Georg was breathing evenly beside her, his arm reaching out to her. She studied his beloved face, relaxed in sleep, the hair falling over his forehead making him look somehow younger. He looked heart-stoppingly handsome as usual though she had to admit that the smell of alcohol and cigars on his skin and hair was not entirely appealing to her pregnant sensibilities.
She gingerly removed his arm so as to not wake him, but he reached for her and pulled her back to him in his sleep.
"Stay here with me darling," he murmured drowsily, eyes still closed. She silently promised him: always and forever my love. She kissed him and stroked his face tenderly "I have to get up - the children will be awake soon. Go back to sleep darling, you have only been asleep a couple of hours."
And then because of her overwhelming need to know whether his brother officers had managed to convince him that it was futile to try to oppose the Anschluss, she asked "How did it go last night?"
"Mmmm mmmm" he mumbled deep in his throat, holding her close and stroking her back and her baby bump tenderly, more asleep than awake. She sighed - she was clearly not going to get much out of him right now.
She whispered soft words of love in his ear, watching his mouth curve into the half smile she adored before deep sleep claimed him again, then she slipped away.
As she passed the mirror she saw ruefully that her bump was getting bigger, but happily her husband insisted over the last weeks that it made her look "even more ravishingly beautiful" as he had gallantly put it. And it was true that even though she sometimes felt rather ungainly he seemed to take infinite delight in her pregnant figure.
She hung up her beautiful gown from the previous evening which had had to be let out at the last minute. She remembered how frustrated she had felt the previous afternoon as she had struggled to find an evening gown to fit her fuller figure, for the dinner with Georg's brother officers.
Georg had watched with appreciative intensity from the bed, his hands clasped behind his head and a look of deep masculine enjoyment on his face as she had tried on various dresses.
Her nerves were already frayed wondering if her secret plan to get the officers to change Georg's mind about the Anschluss would work. And she had felt flustered and close to hormonal tears that she could not do up the top half of a beautiful lace and bead gown because she was spilling over the top of it.
Then with a start of surprise and delight she had felt his arms coming around her from behind and his mouth on her neck while he seductively murmured wicked and outrageous things in her ear. She soon forgot about her worries.
The memory made her smile and her cheeks go pink as she went to see if the children were awake. The four youngest were still fast asleep but she found Friedrich, Louisa and Liesl together talking gravely in Liesl's room.
"You three look very serious," Maria greeted them with a smile.
Louisa bit her lip, but being the most direct spoke up "Mother why are all of Father's old Navy friends here? Is it something to do with the Anschluss?"
"Your father is enjoying catching up with his brother officers, he hasn't seen most of them since the wedding," she replied half truthfully.
"It seems like everyone supports the Anschluss and Father is the only one who doesn't." Again it was Louisa who spoke up.
"I know it does seem that way sometimes Louisa, but there are many people who oppose the Anschluss from all different walks of life. Most do not say it publically the way that your father does. But remember that the Chancellor and the President have been steadfast and courageous in defending Austria's sovereignty despite the terrible threats from the Fuhrer in Germany.
But you are right there are great many people who do support the Anschluss. It's very complicated and I can only give you a partial answer as to why because it is complex. Some people see that in Germany the Fuhrer has helped pull people out of desperate poverty and hunger, given them jobs and offered them hope and dignity even if it is on the backs of lies and propaganda.
People in Austria have also suffered greatly since the war, many are still without jobs and are in despair. It makes them more willing to believe the propaganda and turn a blind eye to the way Jewish people are being treated in Germany, where they are constantly humiliated, threatened and intimidated. They have lost their jobs, their life savings and their businesses. Those who can are fleeing because the future is so uncertain.
Even for those people who are not Jewish and do not support the Nazis, life is very difficult. The Nazis do not tolerate any dissent - they rule through terror for those who do not follow them blindly."
"Is Father in danger for opposing the Anschluss?" Friedrich asked quietly.
Maria looked at her stepson, who had turned into such a handsome young man, almost as tall as father, but still with the traces of the sweetness of boyhood on his face. She and Georg were so proud of his quiet intelligence and maturity. He had inherited his father's sense of responsibility, duty and honor, and his mother's sensitivity and compassion.
She responded carefully, "He is not in danger right now. The Austrian Nazi party is still banned even though they are growing more vocal and powerful and more threatening."
Louisa spoke up again, sullenness in her voice, "Why do we have to leave? Why can't we stay here with our friends and our school and everything we know? Couldn't Father just pretend to like them?"
Maria and Georg had spoken many times to the oldest three about what was happening and the likelihood that they would have to leave Austria, though both tacitly avoided saying anything about Georg remaining behind.
Maria stroked her hair. "I know it will be the most difficult thing you have ever done. Your father and I would never ask this of you if it weren't absolutely necessary. But when the Anschluss comes it will no longer be safe for us, and especially for your father. Nor can we ask him to be less than he is. You know what an honorable man he is. Life would be intolerable for him under them and it would be very dangerous.
And yes, we will be leaving everything behind but we will still have each other, and we will be safe. We will make a new life and a better future for all of you. It will not be easy at first, or perhaps for a very long time, but you are all strong and courageous like your father. With faith, hope and hard work in the end we will prevail."
"Will we ever come back here?" Lisel asked
"I do hope so Liesl, I do hope so." She left them then, the three of them somber faced, struggling to come to terms with the enormity of the changes in their young lives. She would help them as much as she could, but for the moment her priority was to see that their father came with them and stayed away from harm.
She went downstairs to oversee that a breakfast buffet had been placed on the terrace so her guests could just help themselves whenever they emerged. Only one officer was there though - Kommodore Martin von Streussler , who was much older than Georg and a couple of ranks more senior to him. He immediately rose and bowed to her as she joined him. Georg had great respect for him and said he had mentored him when he was a young captain in his first command post.
"Herr Kommodore - I do hope you had a pleasant evening," she smiled graciously at him.
"Yes, thank you, it was most enjoyable. But please Baroness, call me Martin" he insisted.
She responded "And please call me Maria."
They both went through this pantomime of informality knowing full well neither could do so because Officers of the House of Hapsburg were governed by very rigid codes of formality and manners. Nevertheless his eyes were warm and Maria could see why Georg had such a rapport with him.
"Forgive me Baroness, if I may be so bold, Heinrich had a word with me last night and we all had some very interesting discussions well into the night, interspersed with the odd bout of belligerence."
As Maria looked shocked, he said reassuringly, "Not to worry Baroness, it was only Werner and Georg and their long standing fraternal rivalry, or at least it is rivalry on Werner's part. Werner has always been terribly jealous of Georg's war record and that he was decorated with the Empire's highest military honors.
So now that they find themselves on opposite sides of the Anschluss Werner cannot resist baiting Georg. But please understand Baroness that it is only the rivalry of brothers. Werner would defend Georg to the hilt and Georg would do the same if either were in danger. The bond between Officers of the Hapsburg Corp is stronger than blood, and this has been strengthened by what we all experienced together in the war.
When Werner heard that Georg wants to send you away while he stays behind, he really gave Georg a basting. He said that it was unconscionable and irresponsible given that Georg had a young family and a young wife who was with child.
Georg argued that when we went to war we all left wives and families behind knowing we may not come back. And he also said that you were the strongest, most capable and resourceful person he has ever met and that you were capable of meeting any challenge.
Werner said it was different in the war, all the womenfolk were together at home, but you and the children would be refugees in a foreign land. Georg said he had made provisions for you all – he had somehow managed to evade the financial strangulation of the Third Reich on our banks and sent money ahead.
Then Georg reminded us all about our vows to defend Austria until our last breaths when we tied on our Imperial gold and black silks to our swords for the first time as young, fresh-faced graduates of the Naval Academy.
Rheinhardt argued back that Emperor Franz Josef had released all Officers of the House of Hapsburg from our lifelong oaths, as one of his last acts before abdication at the end of the war. But Georg responded that with the Anschluss Austria would cease to exist and it would be taken over by the vilest and most oppressive of political regimes and so we should act on our conscience. As you can imagine, Baroness, that generated some quite heated discussion."
"And what do you think Herr Kommodore, of Georg's stance?" Maria asked quietly.
Martin looked into the distance. "I agree with Georg about the Anschluss though probably from a different point of view. I don't think that Georg is a monarchist as I am, but I will always be utterly loyal to the vows I made to the Emperor and the Hapsburg dynasty.
You may be aware Baroness, that former Crown Prince Otto, now in exile in France, has been most vociferously organizing against the Anschluss and has offered his strongest support to the Chancellor and President to fight it. He has even offered to come back to unite Austria against the Third Reich. My allegiance is with Prince Otto and the movement he is trying to create for a free independent Austria. Hitler is well aware of the threat that Prince Otto poses to his plans and has put a death warrant on his head. I have heard that the Fuhrer has even called his strategy to take over Austria as 'Operation Otto.'
He was silent for a time, and then continued. "When I first met your husband, he was ridiculously young to be given such responsibility and a command post but he had earned it through his courage, tactical skills, excellent judgment and his abilities to forge absolute respect and loyalty from his crews. He was rather a brash, cocky young man at that time but he matured quickly.
By proving to his crew that he would willing to face any danger first and before them he inspired their utmost trust – they would have happily followed him to the ends of the earth, and through the fires of hell.
One thing your husband does not lack is courage, but I firmly believe that this struggle over the Anschluss is not his fight. He should leave it to those of us who have less to lose. I am a grandfather and a widower and so it would be a tremendous honor for me to give my all to this cause of a free Austria. I told him as much last night."
"What did he say?" Maria asked warily
"He mentioned the quote about evil triumphing when good men do nothing. He said there are so few who publically oppose the Anschluss but he is aware that he is still very well known, as one of the few Knights of the Military Order of Maria Theresa. He feels that if he steps forward others will be encouraged to do so too. He said he needed to do this for his children's future and for the survival of his homeland."
Maria sighed, closing her eyes for a moment as despair started to claw at her heart again.
Just then Heinrich approached them with a concerned look on his face. "Baroness, Herr Kommodore, are you aware that Zeller is here, talking with the butler at the entrance?"
Maria felt fear like ice-cold water trickling down her spine. What was Herr Zeller doing here? How did he know about the previous evening? It was just a private gathering of old friends. But then it suddenly dawned on her what it might look like from the point of view of Zeller – a gathering of high ranking former military officers who may or may not be plotting against the Anschluss.
She was aghast, desperately hoping that Georg would stay asleep upstairs instead of coming down to do battle with his arch nemesis. She felt sick – what if her little strategy of bringing his friends together had actually put him in greater danger?
As she turned pale, Martin said immediately "Do not distress yourself Baroness, I will deal with Zeller. You stay here."
"No, thank you Herr Kommodore, that is most kind of you to offer, but I will deal with him" and taking a deep breath she went through to the entrance hall. Zeller was talking quietly with Franz, a troop of menacing looking young men standing around Zeller's car.
"Franz, you did not tell me we had a guest?" She asked him with a certain amount of steel in her voice.
"I was just coming Baroness, Herr Zeller just arrived."
Zeller clicked his heels together with a stiff bow "Baroness" he greeted coldly.
"Herr Zeller this is an unexpected surprise" she answered calmly enough, though her heart was racing.
But his eyes were on Martin who had stepped slightly in front of her protectively, a look of loathing on his face. "Ah Herr Kommodore von Streussler what a pleasant surprise" Zeller's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Still dreaming your futile fantasies of bringing the Hapsburg scum back to the throne I assume?"
Martin looked at Zeller with an eyebrow raised, not even bothering to respond to the remark, signaling his very contempt at a question. He looked at Zeller as if he were a ridiculous over grown school boy, or a lowly deck hand with pretensions of being an admiral. The silence grew until Herr Zeller became uncomfortable and turned to Maria.
"I hear you had quite a gathering here last night. Where is your husband Baroness? I would like a word with him."
"My husband is indisposed but I would be happy to pass on a message later. And it was simply a gathering of my husband's very old and dear friends, nothing more Herr Zeller."
"And you expect me to believe that Baroness?" he sneered.
"It was a private evening amongst friends" she insisted. "Austria is still a free country and such things are not illegal - at least in the Austria I know. You should not distress yourself by imagining anything more sinister in such an innocent gathering. Calm yourself Herr Zeller," she said with just a hint of mockery in her quiet voice.
She was not sure whether Georg would be proud or horrified or angry that she was facing up to Zeller, probably all three, but for the moment she just wanted to get rid of Zeller before Georg woke up. She felt reassured by Heinrich and Martin standing firmly beside her.
Heinrich spoke to Herr Zeller, "As the Baroness has said it was a quiet private evening amongst friends, surely you have had many of them yourself or are you too busy zealously monitoring other people's lives to enjoy such things?"
Zeller's eyes grew glacial with hatred and he snorted with derision. Maria smiled inwardly, Heinrich for all his kind demeanor could be as hard as nails when he wished.
Zeller addressed Maria, "Baroness, I come bearing you a gift. Trust me, you will be needing it very soon." He snapped his fingers and one of his men handed over a folded distinctive bright red flag with Nazi insignia. "I am sure you will be anxious to put it up soon, and please, there is no need to thank me. Your husband can finally throw out that moth-eaten and utterly obsolete Hapsburg Kreigsmarine flag from his U-boat."
Maria responded "Herr Zeller, we could not possibly accept such a gift, you know as well as I do the Austrian Nazi party is strictly banned. Surely you do not want us to get arrested?"
Zeller gave his menacing smile, "Ah Baroness, things will change shortly believe me. You would do well to see that you are on the right side of history."
Martin joined in "How kind of you Herr Zeller, I am sure Captain von Trapp will treat this gift the way it deserves. Currently the Captain is indisposed but we will certainly pass on your fondest regards. Good day Herr Zeller, and perhaps you would be so kind as to take your unsightly rabble with you," Martin nodded to the surly mob near Zeller's car.
Herr Zeller mouth tightened and said with a look of icy contempt "I will be back later. And you should know that the Fuhrer has summoned Chancellor von Schuschnigg to Berlin. I am sure there will be many interesting developments. It will only be a matter of time before all of you insignificant relics of the past will be swept away by the tide of history. If I were you I would start showing some loyalty to the Third Reich while you still have the chance." He gave them a thin imitation of a smile.
Martin stepped in front of Franz and shut the door in Zeller's face. Franz covered his affronted look and bowed as Martin dismissed him. Maria sagged with relief that Zeller was gone. To her surprise the two men looked almost amused as Martin said - "Baroness, your husband is certainly right about you. You have courage and capability in spades. No wonder he has such confidence in your abilities to meet any challenge.
Now we need to decide what we are going to do about your stubborn husband."
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Author's notes
Firstly a huge thanks for reading this and to those of you who gave such encouraging feedback. It is so very much appreciated. I started this story when reading about the ongoing debate in Austria about whether Austria was the first victim of Nazi aggression or whether they were active collaborators. I would not presume to make a comment on such a difficult issue, but some things do stand out on both sides of the debate.
When the German Nazis marched into Austria in the Anschluss they were greeted by jubilant crowds throwing flowers, (in contrast to photos taken as the blitzkrieg tanks rolled into Czechoslovakia a few months later where people were shown weeping while being forced to give the Nazi salute). Also, the treatment of the Jewish people in Vienna within a day of the Anschluss was horrific. One Jewish writer who bore witness to it wrote that it was "as if the gates of hell had opened." A referendum held a few weeks later showed 99 per cent support for the Anschluss (though it is not clear how much of this was a result of fear and intimidation).
However, it is also true that a very large number of Austrian opponents to the Nazis were arrested within 2 days of the Anschluss – up to 72,000 people (out of a population of just 6 million). Among them were the Chancellor, members of the government, the Mayor of Vienna, Hapsburg princes, communists, monarchists, trade unionists, aristocrats, Catholics, Jewish leaders, social democrats and conservatives. Many of them eventually perished in the concentration camps.
The Chancellor survived his many years in Dachau camp and found refuge in the United States after the war. Former Crown Prince Otto von Hapsburg managed to flee occupied France with the Gestapo in hot pursuit with orders to execute him on sight. He found exile in America as well, where he worked closely with President Roosevelt to foment Austrian resistance throughout the war.
I started this story as a way to honor (in a tiny way) those thousands of ´good´ men and women who had the courage to stand up to evil. I have three options of where to take this story (sending the poor Captain on the path towards a concentration camp is not one of them), but I would love to hear from you if you have better ideas or just want to give feedback – positive or negative. (Warmest thanks again to Sara KM for such stimulating and enriching PM correspondence on the history).