A/N: Yes, I know how fast this is, but this is the second part of my original story that I'd already had written down. Don't expect the next update to be so quick, though!

Two

Once the door to Brigitta's room was shut, Maria went to Gretl and Marta's room. Inside, she found Gretl – a very heavy sleeper – in dreamland. Marta, however, was sitting up in bed, clutching her doll, fresh tears on her face from the nightmare.

Immediately, Maria rushed to her bed and wrapped her arms around the seven-year-old. "I'm right here, Marta."

"I had a nightmare, Fraulein Maria," said Marta, in a shaky voice, holding her governess tightly.

"What about, sweetheart?" soothed Maria, knowing that talking about it would help.

Marta let out a sob and held on even tighter. "I was looking everywhere and couldn't find you…"

Maria's heart wrenched, and she felt a horrible wave of guilt sweep over her. She held Marta firmly to her, rubbing her back soothingly. "Oh, my sweetheart, I'm so sorry. For leaving without saying good-bye. I promise you, I will never do that again."

Marta pulled away to look at her governess's face with big brown eyes. "Will you never leave us again?"

Again, like with Brigitta, Maria could not give a sure "yes" or "no" answer. Not until she had spoken with their father, and she was too afraid to believe the conversation would lead where she so wanted it to; that would be too good to be true. Deciding to give the most vague but sincere answer she could. "Whatever happens, Marta, I will always love you."

Thankfully, Marta was satisfied for now, and said, "I love you, too, Fraulein Maria."

Gently, Maria laid her down in the bed and tucked the covers around her. Marta took one of her hands. "Will you stay until I fall asleep?"

"Of course," said Maria. She held Marta's hand and began to sing a lullaby. Her thoughts were still of the Captain, so she sang "Edelweiss" softly. Her memory traveled back to the only time she had heard him sing the song. How all seven children had watched him with awe, admiration and love. Now she realized that she had, too…

Yes, she was in love with him. It had been told to her by both the Baroness and the Reverend Mother (for different reasons). But it was not until she had found out the Captain was officially engaged to the Baroness did her heart break. She was a smart woman, who knew that a heart only broke when it loved. When it very deeply loved. And she knew that she always would love him, no matter his feelings or what he chose to do.

But what did he choose to do now? Did she dare to hope? Now, considering what they had been doing – or rather about to do – when they had been interrupted, Maria had very good reason to hope. But she would not believe anything until it actually happened. That much was certain.

Maria felt Marta's grasp go limp, her breathing even. Assured she was fast asleep, Maria ended the lullaby and kissed her forehead before quietly exiting the room, shutting the door behind her.

At the same time, another person had come out of one of the rooms on the same floor. Thinking it to be one of the other children, Maria hurried out of the side hallway and onto the second-floor landing that looked down into the entrance hall.

But it was not one of the children. Baroness Schraeder had come out of her room, carrying two small suitcases. Next Max came out carrying a bigger trunk. Before Maria could retreat back into the side hallway, the Baroness had spotted her and motioned for Maria to come to her. Maria did so, suddenly nervous. Did she know she had just been alone with the Captain? Though they had technically done nothing, Maria still felt nervous. After all, Elsa had cornered her after just dancing with him once.

"I'm sorry, Baroness," said Maria immediately, retreating to her job. "Marta had a nightmare and I didn't know you were…" She looked down at the luggage. "You're leaving?"

"Yes, my dear," said Elsa. She was looking at Maria in a curious way, and Maria couldn't describe it. "I'm going back to Vienna, where I belong. Max has graciously volunteered to drive me."

"You know me, darling," said Max. "A knight in shining armor."

Everyone shared a chuckle and then lapsed into understandably awkward silence. Maria had no idea what to say. Wish her a safe journey? The Captain had told her they'd called off their engagement; she was leaving this quickly?

Elsa seemed to catch Maria's train of thought. "I miss my home, and am eager to get back now, since there is no longer anything keeping me here."

Confirmed by Elsa as well as the Captain. More than one confirmation meant she wasn't dreaming. Still, she did not know what to say.

Then Elsa did something completely unexpected. She leaned forward and kissed both of Maria's cheeks, an upper class greeting and farewell. "I'm truly sorry, Maria," she said softly so Max couldn't hear. Maria didn't have to ask what she meant, and she nodded.

"Good-bye, Maria," said Elsa. "I'm sure you'll be very happy." With that, she picked up her suitcases and walked away, towards the front door.

Maria was still a bit in shock. When Elsa was out of earshot, she turned to Max, whom she had temporarily forgotten was still standing there. "Is she all right?"

Max gave a small smile at her compassion. "More than she believes, I shouldn't wonder. Don't worry, my dear." He came forward and kissed her cheek. "I sincerely hope I will get to know you better in the future."

Max gave her a meaningful look, and then walked in the direction Elsa had headed. Maria stood, a bit shell-shocked, and watched them both walk out the front door. She heard the car's motor start a few minutes later and heard it drive away.

Once silence reigned again, Maria took a deep breath and processed all of the current information. The Captain and Baroness were no longer engaged. The Baroness had just left with Max for Vienna for good.

And the Captain was outside, waiting to pick up where they had left off before being interrupted…