Chapter 18 - Jesolo, Italy
Maria von Trapp was going to add a new item to her list of favorite things.
She sighed and leaned back in her chair, sipping her tea and letting the sun soak over her as the soft crashing of waves lulled her to a sense of relative contentment. The sky was the same bright blue she'd cherished atop the Austrian mountains, but the water was a color she had never imagined before. Gulls circled in search of food, and the light scent of salt flavored the air. Just as the Untersburg had beckoned her, the sea felt like it was pulling her too. It was hypnotizing; she could see the allure it held for Georg.
Frowning, Maria glanced down, trying to not think of her husband and how hollow she felt without him there. He'd vowed he would take her to the sea himself one day. There had been many promises he'd made during their honeymoon, and she'd said she would love to see the Adriatic with him.
But they had been denied that moment. The Nazis had denied them so many things.
Maria took a deep breath to fight off the stinging in her eyes. Instantly, her left side twitched, and she winced. It was more in annoyance than pain, although the pain was definitely there. She'd never known how much a person used her ribs until every little movement was agonizing. Anke Lang had been so happy with Maria's rapid progress in the past two weeks, although she had a long way to go. The moment she'd opened her eyes, her fever broken, Maria had started to heal in the same way she did everything: with whirling energy.
One of the first things she'd done was insist on finding a way to bring Georg home. She'd been unable to stop asking her friends and hosts what they could do. Surely Max had someone he could contact. He knew so many people. Maria had even suggested Baroness Schraeder. Nikolas and Anke also probably had friends. There had been so many people at the party in the summer; could they not reach out to any of them?
Max had told her of his contacts; that Herr Zeller was double dealing and betraying the Nazis. They had informed Georg. No one quite knew what he would do with such knowledge, but Maria sensed things were turning in their favor. Hope grew stronger within her, although it was frustrating to be so helpless. To not at least speak to her husband and assure him all would be well.
The other thing that consumed her were her children. Her heart broke for them. They had been devastated to learn the events their parents had endured, not to mention their own traumatic journey. She owed it to them to be back on her feet and tending to them, instead of the other way around. Despite what Anke said about taking it slow, Maria was determined to help.
Guilt made Maria's stomach knot. She had never met the Langs before, and she owed them so much. Nikolas had literally saved her life. He didn't talk about what happened other than the highlights, and Maria's own memory was a foggy dream. He'd said it was the least he could do, and Anke herself insisted that it was a joy to keep the Von Trapps together. Maria rather liked Anke; she somewhat reminded Maria of both Sisters Berthe and Margaretta. Anke was efficient and ordered, yet she had a softness to her, especially when it came to her five children.
A seagull's call brought Maria's attention back to the open sky. Such a vast, big space. She'd requested to be outside as much as she fresh air was helping her recover faster. And outside, she was rejuvenated in believing things would improve as well as give her time to think about what to do next.
The house was so small, and yet no one wanted to make other arrangements. Maria's health was the excuse, but everyone knew that wouldn't last forever. Max had said he had collected several listings to other homes, some as close as the next street over. But everyone seemed to prefer the cramped conditions; it felt safer. Yet Maria hated feeling so useless. Anke was doing all the work, despite Lisel insisting she and the others were helping as best they could.
Georg, you'd be so proud of them.
Thinking of her husband caused a new wave of sadness, and she exhaled, praying he was safe. She'd been told he knew the family was in Italy, and she was relieved he at least wasn't tormenting himself about that. But he was alone, and her heart ached to comfort him.
Guilt again washed over her; he was alone because she'd failed to get on the train. If she'd just run faster, she would have made it and none of this would have happened. Georg would be there, holding her close as they stared out at the sea. Their children wouldn't have been so scared.
She stared out at the open sky, trying not to think about what if's and how much she missed him. Yet he consumed her thoughts. His gentle yet playful voice when he was with the children. The strong, determined focus that made her feel so secure. The feel of his arms around her as he held her, whispering to her how much he loved her…
Maria squeezed her eyes tightly, and she took another deep breath. Again, her ribs protested, and she scowled in frustration. It will be alright, she told herself. They'd been through a horrible ordeal, but they were pulling through. God would guide Georg back to them. She had confidence in that.
More assured, Maria started to hum a gentle song. At first she wasn't positive when she'd heard the melody, but she remembered it was a song that played over the radio in Paris while she and Georg lazily remained in bed for the entire morning. Despite herself, her cheeks colored as she remembered her husband's reverent touch and dark eyes.
Footsteps broke into the memory. Maria glanced over to see Friedrich and Marta approaching. She cleared her throat, those breathless Paris memories fading.
"Baroness Lang said you should put this over your shoulders," Friedrich said, holding up a shall.
Maria smiled. "And that is very good advice," she said, accepting the gift. She raised her arms but winced.
Marta gulped, and Freidrich stepped forward. "Let me help you, Mother," he offered, placing the shaw over her shoulders.
"Thank you," she said, smiling brightly. She looked at Marta. "Would you like to sit with me, darling?"
"Yes," the girl muttered, eager to be close. Maria kissed the crown of her daughter's head. She'd instantly noticed how her injury had affected the children, but Marta had taken it especially hard. Maria's guilt only increased when she thought about how she'd added to her children's worry.
Friedrich sat next to them and looked out at the sea.
"Where is everyone?" Maria asked.
"Lessons," Friedrich answered.
"Lessons!" Maria exclaimed, her expression sparkling. "I will speak to Baroness Lang about helping with that." She winked. "I was your governess after all."
"Can we sing?" Marta asked.
Maria sighed. "No singing for me just yet," she allowed. At Marta's frown, she smiled again. "But I would love to hear you!" That made the child brighten.
"I'm sure Baroness Lang doesn't want you to do too much," Friedrich offered.
"And I suppose she's right," Maria agreed. "But there are some things I can do." She looked between the two. "And why aren't you with the others for lessons?"
"I finished early," he answered. Maria nodded and brushed some of Marta's hair from her forehead. Everyone was being patient with Marta, and Maria was happy for the company.
She smiled at her eldest son. "You have become a fine young man, Friedrich," she said.
His cheeks colored, and he fought from smiling too broadly. "How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Impatient, frustrated, eager to help," Maria listed. Friedrich laughed and even Marta smiled. "But mostly grateful we're all together. You've made me feel so much better."
"I always knew you'd be alright," he said, and Maria allowed him the bravado.
"Do you…do you know anything more about Father?" Friedrich asked, the confident mask fading. "No one says anything to us, but maybe they've told you something."
Maria reached out and took his hand. "No one really knows anything," she said. "The newspapers are heavily censored, and they're all in Italian."
Friedrich nodded, his disappointment clear.
"But we must have faith he's safe and will return to us," Maria said, meeting both children's gazes.
"It's not really fair," Friedrich said.
"No, and we're not to know why things happen, and the only thing we can control is how we react to them," Maria said. "I cherish the gifts we have been given." Her right arm gestured to the house behind her. "The Langs and this beautiful haven. And I believe things will work out and your father will be home with us very soon." She squeezed Marta's shoulder again.
Slightly assured, Friedrich smiled.
"But that reminds me," Maria started and cast a look away from the ocean, toward the town. "I'd like to go to church. Light a candle and pray for your father."
That made Marta brighten. "Me too!"
Maria smiled and stroked the girl's cheek. "Can you help me?" she asked Friedrich.
Casting a worried glance to the house, Friedrich turned and nodded. "Yes, that would be nice." He stood and held out his hand. "It's not far, but I think Uncle Max or Baron Lang can drive us."
Maria was about to comment she wanted to walk and get some exercise, but her ribs made her reconsider. She'd have to wait a little longer before her body allowed her to do the things she was so eager to do. Reluctantly, she nodded. "Let's go!"
To be continued…