A/N Thank you all so much for your kind reviews. They do mean a lot! Okay, so this chapter centres on the party and the events, which follow. I did want to include most of the film scenes to keep the timeline and magnificent narrative we all love. There are aspects of my own creation (possibly breaking my own rules), but hopefully you will enjoy reading it. This is quite long so I recommend a cup of tea first and possibly some jam and bread. ;) Enjoy gang! : )
The day of the party had everyone excited. For some of the children, it was their first experience of hosting a party in their home. They were aware that they would be in bed by 9pm. Nevertheless, it did not stop Marta and Gretl particularly fussing over what dress to wear. Georg and Maria had not spent any time together since breakfast. Elsa made sure of that. She was determined that this party would be a success and secure her own future in the process. Nothing was going to go wrong, or so she believed. From mid morning until late afternoon, she had been running around after the staff making sure that all the arrangements she and Max made were conducted appropriately. Georg took refuge in his study for most of the day. This party did not mean as much to him and after spending so much time in Vienna; he was certain of Elsa's competence. Maria and the children spent much of the afternoon outside rehearsing their performance for tonight. At around five o' clock, Maria decided it was time for them to go inside for dinner and get ready for their big event. Walking inside, Liesel requested a moment alone with Maria to discuss something on her mind. As they sat on the sofa by the window in the sitting room, Maria asked Liesel what was troubling her.
"Perhaps it is nothing, but have you noticed many telegrams being delivered here lately?"
"No, I don't recall any as of late. Tell me Liesel, is it the frequency of the telegrams or the person delivering them that is bothering you?" Liesel shyly reciprocated Maria's kind smile. She knew it was difficult to fool her.
"Well, the latter if I am honest, Fraulein. I am just worried he may have gone off me if that does not sound too ridiculous."
"Oh, of course it does not, Liesel. I am sure you are sick of hearing this, but you are quite young and many young men are going to come into your life. You just need to be patient."
"What if I already met the one for me?"
"Well then he will remain part of your life if that is the case." Liesel smiled brightly at Maria. She always felt better after talking to her. This is what she missed after her mother passed away. It was not until Fraulein Maria came into her life that she realised how much she needed a mother figure. Neither realised Georg was standing at the doorway smiling contentedly at the sight before him.
"Am I interrupting something?" Maria and Liesel immediately stood up and walked towards him.
"Oh, no father. I was just discussing something with Fraulein Maria." Liesel conveyed, sharing a soft smile with her governess.
"I see." Georg replied with a gentle smile for his eldest daughter.
"Well, I better go and get ready for dinner. Excuse me." Seeing his daughter flee up the stairs, Georg turned back to Maria.
"Is there anything I should know about, Fraulein?" Georg asked discreetly.
"No, Captain. Liesel and I were just having a girl talk really."
"So, I don't have anything to worry about?" Georg asked concernedly.
"No, not at all, Captain. Liesel is a smart girl. She is becoming a beautiful, young woman. You should be proud of her." Georg reciprocated Maria's soft smile.
"I am very proud of her, Fraulein and appreciate that she can confide in you. To my knowledge, you are the only governess that understands my children."
"It could also be said that I am the only one who understands you too, Captain." Georg laughed lightly with Maria. He admired her quick wit. It was one of many virtues he loved about her.
"Indeed. You will hear no arguments from me on that score." The thunderous sounds of their heartbeats echoed all around the room as Maria and Georg looked deeply into one another's eyes for a moment. Both were frozen to the spot: unable to move, unable to think about anything but their deeply rooted desire to be in one another's arms.
"Georg, oh there you are, darling. Frau Schmidt has placed some refreshments on the terrace for us. You are welcome to join us, Maria." Elsa conveyed politely smiling.
"No, thank you, Baroness. I must check on the children. Their dinner will be ready in a moment. Excuse me." She hurried out the room and up the stairs. The Baroness eyed Georg suspiciously, as his eyes followed Maria until she was out of sight. Even then, he remained in a state of paralysis until the Baroness interjected his thoughts.
"I do hope everything is all right." Elsa mused, emotionlessly.
"I am sure it is. Shall we join Max outside?" Georg asked smiling warmly at Elsa who reciprocated and led the way.
As the guests began arriving in their droves from 7:30, Captain Von Trapp stood in the hall, welcoming them and introducing each to Baroness Schrader who stood by his side. They all greeted Elsa warmly and many admitted to looking forward to knowing her better. There was one guest that Georg glared gravely at as he shook his head and stared at the Austrian flag that hung proudly from the stairs. Herr Zeller was a friend of Georg's from the navy, but he was never convinced that he was a true Austrian. Georg suspected that he would need to keep an eye on this guest and prevent him causing any controversy in his home. The children were dressed and assembled in the courtyard. They stood in the open doorways of the ballroom-watching couples dance.
"The women look so beautiful." Brigitta remarked, longing to be in there with them.
"I think they look lovely." Kurt conveyed matter-of-factly.
"You just say that because you are scared of them." Louisa retorted, jokingly.
"Silly, only grown up men are scared of women." Kurt quickly replied.
"I think the men look beautiful." Gretl interjected. Her siblings laughed lightly as Louisa replied:
"How would you know?" Gretl titled her head indignantly, refocusing on the ballroom.
Liesel, who was standing at the other doorway with Fredrich and Marta, decided she longed to be amongst the couples in the ballroom. Obviously, she was not allowed, anymore than her siblings. Therefore, she meandered into the centre of the courtyard and fantasised about dancing with Rolf. As she began waltzing, her siblings gradually focused their attentions on her instead.
"Liesel, who are you dancing with?" Brigitta enquired.
"Nobody." Liesel replied wistfully, as she continued dancing alone. Brigitta smiled at her eldest brother who approached and tapped her on the shoulder.
"Oh, yes you are."
"May I have this dance?" Fredrich politely asked as he bowed.
"I'd be delighted, young man." Liesel replied, smiling joyfully at her brother and curtseying.
As they begin waltzing, Maria came around from the front of the house and asked:
"Why didn't you children tell me you could dance?" Liesel and Friedrich stop immediately, smiling widely at their governess.
"We were afraid you would make us all dance together..." Kurt replied stepping forward. "...the Von Trapp Family dancers." He conveyed with a bright smile and a twirl, igniting laughter amongst his siblings and governess.
As the band, began playing the Laendler melody, the children turned to gaze at couples in the ballroom again.
"What is that they are playing?" Marta enquired from Maria.
"It is the Laendler – an Austrian folk dance." Maria conveyed. Turning to face his governess, Kurt eagerly cried:
"Show me!"
"Oh, Kurt, I have not danced that since I was a little girl." Maria replied, as Georg circled the ballroom, greeting his guests amiably.
"Oh, you remember, please?"
"Well..."
"Please?" Kurt asked pleadingly. Maria relented and smiled kindly at him.
"All right, come on over here." Maria replied, cupping his face with her hands.
"Now you bow and I curtsey." Kurt bowed and asked:
"Like this?"
"Fine, now we go for a little walk." Maria conveyed, taking his hands in hers.
Georg stopped in the doorway watching his son and Maria curiously. As they begin dancing, he sniggers at the sight before him. Evidently, Kurt does not know how to dance properly, but his father is impressed at his attempt. Nevertheless, he takes this opportunity to demonstrate how to dance the laendler. Once he straightened his white gloves, Georg strided confidently over and interrupted them. Tapping his son lightly on the head, he gently says:
"Do allow me, will you?" Kurt immediately agrees and returns to his siblings. Brigitta shares a stunned glance with her older siblings who are all shocked, but delighted to see their father willing to dance with their governess. Maria accepts Georg's hand cautiously.
Initially, Maria is apprehensive about dancing with Georg. She believes that it is wrong because it only enables the feelings that she really should not be having for him or any man for that matter. As Georg dances with Maria, all he can think about is her. All he sees is her. He is completely oblivious to his children smiling brightly and conversing eagerly together at the prospect before them. Brigitta leads the way in thinking this is a sign that Maria will become their stepmother rather than Baroness Schrader. Liesel warns her not to get too far ahead, but admits it looks promising. They continue watching the dance and notice the relief on their father's face when Maria accepts his offering hand. As they position their hands over their heads and around one another's backs, the electricity permeates through their veins. Maria is terrified to look Georg directly in the eyes for fear she will not be able to stop. Sensing his strong gaze that wills her to look at him and admit how she really feels, Maria looks directly into his eyes and her worst fears have come alive. She is deeply and irrevocably in love with Captain Von Trapp. She knows that he is too. Relinquishing her grasp, Maria steps back and fearfully conveys:
"I don't remember anymore." Georg continues to stare right through to her soul.
"Your face is all red." Brigitta says, stepping forward. Maria clasps her cheeks between both hands as she replies:
"Is it? I suppose I am not used to dancing." Georg smiles fondly at her, but checks himself seeing Elsa standing behind him.
"Well that was beautifully done. What a lovely couple you make." Elsa conveys, checking Georg's reaction.
"Yes, I think it is time the children said goodnight."
"We'll be in the hall in a moment. We have something very special prepared, right?"
"Yes!" The children shout excitedly running around to the front of the house after Maria.
Georg stood fixated to the spot until Maria was out of sight. Elsa had seen him behave this way before. She knew something had to be done. Linking her arm with his, she walked back inside with Georg.
"All that needless worrying Georg: you thought you wouldn't find a friend at the party."
Turning back to check that Maria was definitely gone, Georg turned to Elsa and said:
"It's a bit chilly out tonight, isn't it?"
"Oh, I don't know – it seemed rather warm to me." Elsa retorted. Georg smiled kindly at her. He was saved from a potential inquisition by Maria's announcement:
"Ladies and gentlemen: the children of Captain Von Trapp wish to say good night to you." Releasing his arm from Elsa, Georg hurried out to the hall to see his children perform.
Taking their positions on the stairs, the children began singing So Long, Farewell.
There is a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hall
And the bells in the steeple too
And up in the nursery an absurd little bird
Keeps popping out to say 'cuckoo'
Georg and his guests were amused to see the younger children standing behind their older siblings, enacting the song by shouting 'cuckoo'. The older children continued with the song.
Regretfully they tell us ('cuckoo')
But firmly they compel us ('cuckoo')
To say goodbye ('cuckoo')
They all joined in to sing:
To you
Walking down the steps, the children formed their line, which was much different to their father's old regimental way. This did bring a smile to his face as he recalled Maria was the one to bring him to his senses. He watched lovingly as his children began to sing.
So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night,
Marta: I hate to go and leave this pretty sight
The guests laughed as the other six children jumped to the left and Fredrich feign kicked his little sister. This was Kurt and Fredrich's idea, which Maria choreographed with them during rehearsals. However, she suggested that it might get tiresome for guests to see this occurring each time one of them left. Therefore, she thought it could stop with Kurt and that Brigitta and Louisa could do something different. Together they came up with a fresh idea. Maria suggested Gretel could sing her verse on the stairs. That way all the children would be upstairs together and could complete the end of the song as a family.
So long, farewell, aufwiedersehen, adieu
Fredrich: Adieu, adieu to yieu and yieu and yieu
Liesel: So long, farewell, au revoir, auf wiedersehen,
I'd like to stay and taste my first champagne
Approaching her father, Liesel asked: "Yes?" Georg smiled laughingly at his eldest and replied: "No." The crowd laughed as Liesel glumly backtracked so Kurt could 'kick' her. Once she left, he stepped forward to perform his verse.
I leave and heave
A sigh and say goodbye
Goodbye..."
Georg loved both of his sons very much. However, after spending time getting reacquainted with them lately, he could see the obvious differences in their personalities. Fredrich was definitely his son: shy, astute, ambitious and courageous. He recognised qualities in Kurt that belonged to his mother: kind, adventurous, outspoken and frivolous. His performance generated laughter amongst the guests. Georg playfully waved him on, but could not deny his enjoyment.
Brigitta: I'm glad to go, I cannot tell a lie.
Louisa: I flit, I float
I fleetly flee, I fly
Together, they elegantly performed ballet steps to the stairs. Brigitta signalled her youngest sister to sit on the stairs to sing her verse.
Gretl: The sun has gone to bed
And so must I
The sweet innocence of his baby girl warmed Georg's heart. Glancing over, Maria saw how moved and proud he was in equal measure. Obviously, he loved all his children equally. However, Gretl was barely a year old when her mother passed away. He knew how proud her mother would be to see her perform like this at 'her first party.' Liesel returned to carry her baby sister up to bed as the others waved to their guests and concluded the song in unison.
Goodbye. Goodbye.
The guests waved back at the children and sang:
Goodbye.
The guests chattered about the wonderful performance displayed by Captain Von Trapp's children. The majority had not seen them since their mother died. They were all surprised at how much they had grown. Liesel and Friedrich particularly received praise. They were referred to as 'a charming young woman', 'as beautiful as her mother', 'a handsome young man', 'Georg has raised a gentleman.'
Maria attempted to escape upstairs before Georg cornered her, but Max called her back. Catching her by the wrist, he dragged her over to Georg and insisted she join the party as his dinner partner. Maria protested, but in vain. Georg conveyed she was welcome to, oblivious to Elsa's cold glare.
"I am not suitably dressed." Maria retorted, hoping this excuse would suffice.
"You can change. We will wait, Fraulein." Georg amiably replied.
Quietly sighing, Maria reciprocated Max's kind smile and agreed. As she headed upstairs, Elsa walked after Georg to protest his decision. However seeing him engaged with a guest, she thought her best option was to speak to Maria directly.
"Captain, you must be very proud." Georg smiled kindly at Baroness Ebberfeld.
"I am thank you, Baroness."
"Is there a more beautiful expression in this country of ours than the innocent voices of our children?" Baron Ebberfeld remarked.
Georg smiled proudly at hearing high praise from a friend about his children. As he began walking away, Herr Zeller, who overheard the conversation stepped forward and interjected callously.
"Oh, come now Baron, do you believe that Austria alone holds the monopoly on virtue?"
"Herr Zeller," Georg conveyed walking towards the man he no longer considered a friend, "some of us prefer Austrian voices raised in song to ugly German threats." He smiled cynically as his foe glanced up at the flag before focusing his attention once more on Captain Von Trapp.
"The Ostrich buries his head in the sand and sometimes in the flag." Georg glared venomously at him, but controlled his rage sufficiently to avoid causing a scene.
"Perhaps those who warn you that the Anschluss is coming and it is coming Captain would get further with you by setting their words to music."
"If the Nazi's take over Austria, I have no doubt Herr Zeller that you will be the entire trumpet section." Georg sharply responded and marched towards the living room.
"You flatter me, Captain." Herr Zeller replied coldly.
Turning to face him one last time, Georg retorted:
"Oh, how clumsy of me: I meant to accuse you." The two men shared one final cynical expression before Georg went to mingle with other guests.
Sitting on her bed, Maria contemplated what to do for the best. She worried that if she attended the dinner that somehow Captain Von Trapp would wish to speak to her about their dance. If it were not for her love of the children then she would almost certainly leave. Perhaps the best option was to speak with Captain Von Trapp directly and explain that she was not going to come between him and Baroness Schrader. It was obvious how much she loved him. Maria felt sure that ignoring the situation would only make matters worse. Therefore, she would address it directly at the first opportunity. Standing up, Maria began removing her dress and heard a knock at the door. Panicking for a moment that it was the Captain, Maria quickly pulled her dress back up. She realised that it was more likely one of the children as Captain Von Trapp is a gentleman who would never overstep boundaries in this way.
"Come in." Maria called. She was stunned to see Baroness Schrader enter her room.
"Maria, I do hope you do not mind my intrusion, but I thought you would like some help selecting a dress to wear for dinner."
"That is very kind of you, Baroness." Maria replied politely, yet fearful of her true intentions.
"Not all Maria." Elsa replied, smiling kindly as she closed the door. "I would be delighted to help."
Maria removed her dress as Elsa walked over to her wardrobe and looked through her clothing.
"I do not think that I have anything which would be appropriate."
"Now, where is that lovely little thing you were wearing the other evening when the Captain could not keep his eyes off you?" Maria turned slowly to face Elsa who was searching for a particular dress. She felt fear rising through her body.
"Could not keep his eyes off me?" Maria asked, incredulously.
Elsa turned her head and smiled, knowing she was making Maria feel uncomfortable.
"Oh, come my dear, we are women so let's not pretend we don't know when a man notices us. Ah, here we are." Elsa removed Maria's turquoise dress from the wardrobe and placed it on the bed. Maria turned to face the window saying:
"The Captain notices everybody and everything."
"There is no need to feel so defensive, Maria. You are quite attractive you know. The Captain would hardly be a man if he didn't notice you." Maria turned around and looking at Elsa with trepidation said:
"Baroness, I hope you are joking."
"Not at all." Elsa lowered her head and subtly smiled feeling that she was unsettling Maria.
"But, I have never done a thing to..."
"You don't have to my dear. There is nothing more irresistible to a man than a woman who is in love with him."
"In love with him?" Maria responded, with an air of perplexity.
"Oh my God, she knows!" Maria thinks as panic sets in.
"Of course and what makes it so nice is he thinks he is in love with you. Do not take it to heart. He will get over it soon enough I should think. Men do, you know?"
"I have to leave. There is no possible way that I can stay now. She is bound to tell him and he will be forced to make a choice. Why would he choose me over a woman of position and wealth?"
Looking at Elsa, petrified the Captain will find out, Maria retorts:
"Then I have to go. I must not stay here." Maria lunges at the wardrobe and grabs her carpetbag as she begins throwing clothes into it. The Baroness looks on relieved that Maria is leaving, but worried Georg will suspect she is responsible. In an effort to ease the blow, she asks:
"Is there something I can do to help?"
"No, nothing." Maria responds tearfully.
As Elsa reaches for the doorknob, Maria calls her back.
"Please do not say a word about this to the Captain."
"No, no I would not dream of it." Elsa smiled gleefully as Maria continued packing.
"Goodbye, Maria. I am sure you will make a very fine nun." Maria watched Elsa leave her room. Once the door is closed, Maria sits on the floor up against the bed. The emotions of the last few weeks hit her like a tsunami. Covering her face with her hands, Maria quietly cries. It is all she can do. Her heart is bursting with so many conflicted feelings. The thought of leaving the children almost breaks her. They have changed her life immensely. Initially, she was terrified of the prospect of being responsible for seven children. Now, she could not imagine her life without them. Wiping her eyes dry, Maria stood up and stared at the bed. She thought about her first night in this room. The children ran into her one by one seeking refuge from a thunderstorm. This was the beginning of their relationship. Looking between the window and ensuite door, Maria thought about Liesel. That same night she gained the trust of the eldest Von Trapp child by concealing the truth of her whereabouts from her father. That was the only night he had entered her bedroom after hearing the ruckus. If he entered now, and asked her to stay, Maria believed she would. Staring longingly at the spot he stood in that night, Maria willed it to happen. Alas, it did not. Maria felt proud that she helped guide him back to his children. The memory of seeing them embrace each other lovingly for the first time in four years brought a reminiscent smile to her face as she continued packing. Slipping on the grey dress that she had arrived in to this villa, Maria reflected on their first meeting.
"It's the dress. You will have to put on another one before you meet the children."
"But I don't have another one. When we enter the Abbey, our worldly clothes are given to the poor."
"What about this one?"
"The poor didn't want this one."
Maria sniggered; thinking of Captain Von Trapp's bemused reaction. It was an ugly dress, but the one she wore that night was not. The Baroness was right: he really could not keep his eyes off her. At the time, Maria did not want him to. Even tonight, dancing in his arms felt wrong and right in equal measure. Maria knew she had to leave. It was the right thing to do. She decided to dedicate her life to God long before now. Captain Von Trapp would not change that. He could not change that. Opening a drawer, Maria took out a pen, paper and envelope and quickly wrote a note. It was the least she could do. At least this way, he would let her go and not come looking for her. Maria slipped the piece of paper into the envelope and wrote 'Captain Von Trapp' on the front. She slipped the pen back into the drawer and placed her hat on her head. Taking one last look around the room, Maria picked up her bag and guitar case and opened the door. She prayed nobody would be in the corridor. Taking a quick glance in both directions, she strided towards the stairs. Surveying the hall, Maria saw her chance to leave discreetly, but first she had to place the note on the table. Once again, praying nobody would see her; Maria scurried down the steps and stood the letter upright on the table. She ran back up the stairs, grabbed her bag and guitar case and left the house she had begun to regard as a home.
"Where did you get to? Georg has been looking for you." Max conveyed to a gleeful Baroness. She smiled brightly with delight.
"Has he? That is wonderful news Max. Here, have some champagne darling. I feel like celebrating, cheers." She clinked her glass with his and took a sip. Max eyed her with perplexity. He had known for a long time that Elsa was far from happy about the love triangle that two members denied even existed. Furthermore, he knew Elsa was not a woman to be crossed and if someone or something were standing in her way, then she would remove them one way or another.
"What have you done, Elsa?" Max asked, eying her suspiciously
"What do you mean Max?" Elsa replied in a feigned innocent tone.
"You seem awfully happy all of a sudden and I couldn't help but notice that you were not so thrilled when I requested that Maria join us for dinner."
"You didn't request darling, you practically insisted!" Elsa retorted fiercely.
"Even so...did you encourage her not to? Is that what accounts for your sudden elation?"
"Elsa, there you are. Shall we dance?"
"I'd love to Georg."She replied, accepting his hand smilingly. Max scoffed and shook his head as Elsa handed him her empty champagne glass.
"Are you enjoying the party?" Georg asked as they waltzed together.
"Yes, Georg: It is wonderful meeting so many of your friends. I look forward to many more occasions such as this." He smiled kindly at her, but she noticed that it was not the same smile he offered Maria many times. Max did say that he was looking for her during her absence. Her heart skipped a beat at the sound of those words. Could it be true that he was finally ready to commit to her? If that were the case, why was he looking around the room so much? Although she was not in the room...his thoughts were still of Maria. After the dance, he began his enquiries.
"Max, have you seen Fraulein Maria?"
"No, Georg, not since she went upstairs to get changed." With a quick nod, he marched out into the hall where he found Frau Schmidt and asked her to check Maria's room. She immediately obeyed orders but returned quickly with alarming news.
"Captain Von Trapp, I have checked Fraulein Maria's room, but she is not there sir."
"What? Perhaps she is with one of the children."
"No, Captain all her clothes are gone." He starred at his housekeeper incredulously for a minute.
"Why would she...did she leave a note?" He enquired, perplexed by the situation.
"Not that I saw Captain." Frau Schmidt replied, with an air of despondency. She could see the life Maria brought back into the house over the last number of weeks and noticed the fondness developing between them. It puzzled her why Maria would leave, but suspected Baroness Schrader was responsible somehow after seeing her follow Maria upstairs. As she had no proof, she could say nothing to the Captain.
"Franz, did a telegram come for Fraulein Maria this evening?" Georg asked, frantically trying to understand this situation.
"No, Sir. There were no telegrams delivered here all night." Franz replied, matter – of – factly.
"Very well, thank you Franz." Georg replied, flatly.
"Captain, this was left over there on the table." Frau Schmidt conveyed imperatively, handing him Maria's letter.
"Thank you Frau Schmidt. You and Franz may return to your duties now." Georg smiled politely, dismissing his staff.
Georg paced the length of his study as he read Maria's letter. He could not make any sense of it. It conveyed nothing that explained her reasons for leaving. He surmised it was his fault: he made her uncomfortable somehow. Now, it was too late to put things right. He had lost his children the best governess and feared this would set their relationship back. Maria had invested so much in repairing the damage he caused his family. Could he carry on without her? Would his children blame him for her departure? These were Georg's thoughts when Max and Elsa interrupted his reverie.
"Georg, is everything all right?" Elsa asked, concernedly.
"Fraulein Maria is gone." Georg stated flatly.
"Gone? Gone where?" Max asked incredulously.
"Back to the Abbey...her letter is rather vague...what am I going to do now?" Max gave Elsa a stern glance and she looked a little remorseful, as her actions had hurt Georg.
"The children will be devastated. How do I tell them? What do I tell them?"
"We can decide that later Georg. Come and rejoin the party before your guests start to worry."
"You go ahead Max. I just need a few moments." Glaring at Elsa, Max followed his friend's instructions.
"Georg, I..." Elsa started, placing a hand on his shoulder, but the Captain interrupted her.
"Why would she leave the children, Elsa? It just seems completely out of character. She left. She left without evening knowing." Folding the letter and putting it inside his breast pocket, sighed and said to himself "She left without even knowing." Without as much as a glance at Elsa, Georg strided down the hall and out to the terrace where lately he found a place of solitude and reflection for his thoughts. Leaning over the balcony, Georg looked straight ahead. The mountain that loomed in the background had always provided him with a sense of peace, but now it tortured him because he associated it with Maria. He recalled her love of finding peace and solitude on them – something he identified with. It also reminded him of the first song he heard his children sing in four years – a song that Maria had taught them. This not only began their unification as a family, but also brought the peace and love back into his life that Georg did not even realise he was missing.
"Elsa told me where to find you." Georg turned to face his friend for a moment and then returned to his former stance.
"I just need some time alone, Max."
"Ordinarily, I would let you be, Georg, but there is a house full of people wondering where you are." Max conveyed, stepping closer to his friend. Georg lowered his head and sighed.
"I will be there in a moment, Max."
"Georg, you cannot host a party for Elsa and then disappear without an explanation. I know that you are upset, but you need to compose yourself and return to the house."
"You do not know what I need Max." Georg retorted coldly, staring straight ahead.
"I know that you are in love with Maria. I know you are devastated that she left before you had the chance to tell her. I know that you are worried the children will blame you for her departure. I also know you have conflicted feelings about Elsa, but now is not the time to resolve any of this." Georg smiled and shook his head. He should have known he could not fool his friend. Evidently, his feelings are quite transparent. Yet the one person he longed to realise that was gone. Perhaps that is the reason; Georg mused as he stood upright and turned to face Max as he confessed:
"I do not know what to do, Max."
"Well then, let me help you. I will take Elsa into town in the morning and we will spend the day there. You will not see us until dinnertime, that way, you will have the entire day with the children to answer their questions and deal with any fallout that may arise." Georg considered Max's idea for a moment before conceding it was the best option.
"I appreciate your help Max, very much. However, just give me a moment alone, please?"
"Okay, but I warn you Georg, if you are not inside within five minutes, I will be back to drag you in." Georg smiled laughingly at Max who slapped his shoulder and returned to the house.
Starring out at the mountains, Georg leaned his arms on the balcony as he gathered his thoughts.
"Is this your way of helping, Agathe? By the grace of God, you brought Maria into our lives to reunite us as a family." Standing up right, Georg continued.
"Well, mission accomplished, my love. However, I cannot understand the point of her leaving." Pulling out the nearest chair, Georg sat down at the table.
"Was Maria only supposed to be in our lives for a short duration because the way I felt for her... the only other time in my life I felt that way was when I first saw you. I never believed I could love again, but I did. I do. I suppose I should be grateful to you for allowing me to find that out." Sighing aloud, Georg buried his face in his hands for a moment. Leaning forward in his seat, Georg clasped his hands together and rested his chin on top.
"I am at your mercy, my darling." Unclasping his hands, Georg lowered his head.
"Not only have I lost Maria, but I fear Austria will soon be gone." Standing up, he shoved in the chair and returned to face the mountains.
"If you are listening then please help me to continue being the best father I can to our children. I realise that I need them now more than ever, but I cannot do this alone. Give me the strength that I need, please."
Taking one last inhalation of crisp, Austrian air; Georg composed himself and returned to the party.
The next morning Captain in Von Trapp knocked on the bedroom door of his eldest daughter.
"Come in." She commanded lightly. Turning the solid gold handle to the right, the Captain entered, offering Liesel a soft smile. She ceased brushing her hair, looking at her father perplexed as he closed the door. Standing there smiling at her, she began to wonder what happened to justify his presence in her room before breakfast. Immediately, she suspected it was in some way related to Baroness Schrader.
"Are you going to tell me what has happened father or am I supposed to guess?" Liesel asked playfully with a mischievous smile. He reciprocated while gesturing to the bed, asking if he may sit down. She acquecieced while taking a seat on her chair by the window opposite him.
"So, I'm sure that my presence here has come as a shock to you Liesel, but I do need your help." Looking at her father with anxiety, Liesel asked:
"What has happened father? Is everyone all right?" She asked concernedly
"Oh, yes Liesel within reason...it is about Fraulein Maria. She has returned to the Abbey." Quickly standing up and walking to her father, Liesel exclaimed:
"Why would she do that? I thought she was happy here." Standing up and clasping her shoulders, Georg softly replied:
"Darling, I don't fully understand her reasons either. All I have is this note." Reaching inside his jacket pocket, he pulled out the letter and gave it to his eldest daughter to read. Taking it from her father, Liesel sat on the bed as she began to read it.
Dear Captain Von Trapp,
There is no easy way to say this: I have enjoyed every moment getting to know you and your family, but unfortunately my duties at the Abbey require my immediate attention. I apologise for such short notice, but I hope that you will understand my imperativeness.
My love to the children,
Maria.
Reading it over three times, Liesel stood up, addressing her father.
"I don't understand what duties could be so important. Had she spoken to you at all about this?"
"No, she never said a word. Then again we haven't really spoken about anything this past week." Georg replied, replacing the letter into his pocket.
"Is there any particular reason for this?"
"No, well I suppose because I have been spending so much time with Elsa."
"Hmm". Georg furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at Liesel suspiciously.
"Hmm, what?"
"You do realise that Louisa and Brigitta believe that you have feelings for Fraulein Maria. In particular, because of the way you both looked at one another during and after dancing the Laendler last night."
"What do you believe?" Georg asked, gravely.
"I like to believe that it was true, but if it's not, and Baroness Schrader makes you happy, then you should marry her. You deserve to be happy; it is what mother would want too." Georg smiled gently at his daughter.
"Thank you sweetheart, but right now my concern is the children, including you. Marta and Gretel are going to be very hurt by Maria's sudden departure. I may need your help in conveying the news."
"Okay, I will go check on them and meet you downstairs in a few minutes". Squeezing her arm and smiling appreciatively, Captain Von Trapp replied:
"Thank you Liesel." She reciprocated his smile and followed him out of the room.
Captain Von Trapp waited for his children in the dining room. Sitting at head of the table, he began to reflect on how things changed so quickly. The memory of Maria sitting on a pinecone on her first night brought a laughing smile to his face as he focused on her empty chair at the opposite end of the room. The fact that he felt a sense of relief when Elsa agreed to go into town with Max so that he could speak to his children alone also crossed his mind. Obviously, his feelings for her had changed. However, he believed that his children did need a mother and while Maria would be perfect in this role...she was no longer here. Before his thoughts could go any further, Georg heard his children plummeting down the stairs. One by one, his younger daughters kissed him 'good morning ' on the cheek while his sons patted him on his back as they passed along and took their seats at the table. Liesel and her father exchanged soft smiles as she sat down beside him. For a few moments, the loud ruckus of his six younger children filled the room with life. Pouring either orange juice or apple juice from the glass jugs on the table into their glasses and choosing a slice of bread from the baskets on the table, the children buttered them. Almost instantaneously, they all realised that there were absent seats in the dining room this morning. After surveying the room, one by one their heads turned to their father who was quietly conversing with Liesel.
"Father, where is everyone?" Marta asked.
"Baroness Schrader has gone into town with Uncle Max, Marta."
"What about Fraulein Maria?" Kurt asked.
Dabbing his mouth with his napkin, Captain Von Trapp glanced at Liesel who nodded once encouragingly, as he proceeded to answer his son's question.
"I want you all to listen to me very carefully and please bear with me because what I have to say is not easy. Unfortunately, Fraulein Maria has left us and I don't know why..." The children's loud protests drowned out their father's pleas to calm down and allow him to explain. He tapped his fingers on the table in an effort to regain control.
"Now, I know that you are all upset and confused by this revelation, but I promise that nothing will change."
"It already has father. We need Fraulein Maria back. Please tell her to come home."
"Louisa, I cannot do that."
"Can't or won't?"Brigitta asked angrily. Her father stared at her sternly, which forced her to look away.
"Did she leave a note or say why she was returning to the Abbey, father?" Frederick asked.
"All she said was that she needed to attend to duties back at Nonberg, Frederick."
"So that is it? We are just going to do nothing and carry on as though she were never here?"
"Louisa, I know it is difficult, but I don't see any other option."
"You are our father! You have to do something because I will not sit across the table from Baroness Schrader and pretend that I want her as my new mother!" Brigitta exclaimed angrily before abruptly leaving the table and storming outside. After a few moments of silence, Frederick told his father and Liesel, who each got up to go after her, that he would go. He found his sister standing at the gates to the lake.
"Do you remember the day that we rowed a boat home from one of our adventures around Salzburg and ended up in the lake?"
"How could I forget?" Frederick replied, leaning forward on the gate as he recalled the precise moment that his sister was referring to. "Father was so angry with us because we had embarrassed him in front of Baroness Schrader."
"Yes." Brigitta quietly said with a reminiscent smile.
"But then all was forgotten and he embraced us for the first time in four years."
"Fraulein Maria brought him to his senses. She repaired our family, Frederick. How are we supposed to forget her?" Brigitta asked, lowering her head. Frederick stood upright and faced his sister. He placed a hand on her shoulder as he said:
"I don't think father expects us to forget her, Brigitta, but we do need to cut him some slack." She looked at her brother as he removed his hand from her shoulder and shoved both into his pockets as he paced a little while he spoke.
"Didn't you see how upset he was? He does not know how to deal with Fraulein Maria's absence, which is why we need to help him. She made it a priority to repair our family so let us continue to honour that and be there for our father. No matter what, we cannot allow him to slip back into his regimental treatment of us. Who knows? Maybe Fraulein Maria will return...eventually." Frederick sat on the bench on his right and Brigitta quickly followed suit. Sitting beside him, she said:
"I understand where you are coming from Frederick, but even you must realise that without Fraulein Maria...we are in danger of acquiring Baroness Schrader as our mother."
"You don't know that Brigitta." Fredrich replied, pensively. Brigitta stood up and addressed her brother fiercely.
"Oh, come on Frederick! Why do you think father brought her here? Why do you think after all this time he wanted us to meet her? However, things changed. He and Fraulein Maria fell in love and I know that has something to do with her sudden urgency to return to the Abbey."
Standing up, Fredrich walked towards the lake and back again saying:
"So, even if you are right...there isn't much we can do."
"Wanna bet? Have you forgotten about all the tricks we used to get rid of all those governesses? We need to pull all our resources together in order to stop father even considering marrying her."
"Brigitta..." Fredrich warned, tentatively.
"Frederick, she doesn't want us! All she wants is to be a baron's wife, again. If we do not do something, that is exactly what will happen and we subject all of us to a life of misery, including father." Stepping beside her brother, Brigitta urgently conveyed:
Please, please tell me that you understand." Fredrich sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. He knew his sister was right, but he felt conflicted. Maria had changed their lives completely. They no longer needed to play games to get their father's attention. However, he was not too thrilled at the prospect of Baroness Schrader joining their family. Yet, if she made his father happy, that is all that should matter.
"All right. Nevertheless, we need to play this carefully. Let us not make it too obvious or it could back fire. We need to keep talking about Fraulein Maria to father, in her presence. Whatever we do, it has to be discreet. We must remember at all times that she is father's guest - not our evil step mother."
"Let's make sure that we keep it that way."
"Fredrick, may I speak with your sister alone?" Georg asked, descending the steps. Both looked as he approached them. Brigitta feared she was in trouble.
"Yes, father." Turning to his sister, Fredrich placed a comforting hand on her arm and smiled kindly saying: I'll see you back inside." Georg smiled warmly at his son, patting him on the shoulder as he passed by. Once he heard the door closing, Georg focused on his daughter who stood before him.
"I understand that you are upset, but I hope that you are sufficiently calm enough for us to talk." Brigitta nodded her head.
Why don't we sit down?" Georg gestured to the bench on the left hand side.
Now, may I ask why you are so ready to believe that I am going to marry Elsa regardless of how any of you feel?" Georg asked, turning to face his daughter who looked at the ground.
"Because you brought her here with that intention, didn't you?" Brigitta enquired, looking at her father.
"I brought her to meet my children and yes, if you all got along...it would have been the next step." Georg explained, clasping his hands in front of him.
"She doesn't care about us the way Fraulein Maria does." Brigitta retorted despondently.
Georg sighed a little. Slapping his things, he stood up facing his daughter who remained seated.
"That is what makes things so difficult. I want you all to have a permanent mother figure in your lives. I hoped that it would be Elsa, but it is clear that Maria got there first. I am not going to rush into any decision, but when I have decided...I will speak to you first. No matter what, I promise that you all are my priority above all else. So please no pranks - it will not get Fraulein Maria back any faster."
Brigitta smiled shyly at her father, knowing he overheard her plan. He beckoned over and she gladly accepted her father's warm embrace. He kissed her on top of her head, signifying he was not angry. Relinquishing one another, Georg said:
"Come on, let's finish our breakfast and then we can all talk as a family." Brigitta smiled brightly at her father. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they returned to the house.
A/N I know there was a lot in that chapter. Even though there were elements from the film, I did try to juggle this chapter between the wonderful script of Bob Wise and his team, but also introducing some authenticity. I hope that you all enjoyed it and are interested in reading more. Let me know, please. : )
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