I need somebody to heal
Somebody to know
Somebody to have
Somebody to hold
It's easy to say
But it's never the same
I guess I kinda liked the way you numbed all the pain
"Elsa! What a wonderful surprise..."
Maria still hadn't turned. She didn't have to. Max had just confirmed what she'd been dreading. It hadn't been her imagination. The night had already been bad enough, especially after discovering Baroness Schraeder was somewhere in the crowd. But now, things had just got so much worse. Now, here they were, alone in the courtyard. Just the two of them. With Max. She had to turn around and say something. She couldn't go on ignoring her. Head high, shoulders back. Taking a deep breath, she turned, slowly, until she found herself face to face with the Baroness.
"Good evening, Baroness Schraeder." Thankfully, the words rolled out mechanically. After all the hostility in the ballroom, she couldn't begin to imagine what this woman must be thinking of her.
"You look lovely tonight, Maria," Elsa hoped her words didn't sound patronising. She didn't mean them to be.
"Thank you," Maria forced a smile.
"But then, blue always was your colour, wasn't it?" The words were out before she could stop them. Cringing at how bitter they must have sounded, she could see the girl hesitate. She hadn't wanted to be that woman, the woman cast aside becoming ever more bitter and resentful. Pressing gloved fingertips against her temple, it was difficult to think with this aching head.
Where's that lovely little thing you were wearing the other evening when the Captain couldn't keep his eyes off you?
On a wave of guilt, the words from that night came flooding back to Maria. Falling for the children's father had been the last thing she'd imagined doing. Even now, despite being engaged, the guilt from the night of the party still followed her, just like her regret for the pain she must have caused the Baroness. She was glad the nearest lamp was some distance along the path. Hopefully, her hot cheeks were hidden by the dark night.
"I didn't think you were coming tonight," Max eventually broke the awkward silence.
"Oh, I wasn't," Elsa turned and gave Max a grateful smile. Small talk with Max would be much easier than navigating through an awkward conversation with the governess. "But the Officer's Ball is always such a wonderful evening," she reached out and squeezed Max's arm, "how could I possibly miss out on this?"
As Maria's eyes moved from the Baroness to Max, and back again, she couldn't help thinking she'd gladly miss this ball and every other one for the rest of her life. Right at this moment, she'd prefer to be anywhere else but here. As the pause in the conversation dragged on, she was sure each of them was compiling a list in their head of every other place they'd rather be than standing here in the courtyard together. She'd happily be back at the Abbey, scrubbing floors under Sister Berthe's watchful eye.
Realising a couple was approaching them, Maria stepped aside, making room for them to pass. Thankful for the distraction, she glanced at the Baroness, who was wearing a stunning full-length blush pink dress that hugged her slim figure.
As they all acknowledged the couple passing by with arms linked, Maria couldn't help thinking how charm, grace and class seemed to come so effortlessly to the Baroness. Wishing she could possess just a fraction of what this woman had, she wondered if she'd ever feel part of this crowd. Out here in the courtyard with the Baroness, she felt even more awkward and out of place. Her eyes followed the couple as they continued along the pathway. The woman's laughter carried on the evening air, rising above the distant sound of the orchestra. It made her miss Georg even more, made her wish he was…
"I was planning to call on you this afternoon, but…" Maria's thoughts were interrupted by Max. She turned to see him shrug apologetically in the direction of the Baroness. "Well, I got caught up with business, and the day got away from me before I realised."
"Still no act for the Festival?" Elsa realised immediately her forced laugh was a little too loud. Hopefully, no one else noticed.
"Well, you know how it is," Max continued. "Finding new talent is never easy, but with everyone else desperate for a signing, well, let's just say, it's even harder these days. But I did stumble across a delightful little…"
More grateful than ever that Max was launching into one of his long, convoluted stories, Elsa tried her best to concentrate. As entertaining as they would be, it was difficult to stay focused on Max's adventures from a day spent in Vienna's music halls. Unfortunately, the cool air wasn't helping her head one bit. The dull ache that had been clinging to her temples for most of the evening had grown into something more insistent. A thudding pain across her forehead.
Hearing the governess laugh, she turned to look at her, forcing a laugh at the same moment. She had no idea what was so funny, but she joined in anyway. She really had to stop thinking of her as the governess. Studying her for a moment or two, she couldn't help noticing the girl appeared distracted and uncomfortable. Did the girl have any idea why they were laughing? Or was it just her who was completely clueless? She wondered where Georg was. Would he be joining them soon? God, she hoped not. On that thought, she quickly turned back towards Max.
"...of course, the quartet had already been snapped up!" Max lamented. "I only wished they'd told me before I wasted two hours of my precious time..."
Elsa forced one of her brilliant smiles. Hopefully, this wasn't Max's only story. She really had no idea what she could possibly offer in the way of small talk. How are the children? It was obvious to everyone, she'd never really cared for them. Is Georg well? Obviously, he was happy. She'd heard him laughing earlier. A real laugh, not one of those hollow ones she'd become so used to in the past. How are the wedding plans coming along? That would just add to her humiliation, yet another reminder of what could have been. Should have been. Her head hurt. The dull ache, now a pounding reminder that she should have stayed home. She closed her eyes for a moment and gently pressed her fingertips against her temple. No, she really couldn't think of anything to say…
"...if you had a word with Georg about the children, you know my problems would be solved..." Max turned towards Maria with a hopeful grin and a look few could refuse. After a short pause, Maria realised she was being dragged into the conversation. What on Earth did Max just say? She stared at him wide-eyed. "If anyone could change that man's mind, it would be you, Maria."
"Oh, Max, I think we both know Georg isn't going to budge on that one." Maria forced a laugh, hoping her response made some sense. She really needed to concentrate and stop getting lost in her thoughts. Feeling terrible for talking about Georg in front of the Baroness, she resisted stealing a glance her way. Instead, she kept smiling at Max as he continued to champion the children's talents. She didn't dare look at the Baroness. It had to be terribly awkward for the poor woman. Surely, the last thing she wanted to be reminded of was life at the villa, the children, Georg. Especially Georg...
It felt like a physical blow, but Elsa tried not to react to hearing the girl use Georg's name for the first time. Head high, shoulders back. It sounded so odd yet made everything so real. Over the summer, the girl had addressed him so formally in the beginning, and yet as time went on, as she said his title more and more, she caressed it with a little more warmth and feeling each time, the word becoming softer, more intimate. It was gradual, just little degrees each time, but she'd certainly noticed the change. Just as she'd noticed the looks, the smiles, the way her body reacted whenever he was near. But hearing her speak his name just now, was something completely different. Struggling, she tried to find a smile.
She looked at the girl. It was obvious how much she cared for him. What was she thinking? She'd been right weeks ago. She loved the man. And it had become increasingly obvious that Georg had been falling for her. Perhaps he'd always felt something for her. These past weeks, with time on her hands and her own company a difficult, unforgiving companion, she'd been trying to pinpoint when he'd first felt something for the new governess. What had he thought of the girl when he'd visited her in Vienna, before they returned to Salzburg? Even then, she'd noticed the more Max teased him about the governess from the Abbey, the more Georg reacted. At the time, she'd thought he'd been embarassed that his children had seen off yet another governess. But had he already felt the attraction, had there been…
"Elsa…?"
Maria followed Max's eyes, her attention turning to the Baroness. She seemed completely lost in her thoughts, completely unaware Max had asked her a question and was now trying to get her attention.
"Elsa?" This time, Max said her name a little louder.
Hearing her name, she turned towards Max. "Oh, I'm so sorry," reaching out to touch his arm, she hoped her embarrassment would go unnoticed in this dull light. "What were you saying?"
"It doesn't matter…" he narrowed his eyes.
"Now don't look at me like that," she forced her words to sound light and breezy. "Tell us more about this day of yours," she patted his arm in time to her words.
"Is everything alright, Elsa?" Max was suddenly serious as he looked at her with a worried eye.
"Of course, it is! It was just a little stuffy inside," she answered brightly as she gave his arm an affectionate squeeze. "That's all, Max, nothing to worry your little head about!"
"Hmmm..." Max didn't seem convinced. "Are you sure?"
"Of course, I am," she wished Max would leave well enough alone. The last thing she needed was him being concerned, or for someone to care. "I'll be fine. Just a few more minutes out here in the fresh air," she gave a nervous laugh and patted her hair, "I'll be as good as gold!"
"Elsa, darling, you're not getting one of your headaches, are you?" Max studied her even more closely as he cocked his head to the side.
"Listen to yourself, Max, you sound like an old mother hen!" Elsa tried to laugh off her friend's concern. In desperation, she turned towards the girl, hoping to enlist her help. "It was just a little stuffy and noisy inside, that's all..." she drifted off, her pounding head keeping time with her words. "Nothing for anyone to worry about… nothing at all…"
Over the summer, Maria had seen how the Baroness' headaches could quickly escalate into a migraine. And whenever that happened, it seemed hours banished to a dark room with everyone else tiptoeing around the villa was the only answer. Heaven knows, tonight would make anyone's head hurt. "Baroness, if you're not well, Max can take you home, can't you, Max?"
"Of course, I can," Max agreed.
"I should stay a little longer..." Elsa hoped her forced bravado didn't sound hollow as she weighed up the offer. Leaving now, going home, did sound almost too good to refuse. "Now that I'm here, I should stay…"
"Nonsense!" Max cut off her protests. "If you're not feeling well, we can get your things and leave right now."
"Max is right, Baroness," Maria chimed in, looking at her with concern. She certainly didn't look herself.
"But, what will people say…?" Elsa's voice was soft and distant. Realising she'd been thinking out loud, she forced an awkward smile, before managing a much more brilliant one. "And my friends. I need to get back to..."
"Baroness, Max can let your friends know you're not well," Maria said gently, before turning to give Max a sharp look. "The important thing is to get you home."
"Maria's right," Max nodded. "Everyone will understand."
"Perhaps…" Elsa's scant resistance had all but crumbled. The opportunity to escape really was too good to refuse. And her reasons to stay were flimsy at best. "Would you mind terribly, Max?"
"Of course not," Max smiled with relief. This was the last place she should be if her headache developed into something more serious, and God knows, they usually did. Besides, it would give him a chance to talk to her. Properly talk. Not over the telephone, and not silly attempts at small talk in front of Maria. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something didn't seem quite right. Suddenly remembering Georg's strict instructions to look after his bride-to-be, he turned to Maria. "You don't mind?"
"Don't be silly," Maria answered as Max gave her a concerned look. "I'll be fine," she added, sounding far more confident than she felt.
"Where will I find the girls, Elsa?" Max asked, wondering how he was ever going to find her friends amongst the crowd in the ballroom.
"The back corner," Elsa smiled gratefully, "I left them in the back corner."
"Right then," Max hesitated, looking between the two women. "Well, I'd better go tell them," he hesitated again. "You ladies, you'll be, erhm," he cleared his throat looking for the right words, "you'll be alright for a few minutes?"
"Just go, Max," Maria smiled, the night had already lurched from bad to worse. What else could happen? "We'll be fine."
"Well, if you're sure…" Max gave them both a final look before his feet started moving. "I'll be back as soon as I can," he called out over his shoulder after a few steps.
Maria watched Max disappear into the night along the pathway back towards the side entrance. She couldn't help noticing he was walking fast, his strides longer, than his usual relaxed stroll. He clearly felt nervous about leaving her and the Baroness alone. She shivered, but it wasn't from the night air. Standing here alone with Baroness Schraeder, was as close to her worst nightmare as she could imagine. What on Earth were they going to talk about? What did she possibly have in common with this woman? Well, apart from Georg. And that was a topic of conversation she definitely wasn't going to bring up. There had to be something she could say, surely there was something they could chit-chat about for a few minutes. It would only be a few minutes. Surely, Max would be back before too long…
"Thank you."
"Oh…" Lost in her thoughts, Maria realised she'd was still staring after Max, even though he'd disappeared from view some time ago. She turned back towards the Baroness. "Thank you? What for?"
"Thank you for being so kind," Elsa's voice was soft. "You didn't have to. Not after everything."
"Everything?" Maria's eyes widened as she wondered what that meant. But as the silence dragged on into the night, she decided her question was probably going to go unanswered. Maybe the Baroness was right. So much had happened over the summer, perhaps it was easier to just put a vague label over it all. 'Everything' seemed about as good as any.
"Maria…"
"Yes, Baroness?" Maria blushed, realising she'd been staring.
"Congratulations," Elsa forced the word out, but it was met by a look of confusion. "Your engagement," she said simply, trying to erase the image of how triumphantly she'd received the girl's congratulations on the terrace all those weeks ago. "Congratulations on your engagement."
"Thank you," Maria answered quietly.
"I hope tonight…" Elsa began, but struggled to find the words, "well, I hope it hasn't been too difficult."
"I never imagined," Maria gave her a grim look, "I never expected people to be so…" she stopped. "I guess you've heard what people are saying?"
Elsa nodded. By the way Maria looked away, she could guess how embarrassed and uncomfortable it was to hear those things. After a summer spent watching the girl closely, really watching her, she knew she'd be blushing furiously right now. "I'm sorry, for the things they're saying. It's awful that you've had to hear the… well, the cruel rumours." She watched her eyes drop to the path. "Maria…" Elsa said her name with such kindness, it forced Maria to look up. "It's not me." She watched as the lines of a frown formed across the girl's forehead. "I haven't played a part in any of this gossip. None of it," her voice was low. "I hope you believe me."
Maria nodded quickly. "I do… thank you."
"I'm sorry you've had to hear it, it can only be…" Elsa stopped suddenly, looking along the path. The couple who'd passed by earlier, was coming back towards them. This time, the man had his arm around the woman's waist. Elsa took a step back from Maria and smiled at the couple as they walked between them. Her eyes followed them, but she quickly looked back to Maria when they stopped to steal a quick kiss.
"Please don't apologise for what others are saying, Baroness," Maria said softly.
"Well, at least let me apologise for the way I behaved on the night of the party," Elsa tried to ignore the pounding in her head. "I was…"
"Baroness, please, I'm the one who should apologise," Maria could feel her cheeks growing hot. "I never meant for any of this to happen. I am sorry…"
"For what?" Elsa interrupted her abruptly. "For falling in love? Hmph!" She let out a sound that comes with age and wisdom, but more than likely, it just made her sound bitter.
Maria could only stare at the Baroness and nod slowly.
"You can hardly help that, can you?"
"Baroness…" Maria began.
"No, no, hear me out," Elsa held up a hand. She closed her eyes for a moment, wishing the pounding in her head wasn't getting worse. But it was. "I didn't mean to scare you off into the night." Truth was, she was so hurt and angry after seeing Georg dancing with the girl, no, practically seducing her, she didn't stop to think what she was doing or why. "I didn't mean…"
"Baroness, you didn't scare me," Maria interrupted in a quiet voice. "I was frightened before we spoke," she watched the Baroness frown. "Not of you," she shook her head. "I was frightened of my feelings for the Captain," Maria could feel her cheeks growing hot again. "He was courting you. I tried to ignore what I was feeling. I knew it was wrong. It's not why I was sent to the villa. I did try."
"I know…" Elsa whispered, recalling Maria's horror when she confronted her that night.
As the silence dragged into the night, the two women stared back at each other. Not that either really noticed the other. It felt like time had stopped, suspended somehow in that moment of understanding. And yet, it seemed like time had taken them back to a summer night of forbidden dancing, suppressed desires unable to be denied anymore, bitter triumph, uncomfortable realisations and fear. Triumph for victories that could only ever be short lived, the realisation and fear that everything had suddenly changed, yet needed to remain the same…
Noticing something move, Maria was dragged from her deep thoughts. She looked along the path to see Max coming towards them. He was wearing his overcoat and carrying something over his arm.
"Well, it seems everything's sorted," his overly cheerful voice sounded unusually loud in the courtyard.
"I stopped by the cloakroom on the way back," he was already placing the stole around Elsa's shoulders. "Maria, I tried, but I couldn't find Hede. Are you certain you'll be alright?" he asked as he straightened the fur stole.
"I'll be fine," Maria smiled. "You both go."
"At least come back inside with us," Max persisted.
"I'll be fine, thank you, Max," Maria smiled, appreciating how protective he was being. "Besides, if we walked in together, it would only cause a stir," she gave a shrug, looking at the Baroness.
"I have to agree," Elsa clutched the stole tightly around her. "Unfortunately, this gossip has a life of its own," she added softly.
Maria nodded.
"Try to ignore it," Elsa reached out and squeezed Maria's arm. "It should blow over."
"I hope you're right," Maria forced a wry smile.
"We'd better get you home, my dear," Max gently took hold of Elsa's elbow.
"Yes, of course," she looked at Max, grateful to be escaping the rest of the evening. "Do give my regards to Georg," she turned to Maria and forced a smile. "Good night, Maria. And I do wish you both the very best."
"Good night, Baroness Schraeder," Maria smiled, "and thank you. For everything." She watched on as Max led the Baroness along the path, walking in and out of the pools of soft lamp light dotted along the way.
When they'd finally disappeared out of sight, she let out a sigh and ran a hand through her hair. Well, that went much better than she'd imagined. Baroness Schraeder had been surprisingly kind and concerned. Strangely, she'd never seen that side of her. Certainly not when she'd been visiting the villa. Probably because she'd just been one of the staff. The governess. But Georg must have seen something in Baroness Schraeder. There must have been more to her than the aloof aristocrat. She closed her eyes for a moment. It really wasn't something she wanted to dwell on. Not now.
Turning away from the imposing outline of Hofburg Palace, she looked out toward the enormous courtyard. Although the paths were dimly lit, much of the gardens and lawns were shadowy and dark. There were very few people outside now, far fewer than before. In fact, she seemed to be almost alone. She wished there was a garden seat she could sit on. It would be much nicer sitting out here, listening to the orchestra from a distance, away from the crowd.
Much of Georg's world was still a complete mystery to her. But one thing she did understand, they seemed determined to keep people not born into their high circles firmly in their place. People like her, who they saw as getting ahead of themselves, of moving above their stations. Most of the people here tonight only saw her as a source of entertainment. Really, she shouldn't be surprised by the reception they were giving her. Still, it didn't make the night any easier. Thankfully, the Baroness wasn't paying attention to the gossip and rumours. She'd be horrified to think the poor woman thought there might be any truth to them.
She sighed. Wait until she told Georg that she'd spoken to the Baroness. At least they'd had a chance to speak about the night of the party. They hadn't spoken since that night, not since they'd been alone in her room. Well, not really spoken. When she'd returned to the villa to find Georg and Baroness Schraeder engaged, she'd avoided both of them. At least the Baroness now knew she hadn't encouraged any of this. It had just happened. Well, it had been helped by a push in the right direction from the Reverend Mother.
She turned towards stifled giggles, carried along on the cool breeze. Her eyes found the silhouette of a couple much further along the path, trying their best to hide in the shadows. She smiled. The man had obviously found a way to quieten the woman in his arms. Feeling like she was intruding, she turned away and stared back out into the dark courtyard. They must be the only other people out in the gardens.
Hoping Georg wouldn't be too long, she closed her eyes. If she concentrated, she could hear the orchestra in the distance. She sighed. Given the enormity of what was being discussed, she didn't expect to see him for some time. The familiar strains of the 'Kaiser-Walzer' floated on the night air. It was surreal. Her standing here, at a palace, dressed like a princess, waiting for her Prince Charming to return. It seemed straight from the pages of a fairy tale. She could picture Georg rolling his eyes as he teased her for believing the silly stories she read to the young girls.
Trying to stay warm, she rubbed her gloved hands on the bare skin of her arms, just above the elbows where the soft fabric came to an abrupt end. But it was true. No matter how much he'd tease, life really had become a fairy tale. It was difficult to believe this was all real, that life had taken such a dramatic turn and brought her here. She couldn't have imagined any of this. Not in her wildest, most perfect dreams, not ever...
"We could help warm you up, young lady!"
"What...?" She spun around in search of the voice interrupting her thoughts. She watched two young men in dress uniform walk along the path towards her until they came to a stop a few feet from where she was standing. "I'm sorry, but..."
"A beautiful girl like you shouldn't be out here all alone," the one with dark hair told her. "We can keep you company," he added with a wink to his friend.
"Thank you, but that won't be necessary. I'm actually waiting for someone," Maria wrapped her arms tighter around her. "He shouldn't be too much longer."
"He?" The tall blonde man questioned. "I'm surprised he's let you out of his sight at all."
"Mmmm, if you were mine, I'd make sure you stayed by my side," his friend agreed. "All night," he added with a grin and a sly laugh.
"He'll only be a few more minutes," Maria forced a smile.
"We don't mind waiting," the blonde man insisted.
"Really, there's no need," Maria told them, wondering why they were so persistent and hoping they would just leave her alone. "My, err, fiancé shouldn't be too much longer," she smiled, wishing that word still didn't sound so strange after six weeks.
"Fiancé?" Both young men questioned in unison.
"Yes, Captain von Trapp," she smiled, despite being struck by the thought that it would probably take Georg all night to find her out here in the gardens.
"The Captain von Trapp?" the blonde man asked.
"There's only one, isn't there?" Maria answered sharply, immediately wishing she hadn't sounded so defensive.
The young men looked at each other and started laughing. "She's as outspoken as they say," the blonde man nudged his friend.
"So, you're the governess..." it wasn't a question from the dark-haired man, more of a statement. Taking a step towards Maria, he looked her up and down.
"I'm sorry, gentlemen…" Maria forced her shoulders back, determined not to let them see how uncomfortable she was. She didn't like the tone or demeanour of either of the young men. So much so, being alone in the crowded ballroom was looking far more appealing than being out here with them. Besides, no one, except Baroness Schraeder and Max even knew she was here. The chances of Georg or Hede finding her were almost zero. She had to get inside. Her feet started moving, "I really should…"
"Hey, hey, hey… there's no need to be like that," the dark-haired man grabbed hold of Maria's upper arm, pulling her up before she could get past.
"Please, I don't want any trouble..." Maria turned to the man, her eyes wide. Now that he was so close, his face only inches from hers, she could smell the strong, acrid scent of alcohol on his breath. "I really need to..."
"There's no need to race off," he loosened his grip a little. "After all, we're just having a nice chat, aren't we? We're just getting to know each other," he glanced at his friend, who grinned back at him. "Besides," he turned back to her, "we're more than happy to keep you company until the Captain arrives. That is, if you're really out here waiting for him."
"Of course, I am..." Maria trying to sound confident. But the dark-haired man gave her a look of disbelief. "Please..." she moved her arm, trying to get free.
"You are a lively one, aren't you?" His grip tightened again.
"No wonder she caught the Captain's eye," the blonde man called out from somewhere.
Maria couldn't see him anymore, his dark-haired friend was standing so close. She turned her face away from the smell of alcohol mixed with stale tobacco, as the realisation grew that no one would be looking for her out here.
"Please let me go," Maria whispered, trying to wriggle her arm free.
"Flighty little thing, aren't you?" he bent down low, his hoarse words threatening and stale against her ear. Straightening up, he looked her in the eye.
"Please…" Maria's hand was now pushing against his chest.
"The Captain's a renowned horseman isn't he, Karl?" the dark-haired man called out over his shoulder as he tightened his grip and pulled her closer against him.
"One of the best, from what I hear," his friend answered from the shadows.
"Tell me, did he have fun breaking you in?"
"What?!"
"Did he have to use his crop?" His question was followed by hearty laughter, his friend joining in from somewhere in the darkness.
"How dare you?" Maria narrowed her eyes. "Who do you think you..."
"She's definitely a wild thing. Perhaps he needed his spurs for this one!" The blonde man laughed loudly at his own crude comment.
"Is that how he tamed the governess?" the dark-haired man tightened his grip and pulled her closer, forcing her to look at him. "How he broke…"
"What are you doing?!"
Maria turned her head away from the man, searching in the dark for the voice in the distance. Had she imagined it? The dark-haired man was blocking her view of the path, she couldn't see anything. She wished now they'd been standing under one of the lamps, but when she first came outside with Max, she'd been only too happy to hide in the shadows. All she could do was pray. She turned back to the man who had hold of her. He was looking along the path, he must have heard it too. He squared his shoulders defiantly, loosening his grip a little.
"Yes you! Step away from that lady at once!"
"Don't you dare say a word," he hissed menacingly as he turned back to glare at her. "Not a word," a hand clamped over her mouth.
"Young man, you heard me!" The voice was sharp, commanding. It was getting closer. "Let her go this minute!"
Maria closed her eyes. It was close now, the voice was loud, booming around the courtyard. She'd never been happier to hear that voice. She could hear the familiar clip of heels on the path getting closer. She wanted to call out, but she couldn't. The footsteps stopped suddenly. Her heart sank.
"Maria?!" Her name sounded strange, strangled.
Relieved, she heard his footsteps again. Feeling brave, she shook her head, forcing the hand away from her mouth.
"Let go now, or I swear to God, I will break your arm," his words rung out in the dark night.
The dark-haired man quickly dropped Maria's arm. He stepped back and turned. "We were... we were just… Captain von Trapp...?" He suddenly recognised the imposing figure glaring back at him. "Captain, sir…" he took another step backwards. "We were just talking, sir," he added quickly.
"Don't take me for a fool," Georg stepped between Maria and the man.
"Honestly, Captain, we were just congratulating your..."
Georg reached out and grabbed a handful of the dark-haired man's jacket and shirt. "Don't insult me, I know exactly what you were doing," he growled as he pulled the young man towards him. "You're drunk!" He pushed his fist against the man's chest, but kept hold of his jacket. "Who's your commanding officer?"
"What...?"
"You heard me," Georg glared down at the man, he looked like he was barely out of cadet school. "Give me his name," he demanded.
"I'm sure that's not..."
"Let me assure you, it's entirely necessary," Georg pulled him closer. "Name!"
"Mayer… Captain Mayer..." the young man whispered. "Please, Captain von Trapp, we..."
"Your name?" Georg demanded, ignoring the young man's pleas.
"Adler…" the young man answered, his voice shaky, "Hans Adler, Captain."
"Ernst and Annalise's boy?" Georg narrowed his eyes as he watched the man nod slowly. "Where's your father? I haven't seen him tonight."
"Home, sir," the man answered nervously.
"Your mother's still unwell," Georg's voice was suddenly unusually soft. The question was answered with a sharp nod. "I've known your father for years. He'd be shocked and embarrassed by your behaviour," Georg's voice was again cold and threatening. "I can't even imagine your poor mother's reaction."
"Yes, sir… you're right, sir…" the man stumbled over his words. "I apologise…"
"Save it!" Georg cut him off. "You're a disgrace. You dishonour the uniform and bring nothing but shame to your family."
The dark-haired man nodded. "Yes, Captain…"
"Your friend," Georg's eyes didn't move. "Name?" he demanded.
"Gruber. Karl Gruber." The two men answered in unison.
"For God's sake, be men your parents can be proud of," Georg pushed hard against the young man's chest with his fistful of lapel before letting go. The young man stumbled and fell back on the lawn. "Now, get out of here," Georg glared down as the young man scrambled to his feet. Standing, he quickly brushed himself off before straightening his jacket and tie.
"You haven't heard the last of this," Georg called out as he watched the two of them retreat hurriedly down the path, disappearing into the shadows. The sound of their heels on the path eventually fading into the night.
Before Maria could think, she felt Georg's strong arms around her, pulling her against him. "Maria, darling, I'm here now," he whispered into her hair. "Did they hurt you? Are you alright?"
Maria nodded her head against his chest. She closed her eyes and buried herself against him. His arms tightened around her as he whispered soothing words into her hair. She was safe now, nothing could hurt her.
"How did you know I was here," she whispered.
"I didn't. I couldn't find you inside," he kissed her hair. "Where's Max and Hede?"
At his change of tone, Maria lifted her head from his chest. "It's a long story," she paused and took in a deep breath. "Max and I…"
"Shhh. Tell me later," Georg whispered, tenderly raking his fingers through her hair. "We're leaving," his tone was once again serious, business-like.
"Now?" Pulling back, Maria looked up at him. "But don't you have to… shouldn't you still be there with them?" She watched his jaw tighten. Something was troubling him. It wasn't just her. It wasn't what he'd stumbled across in the courtyard. There was something else behind this dark mood. Something far more serious.
"Georg, what's wrong?"
Thank you everyone for continuing to read and review.
I hope I haven't disappointed too many with my ongoing attempts at being kind to Elsa! I never did set out to make her cruel or vindictive in this story - even though that's how I've portrayed her every other time.
The lyrics at the start of the chapter are from "Someone You Loved" by Lewis Capaldi.
I was re-reading part of Christopher Plummer's autobiography during the week, the part where he quotes the opening lines of "The Man From Snowy River" by AB (Banjo) Patterson. Rather romantically, in his younger days, he likened himself to the yarded, unbroken prized colt who breaks free to join a mob of wild bush horses in the nearby hills. I've borrowed a few lines from "The Man From Snowy River" movie, which was based on the poem. Just thought I'd better mention, in case someone recognises them.
I still don't own TSOM, still just having a lend!
"Immerse your soul in love"