A/N Hey gang! Apologies for the delay in updating this story, but hopefully it was worth it. So, we are moving on to events from Maria's departure and subsequent return. We know what the children did, and the advice Maria received from the Reverend Mother, but what about Captain Von Trapp? Have you ever wondered what he thought, did or felt after his children left home at that point in the movie? Well, this chapter is seen a lot from his point of view. I do hope you will like it. Enjoy! : )
Captain Von Trapp drove around Salzburg trying to clear his head. He left the villa shortly after his children. From the moment he told them about his plans to marry Elsa, something within him changed. As his children walked down the patio steps single file, the older ones offered him a disapproving glance. Georg expected them to react this way but seeing it is a lot different. He knew in his heart that it was a mistake to even consider marrying Elsa, but what was he to do? Maria left and he had proven time after time that he could not parent his children alone. He needed someone to help. Until Maria, he assumed Elsa would fit the build but now... Georg had to get out of there. Elsa was suffocating him with her wedding plans. It was as though she expected him to change his mind so wanted some assurance.
Georg was not sure where he was until he stopped the car. Looking to his left, he smiled at the significance. He was parked beside Lake Mondsee, not far from the church. Sighing, Georg closed his eyes as he rested his head against the back of the seat, his hands still clutching the steering wheel. Opening his eyes, he gently stretched his fingers and looked out the window. The area seemed deserted today, which was unusual, but Georg assumed the weather was the reason. It did look like it might rain. Nevertheless, he stepped out of the car and pulling his jacket around him, proceeded in the direction of the church. Walking along the gravel pathway, Georg felt a light breeze caress his face. He looked above him to see the cause of the disturbance and saw a family of birds chirping on a treetop. He smiled fondly thinking of his own children's recent musical developments. His family had rediscovered the joy of music as a result of Maria's influence. Georg passed a few cafes and smiled sadly at people sitting outside. He wondered how much longer they would be able to do this before Germany made life so impossible for everyone. Subsequently, he thought about his own life and contemplated if he would even be in Austria for much longer. With or without Maria, Georg felt sure he would leave the country he loved in order to protect his family. The sound of something familiar and inherently Austrian disturbed Georg's reverie once more. He stopped and looking to his right, realising the church bells were tolling. As he stood starring at people trickling in and out, memories of his wedding to Agathe rushed through his mind. This was the church he and Elsa would also attend for their special day.
"Oh, Elsa." Georg sighed. Rubbing his face down and twisting his bottom lip with his right hand. He lowered it to his side, smiling politely at people passing along. Before realising how he got there, Georg was standing outside the church doors. Even though he was religious, he had not actively practised his faith as much as he used to since Agathe died. It was not because he suddenly had no faith or turned against the church, but he was angry that his prayers for her to recover had not been answered. Somehow it felt as though he was being tested lately. He found an empty peu at the back and sat down.
"I have not seen you for a while, Georg." He turned to see to see the priest who married him standing behind him. Georg reciprocated his gentle smile.
"I apologise Fr. Bauer; I did not expect to see you here. In fact, I am surprised that I am here." Georg lowered his head. Fr. Bauer looked at his friend sadly. He realised something was bothering him and he needed a friendly ear.
"Georg, if you need to talk then I would be very happy to listen, my friend." Georg sighed, lifting his head to look at Fr. Bauer directly. He smiled limply as he quietly said:
"I would not know where to start."
"Come to my office and we will talk over a cup of tea." Georg gratefully accepted the invitation.
"Now, I know that you have not been here since Agathe died Georg. Many times, I wanted to call out and see how you were doing, but I felt that would be an imposition. Also, you may not have wanted to see me as I represent something you grew angry at." Fr. Bauer said, handing Georg a cup and saucer. He accepted it politely and drank a little tea before responding.
"I am ashamed to admit that you are correct, Fr. I turned my back on my faith because I believed my prayers for Agathe's health were unanswered."
"That is not all you turned your back on though, is it Georg?" He looked starkly at Fr. Bauer who wore a playful expression, as he sipped some tea.
"No. My children suffered too I regretfully inform you." Georg replied, feeling a great deal of shame.
"How are they now? Some must be very grown up."
"Yes. Liesl is sixteen and becoming a woman right before my eyes. If it was not for Maria, I may never have pulled myself together and recognised this. Fredrich is fourteen and without my realisation has turned into a young man overnight. Louisa and Brigitta are blossoming too. Of course, Maria did point out that Brigitta is alert to everything going on and she is quite right. Kurt has also grown up so fast. I missed out on so much of his and his older siblings lives that I am determined not to make the same mistakes with Marta and Gretl."
"I can see how devoted you are to your children; Georg and I am sure they love you dearly."
"I see no reason for them to over the last four years, but we found our way back thanks to Maria."
Fr. Bauer placed his empty cup to the side of his desk. Something Georg said piqued his curiosity. He leaned his arms on his desk and asked:
"May I ask who Maria is, Georg? You mention her a lot." Georg looked at him and then focused his attention on his cup.
"She was the children's governess." He replied, finishing his tea.
"Was?" Fr. Bauer asked, raising his eyebrows. Georg placed his cup and saucer on the desk. He clasped one hand over his wrist, sat forward with his head low.
"She is a novice at Nonberg Abbey. The Reverend Mother sent her to me back in May, but she has since returned to her duties."
"Ah, I see."
"What's that Fr. Bauer?" Georg asked, looking at his friend gravely.
"Well she made a good impression on you and helped to steer you back to your children. Prayers do not go unanswered, Georg. We simply receive a reply dependent on our needs. Agathe's passing was tragic. There is no doubt about that. However, a novice from Nonberg was the one to fix your relationship with your children. I would say that was an answer to prayer."
Georg shook his head and shrugged his shoulders, focusing on the floor as he answered.
"It does not matter anymore. Maria is gone."
"You still have your children."
"I am no good on my own." Georg quietly replied, glancing at Fr. Bauer.
"If you feel that way then why not ask Maria to come back?"
"I can't."
"Why?" Georg shook his head. "Why can't you ask Maria to return Georg?" Fr. Bauer pressed gently. Georg stood up abruptly and stood by the window on his left.
"Because I am in love with her and I fear she ran away as a result of my inappropriate feelings."
"Who said they were inappropriate?" Fr. Bauer softly enquired. Georg turned to face his friend looking aghast that he did not understand.
"She is studying to become a nun. She has pledged her life to God. Then I go and..."
"Offer her a different life?" He looked dishevelled at Fr. Bauer. He sat back in his chair with his fingertips resting on the desk as he addressed his friend.
"Georg, the love between a man and a woman is Holy too. You have not created a mortal sin by falling in love with a Novice. Evidentially, Maria must feel the same way towards you. Otherwise, she would never have left." Georg inhaled deeply, closing his eyes. Opening them, he looked between his friend and the floor.
"I do not know what to do. There is so much at stake. My children idolise her and have been deeply saddened by her sudden departure."
"Have you spoken to them about your feelings for Maria?"
"Like Maria, some of them picked up on it and have asked me to get her back, but I cannot interfere in her life that way." Fr. Bauer smiled gently realising the torment his friend was enduring.
"You are also not the type of man to run after her Georg." He glanced at Fr. Bauer before refocusing his attention on the window, his hands crossed behind his back.
"Do you want to know why I ended up here today? Baroness Schrader has been staying with us for the last few weeks. We have been seeing each other for a while. Some mutual friends put us in touch with each other about a year ago. Last night we made things official because I knew it was what she wanted. We told the children earlier and they were shocked but polite to her. After they left, all Elsa wanted to do was discuss wedding plans, but I couldn't. I just couldn't." Georg quietly said, bowing his head and sighing. Turning to his friend he continued. "Now, you see how selfish I am." Fr. Bauer stood up from his desk and approached Georg. He placed both hands on his shoulders as he said:
"All I see is a man trying to make everyone happy before himself. What is it that you want, Georg? What will make you happy?" He released his grip and stepped back a little as his friend paced the office. Turning back to meet him halfway, Georg replied:
"Agatha did for a long time. We had seven beautiful children together and our seventeen years of marriage were happy for the most part. In the last four years, I have been avoiding my parental duties because I believed they needed a mother figure. Also, some reminded me too much of their mother, so I ran from my grief and took out my anger, hurt and loneliness on the innocent. Elsa did bring meaning back into my life. She made me feel alive, but Maria showed me that my life is worth nothing without my children. She created a happy home environment. Her presence gave me a sense of peace. I fell in love with her and I think I am finally ready to admit that to myself and even to Elsa. It would be wrong for so many reasons to marry her instead of Maria. I know that day may never come, and I am not going to pursue her unless she willingly returns. However, I think I can parent alone now if I have to."
"Then surely that is also an answer to prayer, Georg." Fr. Bauer replied, walking closer to him. Georg looked at him pensively. "We know not what we are capable of until we are tested. Maria showed you the way back to your children. I know her absence must be painful for your children and I dare say even you, Georg, but think how much richer your life has become because of her brief time with you."
"I am a better man because of her."
"Then continue being the wonderful father your children have seen you become lately. The worst thing to happen to them has occurred twice: they lost two maternal figures who filled their lives with immense joy, love and understanding. Now, I must begin preparations for evening mass, but let me leave you with this. Be kind to yourself, Georg. You have endured the worst possible tragedy but have learned to open your heart again. Take comfort from that and know the value in the most precious of all gifts - your children. I hope to see you here again someday soon. Perhaps you may even be standing at the alter waiting for Maria." Georg laughed lightly.
"I would not be counting on that."
"Real love comes to those who are patient, Georg. You may believe Agathe was your one and only, but someone up there disagrees." He said pointing upwards. "It was wonderful seeing you again. Give my blessings to your family."
"I will. Thank you for listening, Fr. Bauer."
"Anytime. I am always here, Georg." Both men smiled kindly at one another, shook hands and went their separate ways.
"Georg darling, there you are. I was wondering where you had got to." Elsa exclaimed as he entered the sitting room. He absentmindedly hugged her while looking around the room.
"The children are outside. I did everything I could to cheer them up, but they kept enquiring after you, especially Gretl." Max informed his friend, approaching him with two glasses of brandy. Georg nodded in understanding as he relinquished Elsa who stood back starring at him concernedly. He didn't notice.
Thank you, Max, I'll go and check on them." Turning to leave, Elsa called after him.
"Would you like a drink, Georg?" Turning his head, he smiled softly at her and replied:
"No, thank you darling, but please help yourself." He pointed to the glass Max had given her.
"He went to the Abbey, didn't he?" Elsa asked Max fearfully as she continued to stare after him.
"That would be my guess." Max replied gently. Elsa inhaled deeply and running her finger around the rim of her glass quietly cried:
"I've lost him, Max." Smiling despondently, he brought his arm across her shoulder and squeezed her lightly.
Approaching the terrace, Georg heard something that had been absent from his home for some time: his children singing. "Could it be?" He thought. With a quickened pace, he marched outside and saw his children walking to the house with their governess. His heart beat faster as he saw them all together. Finally, they stopped right in front of the steps. The children excitedly exclaimed the obvious to their father.
"Good evening Captain." Maria said politely.
"Good evening." He replied with a warm smile.
"All right, everyone inside and get ready for dinner." The children left shouting joyously as they ran past their father and into the house. Descending a couple of steps, Georg quietly remarked:
"You left without saying goodbye, even to the children."
"It was wrong of me, forgive me." Maria replied in an apologetic tone.
"Why did you?" Captain asked wistfully.
"Please don't ask me. Anyway, the reason no longer exists." Maria answered to avoid awkwardness, seeing Elsa approach them.
"Fraulein Maria, you have returned. Isn't it wonderful Georg?" He smiled lightly at her in response as she caught hold of his hand. Realising that she was marking her territory, Maria thought it best to escape inside as quickly as possible. Walking up the steps she offered them her congratulations on their pending nuptials.
"May I wish you every happiness Baroness and you too Captain. The children tell me that you ought to be married." Georg and Maria shared an equally sorrowful expression.
"Thank you my dear." Elsa replied graciously. Removing his hand from hers, Georg stepped onto the terrace and enquired in a hopeful tone.
"You are back to stay..." Maria shook her head and replied defiantly.
"Only until arrangements can be made for another governess." As Maria headed inside, Elsa caught sight of Georg 's disappointment. Was there no way she could make him happy? She decided to keep trying even it was futile. Once Maria was gone from sight, Georg turned smiling politely and took her hand in his as they walked inside.
The house was booming with excitement of Maria 's return. Gretl immediately ran to her father as he walked into the sitting room. He picked her up as she asked:
"Can we please have another party to celebrate Fraulein Maria coming home, father?" He laughed at his daughter's innocent excitement.
"Somehow, I don't think too many people will want to celebrate this occasion with us, Gretl. But I'll tell you what I will do darling: we will have our own party right here after dinner. For now, why don't you go upstairs with your sisters and get dressed for dinner?" Hugging him, she agreed and placing her on the ground, Liesel came and took her by the hand and brought her upstairs with the others.
On his way upstairs, Georg made a detour to his eldest daughter's bedroom. He knocked and waited for her to open it. She was surprised to see her father standing there. He smiled softly erasing any reason for alarm.
"Liesel, could you ask the others to call to my room as soon as they are ready. I would like to speak to all of you before dinner."
"Of course, father." He reciprocated her gentle smile.
"Thank you. I will see you soon."
Ten minutes later there was a knock at Georg's bedroom door. He commanded his children to enter. One by one, they stepped inside – each wearing puzzled expressions.
"Okay, I know that you are all wondering why I asked Liesel to summon you here. There is nothing wrong. I just would like an answer to this question."
"What is it father?" Fredrich asked anxiously.
"I would like to know where you all went this afternoon." Each looked at the other incredulously. Georg smirked without their noticing. "You are not in trouble, but I was just curious."
"We just walked around town for a while." Marta said.
"I see." Georg replied as he marched up and down the room with his hands behind his back.
"Why do you want to know, father?" Louisa asked. Georg turned to face them.
"I was just wondering. It is curious that you walk around town the very evening that Fraulein Maria returns, is it not?" He asked smilingly. The five younger children wore guilty expressions. Liesel and Fredrich exchanged knowing glances.
"Okay, now who is going to be the first one to tell me the truth? Brigitta? Louisa? Fredrich? Liesel?"
"Where do you think we were father?" She asked, smiling brightly. Georg raised an eyebrow at her before beginning to pace the room again.
"Well if you don't believe us then you must have some idea where you think we were."
"All I want to know is if you intervened at the Abbey and requested Fraulien Maria return."
"Why does it matter so much if we did, father?" Brigitta asked playfully. Georg stopped and turned to look at them.
"It is a simple question, Brigitta." He replied seriously.
"We felt we had no choice because you were not going to ask her." Louisa piped up. Georg pursed his lips and nodded curtly.
"We went to the Abbey, father, but the nuns would not allow us to see Fraulein Maria." Fredrich said.
"Even though I wanted to show her my finger." Georg smiled gently at his youngest daughter, grazing her cheek gently with the back of his hand.
"After that we just went to the Mirabell Gardens before coming home." Kurt said.
"You were not here though, Father."
"No, Liesel, I went for a drive into Mondsee."
"I'll bet Baroness Schrader missed you." Brigitta said with a cheeky smile.
"Are you really going to marry her?" Louisa asked incredulously.
"Louisa I…"
"She is not right for you, father. She does not love us. Fraulien Maria is the one you should be marrying."
"Okay, Brigitta, why don't you head down to dinner with the others. I will be there in a moment." The children left the room in expediently. Before leaving, Brigitta turned around to address her father one last time.
"You know I am right father. Please do not marry Baroness Schrader." He looked at her despondently as she closed the door and left.
Dinner was a sombre affair for Captain Von Trapp. All he could about was Brigitta's final sentiments. It only made it worse that Elsa sat beside him trying to engage him in conversation he was not interested in and that Maria sat opposite him: so near yet so far. Similarly, her mind was not on dinner, but she managed to converse with Max and the children more easily. Due to their seating positions, she and Georg's eyes locked on several occasions which only made Elsa more determined. By dessert she had given up trying to obtain his attention. She realised her grip was waning, but still could not accept defeat just yet. After dinner, Gretl eagerly ran to her father asking about their party. He smiled kindly at her before responding.
"Perhaps we can do it another night, sweetheart. I am feeling a little tried."
"Can we sing even just one song, father?" Marta asked pleadingly. Georg looked despondently between his children and Maria who recognised his feelings.
"Come on children, your father is tired and quite frankly so am I. It has been a long day. I think an early night would do us all the world of good." Georg and Maria locked eyes once more and smiled lightly at each other.
"Fraulein Maria is right: I will see you all in the morning." As the children left with Maria, Georg watched after them.
"Excuse me for a moment, please." Georg said to Elsa and Max who exchanged quizzical expressions as he left the room and headed upstairs. He did not feel like being sociable. His head was pounding with thoughts. Georg needed to pull himself together before he could stand being in the same room as Elsa. She knew he was avoiding her and that he needed some space. However, she feared the end was near and was determined to go down fighting. After finishing her drink, she left in pursuit of him. A few moments later, Maria returned downstairs. She appeared a little dazed. Striding to the top of the room, Max called out to her.
"Can I fix you a drink, Maria?"
"No, thank you, Max. I think before going to bed I will take a walk around the grounds. It usually helps to relax me." She smiled and turned to leave. Max called her back.
"I wondered if we could have a word while Elsa is out of the room."
"Okay." She replied somewhat perplexed, following him inside.
"I know that Georg hired you as the children's governess and you are wonderful with them. However, your leaving decimated them." Maria felt a great deal of shame at Max's words.
"I know Max and I am truly…" He held up a hand to stop her from speaking.
"I am not here to pass judgement on you, Maria. Nor am I trying to pry. You had your reasons for leaving. I respect that. However, your return has created the same problem."
"What problem?"
"The inevitable separation between Georg and Elsa." Maria looked at Max shamefully. She lowered her head as she spoke.
"Max, I am not here to intervene in their relationship. The children told me they are engaged, and I respect that."
"That is wonderful Maria, except for one problem." She looked at Max questiongly. "Georg is in love with you and I believe you are with him too. Perhaps it is time you both addressed your feelings instead of dancing around them."
"Max…."
"Look Maria, Elsa is my friend and so is Georg. I have known them both for a very long time and I care about them. There was a time when I believed their marrying was the best solution, but not anymore. Since we have been here, the way Georg looks at you is very different from the way he looks at Elsa."
"Regardless, he has made a commitment to her."
"For all the wrong reasons." She looked at him aghast. "Maria, you did not see how upset he was after you left. I was here when he found your letter and so was Elsa. He left the party to read it and took some time to get his head straight. Their engagement is a mistake. I firmly believe they will not make one another happy. There is no passion there like there is between you and Georg. All I am asking you to do is to be honest with yourself and then with him. You both deserve to be happy. Do not let Elsa's feelings be the reason you stay apart."
After spending some time reflecting in his room, Georg meandered onto the first-floor balcony. Brigitta's words still rang inside his head. He knew she was right. Becoming engaged to Elsa was never something he wanted – not after Maria turned his world upside down. He knew that tonight he had to end things with her. It was impossible for him to continue living this pretence. As he reflected on this, Georg stepped closer to the balcony and became transfixed by the view. Although the Austrian scenery always entranced him and offered peace of mind; there was something else placing him into a state of paralysis. Maria was walking the grounds. He saw her walk down to the gates of the lake. It appeared she too were lost in thought. Oh, how he would give anything to hold her in his arms and tell her how much he loved her.
"There you are, darling." Elsa snapped Georg out of his reverie. He smiled politely as she stood beside him. She saw Maria walk in the direction of the gazebo. With all his mite, Georg tried to feign ignorance, but Elsa knew. Subsequently, she knew she had to try one last time to gain his affection. She was not ready to let him go.
"You were very quiet at dinner, Georg. Is anything the matter, darling?" He turned to look at her slightly shaking his head as he leaned forward on the balcony.
"You have no idea what kind of trouble I am having trying to decide what to give you for a wedding present." Georg looked at her from the corner of his eye as she quickly said:
"Oh, I know that I am enough." She smiled widely, squeezing his arm.
"I do want you to have some little trifle for the occasion. So, at first, I thought of a fountain pen, but you have already got one. Then I thought a villa in south of France, but they are so difficult to gift wrap." Georg stood upright and turned sideways to face her. He could not bear to hear her continue. It was too painful.
"Elsa." He called softly.
"Oh, Georg, how do you feel about yachts? A long sleek one for the Mediterranean and a tiny for your bathtub." Georg laughed lightly along with her.
"Elsa." He called a little louder this time, but she carried on as if she did not hear him.
"Oh, and where to go on our honeymoon," she said clutching his arm lightly, "now that is a real problem. I thought a trip around the world would be lovely, but then I said, 'oh Elsa, there must be some place better to go.' Don't worry darling…."
"Elsa!" She stopped and looked at him suddenly.
"Yes, Georg?" She replied innocently.
"It is no use." She looked at him quizzically. "You and I… I am being dishonest to both of us and utterly unfair to you. When two people talk of marriage, they should both want it. I care about you deeply, Elsa. You may not believe me now and I cannot blame for you being angry. I should never have asked you to marry me or let things drag on as they have."
No, don't! Don't say another word Georg, please." She inhaled deeply before proceeding." You see, there are other things I have been thinking of. As fond as I am of you, I really do not think you are the right man for me. You are much too independent, and I need someone who needs me desperately or at least needs my money desperately. I have enjoyed every moment we had together. I do thank you for that. Now, if you will excuse me, I will go inside and pack my bags and return to Vienna where I belong." Georg recognised her bright smile was feigned on his account. As she turned to return inside, Georg called after her.
"You do not need to leave now, Elsa." She sniffed once and turned around wearing the same smile.
"I think I do, Georg. Did you really think I did not notice?"
"What do you mean?" He asked with an air of perplexity. Elsa walked closer to him.
"The way you look at me is far different from the way you look at Maria." Georg tried to explain, but Elsa continued. "I am not angry, Georg. I think it is wonderful that you have found someone to share your life. I only wish it could be me." He reciprocated her despondent smile.
"I wish it were too, Elsa. The last thing in the world I ever wanted to do was to hurt you. When I brought you back here from Vienna, it was my intention, but things changed. You will never know how sorry I am."
"Oh, Georg, I know that." She smiled kindly, fighting back tears.
"How long have you known?" Georg asked quietly.
"I suspected it from the evening you sang Edelweiss, but then the night of the party and you danced the landler with her. The way you looked at each other… I knew it was over between us, but I was not ready to give you up. So, I…" She lowered her head a little, fearful of revealing the truth of her actions in Maria's departure.
"You asked her to leave, didn't you?" Georg asked with a wry smile. Elsa looked at him shocked.
"No, I merely pointed out that you were in love with her. That was enough to ensure discomfort because she felt the same way about you. It was her decision to leave, but I did not encourage her to stay. It was not my proudest moment and after seeing the pain it caused you and your family…I deeply regret my actions. I do apologise." He smiled laughingly to himself. Brigitta was right, but he never thought Elsa would admit it. He could not be angry at her realising the depth of her devotion to their relationship.
"I would have been surprised if you had not tried it. I know why you did it, Elsa and I only wish it had worked out better for you." She came and stood beside him.
"When Maria said she was not staying, the devasted expression on your face…I knew, but I could not walk away from you, Georg. You had to end it."
"There is something you should know: I did not go to the Abbey in pursuit of her, the children did. Maria may never have returned if they did not." Elsa squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. She was not going to cry in front of him. She opened them and looked at him kindly.
"As comforting as it is to know that Georg, it still does not change things. Even if Maria had not returned this evening, you could never love me as much."
"I am sorry, Elsa." She shook her head.
"Let us part as friends, Georg. I wish you and Maria every happiness." She kissed him on the cheek. "Auf Wiedersehn, darling."
Georg breathed a sigh of relief as Elsa left for her room. Now he wished he ended things sooner to avoid all the pain. It was done now, and she accepted it graciously. The next task was speaking to Maria. Georg leaned forward, his arms resting on the balcony as he contemplated his thoughts. He wondered if postponing things until the morning was best. No, enough time had been lost, he thought.
Why do I feel so anxious?" Georg thought aloud, playing with the ring on his small finger. "You always told me, Agathe, that I was the bravest man you ever knew. I do not feel so courageous now, darling. There is a lot more at stake second time round. He stood upright and looked up at the sky.
It is the right thing to do, but I just fear Maria may not want a life with me after all. He sighed and bowed his head. Looking up again, he said:
Please, stay with me, Agathe and guide me on the right course. With one last glance at the sky, Georg felt a light breeze caress his face. He then proceeded to find Maria.
Maria sat on the bench outside the gazebo. She leant forward with her fingers propping up her chin as she contemplated everything that happened.
I am at a loss right now. You sent me here to be the children's governess, but there was no warning that I would fall in love with their father so completely that I cannot imagine my life without him. To find out he is engaged is simply devastating. I know that Max believed we were better suited, but I cannot intervene. It is not my place. Lord, please, give me the strength I need to carry on. Guide me in the direction you want me to take.
"Hello." Maria turned to find Georg standing behind her. "I thought I just might find you here." He smiled gently which unnerved her slightly. She jumped up as he approached the bench and asked
"Was there something you wanted?"
"No, no sit down, please." She remained standing. "Please." He urged. Maria cagily resumed her seat. "May I?" He asked, pointing to the bench. He received a curt nod as Maria looked away. They sat in silence for a moment until Georg broke it.
"You know I was wondering two things: why did you run away to the Abbey and what was it that made you come back?"
"Well I had an obligation to fulfil and I came back to fulfil it."
"Is that all?"
"I missed the children."
"Only the children?"
"No. Yes, isn't it right that I should miss them?" Maria asked defensively.
"Oh, yes, yes, of course. I was only hoping that..."
"Yes?" He observed her hopeful expression in advance of responding.
"Well, nothing was the same when you were away, and it will be all wrong again after you leave so I thought that you might change your mind?" Maria stood up and began walking back in the direction of the lake.
"You have no idea how much I wish it were possible. I love those children as though they were my own, but we cannot live in some fantasy world and pretend we are a family when we are not, Captain."
"We could be, Maria, if that is what you want." Maria stopped by the hedgerows and turned around to face him.
"Baroness Schrader loves you very much. Any fool can see that. She is the one you are meant to be with, and I am destined to become a nun at Nonberg Abbey." She turned around and walked further away from him. Georg stood there as he said
"Look me in the eyes and tell me that is what you want, and I will not say another word, Maria. Tell me that your feelings have not changed since arriving here four months ago." Maria stopped, shrugged her shoulders and replied
"So, what if they have? We cannot do anything about it now."
"Why is that?" She turned and fiercely exclaimed
"You are marrying Baroness Schrader, Captain. I will not interfere with that." They stood rooted to the spot for a moment. Their eyes bearing into one another's souls. This time Georg out stepped her. He strided quietly up to the gates of the lake. Maria followed and stood by the bench on the right.
"Do you remember the day you first met Elsa? We all stood right here. You had just returned from an outing with the children. I was far from impressed at their attire, but after dismissing them and once Elsa followed, we had an argument where you told me exactly what you thought of me and my parenting style. Every single word was true, but I did not want to hear it. I told you to leave, but we both know it was said in anger. Maria, you are the one that saved me from myself and reunited me with my children. Elsa would happily live a life without them and maybe there was a time when I could too, but not anymore. I need my children, but I also need you. Tell me you do not feel the same way."
"Captain, I think enough has been said so excuse me." She hurried towards the steps.
"I am not marrying Elsa." Georg exclaimed. Maria stopped upon hearing this. "We spoke earlier and agreed to call off our engagement."
"Why is that?" She asked, still facing the house. Georg moved closer to her but provided enough space to avoid crowding her.
"She knew the truth about my feelings for you, Maria. For a while she suspected something had changed, but it was not until the night of the party when she saw us dancing the landler that it was confirmed. I had no idea four months ago that a novice from Nonberg could turn my life upside down so completely that I would fall into the deepest depths of love and never want to be rescued. So, I will ask you again to look me in the eyes and tell me you do not feel the same way." Slowly, Maria turned around to face him. She watched him for a moment before responding. There was not a doubt in her mind that every word he uttered was sincere and heart felt.
"The Reverend Mother always says when the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window." Maria walked past him as she spoke. "I suppose I have known for a long time that He was pulling me in a different direction, but I kept fighting it. I convinced myself you could not possibly love me until the night of the party...we danced the landler...when you looked at me…" She turned to look at him directly, clutching her chest. "I could not breathe. Instead of owning my feelings, I ran away from them, but was told to come back to see if a different life awaited me."
"Does this alternative route appeal to you, Maria?" Georg asked gently, walking closer to her.
"We have spoken before about my past, Captain. I chose to become a nun in order to escape an unhappy childhood. However, even at Nonberg, I did not quite fit in. The only time I felt like I belonged somewhere was here. It was a little rocky initially, but after getting to know the children and being accepted by you...I imagined staying here forever. It didn't seem possible until now. As the Reverend Mother says: you have to live the life you were born to live. My life is right here with you and the children."
Captain Von Trapp stepped closer to Maria. If possible, she looked even more beautiful in the moonlight. They looked deep into one another's eyes. Each could feel the other's breath on their faces and hear the rapid sound of their hearts beating wildly. They had stood on the edge with one another before, but something or someone always stopped them from acting on their feelings. There was nothing stopping them now. Both were free of their shackles. Georg firmly clutched Maria's chin, bringing their lips closer. Maria closed her eyes as Georg's lips gently grazed off hers. She had been kissed before, but never like this. It was sweet, gentle, but full of passion that stemmed from the deepest love. Opening his eyes to look at her, Georg smiled softly as Maria rested her head against his chest, wrapping her arms around his back. Georg enveloped his arms around her securely.
"If I was not sure then, I am sure now of where I belong." Maria said. Georg gently relinquished their embrace. Smiling warmly at her, he cupped her face with both of his hands and looked directly at her. He was at a loss for words. Maria had once again transfixed him into a hypnotic state. Finally, he spoke the only words he could think of to summarise his feelings for her.
"I love you." Caressing his lips against her forehead, Maria softly said:
"Oh, can this be happening to me?"
Perhaps I had a wicked childhood
Perhaps I had a miserable youth
Georg raised an eyebrow as she sang. She smiled fondly in response.
But somewhere in my wicked, miserable past
There must have been a moment of truth
Georg nodded, joining his hands with hers and smiling lovingly as she continued to sing Then, he raised her hands to his lips and softly kisses them, still looking adoringly into her eyes.
For here you are standing there
Loving me
Whether or not you should
Maria smiled brightly as Georg jokingly shook his head.
So somewhere in my youth or childhood
Georg held their hands close to his heart, symbolising their unification as one.
I must have done something good
Nothing comes from nothing
Nothing ever could
So somewhere in my youth or childhood
I must have done something good
Georg smiled widely at Maria, lacing his fingers with hers as he delicately swung them around so that they were standing next to the gates of the lake. The soft moonlight created a silhouette that hid them from the world. They only saw one another.
"Do you know when I first started loving you? That night at the dinner table when you sat on that ridiculous pinecone." Georg said, laughing at the memory.
"What?" Maria asked in a surprised tone, laughing lightly. "I knew the first time you blew that silly whistle."
"Oh, my love." Georg gently caressed her right cheek with his fingers. Maria rested her cheek against his palm. Lowering his hand, Georg joined both with Maria's and began to sing.
For here you are standing there loving me
Whether or not you should
Stepping closer to him, Maria sang. Georg kissed her forehead as she did.
So somewhere in my youth or childhood
I must have done something good
Standing as close to one another as possible, they sang:
Nothing comes from nothing
Nothing ever could
So somewhere in my youth
Or childhood
Georg gleefully sang as he tapped her nose. He held their hands against his heart again as Maria continues singing.
I must have done something
Wrapping their arms around one another's necks, Maria and Georg conclude.
Something good.
They share a tender kiss, cementing their love and devotion to one another. After they break away, Georg lightly runs his lips from Maria's left cheek to her temple.
"Maria?" He asks, "Is there anyone I should go to ask permission to marry you?" Maria looks at him directly.
"Well, why don't we ask…"
"The children?" They ask in unison, laughing at their synchronisation.
"I suppose we should leave it until morning. There is no sense in waking them up now, despite how thrilled they are going to be." Georg mused.
"That is probably best. Shall we start heading in?"
"Yes, but I do not know how much sleep I will get tonight." Georg exclaimed brightly.
"You will get considerably less if the children knew." Georg laughed lightly with Maria.
They find the house completely deserted. Georg checked if Max was in the living room, but there is no sign. They continue their journey up the stairs.
"I suspect he has gone to bed or escorted Elsa to the train station. She was adamant about leaving immediately."
"She must have been very hurt."
"Yes, but she also accepted that it was never going to work out quite graciously. I believe we can be friends, but it may take some time."
They reached the top of the stairs, both looking lovingly at one another.
"Well, goodnight Maria." He kissed her lightly.
"Goodnight Captain." Georg chuckled.
"I think you can start calling me Georg now." Maria laughed lightly with him as he reached in and kissed her forehead. He reached up and stroked her face with his right hand. She took hold of his wrist and kissed his palm.
"I will see you in the morning, Georg." He smiled brightly at the sound of his name. Maria turned down the corridor to her room. Once she was gone from sight, Georg stood transfixed to the spot for a moment. Then, with a happy sigh, left for his bedroom.
A/N Well what did you think? I hope it was not ruined for you. The last thing I want to do is tarnish any element of my favourite movie. I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know gang!