Her Father's Daughter
by Bluebird88
Disclaimer: The Sound of Music is the property of Rodgers and Hammerstein, 20th Century Fox, and various script writers and producers. No copyright infringement is intended. Several lines from the movie are quoted at various points throughout the story. If it sounds familiar, it probably isn't mine.
Chapter 13: With This Ring…
The weeks that followed were some of the busiest Louisa could remember. There was so much to be done to prepare for the wedding in such a relatively short time. Louisa had never realized how much work went into planning a wedding! It didn't seem like it should be that complicated, really. After all, how much could there possibly be to do? Plenty, as it turned out. There were so many little details to be taken care of, and though she had plenty of help, Fräulein Maria still had to be consulted about everything. Between selecting invitations, approving gust lists and seating charts, viewing fabric samples, and being fitted for her wedding gown, Fräulein Maria scarcely had enough time to breathe, let alone relax.
She bore the strain cheerfully, of course, in typical Fräulein Maria fashion, but Louisa thought that it was beginning to take its toll. Though her former governess still made a point to spend time with the children, Louisa noticed her looking tired more and more often. At this rate, she was going to collapse in exhaustion before the wedding day even arrived! Louisa began to wish that it could just all be done with, the wedding finished and the honeymoon over, so that all the distractions would be gone and Fräulein Maria could finally be their new mother and come live with them.
For now, she had returned once more to the abbey, where she would spend her nights, at least, until the wedding. Even though she was at the villa for the majority of every day, arriving early in the morning and often not leaving until well after dark, it still wasn't the same. Louisa missed having her governess there all the time, missed her cheerful greetings first thing in the morning and last thing at night. She knew her siblings all felt the difference, too, but it was hardest on Marta and Gretl.
The youngest girls didn't truly understand why their governess had had to go away again. Gretl, especially, constantly demanded to know why Fräulein Maria couldn't continue to live with them. "She can't be unhappy, anymore, because she's staying forever!" she had pointed out on more than one occasion, "Besides, there's nothing wrong with her old room!"
Louisa and Liesl had tried to explain that it was different, now that she and Father were engaged to be married, but things had always been simple to Gretl. She wanted her governess there with her, and no one could give her a good reason why she couldn't. But of course, that was impossible. Father was far too much a gentleman to risk exposing his new fiancée to any sort of gossip. Louisa knew that not everyone had been thrilled when Father had announced his intentions, though the adults had tried to shield them from that. She wasn't certain she quite understood all the implications of the talk that had begun to circulate, but she was old enough to realize that Father's becoming engaged to Fräulein Maria was very different from his engagement to the baroness.
At Father's suggestion, Fräulein Maria had begun to hold quiet, informal teas at the villa in order to meet the women of Salzburg society in small groups at a time. She assured the children that most of the women had been lovely and welcoming, but Louisa could not help noticing that she always looked exhausted after they were over.
She had considered before how different things were going to be for Fräulein Maria after the wedding. When Father had first told the children, it had seemed to Louisa that their marriage would be the perfect continuation of their happy summer. She was beginning to realize now, however, that that wasn't entirely true. Fräulein Maria's role as Father's wife was not at all the same as that of a governess, and Louisa was only now beginning to appreciate how huge a change that must be for her.
From Fräulein Maria's behavior, it was clear that she was aware of this. She was still, the same cheerful, fun-loving person she had always been, but some of her unchecked exuberance seemed to have left her. In its place was a new serene happiness that almost made Louisa feel shy around her. It wasn't that the change was a bad thing, exactly. How could it be, when Fräulein Maria was as happy as anyone had ever seen her? Still, it did take some getting used to.
As the day of the wedding drew nearer, Villa von Trap became nothing short of chaotic. There were multiple sets of visitors nearly every day, eager both to exchange gossip and to offer help with the wedding preparations. The older women, especially, were full of advice, whether their opinions had been solicited or not. They never hesitated to offer counsel on everything from centerpieces to the best way to format seating charts. Fräulein Maria greeted these suggestions warmly, with an air of genuine interest and gratitude, and Louisa was reminded once again how unfailingly patient and generous her governess could be. For her part, Louisa would have been tempted to tell the old ladies to mind their own business. She knew they were only trying to help, but still. She didn't have Fräulein Maria's patience.
And then, of course, the girls had to be fitted for their new dresses. They were truly beautiful, made from white satin and longer than the girls usually wore, with delicate lace and wide sage-green sashes. After much debate, it had eventually been decided that only Marta and Gretl would be flower girls, with Liesl as the bridesmaid. Fräulein Maria had been anxious to assure them that she would love to have them all be in the wedding, but they had managed to convince her that this arrangement would be more practical. Instead, Louisa and Brigitta would wear dresses that coordinated with the younger girls' and be seated in the front pews with the boys and the rest of the wedding party.
Louisa was secretly rather relieved that she wouldn't have to walk down the long aisle with all eyes on her. She was much happier to watch from the side and simply enjoy the day. Besides, the cathedral was huge. What if she tripped? She felt sorry for Fräulein Maria, having to climb those stairs in her long wedding gown in front of so many people. She was certain she'd be holding her breath when the time came.
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The day of the wedding finally arrived, and Louisa couldn't remember a time when she had been more excited. After so much time, everything was finally coming together. The children had been waiting so long for this day, when Fräulein Maria and Father would be married, and they would at last be a real family again.
Uncle Max had driven the children to the cathedral half an hour before the ceremony was to begin. Father and Fräulein Maria were both already there, taking care of last-minute preparations. Louisa and her siblings had wanted to see their Fräulein Maria right away, but she was still with the nuns, praying with them and saying her final good-byes. While Liesl led the youngest girls to the back of the church, the other children found their places in the pews in front.
As the church began to fill, Louisa and Brigitta chatted in whispers, unable to contain their excitement. Louisa knew that they were in church and should be quiet, but it was a wedding, after all, and the service hadn't begun yet. Besides, everyone else was talking.
It was just about time for the ceremony to begin when Brigitta nudged Louisa with a wide smile, nodding her head to the left. There stood Father, in full dress uniform, with his sword at his side. Grinning back at her sister, Louisa thought to herself that Father looked rather dashing. She would bet that Fräulein Maria would think so, too! Father glanced their way and caught his daughters staring at him. He gave them a warm smile and a wink.
At long last, the service was finally beginning. The girls turned and watched as first Marta and Gretl, then Liesl, made their way slowly down the aisle. Louisa thought her oldest sister looked awfully grown-up, with her long lacy dress and her hands demurely clasped as she took careful, measured steps.
And then, the first strains of the wedding march began to play, and Louisa stood up as if in a dream. When she saw Fräulein Maria, she caught her breath. She had never seen her governess look so lovely. Her white wedding gown was the most beautiful thing Louisa had ever seen. The long train and heavenly veil flowed from behind like a delicate, gauzy waterfall.
Louisa would have been nervous, with so many eyes fixed on her, but Fräulein Maria's face showed nothing but calm serenity. Her eyes were fixed on Father, and she looked so brilliantly happy that Louisa could hardly contain her joy.
They reached the altar and knelt. The music swelled as the bishop blessed first Father, then the union of their clasped hands, and finally Fräulein Maria. Louisa hardly heard any of the long, Latin prayers the bishop recited. Her complete attention remained focused of Father and Fräulein Maria.
When it came time for them to recite their vows, Father's voice was strong and confident, ringing with both love and self-assurance. Fräulein Maria's voice wavered slightly as she neared the end, but she finished firmly, her eyes never leaving Father's.
Finally, the ceremony reached its conclusion, and the bishop declared them man and wife. Father leaned forward to kiss his new bride, lingering for a moment longer than was perhaps strictly necessary, and then the recessional music had begin and Louisa found her eyes begin to mist as Father and Fräulein Maria – now their new mother! – exited the church amidst warm smiles and heartfelt congratulations.
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The wedding reception passed in a blur. The inside of the house was hung with garlands and flowers and draped with satin ribbon, and a sumptuous brunch had been laid out in the garden. The children spent most of the time clustered together, talking in excited whispers. They were reluctant to leave their new mother's side, but she and Father had to circulate throughout the guests, greeting friends and making introductions.
All too soon, it was time for them to leave for their honeymoon trip. Fräulein Maria slipped away to change into a traveling suit, and the children gathered on the front porch to say their last good-byes.
"We'll miss you!" Fräulein Maria exclaimed, hugging them each in turn. "Be good!"
"That's right, behave yourselves!" Father warned, mock-stern. He heaved a dramatic sigh. "I'm sure Uncle Max will spoil you all rotten, and I'll come home to a house full of heathens!"
Laughing, Louisa hugged Fräulein Maria one last time, and Father caressed her cheek and tapped her on the nose the way he used to when she was little. Finally, they could delay their departure no longer. Louisa felt herself get a bit teary-eyed once more as she watched them drive away.
She didn't have time to feel too sad, though, because before she knew it, Uncle Max was clapping his hands together, eyes twinkling. "Well, children, what sort of adventures do you think we will find today?"
A/N: Feedback is very much appreciated!