A Surprise

The second day's activities had kept the group busy. The children's' activities included a ballet class and painting class for the girls. The boys had built things from an erector set and put together a model car.

Together all the children had watched a movie and several short movies called cartoons. The men had attended a presentation about America; a short history of its discovery and the first states and information on the port in New York City where the ship would dock. They were also told about the train station where they could board trains to all parts of the country. And Isabel and Maria watched the afternoon performance of the play, The Count of Luxembourg.

At dusk that evening they found themselves once again on the Observation Deck. This time to watch the sunset and the stars come out. The lights had been dimed for a better viewing.

Friedrich exclaimed. "The sunset is even more beautiful than the sunrise we saw on the lake. Papa, tells us about that star we see."

"It's not a star, Friedrich. It's another planet named Venus."

"How can you tell the difference?"

"Look at it closely. Does it twinkle?"

"I don't think it does, Papa. Are there other planets?"

"Yes, but you can only see them using a telescope. Soon the night sky will be filled with stars. You'll be able to see them because the moon is in its early phase when only a small part of it is seen."

As the stars came out, Maria began to sing. Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how we wonder what you are. Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky.

"I like that song. Can you teach it to me?"

"I can Gretl. It's an easy song to learn; it has two more verses."

As the deck lights came back on, the group returned to their cabins. No one complained about going to bed.

The next day was the third day of their cruise. Georg was truly awake with the chickens; it wouldn't be daybreak for at least another hour.

He laid there; thinking.

He was thinking about the conversation Isabel and Maria had after watching the play, The Count of Luxembourg, yesterday. He had heard both of their comments.

Maria, I didn't think it would have a happy ending. The story proves society's rules can't stop men and women from falling in love and marrying.

Maria's response was said in a whisper. There's hope for me.

But Georg had heard it and now he a similar thought. There's hope for me and Maria.

Georg now had an idea. He hurried to dress and decided to take a walk on the Observation Deck near to the place where the captain steers the ship.

He knew the night crew would be relieved of duty soon. Georg anticipated the Captain of the ship would be taking command as daybreak approached. He had anticipated correctly.

The Captain was leaving his quarters; he spoke first.

"I don't have many guests who meander up here. You must know your way around a ship."

"I do, sir. Do you have a moment to talk?"

"Certainly, let's go to my office.

The Captain spoke as he led Georg up a short set of stairs. "My office and sleeping quarters aren't like the rest of the ship. That Art Décor style is too odd for me."

"It is odd for me too; a navy man like yourself."

"Ah, a navy man, tell me your name."

"I'm Georg von Trapp a submarine commander from the old Austrian-Hungarian Empire. I brought my seven children and six adults out of Austria as word that I would be captured and forced to serve in Hitler's navy was made known."

"My name is Davy Jones; all my passengers always call me Davy. I read about you. Was there a Baroness involved?"

"There certainly was. A Baroness I thought I would marry. Thank God I learned the truth before it was too late. One of the ladies who came with us is my children's governess. She and I became close after she helped me re-connected with my children whom I had pushed away after the death of their mother.

"There's been no impropriety between us; she was a great help getting the children ready to leave my villa as quickly as possible. Yesterday, Maria and the ladies saw the play, The Count of Luxembourg, and I overheard her say, there's hope for me."

Since the captain knew the plot of this play, he knew exactly what that meant.

"So now you would like to marry before the ship arrives in America!"

"Yes. My children, especially my two youngest daughters, already have a mother-like relationship with her. I'm sure us marrying would please them all."

"I'd be happy to perform the ceremony. You tell me when."

"Maria's probably already awake. Could you perform the ceremony after you complete your morning duties?"

"I certainly can."

"I thank you for being so accommodating."

"No problem at all, Georg."

Georg hurried to the stairs but someone's singing made him pause. It didn't take him long to realize it was Maria's voice he heard. I wonder what brought her up here.

Georg walked to the rear of the ship from which the singing had come. He left her finish the song. She was now looking at the horizon waiting for the sun to rise.

Georg shuffled his feet so he wouldn't scare her. She spoke first.

"What brought you up here?"

"Hoping for a chance for us to talk. What did Elsa tell you that made you return to the Abbey?"

"You knew she followed me to my room?"

"I knew she went upstairs when Herr Zeller started to speak to me. Maria, did Elsa tell you I was in love with you?"

"She did. And she also told me I was in love with you. Her words scared me."

"So you decided to run away to the Abbey."

"Yes, but the Reverend Mother only let me stay in seclusion for two nights; then she asked to see me. She's a wise woman, Georg. She told me that the love of a man and woman is holy too. She sent me back to find my destiny."

"But when I arrived the children told me you were going to marry Elsa. I realized I was too late to tell you the real reason I stopped dancing."

"And later I told you, someday we would have that conversation."

"That time is now. I think you stopped dancing when our faces were close because you had feelings which were new to you."

Maria nodded and looked out at the ocean.

"Maria, I had similar emotions; but I knew why. Elsa was right about me. I do love you. But I couldn't tell you when you returned. I had to make Elsa believe we would marry.

"And Georg, hearing you tell me you love me doesn't frighten me anymore. I can also tell you the same."

"Oh my love, I believe without a doubt, you love me."

"I hope this won't scare you either."

Maria saw his head tilt down as his lips met hers. She would tell him later it was her very first romantic kiss. She fell into his arms as her head rested on his shoulder.

In a few seconds Georg spoke. "Maria, I want to get married before we arrive in America. I spoke with the ship's Captain. He volunteered to marry us as soon as he hands off command of the ship."

"Really Georg?"

"Yes, it was his suggestion."

The captain saw them and spoke. "I'm Captain Davy. I'm pleased to marry you. Tell me your name young lady."

"Maria, sir."

"Let's go stand on the bow of the ship. One of my mates will take a picture of you both after the ceremony; it's a beautiful setting."

Georg and Maria walked hand in hand behind the captain. They stood close before him.

"It is my privilege to marry you. Do you know of any reason you shouldn't marry?"

Each answered NO.

"Marriage is never to be taken lightly; it is ordained by God when he created man and woman; then again at the Marriage in Canna.

"Now turn and face each other and hold hands.

"Georg, do you take Maria to be your wife, your partner and your one true love."

"I do,"

"Will you promise to tenderly care for her, respect her individuality, to cherish her as she is, and to faithfully love her continually? And do you promise to laugh in times of happiness; to give strength in times of need? And through good time and bad, will you trust her, be faithful to her and commit yourself to her for the rest of your life?"

"I will."

"Maria, do you take Georg to be your husband, your partner and your one true love?'

"I do."

"Will you promise to tenderly care for him, respect his individuality, to cherish him as he is, and to faithfully love him continually? And do you promise to laugh in times of happiness; to give strength in times of need? And through good time and bad, will you trust him, be faithful to him and commit yourself to him for the rest of your life?"

"I will."

"Georg, Maria, remember being a bride and groom is only for a day but being a husband and wife is a life time commitment. Your love should always be stronger than your anger. A lasting marriage needs the wisdom of compromise or else you are guaranteed to have conflict.

"Always believe the best of your beloved rather than the worst. Confide in your partner and ask for help when you need it. And remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship. Be sure to give your spouse the same courtesies and kindness you bestow on your friends. And it is most important for both of you to say, I love you, every day.

"May life grant you patience, tolerance and understanding as you enter the greatest journey of your life.

"And now in as much as you have agreed to enter the marriage relationship and have exchanged vows with sincere and devoted hearts. It is now my honor and privilege to pronounce you husband and wife.

"Georg, you may kiss your bride."

Their kiss was discreet, yet with feeling.

Davy smiled when he heard each say, I love you.

"And now before you return to your cabins, Walter will take you picture. It will be with your certificate which will be ready this afternoon.

The couple's smiles had never left them; Walter knew he had clicked the camera at the right moment to capture them. Now he heard them speak.

"Georg, I have a feeling Isabel may know exactly what we've done."

"It wouldn't surprise me; she knows be very well. And neither of us can remove our happy smiles. Liesl may know too."

"And I think we should have breakfast in the fancy dining room and then find a place where we can celebrate."

Walking as loving couples do, arms around the other's waist, they walked in sync back to their cabins.