The party
Before the guest started to arrive Maria made her grand entrances, with oohs and aahs, from the children and a comment from Alfred how beautiful she looked. Maria was very nerves, everyone started to chatter between themselves except the one person whose eyes she could feel on her, when she looked up and met the gaze, he smiled at her with a nod, to say, 'beautiful'. Friedrich got up and walked over to Maria, and asked if he may escort her to the ball, everyone heard this and broke out laughing, except Maria who thought it sweet. It was Louisa who jumped in and said, "Friedrich don't be silly, you can't escort Fraulein Maria, you're not old enough, and beside she's father date". This outburst from Louisa stunned everyone, and court Maria and the captain off guard; they hadn't even discussed it, and with the captain telling Maria last night about Elsa being here to help. She spoke, "well actually Louisa, I believe that Elsa is your father's date," the face on Louisa showed that she was not happy, until Georg came forward speaking,
Georg; "Well actually Max is Elsa dinner partner to night,
Max; "I am", shocked with Georg saying this.
Georg; "yes you are, don't you remember" with a look to say agree.
Max; "oh, yes I am", Catching on.
Elsa; "really, oh dear" sounding disappointed
Max; "why what's wrong with me" sounding hurt, but laughing it off, when Elsa answered,
Elsa; "oh nothing darling, I'd just err…Rother have Friedrich, after all he is taller then you",
Every one broke into laughter, while Maria and the captain looked towards one another, as if talking with their eyes that it would be nice to partner up, they both shared a smile. Franz walked into the sitting room announcing the guests are arriving. As everyone got up and went to their places the captain stopped Maria and asked if she would like to welcome the guest with him at the door, she declined saying she wasn't ready for anything like that yet, but maybe she could be introduced to some of his friends later on, he agreed, leaving her to go with Max and Elsa.
Georg and his parents had just finished welcoming the guest, Georg was now mingling his way thought the ball room, smiling looking around watching the lovely atmosphere, he got to the ballroom doors that looked outside. He couldn't help but laugh at Maria and Kurt trying the laendler, the difference in height was making it very difficult to dance, he thought it a good idea to interrupt, show the children how it's done. After breaking in politely between Maria and Kurt, and Kurt agreeing, Maria took George hand he was gesturing to start there dance, Slowly, they began to repeat the same steps Maria had danced seconds before with Kurt, this time however, with much more grace and style. Maria soon began to feel more alive as the tune proceeded to follow the steps. She had not a care in the world as she hiked up her skirt slightly, dancing around the Captain. As the music became slower, the more intimate part of the song. A strange feeling began to creep up on Maria, The second his strong hand had slid around her waist, she had begun to feel lightheaded and strangely, in some way, powerless to the Captain, She felt as if he was pulling her closer to his chest and it made her feel so safe to be with him, safer than she ever felt.
As the captain turned her the second time to the song, Maria felt one arm slip behind her back, while the other went over her head. Glancing up to regain her barring, she found herself looking into his eyes, which were only centimetres away. It didn't help that she was trapped by the Captain, as he had one of her hand tightly grasped behind her back and the other in the same manner over her head. All Maria could do was gaze hopelessly into his eyes. They stopped and stood staring at each other for a moment, and then Maria was finally able to step away, not once removing her eyes from his.
"I… I don't remember any more." Said Maria; completely oblivious to everything around them. It was just her and him.
"Your face is all red." Brigitta's voice cut though, snapping Maria away from whatever she had been feeling,
Maria; "Is it?" still keeping eye contact with the captain
Maria; "I don't suppose I'm used to dancing." She said smiling. The Captain smiled back at her tenderly, still not being able to break eye contact.
The children picked up on this and it all so made Louisa much happy to know something good could happen, she stopped worrying about the baroness, no matter how much her father flirts with her. Louisa noticed to night, how he wanted Maria as his partner and how they danced together, they are perfect for each other, she thought.
Georg finally came to his senses and turned to his children, and tells them it was time for bed, bringing Maria out of her dreamy state, she walked towards the children, agreeing but also saying they had something very special prepared, he looked at her, nodded and smiled but Maria would not meet his gaze scared she could get lost again in them.
They were all in the foyer, the captain and his parents at the front to get the best view of his children's performance. The captain kept taking sideway glances in the direction of Maria seeing if he could catch her eye, but she never looked. Maria watched the children performance which she was very proud of, when it came to Gretl's part and she pretended to fall asleep on the stairs Maria couldn't help but smile, she glanced to the captain, to see if he too was proud of there performance, his eyes were already on her, and offered her a smile, of well done.
When the children disappeared from sight, all the guests turned to each other and started commenting on the incredible performance. Maria was in conversation with an elderly couple who was praising the children all heartily, Maria agreed and with nodding her head and thanking them, she wanted to now go and see to the children before returning. But just when she was beginning to turn round, a mocking voice intruded.
"I guess I have to congratulate you, Captain."
Georg stiffened at the sound of the voice, and turned around with calculated slowness.
Responding instinctively to his body language, Maria tensed up too and turned her head.
A middle-aged man, medium-height and with a thin moustache walked straight up to the captain;
Georg; "Indeed, Herr Zeller" the mockery in his voice matching the older man's to perfection.
Herr Zeller; "Of course," looking up at the second floor, where the children had disappeared. "Your children just gave the sweetest performance."
The sarcasm in the man's voice had Maria turning completely, facing the newcomer.
Georg; "I didn't know you had a soft spot for music, Herr Zeller. I'm touched,"
Herr Zeller; "I do have a soft spot, Captain, But not for this type of music. I find it too... cloying for my taste."
Georg; "Don't tell me. Your soft spot is for Nazi marches,"
Maria cringed inwardly. The man was a Nazi! Her stomach turned in disgust.
Herr Zeller; "Austria doesn't hold a monopoly on virtue, It's merely a pathetic shadow of what it once was, But it can rise from its ashes again, if people like you are wise enough to know what's best." The man's eyes narrowed into slits, the veiled threat obvious.
Georg set his jaw and his eyes flashed dangerously, but all of a sudden, an ironic sneer crossed his features. Out of the corner of her eyes, Maria noticed Max and Elsa subtle physical retreat, clearly intimidated by the intensity of the verbal duel between the two men. It was shorter than the shortest step, but it felt to her as if the world could fall through the gap they left in front of them.
Georg; "Fortunately, there are still many of us in this country who prefer Austrian voices raised in song to ugly German threats," Georg didn't bother to hide his deep loathing of the man and his political affinities.
Zeller's eyebrows arched scornfully.
Herr Zeller; "Ugly Captain; Really..."
MARIA; "Personally, I would describe them as 'growling',"
The words left Maria's lips spontaneously, and she took one step forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with Georg.
If the Captain was surprised at her intrusion, he gave no outward sign of it. Instead, he turned to her a little bit, in a gesture that spoke volumes, a joint force to be reckoned with. For the first time, Herr Zeller seemed to acknowledge Maria's presence. He turned malicious, contemptuous eyes on her.
Hell Zeller, "I would advise you Fraulein, to stay out of matters that don't concern you,"
Georg was just ready to speak, but Maria beat him to it.
Maria; "It does concern me, sir. As an Austrian, I consider your words scandalous, and you must know that I arranged the children's performance tonight. And if it's going to cause the captain any trouble, than make no mistake, It does concerns me!" she gave a curt, indignant nod.
Herr Zeller's eyes opened wide and darted from Maria to Georg and back. A nasty grin appeared on his face.
Hell Zeller; "I see I was too hasty in my standard compliments earlier. What an extraordinary display of loyalty, you're a lucky man, Captain. I wonder what you gave her to earn such a passionate defence. Or perhaps she gave it... to you?" he looked at them with a lewd smile.
Maria and Georg jerked back in unison, as if they had been physically struck by the slanderous accusation. One heartbeat later, Georg's eyes inflamed with hatred and outrage, and he stepped forward.
Georg; "You dirty b-!" he snarled.
Maria; "Captain"
Maria exclaimed, putting up her hand and effectively stopping him with that simple gesture. With an outer calm she didn't really feel inside, she stared at the person who had just defamed her in public.
Maria; "It's not necessary," she said in a soft voice. "We all know that Nazi mentality is... how shall I put it? One-track mind?" her voice dripped irony and contempt, and she held Herr Zeller's gaze until he looked away. Only then did she turn her head, addressing Georg with a clean, steady, unafraid look in her eyes.
Maria; "If you'll excuse me, captain… I shell go and look in on the children."
Returning her clean look, Georg bowed courteously, conveying more respect in that gentlemanly gesture than an army of ferocious knights ever could to a woman's virtue and modesty.
Turning about, Maria headed upstairs with her natural feminine grace.
When she was gone, Georg stepped forward and confronted Herr Zeller, looking down at him with barely repressed hostility, as if daring him to give him a reason.
Georg; "I won't be as polite and civil as the lady who was just here,"
He pronounced the word 'lady' with such an impassioned vehemence that it brought a shiver up and down many spines.
Georg; "I'm not going to kindly ask you to leave," his voice oozed venom.
Herr Zeller's eyebrows arched again in mocking challenge. He pursed his lips derisively and turned around. Dozens of eyes followed him to the door, which closed after him with an echoing sound.
Georg took a deep, calming breath and turned to look up at the second floor to where Maria had headed, with a proud smile across his faces. Proud of how she stuck by him, for his children and country, he turned to his guests. Many of them were gathering round him already, good old friends from the navy, congratulating him wholeheartedly for the way he had handled the situation, shaking his hand and patting his back warmly. He didn't take all the credit, as he pointed out to his guests, Maria did her fair share too.
The Children had all gone to sleep, except Liesl, she was reading, as she couldn't sleep because of being much too excited, Maria told Liesl that she'd check on before she retired for bed herself. After tucking in the little ones, Maria closed the bedroom door, and turned to go back down to the party, she was shocked to find Elizabeth outside the door and waiting for her.
Elizabeth asked Maria if she could have a word with her, and executed Maria along the hall, to the upstairs sitting room. Up on entering, Elizabeth asked Maria to sit, but she didn't, with Elizabeth, Maria always felt uncomfortable in her presents, she always felt better to stand, at least be at eye level with her.
Elizabeth; "well… that little performance you put on was … well very interesting"
Maria; "performance"
Elizabeth; "yes, it was nice how you stood by Georg, like that"
Maria smiles to herself; thinking she'd finally done something to get this woman off her back.
Elizabeth; "well I have to… say that… I'm glad you realise your better off here now, then at that farm"
Maria; "I never said…"
Elizabeth; "oh come on Maria you must admit that you've fallen onto a winner here, I mean coming here having all this wealth and security at your age, what more could a girl wish for, mm"
Maria; "how about to choice her own husband… that she in love with"
Elizabeth; "love, ha, don't make me laugh Maria, that only happens in fairy tales, can't you see that, the only thing that us woman are to men is there… pleasure, personal use, they take it from us until they move on… to someone else."
Maria; "how could you say that, you have a man down stairs that adores you"
Elizabeth; "Alfred, o yes… I know he does,"
Maria; "but… don't you feel the same"
Elizabeth; "I never have"
Maria; "what"
Elizabeth, "you see Maria… before I met Alfred, I fell in love with a handsome, charming wonderful man, gentlemen who promised me the world, and I gave him everything I had, which wasn't much. But if he wanted it, he had it… along with me, and when he …finally got bored, He moved on to someone else, leaving me with nothing, so I made up my mind that… from there on in… I'd look after number one. No matter what"
Maria; "does Alfred know"?
Elizabeth; "yes he does, I told him right after Georg was born, he knows I only married him for his money. He had quit a bit back then, for how young he was, he did quite well starting off in life, but he also knew to keep me and his son, he had to go thrive in life. And he did, so you see Maria… love does only excite in fairy tales".
Maria; "I don't believe that, it must do"
Elizabeth; "and why do say that, mm… have you ever been in love"
Maria stayed quite
Elizabeth; "you have, haven't you,"
Maria hung her head in shame, as if she done something wrong, she couldn't tell this woman of her feelings, she laugh at her just like she has since she stepped thought the door. But it was too late Elizabeth had seen, she wasn't a fool, she could tell how Maria and her son had become close these past weeks, and her grandchildren adored her. It was too much for Elizabeth, she knew the pain that heartache would bring. Even though she became to care for Maria; since seeing her with her family and making them happier than ever, she didn't want Maria to go through what she went though, not even by her own son, and now she had to hurt her, before it went too far.
Elizabeth; "don't tell me you fallen in love with my son, laughing trying to hide the guilt.
Maria looked towards her, with tears starting to fill her eyes, Elizabeth came closer and said, "you poor girl, the problem is Maria, he doesn't feel the same, and he ever will, you see you have nothing to offer him, and you never be anything to him other than a brought whore".
Maria fled from the room in tears, leaving Elizabeth now disgusted with herself for what she done, all of it. Maria couldn't breathe properly everything was closing up around her, she needed air and quick, she didn't want anyone to see the state she was in, so she headed for the back stairs and out though the back door ran towards the gazebo, but she didn't realise that she'd been followed.
Georg was standing on the terrace, think about to nights advents, the children performance, how grown up they all looked, the dance with Maria how she felt in his arms, how she comforting Herr Zeller like she did, how beautiful she looks.
Georg saw Maria and he didn't like what he saw, so he followed her. When he got to the gazebo, he held off for a moment wondering what was best, leave her or comfort her, he didn't know so he waited a moment. Maria was breaking her heart, shaking, everything had hit home, she was hurt with her family yes, but being here these past though months, she learnt things, how to be a family how to have fun, to talk, and now the worst, but most wonderful feeling was how to fall in love, she had fallen in love with Georg, but did he feel the same, how would she ever know if he did, after what his parents and her family have done.
She felt a touch to her shoulders for comfort and he spoke her name, she turned in to his chest and cried some more, soaking his shirt, she didn't care she just needed to be held to feel safe, and he did that. Georg just held her, rocking her backs and fourths, holding tightly to him. When she started to calm down he asked her what was wrong; and if anyone had hurt her, she lied telling him that the evening had just got to her, protecting his mother, even though she didn't no way. She also didn't want to give Georg a bad impression of her. Georg thought back to his list, lousy liar came to mind, but he wouldn't push. Not why she was like this. So he just held her, hoping it would help her, and when she was ready she would tell him. They sat for a while, until Georg asked her if she was alright and did she want to join the party, she said no and that she was just happy sitting with him, which made him happy to as he too was enjoying it. He stated to talk to her about the children; he knew this would cheer her up.
Until they started to feel the chill, he got up and took his jacket off and put it on Maria shoulders, helping her to her feet and saying they must go back in, not for the party, but because it was getting too cold, Maria excepted and he walked her back with his arm around her shoulders trying to keep her warm, Maria head rested on his shoulders. As they came to the terrace, and before Georg could opened the door, Maria handed his coat back to him and thank him giving him a kiss on his check, this caused him to face her locking their eyes together and bringing them closer and closer, until their lips met it was slow and soft, but before it could turn into a real kiss, they were interrupted with a "aw here you are Georg I v been…" it was Max, Maria shocked at what just happened she Feld, before Georg could stop her.
Maria passed every one with her head down quickly to get to her room. Liesl was there, which surprised her, "Fraulein what's wrong"?
Maria; "o northing sweet heart, I just…er…"
Liesl; "don't give me that, don't treat me like a child, I'm not stupid, something upset you, and I want to know what",
Maria; well you see… I have these… feelings, feelings Iv… never felt before, Liesl I think I'm in love".
Liels; "that's wonderful, with whom"?
Maria; "your father" a whisper
Liesl; "oh, he will be pleased" being excited
Maria; "why do you say that"?
Liesl; "IV noticed the way he looks at you, and how he brushed Elsa off this evening" with a smile right across her face.
Maria; "that doesn't mean anything" getting upset again
Liesl; "of cause it does", staring to sound worried
Maria; "no Liesl", she was getting angry now.
Liesl; "why" not understanding
Maria; "because I was brought, by your grandparents to be his wife." She snapped.
Liesl; "What" she was flabbergasted she could speak move Maria now had to explain all.
Liesl was angry and left Maria's room slamming the door right back, Maria was on her tail begging her to calm down, and not do or say anything, but it was too late, before she knew it Liesl was standing in front of her grandparents shouting at how degusted she was, she got everyone's attention now.
After Maria had left, Georg and max stood talking for a while, Georg; "I er… have these feelings I've never had before not even with Agather",
Max; "then tell her"
Georg; "how can I, she won't believe me, not after… what our families have done."
Max; "you won't know till you…." But was cut off, by the shouting, coming from inside the house;
Liesl; "How could you, who do you think you are", shouting at the top of her lungs.
Alfred; "Liesl calm down" Georg and max walking in
Liesl; "calm down….calm down, after what you two have done, how do you expect me to calm down, I will never forgive you two for this". Georg knew what Liesl was talking about, with the anger across her face and the worried look on Maria's, he could tell she knew.
Elizabeth; "this doesn't concern you Liesl, so I suggest you, stay out of what doesn't concern you"
Liesl; "oh but it does concern me gran, it concern all of us, after all …you buy a woman for my father to marry", there were the sound of shocked voice from the guest now,
Elizabeth; "Liesl I'm warning you"; stepping closer to the girl.
Liesl; "I don't care about your warnings grandmother, I'm disgusted with you, both of you, I can't even call you my grandparents" Georg steps to Liesl now to calm her down,
Liesl; "get your hands of me, turning towards her father "I can't believe you let this happen" Liesl now heads for outside upset with what gone on. Georg takes one glimpse at Maria, and then turned to go after his daughter.
Elizabeth turns to Maria,
Elizabeth; "pack your things" Maria turns to argue but is cut off by Elizabeth, "pack your things, and return to that farm, you're not wanted here anymore, and make sure you inform your uncle, I want my money back" Maria ran to her room, with tears pouring down her face.
Georg spots Liels by the gates by the lake; he stood behind her thinking how to get his words out,
Georg; "Liesl"
Liesl; "leave me alone"
Georg; "I can't do that darling, I won't, not till you let me explain"
Liesl turns to her father and allows him to explain it all, about her grandparents buying Maria and why. Her uncle selling her for financial reason, him going to Vienna for help, and coming back with Elsa, to show off they were in some kind of relationship. Everything up to Maria saving his family, and his feelings for her. Liesl asked; if he was in love with Maria, he answered her by saying he didn't know all he knew was he had a feeling he never had before. This made her feel better knowing Elsa wasn't in the picture, and hope there's still a chance between the two. When they came in from outside, they didn't realise how long they been out there the party was over and everyone else seem to of made there way to bed, they did the same.
Leisl wanted to check on Maria and apologise for humiliating her like she did, but her father stopped her by saying let her rest, and that she is probably too tired to go over all this again tonight, Liesl excepted and said she do it first thing tomorrow. But what they didn't know was that Maria was gone.
OK FIRST OF ALL; I LIKE TO SAY: IF I UPSET PEOPLE WITH THIS STORY THAT I AM SORRY, I HAVE'NT WRITTEN IT OUT VERY WELL, AND ITS NOT COMING OUT THE WAY I WANTED IT TO, WHICH IS MY FAULT COMPLETELY, BUT THERE ARE VIEWS WHO WANT TO KNOW, WHAT I AM COMING UP WITH, SO I WILL CARRY IT ON FOR YOU, UNLESS YOU TELL ME OTHER WISE. :) :)
NOW I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR MY REVIEWS, AND WONDERFUL IDEAS YOU HAVE GIVEN TO ME, ESPECIALLY TO MY FAITHFUL READER TOONS27. ALL THE REVIEWS ARE GREAT, EVEN THE TRUTHFUL ONES, LOL. I HOPE IV IMPROVED, BUT TRUTHLY I CAN'T SEE IT, BUT HAY I DID SAY I WAS DOING THIS JUST FOR FUN, IT WAS AN IDEA THAT CAME TO ME AND I CAN'T EVEN RIGHT IT DOWN PROPERLEY OR SPELL, LOL.
THERE IS A PART OF THIS CHAPTER I TOOK FROM ANOTHER STORY WITH PERMISSION, AND I JUST LIKE TO POINT THAT OUT AND WHO IT IS, CAUSE I HATE TAKING CREDIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE WORK, AND THAT IS SHY SNOOTLES, WHICH I THINK WAS VERY WELL WRITTER, SO THANK YOU TO YOU, FOR LETTING ME USE PART OF YOUR STORY.
PLEASE DO KEEP REVIEWING I DO LIKE THEM AND ANY IDEAS, LOL
I HOPE THIS CHAPTER IS A BIT BETTER. :) :)