Spoiling

The sun was shining though the curtains, and Maria was having a beautiful dream. 'She was dressed in a beautiful white wedding dress, and now standing at the bottom of the aisle, she looked at her bridesmaids: how beautiful they were, she never thought any of this would happen to her, she smiled to her maid of honour when she handed her, her bouquet of flowers, she smelt at them, and thought how beautiful. Then her eyes started to travel up to the top of the aisle, to the man of her dreams, he was dressed in his naval uniform, and just as she was about to walk towards him', she was cut off with a knock on the door, and a "fraulein". Maria sat up in bed and told to come in, whoever it was. The door opened and there stood the captain, with a tray full of food for Maria, who gave a smile. The captain carried the tray towards the bed and placed it on Maria's lap, which she was still covered with the duvet. He pulled up a chair and sat at the side of her, Maria started to talk:

Maria: "what did I do to deserve this" looking at a tray of food, cup of tea, and a tiny vase of edelweiss.

Georg: "oh … nothing really, I just believe you deserve it… that's all." Giving Maria her favourite boyish smile. It always made her go weak at the knees, and she felt he knew it, as it was happening a lot more of late.

Maria: "well thank you… it all look so delicious, but er… I don't think I'll be able to eat it all by myself"

Georg: "well, eat what you can"

Maria: "help me" she said while patting the other side of the bed, offering him to come sit with her. Looking at her Georg got up and walked around the other side of the bed, stopping to remove his jacket, placing it on another chair in the corner, and placing himself on top of the bed covers, getting comfortable and lying next to her.

While helping each other with the food on the tray, they both talked about anything and everything, Georg talked about when he was a boy, and how he used to play tricks on his governess', knowing were his children got it from. He talked about Agathe, and how they were introduced to one another, he also talked a bit about his time in the navy. Maria spoke about her parents and what she remembered about them, which wasn't much, she also spoke about her childhood, but left out the violent parts, she told Georg how she loved to go to the Untersberg, to play in the meadow and to climb trees, that was her fun and escape. They got carried away with one another and their stories so much that they didn't realise, it was nearly time for dinner, and were all so surprised that no one came and interrupted them. The captain took the tray from Maria, and left her to get ready.

After dinner everyone decided to go outside, the adults, including Liesl, sat on the terrace having small talk and watching the children play tag. It was Liesl who noticed the way her uncle Max was looking and acting, for days he's been like a long lost puppy in a dream, she knew there was something so she decided to come out and ask him:

Liesl: "Uncle Max"

Max: "yes Liesl"

Liesl: "are you alright?" Max just stared at her, as if to say "what are you talking about"

Liesl: "it's just that well you've not really been yourself lately" this now got everyones attention around the table, and they were now waiting for Max to answer.

Max: "yes of course Liesl, I'm fine, I think you've been… having your head in those books again, at times I can't tell who's the worse: you or Brigitta" lying through his teeth, and trying somehow to change the subject, which Georg picked up on straight away.

Georg: "actually Max, you do look a little different, er… is there… something you like to share with us?" sounding teasing.

That was it, the man couldn't hold it in anymore, he had to spill it, so rising from his seat and standing between Elsa and Aderline he spoke:

Max: "well actually there is something I wanted to tell you all"

Georg: "I knew it" sitting back in his chair, crossing his arms, and placing his leg over his over, with a big cheesy grin on his face. Maria couldn't help but smile, when she saw Georg's expression, he loved getting things out of people, especially things they didn't want out yet.

Max "well you see…er, I don't know how to tell you all this, you see I er… asked this wonderful lady here to marry me, the other night" everyone started to look at the woman he was standing between wondering which woman, except for Georg.

His grin was wiped from his face and he now moved to sit in a straight position, he' d hoped that he would of be the one making that kind of announcement, but has been holding of till he could find out how Maria really felt. It was only when he heard Max say 'and she accepted', that Georg came back from his thoughts. Everyone was now congratulating Max and Elsa with hugs and kisses, and well wishes, the children saw the commotion and ran towards the terrace asking what was going on, and being told by Maria, they too flew at Max and Elsa with hugs.

Georg rose from his seat to congratulate the new couple on their future, but Max had noticed the hurt look in his eyes. Max then explained that he and Elsa didn't want to mention anything just yet, after what Maria had gone through, but Maria said it was silly and this is just what she needed, happy news, to cheer her up. The children suggested they wanted to make a cake to congratulate them and Maria said she would help, along with her aunt Aderline they headed for the kitchen. Georg turned and went down to the lake, by the gates looking out, which Max saw, they never really finished their conversation the night of the party, and thought that maybe now would be a good time. He excused from Elsa leaving her with Georg's parents, and headed towards Georg for a chat. He stood alongside him looking out to the lake wondering how to start.

Max: "I'm sorry Georg" the captain now turning to look at him, in wonder.

Max: "I'm sorry for making that announcement just now"

Georg: "oh Max, don't you dare apologise for something like that" now both men walking along the lake.

Max: "well I am, I know you er…. Wanted it to be you;" stopping Georg in his tracks.

Max: "I saw the look on your face just now, you still have the same feelings for her, don't you?" as the men started walking again.

Georg: "No Max, I don't still have the same feelings for her"

Max: "oh Georg please, you can't….." but was cut off

Georg: "I don't just have feelings Max, I love her, I know I love her, I've loved her from the moment I first laid eyes on her, but I didn't know it… at the time, but the more I got to know her, spend time with her, I… I've learnt it, I worship her and if there's ever a chance for us being together, I'll always treasure her"

Max "then go and tell her"

Georg: "no… not right now, it's not the time"

Max "and when will be the time Georg?" they stood in silence for a moment, the captain staring back at the house, they decided to head back. While walking back Georg asked Max if he'd planed anything nice for him and Elsa, which Max answered with a yes: after dinner he's cosseting her by taking her to the theatre, which she will love. Both men agreed, and laughing and smiling headed back to sit out on the terrace, and also listen to the noise coming from inside the house, the kitchen.

Dinner had passed splendidly and the new couple loved their desert from the children with the help of Maria and her aunt of course. It was now the children's bed time, and Aderline said she would put them to bed, but the little ones weren't happy with that, they wanted father and Maria to tuck them in. Not being able to refuse, they agreed, and followed them up five minutes after they went up. After tucking them in, the captain stopped Maria outside the door to ask, if she liked to go out tomorrow night for a meal, just the two of them, she answered saying she would love to, with a bright smile on her face, they decided to head back down stairs to join Leisl and Georg's Parents.

The following evening came quickly, and after the captain handed a white rose and told Maria she looked lovely, they were heading for the door, with eyes from every door and corner of the house.

They travelled down through some lanes, which puzzled Maria, but she was happy to be able to look at the stars, the roof being down off the car. When the car stopped, Maria was surprised to find they were in a field, she looked towards Georg confused, and he just smiled at her. Georg got out of the car, went round to help Maria out, and walked down a little path, through some trees and into a field, Maria knew where she was straight away, it was one of the fields she played in when she was younger, and brought the children and the captain up on one of their picnics weeks ago, it was the best view of the Untersberg.

Georg led her over to a tree, which when they got there had a blanket, picnic basket, Champagne and a lantern yet to be lit under it. Georg took one look towards Maria and saw that she was glowing, and all he knew was that he was falling in love with her even more every second. They sat on the blanket next to one another, Georg lit the lantern, and then started to open the bottle of Champagne. He poured drinks for him and Maria. Maria started to get some of the things out of the basket, but Georg stopped her insisting he will do it. She didn't argue, knowing this was his treat to her so she just sat back and let him get on with it.

Maria: "this is really lovely Georg…thank you"

Georg: "think nothing of it, I wanted to do this, spend time with you, not be interrupted by children, parents and mostly Max" causing Maria to giggle.

Maria; "well, still… thank you" kissing his cheek.

Georg: "you're welcome" now staring her in the eyes, till she turned away.

After finishing up the food that was packed, they both sat back against the tree, taking in the view and talking about anything that came to mind. Maria shivered from a chill that had come, Georg noticed and put his arm around her shoulders, she didn't mind, she liked the warm, but most of all she liked the feeling of being safe when she was with him. She looked towards him, took him all in wondering why he would do this all for her, how he'd saved her from her uncle, stayed with her at the hospital, being so kind towards her. Georg felt her stare and turned towards her making their eyes lock. She felt him coming closer and closer, and then they kissed.

There was all thoughts going through Maria's head, how lovely it felt, how lovely it was to be held and kissed by a man she was in love with, but then a thought hit her, did he feel the same or was this all just because of the reason she was brought to him in the first place?. A thought of what his mother said came to her, she would always be a brought whore to him. Did he really think that of her, is this what this was all about, is that why he done all of this, for his pleasure?

She stopped the kiss quickly, turning away slightly, Georg sensed her unease, and quickly removed his arm from her shoulder, he didn't want to upset her, scare her in anyway, he just wanted to make her feel special. To break the ice Georg decided it was time to head back and mentioned it to her, she accepted, grateful that he broke the tension and did not question her. So they packed everything up and headed back to the villa.

On the way back the drive was silent between the two, neither knew what to say, and the only words that where going around in Maria's head was, "brought whore", even though Elizabeth had apologised, the words were still there, hitting her. She was wondering if he could ever love her. When they arrived back to the villa, Maria excused herself, saying she needed some sleep. Just as she got to the third step, Georg's voice stopped her, "Maria" she turned to him,

Georg; "I'm sorry about earlier, I…" he was cut off by Maria

Maria; "it's alright, I …I just need some time, to… to get my head around things" shaking a little as she spoke.

Georg "yes" she turned to resume her climbing, but stopped again when she heard him speak, "Maria" and turned back again

Georg: "I meant what I said the other week, if you ever need anything or wanted to know anything, all you got to do is ask". Maria gave him a small smile and turned to go to her room. Leaving Georg now in his own thoughts to wonder if she does, or ever will, have feelings for him.

THANK YOU FOR MY REVIEWS :) :), AND THANK YOU TOO INDIGIGIRL FOR CORRECTING ME AGAIN :) :)