A/N Hi y'all! Thank you to everyone for your kind reviews on the last chapter. I am very pleased that you all enjoyed it. In this chapter, I tried to create a strong foundation between Georg and his children in the absence of Maria. I hope that you like reading this. It is shorter than the last one too ;) Enjoy!
The next few days at the Von Trapp villa were sombre. Georg tried to encourage his children to spend time together in town or by bonding with Elsa. However, they were resistant to either idea. It was obvious they missed Maria. Their spirits seemed broken and Georg knew he had to repair them somehow. Therefore, he suggested they all take a trip together somewhere special. The children were interested in doing this provided nobody else accompanied them. Captain Von Trapp assured them that it would be a family day out.
At 10am the next morning, all seven were eager to know the destination of their trip. Their father promised them it was going to be a nice surprise. Frau Schmidt packed them two picnic baskets, filled with treats to enjoy on their adventure. Four of the five older children shared in the responsibility of organising items to bring. Fredrich and Kurt carried the picnic baskets to the car; Brigitta brought the blankets and Louisa was tasked with carrying the boys' football. Liesl took charge of her youngest sisters. Ever since Maria left, they gravitated to her, which did not go unnoticed by their father. He quietly acknowledged that Maria was right: Liesl had grown into a woman without him realising.
As they all bundled into the car, their curiosity grew as Captain Von Trapp drove outside of Salzburg. After driving for approximately one hour, Georg finally stopped and parked the car near Lake Mondsee. Georg noticed the perplexed expressions on his children's faces. Smiling widely at them, he told them to get out the car and follow him.
The children eagerly hopped out of the car and gathered their belongings. Gretl and Marta ran to their father, asking where they were.
"Okay, all of you come here a moment, please. A while ago Gretl and Marta asked if I would join you on a picnic up the mountains. That day I was unable, but today that is exactly where we are going." The children screamed with delight.
"We do have a bit of a walk up this hill, but if we help each other all will be worth it. The view of the lakes and mountains will take your breath away."
The children eagerly followed their father. Gretl held on to her father's hand as Marta did the same with Liesl. They began following their father along a sandy road. Georg smiled brightly, hearing the excited chatter of his children behind. As they travelled along, some acknowledged the accuracy of their father's words. The scenery was spectacular. The tranquil beauty all around them took Liesl, Louisa and Brigitta aback. As they passed along the pathway of Lake Mondsee, they heard birds chirping happily in trees above. Kurt and Fredrich bounced the ball back and forth to one another while reminiscing back to the day Fraulein Maria brought them for a mountain top picnic. As they walked through the village of Mondsee and veered to the left of a mountainous slope, their father stopped to warn them of the steep incline ahead. He requested his sons swap items with their sisters and they happily agreed as the picnic baskets were getting heavy. Frau Schmidt evidently loaded them up with plenty of supplies. Before proceeding further, he asked Marta to walk with him and give Liesl a break. Once they were all set, the Von Trapp family proceeded to climb to the mountaintop.
The ground was uneven which was why their father exercised caution. Liesl walked behind her father in case one of her little sisters required extra assistance. Subsequently, the incline was a little steep. It had been a few years since Georg visited the location so he forgot about this element. Every so often, he stopped to check on his children, but they all appeared to be coping well. After approximately ten minutes of climbing, they reached their destination. Panting a little from exertion, Captain Von Trapp stopped at the top and waited for his family. Within minutes, they had reached their father. Smiling brightly and checking they were all okay, Georg guided them to the centre where they set up their picnic excitedly.
The boys lay the picnic baskets on the ground as they waited for their father and sisters to lay out the two large blankets on the grass. Following this, Fredrich passed one of the baskets to his father. Nobody knew what Frau Schmidt packed, but all were greatly surprised at the contents. Inside there were a variety of sandwiches: ham and cheese, salad, and plain cheese. There were also a variety of fruits such as apples, oranges, bananas and peaches. Additionally, there were eight slices of apple strudel with a small pot of whipped cream included. The second basket contained bottles of water and lemonade, straws, napkins and cutlery. After making their choices, the family settled down on the blankets together, chattering and laughing while enjoying their picnic as a family.
After enjoying their picnic together, Georg felt the need to have a discussion with his children about the reason for this trip. He knew the older children would apprehend this, but it was nonetheless essential they all heard him anyway. Standing up to stretch his legs and figure out what to say, Georg began rallying his children around him. It was wonderful to hear him calling them by name rather than by a whistle. He sat down on a nearby rock as his children positioned themselves on the grass.
"I am sure that you all are wondering why I brought you here today. There is significance behind this location that I will now share with you." The children listened intently as their father spoke.
"Many years ago, before you were born, Gretel," she smiled widely at her father, "your mother and I lived in a region of Salzburg known as Zell am See. We loved it there. The lakes and mountains captivated us and brought peace into our lives during a tumultuous period. This was after world war one and we, like many people, were forced to essentially rebuild our lives. In order to accomplish this, we decided to return to Salzburg from Vienna. I am not sure if Liesl, Friedrich or Louisa remembers this, but sometimes your mother and I would drive to different parts of Salzburg – often alone – and just be together as one in nature. We both loved feeling the fresh Austrian air on our faces as we sat on top of a mountain or by a lake. It was a time for us to reflect on life and spend time together by ourselves." Georg stood up and walked a few metres past his children. He stood looking out at the imposing mountains ahead and the glistening clear blue lake below. Turning to face his children, he smiled warmly and said:
"This was one of our favourite destinations." The children rejoiced that their father brought them to this special location. Even though they missed Maria very much, they felt that their father was making an effort to strengthen their newly created bond. Immediately, they ran to their father to experience the view by his side. He picked Gretl up into his arms as Fredrich held Marta. Liesl and Brigitta stood to the right of their father whilst Kurt and Louisa stood to the left of Friedrich. They remained there for a few moments as a family, chattering amiably as the fresh summer air caressed their faces gently. After a while, they returned to their picnic site to begin packing up. However, his youngest daughter stumped Georg with a question.
"Father, what was mother like?" Georg looked at Gretl pensively. He did not foresee this because he had never spoken to his children about their mother. Every time they tried to, he shut them down. After a while, they stopped asking him. Sitting back on the rock, Georg clasped his hands loosely in front of him as he thought for a moment.
"Your mother was the kindest person I knew, Gretl. She brought out the best in everyone, especially me. We were married for thirteen years and during that time, I never heard her complain about anything." Liesl and Friedrich smiled at one another, acknowledging the veracity of their father's sentiments. "She was beautiful too and a wonderful mother to you all."
"I remember her voice." Liesl interjected. "She spoke so softly and eloquently."
"I recall her smile." Friedrich conveyed. "If I was feeling unwell or sad about something, her smile would always make me feel better. It was as though her soul illuminated directly into mine." Georg smiled wistfully as he listened to his two eldest speaking about their memories of their mother. It was the first time he heard this. He was about to intervene, but Louisa and Brigitta got there first.
"I remember her dancing. She was so graceful in every move, especially waltzing."
"Yes, I recollect that she used to sing and dance at the same time. I think she taught you, me and Liesl how to waltz together." Liesl smiled brightly back at her sister. "I had forgotten that actually until just now, Brigitta."
"I never told you this, father, but sometimes after we all went to bed I would sneak out to the landing and watch you and mother dance. I loved watching you together. It brought back fond memories seeing you dance with Fraulein Maria at the party." Georg looked at his daughter softly for a moment. He did recall those nights dancing with Agathe after the children had gone to bed, but he did not realise they had an audience. He was not angry though, but sad that they did not have this conversation long before now.
"I used to love her stories." Kurt conveyed, as his siblings and father focused on him. "She could sit for hours making up stories with us. Her imagination was endless. I still recall being captivated by them especially as I was drifting off to sleep."
"The only thing I remember are her hugs." Marta said, engaging her family's attention. "I don't recall her voice or what she looked like, but I do remember feeling better in her arms."
"That is how I felt too with Fraulein Maria." Gretl interjected. "For the first time, I felt like I had a mother." Georg watched the despondent expressions on his younger daughters' faces. It broke his heart seeing them like this. Stretching out a hand to each of them, Marta and Gretl took hold as their father embraced them warmly and kissed their heads tenderly. They both climbed into his lap, sitting on a knee each as Georg addressed his family.
"I know the last four years have been difficult for you all. What I did not realise was that we needed one another. As I sat here listening to your memories of your mother, all I can do is apologise for not being there for you. Truthfully, I did not know how to be a father to you. I was selfish, consumed by grief, and did not acknowledge your feelings. Therefore, I hired governesses to fulfil the mother figure you had lost and retreated in the worst possible way. I hope you can forgive me."
"Of course, father. You were not to know. I am just glad that we can all act as a family once again." Liesl conveyed, smiling warmly at her father who reciprocated and squeezed her offering hand.
"However, if it was not for Fraulein Maria then things may still be the same." Georg raised an eyebrow at Brigitta, knowing what she was getting at.
"Yes, Brigitta, we do owe her a lot. However, she has made her decision and we must carry on as a family." He smiled softly, releasing Gretl and Marta from his lap. "Okay, let's start packing up and heading home."
"Does that mean you are going to marry Baroness Schrader?" Louisa asked, folding up a blanket. Georg sighed and said:
"Louisa, I do not know yet. This is something I need to discuss with her. All I know for sure is that nothing and I mean nothing will divide our family ever again." Georg left to help Friedrich and Kurt clean up. Once he was gone, Louisa nodded at Brigitta to begin singing.
The hills are alive with the sound of music
With songs they have sung for a thousand years
Brigitta smirked at her father who looked over curiously, as Louisa began to sing.
The hills fill my heart with the sound of music
My heart wants to sing every song it hears
Liesl, knowing her younger sisters' plan joined in and Marta and Gretl followed.
My heart wants to beat like the wings of the birds that rise from the lake to the trees
My heart wants to sigh like a chime that flies from a church on a breeze
To laugh like a brook when it trips and falls over stones on its way
To sing through the night, like a lark who is learning to pray
Georg, who had been listening and reminiscing to hearing his children sing this for Elsa under Maria's influence was deeply moved all over again. He was aware of his daughters' agenda, but could not be angry with them. He missed her too, but did not believe it was right to go after her knowing it was his fault she left. Evidently, Maria needed to move away from him. He hoped she would return, but it would be on her terms. Walking to the spot he stood at with his children a while ago, Georg began singing to his children's' surprise.
I go to the hills when my heart is lonely
I know I will hear
What I have heard before
Turning to see stunned expressions of his children, Georg smiled brightly as he beckoned them over. They all ran to him as he continued singing.
My heart will be blessed
With the sound of music
His older children stood as close as they could to him. Marta stood to the left of her father, hugging his waist as he draped an arm around her shoulder. Gretl stood in a similar position on the right as her father gently caressed the ends of her hair while they all sang the last line in unison.
And I'll sing once more.
They embraced tightly together overlooking the Austrian scenery as the mountain air brushed softly against their faces. Nobody spoke. They did not need to because it was evident that their bond was renewed and strengthened. It was unbreakable. After standing in silence for a few moments, Georg guided his family back to finish packing and preparing to return home.
After everyone had gone to bed, Georg took refuge out on the terrace. He knew that his children needed Maria in their lives as much as he did. However, it was not his style to go running to Nonberg Abbey and asking her to return. He hoped some time away would benefit them both and she would return. Meanwhile, Elsa was looming in the background. He did care for her, but he did not love her the way he should. Regardless, he was a man of honour and reconciled that he should marry her. It is what she expects. Captain Von Trapp considered that he did not deserve to marry a woman he deeply loved twice in his life. He was pondering the best solution for everyone when Elsa interrupted.
"There you are." Elsa said walking on to the terrace. Georg, who sat at the table looking outward, turned and smiled softly as Elsa strided towards him.
"Sit with me a while, Elsa." She happily occupied the seat beside him. He kept looking straight ahead, as she watched him tentatively. There was something broken in him and she longed to be able to repair it. After sitting quietly for a few moments, Georg turned, smiling gently and took her hand in his. As he caressed the back of her hand absentmindedly with his thumb, he asked:
"Isn't this a beautiful sight?"
"Yes, Georg. I love it here with you. It is so lovely and peaceful."
"It may not always be that way."
"What do you mean, Georg?"
"If the Germans get their way, Austria as we know it will be gone."
"I know how much you love Austria, Georg, but we must look to the future – whatever that brings." He kissed the back of Elsa's hand lightly and stood up at the balcony. She remained seated for a moment, watching him.
"I brought the children to Mondsee today. It was their first time there. I am ashamed to admit it was the first occasion I had spent any real time alone with them since Agathe died." He turned to face Elsa who remained seated.
"We shared a picnic on the mountain and looked out over the lake and we were a real family. I missed that. I missed out on so much with my children and that can never happen again." Smiling sadly at him, she stood up and walked to his side.
"Darling, it is obvious the children love you very much. Regardless of the time you all lost, I am certain you are dedicated to being part of their lives now, Georg."
"The thing is Elsa, I cannot do it alone. One day on the mountains is not going to fix it all. Agathe was the stable force in our children's lives. She was my rock. I am no good on my own. It is important that the children have a mother in their lives."
"What are you trying to say, Georg?" Elsa asked in a hopeful tone.
"There was a time when I was offering a life with you whereby we would travel the world together and the children would be essentially raised by their governess. Now, the world is changing vastly. I need my children, Elsa and they need me too. I am still offering a place for you in my life, but the children are part of the package. If you feel that you cannot be a wife and mother, then tell me."
"I know that children were never important to me, Georg. Peter and I knew from early on that we would not want children. However, after spending time here with you and your family, I see the joy they bring. I can't pretend that I will very good at it, but I am willing to try."
"Then that is what we will do." Georg reciprocated Elsa's light smile as he embraced her.
"Do you want me with you when you tell the children, Georg?" Elsa enquired as they relinquished.
"We will tell them together tomorrow." He stated flatly.
"Okay. I suppose it is time to call it a night. Are you going to stay up longer?"
"I'm not tired yet, but you go ahead. I will see you in the morning." He smiled kindly at her.
"Goodnight Georg." She kissed him lightly on the lips.
"Goodnight Elsa." He smiled warmly as she left.
Turning back to face outwards, Georg rested his hands on the balcony and lowered his head momentarily.
"Have I made the right decision, Agathe? I do not know for sure. The children are not going to be thrilled, but you know I cannot go to the Abbey and bring Maria home. It is not in me to act like that. However, you could intercede on our behalf. Oh, what am I saying? Elsa is a wonderful woman and any man would feel privileged to call her their wife. Why don't I feel that way?"
With this thought in mind, Captain Von Trapp conceded and went to bed. He hoped the next day would change his perspective and that his children would support his decision.
The next morning after breakfast, Max and Elsa sat out on the terrace watching the children playing a game of ball with one another on the lower tier. Frau Schmidt delivered a jug of pink lemonade and quietly left. After watching the children for a few moments, Max turned to Elsa saying:
"Is Georg going to break the news to them today?" He poured lemonade into two glasses.
"I believe so. He said last night that we would tell them together." Elsa replied, taking a sip of lemonade.
"Oh, what is this, Max?" She asked, pursing her lips rejecting the bitter taste.
"I am not quite sure, but as it is pink, perhaps raspberry or grapefruit."
"I wonder if I should join their game." Elsa mused aloud. Max raised an eyebrow at her.
"Are you telling me that you are a reformed woman? The Elsa I know never bothered with children." She smiled sardonically at Max's playful grin.
"Those children are Georg's life, Max. If I want to be part of all their lives, then I need to make some changes. Excuse me." She left the table to join the children.
"Hello." They looked at Baroness Schrader approach them. "I was wondering if perhaps I may join in." The children shared perplexed glances with one another. Elsa smiled lightly recognising their feelings on the matter. "I just thought it would be a good bonding exercise for us, but if you rather I didn't..."
"No, Baroness...you are welcome to join us." Fredrich conveyed politely. Brigitta and Louisa glared at him but he ignored them. Taking the ball from Kurt, Fredrich proceeded to explain the game to her. After this, Fredrich encouraged her to stand next to him – she would be number six and could restart the game by passing the ball to anyone of her choosing. After fifteen minutes, the children had enough of the game and conveyed this to Elsa.
"Oh, that is no problem at all. We can do it again tomorrow." She smiled politely as she returned to Max. Sitting at the table, she exhaled and drank some lemonade. Max chuckled and said:
"It is not as easy as it looks then, is it?" Elsa, whose index finger and thumb were stretched between her left eye and jaw line, shook her head replying wistfully:
"There must be an easier way."
"Yes, there is, but you did not want her around, did you?" Elsa sharply turned facing Max, eyes widened by the shock that he knew. Before she could reply, the children meandered towards them as Brigitta asked:
"Uncle Max, where is father?"
"I think he is in the house." Observing their dejectedness, Max enquired:
"What is the matter with all you gloomy pusses?"
"Nothing." Brigitta replied lifelessly. Rising from the table, Max said:
"I know what we will do: we will make believe we are standing on the stage at the festival."
"Why?" Louisa asked, perplexed.
"I don't feel like singing." Marta conveyed despondently. "Not without father..."
"...or Fraulein Maria." Gretl interjected. Elsa rolled her eyes, drinking more of the lemonade as Max gathered them together. He had brought out the guitar earlier, optimistically hoping they would perform as a distraction. Giving it to Liesl, he instructed her to give them a key. Noticing that two children were not participating, Max held up a hand to stop them.
"Friedrich, Gretl, why don't you sing?" Friedrich shrugged his shoulders as Gretl replied:
"I can't because I have a sore finger." She held up her bandaged index finger as Max bent before her.
"You sang so beautifully the night of the party." He kissed her finger and said: "Come on love, try something, enjoy it and be cheerful. All right, Liesl." Standing back up, Liesl began strumming the melody of Edelweiss, much to her siblings and Max's surprise.
Edelweiss, Edelweiss,
Every morning you greet me,
Small and white, clean and bright,
You look happy to meet me,
Georg stepped on to the terrace without anyone noticing. He stood watching his children sing the song that was closest to his heart. It was obvious his children were still in pain and the only person that could heal that was Maria. It was heart wrenching watching them perform this song. Still, he stood there for another minute to see if they would make it to the end.
Blossom of snow
May you bloom and grow
Bloom and grow forever
Brigitta was the first to disperse as she stood looking outwards at the balcony.
Edelweiss
Louisa stood by her sister followed by Gretl
Edelweiss
Kurt sat on the balcony with his head bowed.
Bless my homeland forever
Liesel sang the last couple of words alone once Fredrich and Marta stopped singing. She looked up to see her father standing there and reciprocated his sad smile. She put the guitar up against the balcony as Max turned to see Georg walking towards them. He patted Liesel's shoulder as he walked to Elsa as Max said:
"They just wanted to sing for me, bless their hearts."
"It was lovely to hear." He smiled dejectedly at all his children and sat down at the table.
"Would you like some pink lemonade, Georg?" Elsa asked, smiling softly.
"Pink lemonade? I suppose I will try it." He smiled lightly at her as she poured some into a glass.
"Father, have you heard anymore about Fraulein Maria?" Brigitta enquired. Georg looked despondently at her.
"No, darling, I am afraid I have not." He sampled the drink, but could not admit to liking it. Shaking his head a little, he placed the glass back on the table.
"What do you think of the drink, Georg?" Elsa asked, trying to move away from this topic of conversation.
"It is quite pink and bitter, isn't it?" Georg replied, scrunching his face.
"Max and I thought the same." He smiled softly in response.
"It has been a week, father, so shouldn't we do something?"
"Louisa, I realise that Maria was a big part of your lives and that you all miss her very much. I miss her too, but she made her decision and I am not going to pursue the matter any further."
"So, if she did want to return, would you allow her to?" Brigitta asked. Georg looked at her knowing what she was getting at. However, before he could respond, Gretl asked:
"Father, who is our new governess going to be?" Looking at Elsa, who settled herself, Georg stood up and said:
"You are not going to have a governess anymore." The children shared stark glances knowing what was to follow. "You are going to have a new mother."
"So, it is official?" Brigitta asked. Georg looked gravely at her and nodded his head.
"We spoke about it last night. It is all settled and we are all going to be very happy." Elsa smiled brightly at Georg as he took her hand in his for a moment.
"I doubt that." Louisa muttered. Georg heard her, glaring at his daughter, who offered him an apologetic glance. With encouragement from her father, Liesl made the first move to welcome Elsa to the family by kissing her on the cheek. The others soon followed much to their father's surprise. Max sniggered at the spectacle and wondered if any of the children were happy with the prospect of having Elsa as their stepmother. After Kurt found a spot to kiss, Georg caught him by his shoulders and gently pushed him away saying:
"Oh, all right, now go off and play." Georg smiled lightly as he received a subtle glare from each of his five older children as they proceeded to walk down the steps and out of sight. They walked to the front of the house and convened on what to do.
"We cannot discuss it here." Liesl conveyed quietly, "Perhaps we could all walk into town and find somewhere to talk about this." They all agreed to do just that.
A/N Okay, I know this chapter was shorter than the previous one, but I do hope you enjoyed it. I know that Georg and Elsa's engagement was not particularly romantic – I hope you are not too disappointed in that. I assure you that the next instalment will display more romance. Let me know your thoughts, gang! : )