Announcing

The very happy couple were not really surprised to find Franz waiting in the passageway. He had heard the door latch at the same time he noticed Georg was gone.

"You two can't fool me. I can tell by your smiles you got married. I'm happy for both of you."

"Thank you. Have you any talking from the cabins?"

"No."

"Georg, maybe I should go to my cabin before Liesl wakes up."

"That won't be necessary; she's walking this way."

"Maria, why did you leave the cabin so early? And why are you and Papa holding hands and grinning?"

"Do you have a guess?"

"Oh dear, I do. Did you get married?"

Liesl didn't wait for an answer. She opened the door to her sisters' room and shouted.

"Wake up! Papa and Maria are married!"

Her shouting was so loud it woke her brothers. They poked their heads out of the doorway.

"What did you say Liesl?"

"Papa and Maria got married, Friedrich."

Kurt had a different response. "Will you still play games with us…" He paused. "Do we call you mother now?"

"You could but I think in America children use different words."

"Yes, you're right. One of the boys in my building class used, mom and dad."

Marta added. "The girls in the ballet class used mommy and daddy."

By now everyone was in the passageway and had learned the news. "They're both right." Isabel told everyone. "And the children needn't call me Frau Schmidt anymore; I think Grandma Isabel is appropriate."

"Good to hear. We are becoming true Americans. And Kurt we are going to have breakfast this morning in the fancy dining room to celebrate our marriage."

"That's okay, Papa. One of the boys told me the food is good there."

"Then as soon as everyone is ready we can walk there."

No one took long to dress; everyone was as happy as Georg and Maria. They wanted to celebrate too.

When they arrived at the fancy dining room, the maî·tre d' was watching for them.

"Good morning, Davy told me to expect you. I had my staff put tables together; the Bride and Groom can sit facing the others. Please follow me."

As they approached the tables, Liesl commented. "Look at all the flowers!"

There was a big bouquet on the table for Georg and Maria; smaller arrangements were on each table".

"Of course, Miss. A wedding reception must have flowers; and also a beverage to use to offer toasts to the newlyweds. It's a nonalcoholic version of a cocktail named, Mimosa. It's made with orange juice and a clear carbonated drink which produces bubbles which may tickle your nose just like Champagne would."

It was Franz who pick-up his glass first and stood. "May I offer a toast to the newly married couple. May you always find joy in all that you do. May your hearts be filled with contentment and laughter. And may true love be yours for ever after."

The children watched him take a sip and copied him. Next to toast the couple was Stefan.

"Here's to you my good friend and your beautiful wife."

Again they took a sip of the drink. Now Katia stood. "May you have good luck and many years happiness. And may God fill your hearts with joy and gladness."

Isabel was next to stand. Her toast was different.

"There's an old saying, Love is just around the corner. I doubt neither Georg nor Maria had that thought when they met. Georg's heart hadn't healed from the loss of his first love. And Maria had never experienced the love of a man; she ran away.

"Events in both of their lives led them to each other. I can say without a doubt; this marriage was meant to be. And it will endure for as long as they both shall live. Here's to both of you."

She held her drink up and took a sip. Again the others did the same

And now Georg stood.

"I speak for Maria. We thank you for your pleasing sentiments. While we wait for our food let's enjoy the breakfast breads in the basket on each table. Maria, will you offer the blessing?"

"Please bow you heads."

"Bless this food, O Lord, and ourselves to Thy loving service; that we may always grow in our faith. We ask this in your Holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

"Amen," was said by all.

In the bread basket they found all kinds of breakfast breads, Banana Bread with walnuts, small sweet rolls with sweet frosting, Raisin Bread, mini muffins and doughnuts.

Their breakfast meal consisted of mostly high-protein foods, crispy bacon, round sausage patties and either fried or scrambled eggs; and a fruit cup to complete their meal. It filled everyone, including Kurt. And another surprise waited for them.

The maî·tre d' spoke to them again. "Your celebration continues in our small ballroom. Follow me please."

Their walk took them up to the Promenade Deck. There the maî·tre d' took them to a room with the name, Princess Ballroom. As he opened the double doors music began to play. Music which Georg knew from all the parties Elsa had dragged him to in Vienna.

"Maria, did you know the music they're playing is a Strauss waltz?"

"No I didn't. The music I heard in Vienna was mostly church music. I wonder if they know the Laendler."

"They might, darling."

"Then maybe we can finish our dance. Looking deeply into your eyes won't scare me this time."

While they were talking the maî·tre d' was speaking with Franz. "The director of the small orchestra knows you are from Austria. They can play not only Strauss Waltzes but also Austrian Folk Music. They can also play the more modern American music; a couple of professional dancers can help you learn a few of them. Let me introduce you to the coordinator of our private dances.

"This young woman is Charlotte."

"Pleased to meet you sir. And you are?"

"I'm Franz. I was Georg's orderly in the navy. After the war I became his butler."

"Do you know if the couple has any requests?"

"I believe they do. They would like to dance the folk dance, the Laendler."

"I can make that happen. Let me begin your party."

A drum roll got everyone's attention. "My name is Charlotte. I'm your party coordinator. It's customary for the Bride and Groom to dance the first dance. Georg and Maria, please come stand in the center of the dance space."

"Maria, take my arm. I will lead us there."

They arrived with full smiles. "Georg, you may recognize this waltz. It's the Vienna Waltz by Johann Strauss. Assume the waltz position. Maestro, you may begin."

A very quiet note from a lone violin began the music; quickly the full orchestra began to play this melodious dance music with an ever so subtle rhythm. And the couple easily moved around the dance space as if they had danced together before. They smiled and kissed when the music ended.

"Now it is time for Georg to dance with his daughters."

Georg first danced with Liesl, Louisa and Brigitta to the famous Blue Danube Waltz. Its beat is much slower than many waltzes. And finally the orchestra played a piece of music for Georg to hold in his arms, both Marta and Gretl, and move them around the dance space.

Another selection was played for Maria to dance with Friedrich and Kurt.

Then the professional dances helped them learn dances many different rhythms, the Fox Trot, Cha-cha-cha, the Charleston and polkas.

Charlotte spoke again. "I was told the couple has an Austrian Folk Dance to complete."

"Thank you so much. Maria and I were hoping for a chance to dance this to the end."

After the orchestra played an introduction, Georg asked Maria. "May I have this dance?"

"Yes my husband."

Simultaneously Georg bowed and Maria did an exaggerated curtsy as she did at her arrival at the villa. Both of them laughed; the children were giggling. Then Georg led them through the dance. They promenaded in a circle first. Then Georg spun Maria off as Maria danced around him. Now it was Georg turn to dance around Maria.

Once again they took the promenade position and did a hop skip as they moved in a circle. Next was the part when they stood only inches away from the other and they both held their gaze. Each looked deeply in to the others eyes. They held it as the music played through to the end. And then they kissed.

And everyone applauded. Cold beverages were served to everyone. Then it was time for cutting the all-important wedding cake. Georg knew exactly what to do.

"Maria, you take hold of the knife handle first. Then I will cover your hand with mine. Together we will make the first cut into the cake. The cake cutters will finish cutting a piece of cake. They will place it on a plate with two forks. Then we will entwine arms and feed each other a small piece."

"How romantic, darling!"

The children watched with glee as their Mom and Dad feed each other cake. And everyone applauded.

Charlotte told them. "The cake will be placed in a box for you to take with you to America."

"Thank you, it's hard to believe we will be there tomorrow."