As she sat down for breakfast, she was at least relieved that there wasn't much bruising on her face from the discrepancy with the Baroness the day before. However, the children still seemed a little unnerved by the situation. She knew she wasn't imagining it, they were acting strangely. She couldn't believe she had changed their opinion of her with one incident, and her heart broke for what she had done.

After breakfast, she started walking with the children to begin their lessons. As she passed, Georg took her hand, startling her from her silence. The children continued without noticing, leaving her behind with him. He smiled at her, but she was unable to fully return the sentiment. She was still a bit uncomfortable about her dream about him and subsequent reaction to it.

"What's wrong, darling?" She did manage to smile when he called her that; it sounded so sweet to her.

"I'm worried the children see me in a different way after yesterday. They've been very distant." He chuckled, standing to pull her into a comforting hug. She wrapped her arms around him in return.

"I promise they do not."

"Then why are they so quiet with me today?" She pulled back and looked into his eyes, a questioning look in her own.

"I'm sure it's fine. Perhaps you're the one who sees yourself in a different way?"

"Perhaps." It still didn't feel right though, something was amiss.

"Let's go for a walk after their morning studies, just you and me. We'll ask Max to look after the children."

"That would be very nice." She smiled, standing on her toes to place a gentle kiss to his lips. He responded with a second kiss before releasing her. It at least made her feel better to know that he didn't see her any differently, she supposed.

She made her way to join the children, feeling a bit better about things. However, as she stood in front of them and taught lessons, she felt vulnerable and concerned. There was whispering between them at times, which was unusual. Normally they were fine speaking up to and in front of her with no secrets. Suddenly she felt like an outsider.

"Children, is everything alright between us?"

"Whatever do you mean?" Liesl answered for the group, softly smiling to her. It looked forced.

"Well, I feel as though there's something on your minds." She tried not to stammer, but her vulnerability kept pushing through. "I hope yesterday didn't upset you. I'm terribly sorry for my actions."

"Oh, Fraulein Maria, we loved every part of yesterday!" Louisa laughed, of course she would be the one who enjoyed a fight, Maria mused. Friedrick piped in next.

"We're too distracted to be inside all day. School will begin again in just a few weeks. Do we have to continue with our studies all the way until then?"

"Im afraid your father is very adamant that you spend time on your studies until then."

"But, couldn't you talk him into giving us a few weeks of a break?" She smiled, at least glad they weren't upset with her.

"I suppose I could ask. But for now, let's finish up what we have planned for this morning so we can be done for the day." They leaned over their papers, working diligently on the task at hand, and before she knew it, they were finished. It hardly took any time at all, which was not how she had planned the day. Had she forgotten to give them part of their lessons?

She released them from their studies, allowing them some free time before lunch. Still concerned that she was not in her right mind, she walked to Georg's study to find him for their walk. She had been looking forward to the alone time with him, aside from the quick kisses in passing and the brief moments of conversation when no one else was in the room. He smiled when she knocked upon his door and joined her immediately, taking her hand in his as they walked out the door and onto the veranda, making their way toward the water.

"The children completed their studies quickly." Georg began a conversation as he led her along the water.

"They did. I can't help feeling as if I missed something today." She felt his fingers begin to caress her hand that was in his, his thumb gently moving in circles against her own.

"Have I ever told you how happy I am that you decided to stay here with us, with me?"

"Yes. But I do like hearing it." She smiled as they approached the doc by the boat house. As she looked toward the doc, she smiled even brighter. "What's all this?"

"A picnic. I thought it would be a nice surprise." He was clearly proud of himself and how happy he had made her.

"It's a lovely surprise. How did you set this up?" They approached a blanket on the doc, and she promptly sat upon her knees to inspect the contents of the spread before her. "My goodness, you thought of everything." When he didn't respond, she turned around to find him upon his knees as well, a ring between his fingers and a nervous look upon his face. Her heart was pounding in her chest. "Georg?"

"Maria, will you marry me?" She was shocked and completely overjoyed, bringing her hands to her cheeks. "I don't think I could spend another moment of my life without you as my wife."

"Yes, of course I'll marry you." She rushed forward to wrap her arms around his neck, overjoyed. "I love you so much."

"And I love you. More than I could even say." He kissed her lips, sliding the ring upon her finger. She looked at her hand, unable to believe that it didn't belong to someone else. Her head was spinning with emotion. She kissed him again, tears of joy falling from her eyes. Suddenly she heard the boards of the doc creek as someone approached. She turned her head to see the children behind them, Liesl holding her guitar. It was suddenly obvious to her why everyone had been acting so peculiar all day. They began to sing, and she began to weep with happiness.