words out of her mind, but it unfortunately felt worse to hear the words aloud.

"You've never wanted anything else...until now?" She looked down to her lap, terribly confused.

"I suppose. It's just, some days I forget that this is temporary, and I'm a postulant. I start to feel like I'm just a part of the family, and that terrifies me very much. I've never really had a true family before, you know."

"No, I didn't know that." He knew her parents died when she was young, but only because one of the children had told him. He had to admit, he really didn't know her past very well at all.

"I thought the sisters at the Abbey would take me in and be my family...I seem to concern them more than anything." He chuckled, causing her to look up again into his eyes. She smiled as well, an end to her reverie. "Thank you for listening."

"I only wish I could ease your mind. Perhaps you should try taking things one day at a time for now." She nodded, certain he was right. As she stood from her chair, she felt him take her hand in his once more. He leaned forward and pressed a very gentle kiss against her lips. "Goodnight, Maria."